December '09 Events
>Suggest events we might have missed
Winter Wonderland: The Coleman Collection
Now in its fifth year at the Courthouse Galleries, Winter Wonderland has settled into its new surroundings. Begin your holiday and New Year countdown with Holidays Around the World, which celebrates diverse cultures and traditions from many nations. Watch for the Snow Babies frolicking nearby in the courtyard.
Each year, newly renovated figures add to the enchantment of visitors and remind young and old of holidays past. Scenes from a Victorian era offer a Chalet with animated carolers, strollers and skaters. Fanciful elves prepare their treats at Santa’s Bakery and Candy Shop, while more of his crew ready by constructing toys and wrapping gifts for distribution.
View other holiday favorites such as Sleeping Santa, representative of one of the first figures that launched The Coleman Collection during the 1960s. On special weekends, the inaugural Singing Santa returns to rejoice audiences with seasonal songs.
• Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday 11:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
• Christmas Eve - New Year's Eve, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Closed Monday's and Christmas Day
• Weekend activities include crafts, music and activities.
Fee: Museum Admission $5
A ticket to Winter Wonderland includes admission to Andalo’s Clubhouse.
For more information call 757-393-8543.
Presented by the Courthouse Galleries, High & Court streets.
757-393-8543 | www.courthousegalleries.com
Nativity Scene at the Monumental Methodist Church
10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Friday and Saturday) Noon–5 p.m.
(757) 397-5293 or 484-8674 | Monumental Methodist Church website
FirstEvents in Olde Towne · 5 p.m.
12 Historic Squares of High Street
A stage for local merchants & restaurants in Portsmouth's Historic Olde Towne. The arts & antiques community opens it's doors along the 12 historic squares of High Street located between Effingham Street and the riverfront. Visit our fine art galleries, quality antique shops and unique specialty stores.
FirstEvents is held each month, rain or shine, year round. There is no admission fee including the Naval Shipyard Museum and Lightship Portsmouth - participating galleries are open to the public.
Sponsored by the Olde Towne Business Association | 757-397-7173
4Traveling Information Fair
Discussions will feature up-to-date products, services, options and solutions about how to stay in your home and make the downturn economy work in your favor. The locations are Olde Towne Art 525 High Street; Way Back Yonder Antiques 600 High Street, and Faveur at 614 High Street. The Traveling Information Fair discussions are free and open to the public. Presented by the Traveling Senior Fair Group of Hampton Roads.
2:00 PM discussions:
When the Brain Can't Hear by Healthy Hearing @ Olde Towne Art
Senior Housing Options, by First Colonial Inn @ Way Back Yonder Antiques
Downsizing for Move, In-home Health & Safety @ Faveur
2:30 PM discussions:
Your Art Doesn't have to Match Your Couch Anymore by Olde Towne Art
What Type of Home Care You Need; How to Find It @ Way Back Yonder Antiques
Aging in Place- Staying Safe and Independent @ Faveur
3:00 PM discussions:
A Brand New Home with a New Reverse Mortgage Solution @Olde Towne Art
Home Health, Hospice and Home Respiratory Services @ Way Back Yonder Antiques Senior Skin Care with Natural Spa Products @ Faveur
3:30 PM discussions:
New/Old Ways to Prevent Identity Theft @ Olde Towne Art
How to Care for Treasures, Antiques and Linens @ Way Back Yonder
How Mobility Equipment Can Help You Adapt to Health Challenges @ Faveur
Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market
(10 AM - 2 PM) The Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market is conveniently located in the Middle Street Garage at the corner of Middle & London streets. Always Free Admission & Free Parking!
Holiday Farmer's Market
(9:30 AM - 1:30 PM) Featuring holiday greenery, ready made wreaths and wonderful seasonal produce from local purveyors.
Christmas in Cradock!
4 PM A long time tradition always held the first Saturday in December in Historic Afton Square of the Cradock Neighborhood in Portsmouth, Virginia. The Cradock Civic League invites Hampton Roads’ Families to celebrate the wonder of Christmas with Cradock.
• Christmas in Cradock Press Release
• Christmas in Cradock Flyer/Poster
Lunch and A Story with Santa
12:00 to 1:30 p.m. The package will include a “kid-friendly” lunch provided by Amore’s Restaurant, music, a story and entertainment provided by Singing Santa Claus, admission to Winter Wonderland: The Coleman Collection at the Courthouse Galleries and Andalo’s Clubhouse. Additional activities at the museums’ that day include The Teddy Bear Express train, clowns, magic, face-painting and make-and-take holiday crafts.
The cost of the lunch for museum members is $9 for children and $12 for adults. The cost for non-members is $12 for children and $15 for adults. Reservations can be made by calling 757-393-5258.
The reservation deadline is December 1, 2009.
Silent Stories at Willett Hall
A mime show that engages the mind of the audience to look, listen, and feel with their heart.
Willett Hall Box Office at 393-5144 or online at www.TicketMaster.com
Portsmouth Community Concerts Presents
Burning River Brass
3:00 p.m. | Willett Hall: Since 1996, Burning River Brass has been dazzling audiences from Alaska to Taiwan with "power and virtuosity," "harmonious blend," and "consistently stirring performances." Composed of twelve of the finest brass and percussion players in the country, Burning River Brass is an ensemble on fire!
Student Athlete Achievement Awards Banquet
*Nominations due Nov. 5th – Recognizing student athletes (ages 8-18) for their dedication on the field, in academics and in their community.
Contact the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame for reservations and more information.
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum website
206 High Street, Portsmouth | 757-393-8031
Historic Port Norfolk Holiday Tour of Homes
3–7 p.m. Enjoy holiday decorated historic homes dating back to the late 1890s in Port Norfolk, one of 5 historic districts in Portsmouth. Admission fee. Visit the Port Norfolk website for more details.
Click here for Google Map/Directions
Santa Claus Shuffle 5K Race and 1K Fun Run
Olympic Gold Medalist LaShawn Merritt particpating!
Join the crowds of costumed runners at this fun and festive event as they make their way through the scenic streets of Olde Towne Portsmouth. Check-in begins at 7:00 am at nTelos Pavilion, 901 Crawford Street. The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 and the 5K at 9:00. Have some complimentary refreshments while you wait for the race to begin - or after you're finished while you wait for your award! Door prizes, refreshments, musical entertainment, and a beautiful venue make the Santa Claus Shuffle fun for all!
Benefits the Tidewater Youth Services Foundation
Register Online for the Santa Claus Shuffle
Olde Towne Candlelight Home Tour
This self-guided walking tour is one of the signature events of the holiday season in Hampton Roads. Tours run continuously between the hours of 5:00 -9:00 p.m. on Friday and 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Take a break from the craziness of the holiday season and discover the charm and history of Olde Towne Portsmouth. Enjoy tours of each location, live musical performances, seasonal greenery and hot cider. All locations within walking distance of one another. FREE parking in the Olde Towne Parking lots and on the streets of Olde Towne.
Sponsored by the Olde Towne Foundation
Annual Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival
A musical tribute to the spirit of the holiday season, enlivening the first seven blocks of High Street with performances, children's activities, reenactors in period attire, carolers, and strolling characters. Click here for the complete Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival schedule of events.
Proud to be named a Top 100 Event of 2008 by the American Bus Association. The Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival is also one of three anchor events for "Holidays in the City," a six-week holiday celebration. Concerts, which range from barbershop harmony and jazz to steel drums and brass ensembles, are staged in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations and in several historic Olde Towne churches.
Santa Parade!
5:30 p.m. From High Street Landing to the Courthouse Galleries
Bring a chair and warm blanket and enjoy the parade.
Celebrate Light Together
2 to 4 p.m. We'll explore and discuss winter light celebrations from a variety of cultures...plus we'll even make an edible menorah for a snack! Event will culminate with singing and a lighting of Chanukah candles at 4 p.m.
Program facilitated by a professional Jewish educator for families of all faiths.
Jewish Museum & Cultural Center, 607 Effingham St., Portsmouth
757-397-8457 | www.jewishmuseumportsmouth.org
Circle of Smiles
Noon–4 p.m. Santa, Family Photos, Apple Cider and Bake Sale
TowneBank Lobby
Lunch with Santa at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
11:30am-2 p.m. Contact the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame for more information. Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum website 206 High St. | 757-393-8031
12Holidays at the Creek
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bring the kids to make animal friendly crafts. We'll be decorating HCWF's holiday tree with tasty treats for the animals! Admission at this event is FREE.
Visit the Hoffler Creek website | 757-686-8684
Children’s Christmas Shoppe
Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday: 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church | 500 Court Street | 757-393-0431
Lancaster Memorial Concert
at the Monumental Methodist Church
3 p.m. "Joy to the World"
The Monumental Chancel Choir and Monumental Ringers perform music for the Christmas Season. The concert is free and open to the public. Following the concert, a Brunswick Stew Dinner will be available in the Fellowship Hall for $8.00. $1.00 from each dinner will benefit a
program for the homeless.
For dinner reservations or further information, contact the church at 397-1297.
Monumental Methodist Church website
13Holidays at the Creek
1:30 - 4 p.m. Join Pat Orgain in making a native wreath for your home. Admission $15 for the public, $7.50 for members.
Visit the Hoffler Creek website | 757-686-8684
18Now On Display in the Foyer Gallery
at Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery
Through January 3 - New works by Portsmouth’s favorite Artists…J. Robert & Betty Burnell Featuring new and vintage paintings of marine and landscape themes. Original jewelry by Betty Burnell will also be on display.
J. Robert Burnell is recognized and collected for his vivid depictions of life on the Chesapeake Bay. The subject is his favorite and each piece is open and honest, while providing a unique understanding of its mood and people. The show runs through Sunday, January 3, 2010
Holiday Season Gallery Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday (10AM–6 p.m.); Friday (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) Saturday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.); Sunday (Noon–5 p.m.) Closed Mondays, Christmas & New Years Day
Contact: Joe or Alison Elder 757-399-5012 | website: Skipjack Marine Gallery
Christmas Spectacular at Victory West Shopping Center
Rescheduled from December 5
10 am to 4 pm. Event includes a parade from Wilson High School, Santa Claus Visit, indoor car show, vendor showcase, prizes, raffles, free gift bags for the children, information packages for the adults, plus a donation center for Toys For Tots and The Foodbank Southeastern Virginia.
Andalo’s Happy Holiday Celebration
Noon–5 p.m.
Presented by the Children's Museum of Virginia, 420 High St. 757-393-5258.
12th Annual Olde Towne Scottish Walk
Event is free to the public. Walk begins at 3:30 PM at the corner of Queen and Washington Streets. After the tuning of the pipes (about 4 PM) walk continues through Olde Towne to the foot of High Street. Flag raising ceremony Honoring George Washington's raising of the first flag "the Grand Union" on New Year's Day. Singing of Auld Lang Syne to thank the merchants for their work in the holiday season and to wish the community GOOD LUCK in the coming year. Music in pubs and Lighted Boat Parade following the walk.
Contact Susan Cocke for more information | 757-650-3052
Andalo’s New Year’s Eve Party
10 a.m - 5 p.m. Andalo, the Children’s Museum of Virginia mascot, invites kids of all ages to his place to celebrate the coming New Year. Join us for some fun, excitement and lots of imagination. $5.00 per person, includes Andalo's Clubhouse and Winter Wonderland
• 10-4 Crafts
• 11-2 Pony Rides "Free"
• Noon - Andalo's 12Noon Year's Eve Celebration (includes Andalo appearance, cookies and giveaways)
Presented by the Children's Museum of Virginia, 420 High St. 757-393-5258.
