# Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on the Elizabeth River > Event for families in the Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–Norfolk area (VA / NC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Sat, Dec 5 · 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM - Where: Norfolk Waterside & Portsmouth Harbor, 333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510 - Ages: All ages welcome (Free waterfront spectacle) - Price: Free viewing along downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth waterfront promenades - Organizer: Norfolk Festevents & Elizabeth River Harbor Association - Official page: https://festevents.org/ - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/holiday-boat-parade-of-lights-on-the-elizabeth-river--listing-d05829feeb969f009ee02b82 ## About The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights illuminates the Elizabeth River harbor between downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth in a radiant maritime celebration. Dozens of recreational cruisers, sailboats, tugboats, and passenger ferries deck their masts, hulls, and rigging with thousands of colorful LED lights, animated sea monsters, glowing reindeer, and dancing Christmas trees. Spectators line the waterfront promenades of Town Point Park, Waterside District, and Portsmouth Seawall to view the sparkling flotilla pass by in review. The event features shoreside holiday music broadcasts, free hot cider giveaways, and synchronized illumination of harbor landmarks, concluding with a dazzling fireworks display launched over the water that reflects across the historic harbor. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Continuous wide concrete waterfront promenade with safety railings offers safe, barrier-free stroller navigation and excellent water viewing. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated public restrooms, baby changing facilities, and indoor seating available inside Waterside District and Norfolk Half Moone Center. • Age Suitability: Breathtaking waterfront spectacle for children of all ages, toddlers, teens, and parents. • Sensory Tips: Fireworks finale at 8:00 PM creates loud booms; noise-canceling headphones recommended for infants and sensitive toddlers. ## Similar picks in Virginia Beach - [Holiday Parade at the Beach](https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/holiday-parade-at-the-beach--listing-5972e5b77b9ac25473df5409) — Sat, Dec 5 · 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Atlantic Avenue, 15th to 25th Streets · All ages · Free · checked Oct 24. Virginia Beach's evening holiday parade on Atlantic Avenue at the Oceanfront. 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