A Holiday Getaway in Newport News
Twinkling lights, cherished traditions, and festive family fun await in Newport News this holiday season. From millions of sparkling lights and beautifully decorated historic homes to holiday shopping and seasonal performances, this two-day itinerary offers the perfect holiday escape.
Holiday Highlights
Planning your visit around one of these special events? Add these seasonal favorites to your holiday getaway:
- Celebration in Lights | November 26-January 1, 2027
- Port Warwick Tree Lighting | November 28
- City Center at Oyster Point Tree Lighting & Holiday Drone Show | December 5
- Weihnachtsmarkt (German Christmas Market) | December 11-12 | Make it a weekend getaway with a special holiday package featuring discounted accommodations, festive perks, and exclusive seasonal experiences.
- Hilton Village Gingerbread Celebration & Parade | December 12
- Winter Nature Nights at the Virginia Living Museum | December 18-23
- Holly Jolly Trolley Tours | Select dates following Thanksgiving through December (advance reservations required)
Day One: Lights, Traditions & Holiday Magic
Afternoon
Arrive in Newport News and settle into the holiday spirit at City Center at Oyster Point, where festive décor and seasonal touches transform the district into a holiday gathering place throughout December. Enjoy lunch at TASTE for soups, sandwiches, and seasonal favorites before the sun goes down.
Evening
As dusk falls, experience Lights by the Fountain, a festive holiday display featuring seasonal lighting, décor, Instagram-worthy photo spots, and a custom holiday soundtrack. After the official tree lighting on December 5, visitors can enjoy the illuminated holiday display nightly through January 1, 2027.
Continue your evening with Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park, the holiday tradition that started it all. As Virginia's first drive-through holiday light show, Celebration in Lights has delighted generations of families with more than one million sparkling lights and hundreds of festive displays along a two-mile journey through the park. Now celebrating its 34th year of holiday magic, it's one of the season's most cherished experiences in Coastal Virginia.
Insider Tip: Stop by the Newport News Visitor Center to purchase advance-discounted tickets to Celebration in Lights.
Day Two: Historic Charm & Seasonal Discoveries
Morning
Trade the modern-day holiday hustle for a slower pace as you visit Lee Hall Mansion and Historic Endview, two of Newport News' most treasured historic homes. Lee Hall Mansion, a beautifully preserved nineteenth-century residence, offers a glimpse into life in Virginia before and during the Civil War, while Historic Endview interprets more than 250 years of American history through its connections to the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and early Peninsula life.
Throughout December, both homes are dressed for the season with historically inspired decorations and festive displays that reflect holiday traditions of their respective eras. Discover how families celebrated Christmas in generations past and experience the nostalgia of holidays before twinkling electric lights and online shopping.
Afternoon
After lunch, check a few names off your holiday gift list at some of Newport News' favorite shopping destinations.
Start at Patrick Henry Mall, the Peninsula's largest shopping mall, where festive decorations and a wide variety of retailers make holiday shopping easy for everyone on your list.
Continue to Marketplace at Tech Center, an open-air shopping district where you can browse national retailers, enjoy seasonal décor, and take a break at one of the area's restaurants or cafés. The walkable setting makes it easy to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while checking off your holiday shopping list.
Looking for something truly unique? Spend time exploring Historic Hilton Village, a charming English-inspired neighborhood filled with locally owned boutiques, artisan shops, and one-of-a-kind finds. Its historic streets and cozy storefronts create a Hallmark-worthy backdrop for a festive afternoon stroll.
Evening
Cap off the day at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, where holiday traditions come to life through family-friendly productions, festive concerts and seasonal performances throughout November and December.