Calendar of Events

November 18

Hampton Roads Met Gala

Slover Library | Norfolk This runway event celebrates the global collective of cultures birthed from the migration and scattering of Africans all over the world. Immerse yourself in the fashions of homeland Africa, Afro-Caribbean, AfroLatin America and beyond. A portion of proceeds from the gala will contribute to scholarships for black youth in the Hampton roads metro area who have committed to attend an historically black college or university and are majoring in a STEM program. TIME: 9:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. COST: $45–$5,000 www.eventbrite.com/e/ hampton-roads-met-gala-tickets403503388497?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

November 18–January 01

Holiday Lights on the Beach

Virginia Beach Boardwalk Drive through a festive, nautical-themed, holiday lights experience while you listen to a soundtrack of music on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. This is sure to captivate children and adults as you pass under the displays by the moonlight. There are two Bike Nights where you can see these sites for free (November 17 & January 1—until 7:30 p.m.). TIME: Sun. thru Thurs. 5:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 5:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. COST: $20–$75 www.universe.com/events/bayportcredit-union-holiday-lights-at-thebeach-presented-by-food-liontickets-MXY8KB?fbclid=IwAR2hm8G_ hF2vGTXwI09umEMFPyGblD6C6xC8VUYRkMe3hFcoRgRPsMOT6k

November 19

Grand Illumination Parade

Downtown Norfolk The 36th Annual Grand Illumination Parade takes place the week before Thanksgiving each year. After a 2 year hiatus, downtown Norfolk is excited to welcome the thousands of guests, participants, volunteers and corporate sponsors back to the streets of downtown Norfolk. This year’s theme is Holiday Magic. NOTE: An oral history of the parade can be found in this issue on p. 34. TIME: 7:00 p.m. COST: Free www.downtownnorfolk.org/explore/ grand-illumination-parade

November 19

Winter Formal Gala for Latisha’s House Foundation

Williamsburg Winery | Williamsburg This spectacular evening spent with family and friends will benefit the transformation of lives of adults, female survivors of human trafficking and their families through your donations and attendance. You will meet these incredible guests during what will be a memorable evening. TIME: 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. COST: $200 (individual)–$10,000 (table sponsorships) latishashouse.weebly.com/virginia2022-winter-formal-gala.html

November 29

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Chrysler Hall | Norfolk The distinctive sound of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis has entertained us for more than 35 years. The Mannheim sound is a holiday staple in homes all across the planet since its first album release. The Chrysler Hall will be filled with the sound and sight of the holiday season and you can experience this live. TIME: 7:30 p.m. COST: Tickets start at $40 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/mannheim-steamroller

November 26–January 8

Holiday High Tea in the Raleigh Room

Cavalier Resort | Virginia Beach Afternoon Tea in The Raleigh Room is getting a festive upgrade with a reimagined holiday menu of decadent petit fours, bites, and tea all season long. Add a glass of champagne for extra sparkle. TIME: Saturdays & Sundays, 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. COST: $38 (includes glass of champagne or sparkling apple cider) cavalierresortvb.com/event/ afternoon-tea/

RESORT CAVALIER OF COURTESY

December 3, 10 & 17

Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination

Various locations around Colonial Williamsburg The winter festivities kick off with music, fireworks displays and activities all around the Colonial Williamsburg site over the course of three weekends. Yuletide entertainment will include favorite holiday traditions as well as heartwarming new additions to the festivities. In the 18th century, the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks celebrated major events. Make sure to come during daylight to check out the unique decorations throughout the historic area. Then enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout our streets and fireworks displays from the Capitol and the palace. Dates and Times are subject to change so please check ahead online before attending. TIME: 5:00 p.m. (fireworks begin around 7:00 p.m.) COST: NA www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/ explore/special-event/grandillumination

December 3

Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Holiday Marketplace

Norfolk | Town Point Park This is the perfect way to welcome the holiday spirit into the city. The open-air marketplace is the ideal place to do a little holiday shopping, have some hot chocolate or a whiskey tasting all the while enjoying the sounds of Christmas caroling, the smells and warmth of the yule log bonfire and a visit from Santa himself. TIME: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. COST: Free festevents.org/events/2022/holidayyule-log-bonfire/

December 31

OLEKSANDR PIDVALNYI

December 8, 9 & 11

The Virginia Symphony presents Holiday Pops

Ferguson Center | Newport News (12/8) Chrysler Hall | Norfolk (12/9) The Sandler Center | Virginia Beach (12/11) The Virginia Symphony and Special Guests continue the Holiday tradition with their annual Holiday Pops spectacular. No Holiday Season is complete until you join in this magical evening listening to familiar carols and warm moments of nostalgia with a few surprises thrown in! TIME: Ferguson Center: 7:30 p.m. Chrysler Hall: 7:30 p.m. The Sandler Center: 7:00 p.m. COST: $25–$114 virginiasymphony.org/holiday-pops

December 10

SPARK! The Inspirational Ball

Hilton “The Main” | Norfolk “Igniting the Power of Music”—An evening celebrating with friends and supporters of the Virginia Symphony, with a special appearance by the world-class musicians of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. TIME: TBA COST: $250 virginiasymphony.org/gala

Cheers to 2023

Waterside District | Norfolk NYE LIVE! Multiple packages available. Features premium food stations, live entertainers, and champagne toast + balloon drop at midnight! Ages 21 and over. TIME: Doors open 8:00 p.m. COST: $65 and up watersidedistrict.com/nye

The Founder’s Inn & Spa | Virginia Beach MARDI GRAS-THEMED GALA. Package includes an elegant dinner, drink tickets, champagne toast at midnight, live performance by Astro Entertainment, overnight accommodations [with 2:00 p.m. late check-out] and New Year’s Day champagne brunch. Book directly via The Founder’s Inn & Spa at 757-366-5723. TIME: Doors open 7:00 p.m. COST: Packages start at $395 per couple allevents.in/virginia%20beach/ mardi-gras-new-years-evegala/200023459096135

Cavalier Resort | Virginia Beach Ring in 2023 at the Cavalier Resort, with resort-wide hotel stay and dining packages, and a grand Studio54-themed party complete with two live entertainment areas, photo ops, resort-wide bars and MORE. Tickets and packages go on sale at the end of November. TIME: TBA COST: TBA cavalierresortvb.com/event/newyears-eve/

Monroe Rooftop | Hampton Celebrate NYE at Monroe—in the ballroom. A premium experience, in the heart of Hampton. Details still to come. TIME: 7:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. COST: $30–$200 www.eventbrite.com/e/monroepresents-new-years-eve-in-theballroom-tickets-444224666937?aff= odcleoeventsincollection

The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery | Hampton Catch the unique sounds of Take the Cake—a four-piece indi band out of Newport News. With special guest Oakpine Circus (aka Nicky Lee), alt/indi/ folk musician from Richmond. Details still to come. TIME: 8:00 p.m.–? COST: $10–$50 allevents.in/hampton/nye-withtake-the-cake-and-oakpinecircus/10000444208488547

Holiday Inn | Newport News HOLLYWOOD NIGHT. Dress to impress. Catered food, cocktails, live music as well as multiple DJs spinning classic R&B, hip hop, reggae, neo soul all night long. TIME: 7:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. COST: $20–$1,600 (VVIP) www.eventbrite.com/e/monroepresents-new-years-eve-in-theballroom-tickets-444224666937?aff= odcleoeventsincollection

December 15

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Chrysler Hall | Norfolk A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season as it returns for a one-night performance. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic—smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen allstar dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. TIME: 7:30 p.m. COST: $45–$65 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/hip-hop-nutcracker-1

Check blvdmedia.io and social media for even more events

DADDY VOODOO BAD BIG

December 16 & 17

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

The American Theater | Pheobus Together for over 28 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy—famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins—has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades-long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music—America’s original musical art form—and bring joy to audiences around the world. TIME: 8:00 p.m. COST: $35–$55 www.hamptonarts.org/events/detail/ big-bad-voodoo-daddy

FOODIES UNITE | Take advantage of the culinary creativity Virginia Beach chefs have to offer! Enjoy breakfasts, lunches and dinners—along with signature cocktails—highlighted by specially prepared menu items. Visit the website for a list of participating restaurants and more details. www.dineinvb.com/restaurant-week

December 16 & 18

The Nutcracker

Sandler Center | Virginia Beach Ballet Virginia performs the traditional holiday classic. Professional company members will dance lead roles alongside our region’s finest young dancers in this dreamy production. Tchaikovsky’s score will be performed live by Symphonicity, the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach. TIME: 8:00 p.m. COST: $35–$55 www.sandlercenter.org/events/ detail/ballet-virginias-the-nutcracker

December 17

A Jazzy Christmas

Attucks Theatre | Norfolk Grammy-nominated pianist and #1 Billboard recording artist Marcus Johnson is bringing in the holiday groove where it all began at home, with family and friends. Alongside him will be #1 Billboard charting saxophonist—and Tidewater native— Jackiem Joyner. Come ready to jam to MJ’s & Jackiem’s classics and crank up the holiday season. TIME: 8:00 p.m. COST: $25 (children); $45–$65 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/a-jazzy-christmas

January 7–8

Hampton Roads Home Show

Hampton Roads Convention Center | Hampton The peninsula’s largest Home Show in Hampton, Virginia, this show features landscaping companies, remodeling contractors, interior decorating companies, and more. TIME: Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. COST: $5–$7 (Under 18 free) hamptonvahomeshow.com/ show-details

January 13–15

Hampton Roads International Auto Show

Virginia Beach Convention Center | Virginia Beach Check out the latest in auto technologies with new and upcoming models and see where the industry is headed. While you can’t purchase a vehicle on site, you can speak with reps from various dealerships to set up appointments if you’re ready to buy.

The 2023 contest theme is “Ultimate Beach Cruiser,” so if your ride cruises the strip or goes over the sand, enter it for a chance to win $1,000. TIME: Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. COST: $9–$12 (Under 12 free) hamptonroadsautoshow.com

January 19

Jim Gaffigan

Scope Arena | Norfolk Dark Pale Tour—Jim Gaffigan is a six-time Grammy nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times bestselling author, three-time Emmy winning top touring performer, and multi-platinumselling recording artist. He is known around the world for his unique brand of humor, which largely revolves around his observations on life. TIME: 7:00 p.m. COST: $37.75–$107.75 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/jim-gaffigan-1

January 26–29

Cirque Du Soleil Corteo

Scope Arena | Norfolk The clown Mauro has passed, but his spirit is still with us. Instead of mourning, the funeral cortege celebrates the here and hereafter with laughter and exuberance Rich, extravagant memories frolic with the senses. The sound of laughter peals around the stage, visions of joyous tumblers and players fascinate the eyes. Regret and melancholy retreat in the face of a cavalcade of lively recollections of a life gloriously lived. A festive parade that entertains; the perfect accolade for an artist whose life was dedicated to revelry and making merry. TIME: Thursday & Friday: 7:30 p.m. Saturday: 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. COST: $49–$125 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/cirque-corteo

COURTESY OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Airport Travel Limo Service Special Event Corporate Transportation

Trained & uniformed chauffeurs Free consultations Military discount Multi-vehicle discount (for one event)