As the crisp autumn air sweeps across Newport News, it brings with it a season of color and celebration! From stunning fall foliage to twinkling holiday lights, the city transforms into a destination for those looking to enjoy the beauty of autumn, quickly followed by the festivities of the holiday season.
Autumn in Newport News is a visual delight, with a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow leaves painting the landscape. Newport News Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, offers the ideal spot to soak in the beauty of the season. Take a leisurely walk or rent a bike to ride along the park’s scenic trails, where the fall foliage creates an unforgettable backdrop.
Things to Do in October
October brings a calendar brimming with events. The City Center Fall Festival on Oct. 5 is a must-see, featuring food, music, and activities for all ages. Head over to Newport News Park for the two-day Fall-O-Ween Festival Oct. 5-6, where you can embrace the Halloween spirit with a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and more.
Art enthusiasts will love the Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival Oct. 12-13, showcasing stunning works from nationally recognized artists. And if you’re a foodie, the Newport News Greek Festival Oct. 24-26 will be a culinary highlight, offering authentic Greek dishes alongside music and dancing.
For those seeking a spookier experience, the Haunted Trail at Historic Endview is a must-visit. Running the last three Friday and Saturday nights in October, this eerie adventure takes you through haunted woods and creepy scenes, perfect for thrill-seekers looking to get into the Halloween spirit. For an even more chilling date night, don’t miss Date of the Living Dead: A 1950s Haunted House at Tradition Brewing Company. This spine-tingling experience takes you through a nightmarish vision of 1950s suburbia, where the undead crave more than just brains—they crave company. Prepare for a date like no other… if you dare.
Things to Do in November
As November arrives, the festivities shift to the holiday season. It begins with the Marketplace at Tech Center Tree Lighting on Nov. 9, where families can enjoy games, crafts, and refreshments, capped off by a heartwarming tree lighting at dusk – the perfect event to welcome the holidays in Newport News! Can't get enough tree-lighting ceremonies? Then don't miss the Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting on Nov. 30, a truly magical experience.
One of the most magical traditions in the city is Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park, starting Thanksgiving night at 5:30 p.m. and continuing through New Year’s Day at 10 p.m. In its 32nd year, this iconic drive-through light display transforms the park into a winter wonderland, with over a million twinkling lights creating animated holiday scenes. It’s the ideal way to get into the holiday spirit, whether you’re with family, friends, or a significant other!
For a celestial twist on the holidays, visit the Virginia Living Museum from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 for their holiday planetarium shows (Thursdays through Sundays only) which include Laser Holidays and Star of Wonder. These unique presentations blend science and tradition, offering a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Things to Do in December
Now it’s time to dive headfirst into all the excitement the season has to offer! From the Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park to Holiday Frost at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center on Dec. 13, the city is alive with the spirit of the holidays in December!
One of our most cherished traditions is the Holiday Tree Lighting in City Center, happening Dec. 7, with live entertainment, strolling characters, children’s crafts, and the official lighting of the City Center holiday tree. While there, don’t miss the Weihnachtsmarkt, a German Christmas market, where you can enjoy an authentic European-style market complete with gifts, food, and holiday cheer.
For those who love a musical celebration, the Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour on Dec. 6 and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday POPS performance on Dec. 12 at the Ferguson Center for the Arts are sure to delight. On Dec. 15, step into a world of elegance at the Christmas High Tea at the Historic Boxwood Inn, where you can sip on seasonal teas, enjoy delicate treats, and bask in the charming holiday décor of this historic venue. For even more holiday cheer, including performances like A Christmas Carol and other festive shows, check out the full lineup at the Ferguson Center for the Arts.
This year, let Newport News be your destination for experiencing the beauty of fall and the magic of the holiday season. See all the events Newport News has to offer, from the vibrant colors of autumn to the twinkling lights of December, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit today and make this season one to remember!