Hampton does December on the water: decorated boats, a parade through downtown and a New Year's Eve tradition involving a crab pot. If you are filling the calendar, here are the dates worth writing down. The full running list lives on the Events Hub.
Saturday, December 12: Lighted Boat Parade
Per Downtown Hampton, the Lighted Boat Parade runs 6:00 to 7:30 PM on the Hampton River, with an awards ceremony at 8:00 PM. The event runs 5:00 to 10:00 PM at the downtown waterfront (710 Settlers Landing Road), Santa is dockside from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, and it is free and open to the public.
Saturday, December 5: Holly Days Parade
Visit Hampton lists the Hampton Holly Days Parade for December 5 in downtown Hampton, with a 5:00 PM step-off. The city's own page says exact times will be posted closer to early December, so check hampton.gov before you go.
Thursday, November 19: It's a Wonderful Life for $10
The American Theatre (125 E. Mellen St.) shows the 1946 classic at 7:00 PM on November 19, with $10 admission, according to Hampton Arts. The same series lists White Christmas on December 10 and The Muppet Christmas Carol on December 19, per Visit Hampton.
December 31: The Crab Pot Drop
Visit Hampton lists a New Year's Eve Crab Pot Drop in downtown Hampton. It is a very Hampton Roads way to count down, and worth putting on the calendar now. Times were not posted when I checked, so keep an eye on Downtown Hampton's calendar.
Thinking About Living Here?
Hampton, with its waterfront downtown and Phoebus and Fort Monroe nearby, is a fun place to spend a holiday weekend. If you want to see how it compares with Norfolk, Newport News and the rest, browse the city guides and neighborhood profiles, or read my Hampton agent guide.
KEEP READING
Related Guides
- Events Hub
- Your 2026 Hampton Roads Holiday Guide
- City Guides
- Neighborhood Profiles
- Military & PCS Hub
Sources: Visit Hampton, “Holiday Fun in Hampton (2026)”; Downtown Hampton Development Partnership, Lighted Boat Parade 2026; Hampton Arts, Classic Movie Nights; City of Hampton. Confirm details with each host.