It’s the most wonderful time of the year, as Andy Williams sings in the old standard, and that’s apparent just about everywhere you go in Hampton Roads. The holiday spirit can be seen in neighborhoods, stores and public squares throughout the region as Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa draw closer.
There’s something magical in the December air each year, and area residents can find plenty of comfort and joy in the annual festivities and events associated with the winter holidays. Hampton Roads is fortunate to have plenty on the calendar this month and everyone is encouraged to embrace the fun and community this season with family, friends and neighbors.
Survey after public survey tells us that Americans know less about one another than ever before. Researchers report fewer people know their neighbors, that they are increasingly less likely to participate in civic affairs and that they are more isolated than ever.
Not only is that a shame — a life without the spark of human connection is no life at all — it’s harmful to community cohesion. It’s important that residents share time together, building bonds of trust and understanding that strengthen our cities and our region.
Fireworks on Independence Day is one time each year when people gather with their neighbors in celebration. And the winter holidays are another, as events throughout Hampton Roads seek to bring people out of their homes and into the public square for music and lights that mark this special season.
The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press recently published an exhaustive list of holiday events, concerts, parades and merrymaking that reflect a packed December calendar. Every weekend — and most weekdays — features something fun for the family to enjoy and a chance to share the festive spirit with our neighbors.
While some, such as Norfolk’s Grand Illumination, have already happened, plenty more are still to come, including some big ones this weekend. Here are some highlights:
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Naval Station Norfolk’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2 will begin its annual Santa Flight as Jolly Old Saint Nick boards a U.S. Navy helicopter to practice delivering toys to all the good boys and girls, featuring stops at the Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, the King Neptune Statue in Virginia Beach, Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake and the Walmart Supercenter in Suffolk.
Also on Saturday, Newport News will host its annual tree lighting ceremony at City Center at Oyster Point (event begins at 6 p.m. and the lights go on at 8:30); Hampton will hold its annual Holly Days Parade through downtown beginning at 5 p.m.; and Virginia Beach will welcome crowds for its Holiday Parade at the Oceanfront along Atlantic Avenue between 15th and 25th streets beginning at 5:30 p.m.
In Williamsburg, the always impressive Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg will take place Saturday, with events beginning at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 7. For those who may be attending other festivities that day, the event repeats on Dec. 13 and 20.
What would Christmas be without the lights? Thankfully most Hampton Roads cities are up to the task of hosting remarkable displays for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park runs 5:30-10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1 ($12 in advance, $15-$20 for cars, $85 for buses); Deck the Hall at Chesapeake City Hall happens 5-9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1 (free); Suffolk’s Sleepy Hole Park has its Festival of Lights from 5-9 p.m. on select nights through Dec. 30 (free); Holiday Nights at the Portsmouth City Park runs Fridays and Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 27 ($2 for a train ride); Holiday Lights at the Beach is open 5:30-10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31 at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk ($37.50 per car); and Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Garden of Lights is a 1-mile walk through 1.5 million lights nightly from 5-8 p.m. through Jan. 4 (members, $12-$24; others, $15-$30. Walk-ups add $5).
The holidays are coming so share in the cheer by gathering with family, friends and neighbors this month.
