This Norfolk Itinerary at a Glance
Norfolk comes alive for the holidays! All season long, groups can stroll through dazzling light displays at some of the city’s largest attractions, enjoy festive cuisine, and shop for unique gifts. Get ready to be in the spirit of the season with sparkling décor, seasonal treats, and memorable experiences. Here’s a three-day itinerary to inspire your holiday adventure.
Check out these great activities and more:
- Winterfest in Wisconsin
- Chrysler Museum of Art
- Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Garden of Lights
- Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
Battleship Wisconsin
Norfolk, VA Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nautical Adventures & Holiday Lights
Start at Nauticus, Norfolk’s interactive maritime discovery center. Explore hands-on STEM exhibits, dive into naval and maritime history, and experience engaging galleries designed to inspire curiosity for all ages, all just steps from the waterfront.
Later, immerse your group in Winterfest on the Wisconsin, the holiday celebration that earned national recognition on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2025 aboard Battleship Wisconsin. Stroll the historic decks transformed by more than two million lights, step inside the immersive exhibits, experience below deck, explore the festive Winterfest Riverwalk, enjoy seasonal entertainment, and take in sweeping waterfront views throughout the evening.
Cap off the day with a 30-minute Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise, taking in holiday lights and festive waterfront views along Norfolk’s harbor.
Botanical Garden
Day 2: Art, History & Holiday Magic
Start the day at the Chrysler Museum of Art, home to a collection of more than 35,000 objects spanning 5,000 years. See ancient American, Asian, Greco-Roman, African, and Egyptian art, a world-renowned glass collection, and an impressive holding of European, American, and Modern and Contemporary Art. Groups can enjoy a free customized guided tour and watch a free live glassblowing demonstration at the Perry Glass Studio (Tuesday–Sunday at noon). Grab a bite to eat or a quick snack at Zinnia Cafe and pick up a few souvenirs at the Museum Shop.
Continue with holiday shopping at Norfolk Premium Outlets, where top brands like Michael Kors, Under Armour, and Armani Exchange offer savings of 25–65% every day.
Step back in time with Norfolk’s historic houses decorated for the holidays. Visit the Hunter House Victorian Museum, elegantly adorned for a Victorian Christmas, and the Moses Myers House, a Federal-period home celebrating Hanukkah. Then, tour historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, one of Norfolk’s oldest landmarks, to admire Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass, and centuries of rich heritage.
For the evening, choose between:
- Spirit of Norfolk-City Cruises Norfolk Dinner Cruise, featuring dinner, waterfront views, and festive entertainment.
- Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Garden of Lights: Enjoy a magical one-mile walk or mobility shuttle through the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s award-winning holiday lights. Your holiday tradition just got a LOT BRIGHTER – More Sparkles, More Surprises, and More Fun! It’s a magical experience like no other in Coastal Virginia. Followed by dinner at Omar’s Carriage House, a historic venue serving American-Mediterranean cuisine.
Garden of Lights
Day 3: Art & Gardens
Conclude your holiday tour at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, an early 20th-century residence surrounded by 12 acres of formal gardens and natural woodlands. Daily guided tours last approximately 45 minutes, offering a perfect blend of art, architecture, and nature to end your Norfolk holiday experience on a high note.
Great Holiday Special Events to Add
- Yuletide Festival – Celebrate the season with festive crafts, live entertainment, holiday music, and seasonal treats at this family-friendly festival. It’s a perfect stop for groups looking for a hands-on, joyful holiday experience.
- Holiday Performances at the Wells Theatre – Presented by the Virginia Stage Company, enjoy classic productions like the annual A Christmas Carol, offering professional theater in a beautifully restored historic venue.
- Virginia Arts Festival Holiday Shows – The Virginia Arts Festival presents a variety of seasonal performances, from music to theater, celebrating the spirit of the holidays with world-class talent.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
Contact VISIT NORFOLK
- Melissa Hopper, Associate Director of Tour and Travel
- (757) 403-5802
- Mhopper@visitnorfolktoday.com
- www.visitnorfolk.com
