Tacky Lights have been seen all over Richmond for the last 30 years, but this is the first year that we have seen them. The tradition goes back to 1985 when a Richmond DJ booked a transportation bus to tour ten houses. It was a huge hit then, and still is now. Official houses on the tour must have over 40,000 lights to be considered.
You can drive around to check them out yourself for free, or book a tour through one of the many transportation services in Richmond. Checkout the list here: Although many houses aren't officially on the list, driving around the city you'll see lots of houses that have decided to lean into the tacky decorations.
First Baptist Norfolk is hosting Hometown Christmas this year, a free family friendly festival with local vendors, train rides, music, sock skating, and a petting zoo. Hometown Christmas is open this Saturday and Sunday, December 18 and 19th. Saturday's food trucks are Luvabowls and Mello Beans. On Sunday Yolees G-Dawgz, Miami Fuzion, and Bear House Coffee will be there. Grab a scavenger hunt when you arrive, and get stickers from each station, On your way out grab your prize, an activity book, stuffed animal, and gingerbread house.
Schedule as follows:
2:00-6:00:Barrel Train
4:00-4:30: Brass Quartet
5:30-7:30:Pictures with Santa
5:30: Tree lighting and snow
5:45: Roaming Carolers
7:00 Carol Singalong
8:00 end
We took a visit to Newport News' Oyster Point for the first time this week. Take a walk around the lake and see the ten minute light show that plays every half hour. While walking around, you'll encounter 16 snow machines, 55 trees, and a 50 foot tree, all tuned to music. The lights are on between 5-9, with a photo pavilion Thursday through Sunday from 5-8.
If you head there this Saturday, December 18th from 12-3, you'll catch their Holiday Cheer program with free hot chocolate and cookies, be able to paint homemade ornaments, and take photos with an 8.5 foot elf!
We visit the Hermitage Museum and Gardens a few times a year because the boys love watching the cranes moving the containers outside, but we have never been during the holidays before. On display now is their second annual gingerbread house contest and display. From now until December 19th, stop in to view and vote on your favorite house. There are three categories; adult, child, and family. I had kits ready at home, so we left and made our own. We actually did the best we have ever done, but it still ended up falling before I could snag a picture! The Hermitage is free to visit until 2021, but donations are accepted.
Avalon Church of Christ is located at 844 Woodstock Rd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464.
This is one of my favorite posts every year, but going out in 2020 certainly adds a level of complication. Obviously we want to be safe, and so this year I'm looking for places where we can social distance and still enjoy an experience.
The lights are on nightly from 5:30-10:00 from now until January 3rd. Pack some hot chocolate and head down to the beach! Special thanks to sponsors 1-800-GOT-JUNK for our tickets!
Spend an evening at Town Center Virginia Beach and check out Snow Globe Spectacular with live entertainment every weekend in December. On the hour is a light show in the giant tree followed by dancing by characters from the Nutcracker, a ballerina and a toy solider, both inside their own globes.
Santa is also on the scene at a communication station. Kids enter the station and talk to Santa via microphone. Walk around the area to check out the many themed snow globes.
During the day there are crafts and letters to Santa, and at night once it's all lit up the live entertainment begins. For adults visiting, receive a free Lyft ride with proof of a $30.00 purchase at a Town Center establishment.
We of course ended our night with a trip to Royal Chocolate. I always love to stop here because they have donated to the Pancreatic Cancer auction, and I always so appreciate companies who give back. It's an added bonus that everything from there is delicious. Try the peanut butter hot chocolate!
New this year is WinterFest on the Wisconsin in downtown Norfolk. Almost 300,00 lights brighten up the harbor and usher in some holiday cheer. Walking onto the pier, you're greeted by the sounds of live music as you follow a one way path onto the ship. Be advised, strollers are not allowed on board, and I would bring your carrier because in order to see the parts inside the ship you do need to climb.
Tickets are timed on the hour with tree lighting ceremonies at 5:30 and 7:00. On Saturdays at 6:00 there is a lighted sailboat parade. There are regular elf and Santa sightings also.
The deck of the ship is beautiful, and the live entertainment is great, but what impressed me most was the inside of the ship. Families are spaced out to ensure social distancing, and each room has a bit of a different theme. Be sure to look in each nook and cranny for all of the different elf scenes.
The event is open until New Year's Eve and is closed on Christmas Day. Times begin at 4 p.m. and tickets must be purchased online. Nauticus members get in free during opening weekend, and they receive a discount on the other nights. Geico Insurance Policy Holders get a $1.00 discount on one ticket. On Monday, December 21, all active duty service members receive free admission. Food and drink are available for purchase. Masks are required for ages 5 and older.
This is the first time I've felt some sort of normalcy since March. While we were wearing masks, and everyone was spaced out, doing something new and fun felt so good. While I'm sad that Charles Dickens' Christmas Towne isn't back for its normal run, I'm thrilled to see something new in downtown Norfolk, and I'm excited to see if it stays around following the pandemic!
