Christmas parades 2026Virginia Beach–Norfolk · Hampton Roads

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Virginia Beach–Norfolk, 2026.

We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Virginia Beach–Norfolk with 2026 dates: two parades and one tree lighting or lighting night, all free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Grand Illumination Parade: Nov 21 · 7pm. Plus 1 more.2 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Town Center Grand Illumination: Nov 28 · 5–6pm.1 lightingIs it free?Every one listed here is free to watch.3 freeDaytime or after dark?0 daytime, 3 in the evening. Each card is marked.3 evening

Last checked · 3 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

21NovSatGrand Illumination ParadeParade · 7pm28NovSatTown Center Grand IlluminationTree lighting · 5–6pm5DecSatHoliday Parade at the BeachParade · 5:30–7:30pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Hampton Roads

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Hampton Roads

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s added

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Hampton Roads

Grand Illumination ParadeNext: Nov 21, 2026

Keep planning

More for little kids in Hampton Roads

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Virginia Beach–Norfolk: the FAQ

Grand Illumination Parade: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 7pm (Downtown Norfolk). Holiday Parade at the Beach: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 5:30–7:30pm; steps off at 15th Street (Virginia Beach Oceanfront).

Town Center Grand Illumination at Town Center Fountain Plaza: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, 5–6pm.

All of the ones we list are free to watch: Grand Illumination Parade, Town Center Grand Illumination and Holiday Parade at the Beach. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Hampton Roads that weekend, parades included.

Virginia Beach–Norfolk skyline