Christmas Events for Kids in Virginia Beach (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

13 min read

The Virginia Beach area has 14 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Dominion Energy Garden of Lights in Norfolk on November 8 to All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing in Virginia Beach, on December 27. 12 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Virginia, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Virginia Beach for 2026, in Virginia Beach and Norfolk
  • First: Dominion Energy Garden of Lights, Norfolk, November 8. Runs latest: Dominion Energy Garden of Lights, Norfolk, through January 4
  • Free: 40th Annual Grand Illumination Parade, Holiday Bazaar, Crafty Book Fridays: The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry, Let's Build a Gingerbread House!, Holiday Music Makers, Story & Craft: Holiday Fun, Holiday Pajama Story Time, Cardboard Gingerbread House, Monday Movie Matinee, Gingerbread House & Movie, Holiday Pajama Storytime and All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Virginia Christmas train rides page.

Virginia Beach Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
14 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Virginia Beach and Norfolk
Season
November 8, 2026 to January 4, 2027
Free events
12
Kinds of events
holiday story time, holiday crafts, holiday event and holiday lights
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Virginia Beach Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Dominion Energy Garden of Lights in Norfolk on November 8; the last runs to December 27. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Virginia Beach? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Virginia Beach

11 confirmed events for kids in Virginia Beach, soonest first.

Virginia Beach: Holiday Bazaar

Holiday craftsFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Kempsville Area Library, 832 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 3 to adult
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Kempsville Area Library is hosting a Holiday Bazaar evening where families can make crafts and handmade gifts for everyone on their holiday list. Activities are planned for a wide age range, from preschoolers age 3 up through adults, so parents and kids can work side by side.

The program runs for an hour in the Kempsville Meeting Room and no registration is required. Despite the name, this is a hands on crafting night rather than a shopping market, which makes it a free and practical way to put together gifts for teachers, grandparents and friends. The program is free, and siblings of different ages can take part together.

Parent tip: No registration needed; come at 6:30 pm to have the full hour for gift making.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: Crafty Book Fridays: The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry

Holiday story timeFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oceanfront Area Library, 700 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
When
Friday, December 11, 2026, 3:30 to 4:15 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 2 to 12 with caregiver
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Crafty Book Fridays at the Oceanfront Area Library pair a story time based on a popular picture book with a themed craft. The December session features The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry, a seasonal read for young listeners, and kids then make a craft inspired by the story.

The program is for ages 2 to 12 with a caregiver and takes place in the Oceanfront Children's Area. Registration is required and opens on November 27, 2026 at 7 am. Each registrant must be within the age range at the start of the program, and groups of five or more should call the library to register. The program is free and lasts about 45 minutes.

Parent tip: Registration opens November 27 at 7 am; sign up early since story crafts fill quickly.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: Let's Build a Gingerbread House!

Holiday craftsFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
TCC/City Joint-Use Library, 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23453
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 6 to 10 with a caregiver
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

This hands on Saturday program invites kids to use their creativity and engineering skills to build a whimsical gingerbread house. The houses are built on cardboard templates, and frosting, sprinkles and assorted candies serve as the building materials and decorations.

The program is for ages 6 to 10 with a caregiver and is held in the Joint-Use Storytime Room. Registration is required and opens November 28, 2026 at 7 am. Because candy and frosting are involved, the library asks families to tell staff about any known food allergies for the child or caregiver. The program is free and lasts 90 minutes, giving kids plenty of time to plan, build and decorate.

Parent tip: Register when sign up opens November 28 at 7 am, and mention any food allergies to staff.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: Holiday Music Makers

Holiday showFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Kempsville Area Library, 832 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
When
Monday, December 14, 2026, 5 to 5:45 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 2 to 7
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Holiday Music Makers is a special holiday season sing along for young children at the Kempsville Area Library. Kids make music with a variety of instruments, their voices and their bodies, and families are welcome to bring instruments from home.

Each child also makes their own instrument to take home. The program is for ages 2 to 7 and is held in the Kempsville Meeting Room. Registration is required and opens on November 30, 2026 at 7 am, and groups of five or more should call the library to register. The program is free and lasts 45 minutes. Its late afternoon start time works well for families picking up children from preschool or daycare.

Parent tip: Registration opens November 30 at 7 am. Bring a favorite shaker or drum from home if you like.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: Story & Craft: Holiday Fun

Holiday story timeFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Windsor Woods Area Library, 3612 South Plaza Trail, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
When
Monday, December 14, 2026, 11:30 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 3 to 5 with caregiver
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Windsor Woods Area Library's Story and Craft session in mid December has a holiday theme. Preschoolers listen to a story and then make a fun craft to take home, all in a half hour that suits short attention spans.

The program is for ages 3 to 5 with a caregiver and is held in the Windsor Woods Programming Room. Registration is not required, but seating is limited and works on a first come, first served basis. Pick up an entry ticket at the front desk when you arrive to be sure of a spot. The program is free, and caregivers stay and help with the craft. It is a short session, so plan to arrive a few minutes early.

Parent tip: Get an entry ticket at the front desk on arrival; seating is limited.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: Holiday Pajama Story Time

Holiday story timeFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
TCC/City Joint-Use Library, 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23453
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5:30 to 6:15 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 2 to 7 with caregiver
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

This evening Holiday Pajama Storytime is designed to help little ones wind down at the end of the day with stories and songs chosen to calm and settle. Pajamas are admired but not required, and kids are welcome to bring a stuffed animal or quiet toy to snuggle with.

The program is for ages 2 to 7 and is held in the Joint-Use Storytime Room. Registration and caregiver attendance are both required, and registration opens December 3, 2026 at 7 am. It makes an easy pre bedtime outing on a school night in the busy week before winter break. The program is free. Registrants must be within the age range at the start of the program, and groups of five or more should call the library.

Parent tip: Register starting December 3 at 7 am. Come in pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: Cardboard Gingerbread House

Holiday craftsFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oceanfront Area Library, 700 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 3 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 2 through grade 5 with caregiver
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Oceanfront Area Library is hosting a messy, creative afternoon of cardboard gingerbread house making. Children explore different artistic styles as they build and decorate their houses, and the library recommends wearing clothes you do not mind getting messy.

The program is listed for ages 2 through grade 5 with a caregiver and runs from 1 to 3 pm in the Oceanfront Area Library Meeting Room. Registration is required and opens December 5, 2026 at 7 am. The library asks that each participating child be registered individually. The program is free and runs for two hours, which leaves time for careful decorating. Registrants must be within the listed age range at the start of the program.

Parent tip: Register each child separately when sign up opens December 5 at 7 am, and dress for mess.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: Monday Movie Matinee

Holiday eventFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Windsor Woods Area Library, 3612 South Plaza Trail, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
When
Monday, December 21, 2026, 2:30 to 3:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Windsor Woods Area Library is screening The Polar Express on the Monday of winter break. Families can drop in, hang out, and color while the movie plays, which makes it a relaxed option for kids who like to keep their hands busy.

The program is open to all ages and registration is not required. It is held in the Windsor Woods Programming Room. The library does not provide food, so bring your own snacks if your kids will want them during the show. The screening is free and falls on the first Monday of winter break, so it can be a calm, low cost outing for the whole family. Children of different ages can come together since it is open to everyone.

Parent tip: Bring your own snacks; no registration needed.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: Gingerbread House & Movie

Holiday craftsFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Windsor Woods Area Library, 3612 South Plaza Trail, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
When
Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 4:30 to 6:15 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 5 to 10 with caregiver
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Windsor Woods Area Library is getting into the holiday spirit with a combined craft and movie evening. Kids make cardboard gingerbread houses while watching the animated film Arthur Christmas, so there is something to do with both hands and eyes.

The program is for ages 5 to 10 with a caregiver and is held in the Windsor Woods Programming Room. Registration is not required, but seating is limited and first come, first served. Pick up an entry ticket at the front desk when you arrive to secure your place. The program is free and lasts nearly two hours, so plan for a full evening activity.

Parent tip: Grab an entry ticket at the front desk as soon as you arrive; seating is limited.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: Holiday Pajama Storytime

Holiday story timeFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Pungo-Blackwater Library, 916 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457
When
Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 2 to 5 with a caregiver
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Pungo-Blackwater Library invites young children to snuggle in for a festive morning of holiday themed stories, songs and fun. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas, which adds to the cozy feel just a few days before Christmas.

The storytime is for ages 2 to 5 with a caregiver and starts at 10 am in the Pungo-Blackwater Storytime Room. Registration is required and opens December 8, 2026 at 7 am. Registrants must be within the age range at the start of the program. The program is free and lasts about 45 minutes, which suits toddlers and preschoolers. Groups of five or more should call the library to register.

Parent tip: Registration opens December 8 at 7 am. Pajamas encouraged.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach: All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing

Holiday story timeFreeVirginia Beach Public Library · Virginia Beach

Host
Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
When
Sunday, December 27, 2026, 2:30 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Families, ages 5 and up
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Families are invited to come in their comfiest pajamas to Central Library for an afternoon built around The Polar Express. The program includes a reading of the classic story, a showing of the holiday movie, and a craft to make and take home.

It is aimed at families with kids ages 5 and up and runs from 2:30 to 4:30 pm in the Central Folio and Libris Meeting Rooms. Registration is required and opens December 13, 2026 at 7 am, and groups of five or more should call the library. Coming the weekend after Christmas, it is a nice way to stretch the holiday feeling a little longer. The program is free.

Parent tip: Registration opens December 13 at 7 am. Wear pajamas for the full effect.

See dates and details from Virginia Beach Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Norfolk

3 confirmed events for kids in Norfolk, soonest first.

Norfolk: Dominion Energy Garden of Lights

Holiday lightsNorfolk Botanical Garden · Norfolk

Host
Norfolk Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23518 (near Virginia Beach)
When
Sunday, November 8, 2026 to Monday, January 4, 2027 (nightly), 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost
Children 3 to 12 $15 to $18, adults $24 to $30 (members less); walk up adds $5
Ages
Guests age 3 and up need a ticket
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Dominion Energy Garden of Lights has been a Hampton Roads holiday tradition for more than 30 years, filling Norfolk Botanical Garden with light displays each evening from early November into January. The garden also runs extra holiday programming during the season, from meeting elves to nights when you can bring your dog.

Tickets are sold per person with limited nightly capacity, and guests age 3 and up need a ticket. Value nights cost $24 for non-member adults and $15 for children ages 3 to 12, and popular nights cost $30 and $18, with lower member prices. Walk up tickets add $5 each, and a 3 percent card surcharge applies.

Parent tip: Reserve online to save the $5 walk up fee and to pick a value night for the lowest price.

See dates and details from Norfolk Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)

Norfolk: 40th Annual Grand Illumination Parade

Holiday paradeFreeDowntown Norfolk Council · Norfolk

Host
Downtown Norfolk Council (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Norfolk, Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (near Virginia Beach)
When
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 7 pm
Cost
Free to watch
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Grand Illumination Parade is held every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and brings thousands of spectators into Downtown Norfolk to kick off the holiday season. For its 40th year, the theme is Ruby Radiance, and participants are encouraged to light up the streets with jewel tones, movement and light.

The parade steps off at 7 pm and the sponsor list includes balloon and bleacher sponsors, so expect giant balloons along with illuminated entries. Downtown Norfolk also runs Holidays in the City through the season, including an Elf Door Discovery scavenger hunt with a bingo card from the Mermaid Market. Watching from the sidewalk is free.

Parent tip: It is an evening parade in late November, so dress warmly and arrive early for a curbside spot.

See dates and details from Downtown Norfolk Council (opens in a new tab)

Norfolk: Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market

Holiday eventVirginia Zoo · Norfolk

Host
Virginia Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Virginia Zoo, 3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504 (near Virginia Beach)
When
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm
Cost
Included with zoo admission; free admission with a pet supply donation
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Virginia Zoo's Holidays in the Wild market fills a Sunday afternoon with seasonal fun for families. Included with admission are animal ambassador encounters in the Event Pavilion at 11:30 am and 2 pm, photo ops with Tango the Tiger from 11 am to 1 pm, and an eco friendly gift wrapping demonstration, plus a hot cocoa bar and local artisans selling gifts.

The event is free with general admission and takes place rain or shine. Families can also get one free admission per donation to the Norfolk Animal Care Center, such as a 5 pound or larger bag of dry pet food or three new items from the shelter's list, dropped off at the shelter's mobile unit outside the zoo that day.

Parent tip: Bring a pet food or supply donation for free admission, good only that Sunday. Zoo train rides cost extra.

See dates and details from Virginia Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Virginia Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Richmond, VA. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Beach Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Virginia Beach in 2026?

We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Virginia Beach for 2026 on each host’s own page: Dominion Energy Garden of Lights in Norfolk (November 8), 40th Annual Grand Illumination Parade in Norfolk (November 21), Holiday Bazaar in Virginia Beach (December 3), Crafty Book Fridays: The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry in Virginia Beach (December 11), Let's Build a Gingerbread House! in Virginia Beach (December 12), Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market in Norfolk (December 13), Holiday Music Makers in Virginia Beach (December 14), Story & Craft: Holiday Fun in Virginia Beach (December 14), Holiday Pajama Story Time in Virginia Beach (December 17), Cardboard Gingerbread House in Virginia Beach (December 19), Monday Movie Matinee in Virginia Beach (December 21), Gingerbread House & Movie in Virginia Beach (December 22), Holiday Pajama Storytime in Virginia Beach (December 22) and All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing in Virginia Beach (December 27). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

For families in and around Virginia Beach, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Bazaar (Thu, Dec 3, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, free); Crafty Book Fridays: The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry (Fri, Dec 11, 3:30 to 4:15 pm, free, registration required); Let's Build a Gingerbread House! (Sat, Dec 12, 11 am to 12:30 pm, free, registration required); Holiday Music Makers (Mon, Dec 14, 5 to 5:45 pm, free, registration required); Story & Craft: Holiday Fun (Mon, Dec 14, 11:30 am to 12 pm, free); Holiday Pajama Story Time (Thu, Dec 17, 5:30 to 6:15 pm, free, registration required); Cardboard Gingerbread House (Sat, Dec 19, 1 to 3 pm, free, registration required); Monday Movie Matinee (Mon, Dec 21, 2:30 to 3:30 pm, free); Gingerbread House & Movie (Tue, Dec 22, 4:30 to 6:15 pm, free); Holiday Pajama Storytime (Tue, Dec 22, 10 to 10:45 am, free, registration required); All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing (Sun, Dec 27, 2:30 to 4:30 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Virginia Beach section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Norfolk, Virginia?

For families in and around Norfolk, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Dominion Energy Garden of Lights (Nightly, Nov 8 to Jan 4, from 5:30 pm, children 3 to 12 $15 to $18, adults $24 to $30 (members less); walk up adds $5); 40th Annual Grand Illumination Parade (Sat, Nov 21, 7 pm, free to watch); Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market (Sun, Dec 13, 11 am to 3 pm, included with zoo admission; free admission with a pet supply donation). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Norfolk section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Virginia Beach?

Yes. 12 of the 14 events here are free: 40th Annual Grand Illumination Parade in Norfolk, Holiday Bazaar in Virginia Beach, Crafty Book Fridays: The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry in Virginia Beach, Let's Build a Gingerbread House! in Virginia Beach, Holiday Music Makers in Virginia Beach, Story & Craft: Holiday Fun in Virginia Beach, Holiday Pajama Story Time in Virginia Beach, Cardboard Gingerbread House in Virginia Beach, Monday Movie Matinee in Virginia Beach, Gingerbread House & Movie in Virginia Beach, Holiday Pajama Storytime in Virginia Beach and All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing in Virginia Beach. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Virginia Beach?

Holiday story times on this page: Crafty Book Fridays: The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry in Virginia Beach, Story & Craft: Holiday Fun in Virginia Beach, Holiday Pajama Story Time in Virginia Beach, Holiday Pajama Storytime in Virginia Beach and All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing in Virginia Beach. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Virginia Beach Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Holiday Pajama Storytime in Virginia Beach (Ages 2 to 5 with a caregiver).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Virginia Beach on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Dominion Energy Garden of Lights in Norfolk (through January 4) and All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing in Virginia Beach (through December 27).

How much is Dominion Energy Garden of Lights in Norfolk?

Children 3 to 12 $15 to $18, adults $24 to $30 (members less); walk up adds $5. Dominion Energy Garden of Lights is on Sunday, November 8, 2026 to Monday, January 4, 2027 (nightly), 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Norfolk Botanical Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 40th Annual Grand Illumination Parade in Norfolk?

Free to watch. 40th Annual Grand Illumination Parade is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 7 pm at Downtown Norfolk. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Bazaar in Virginia Beach?

Free. Holiday Bazaar is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Kempsville Area Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Crafty Book Fridays: The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry in Virginia Beach?

Free, registration required. Crafty Book Fridays: The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 3:30 to 4:15 pm at Oceanfront Area Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Let's Build a Gingerbread House! in Virginia Beach?

Free, registration required. Let's Build a Gingerbread House! is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to 12:30 pm at TCC/City Joint-Use Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market in Norfolk?

Included with zoo admission; free admission with a pet supply donation. Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm at Virginia Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Music Makers in Virginia Beach?

Free, registration required. Holiday Music Makers is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 5 to 5:45 pm at Kempsville Area Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Story & Craft: Holiday Fun in Virginia Beach?

Free. Story & Craft: Holiday Fun is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 11:30 am to noon at Windsor Woods Area Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Pajama Story Time in Virginia Beach?

Free, registration required. Holiday Pajama Story Time is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5:30 to 6:15 pm at TCC/City Joint-Use Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cardboard Gingerbread House in Virginia Beach?

Free, registration required. Cardboard Gingerbread House is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 3 pm at Oceanfront Area Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Monday Movie Matinee in Virginia Beach?

Free. Monday Movie Matinee is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 2:30 to 3:30 pm at Windsor Woods Area Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House & Movie in Virginia Beach?

Free. Gingerbread House & Movie is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 4:30 to 6:15 pm at Windsor Woods Area Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Pajama Storytime in Virginia Beach?

Free, registration required. Holiday Pajama Storytime is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am at Pungo-Blackwater Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing in Virginia Beach?

Free, registration required. All Aboard the PJ Express: Holiday Movie Showing is on Sunday, December 27, 2026, 2:30 to 4:30 pm at Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Virginia Beach?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Virginia Beach Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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