Seasonal and Holiday Events
Whether you’re in town for a holiday or just want to get a feel for the city’s take on the seasons, there are plenty of seasonal and holiday events in Chesapeake to keep you busy year-round.
Winter
Held annually by the National Audubon Society, Chesapeake’s Christmas Bird Count is the ideal way to see some of the over 200 species of birds flying south for the winter as they migrate across Virginia. Free to participate, this holiday season event is a wonderful way to celebrate nature with family and friends.
Kick off the holiday season with Chesapeake's newest holiday light show, Deck the Hall, a free, drive-through laser light show that will project festive, holiday scenes on the front of the Chesapeake City Hall building. From here be sure to venture over to one of the many family light shows held in Chesapeake, including the Pugh Family Christmas Light Show which was featured on the "The Great Christmas Light Fight" in 2017.
Spring
Spring is the time for the Chesapeake EGGspedition. This yearly celebration for children takes place at local participating Chesapeake parks. Find one GOLDEN EGG hidden amongst hundreds of goody stuffed eggs at each participating park.
Another sure sign that spring is here is the arrival of the Chesapeake Jubilee. For several days in May, come to Chesapeake City Park for a fair experience featuring tons of rides and games, fireworks, music and entertainment, arts and crafts, a Shrimp Feast, and, of course, plenty of food vendors.
Summer
Let freedom ring in July by checking out the Celebrate Freedom Concert and Fireworks at Chesapeake City Park. Beginning at 5 p.m., guests can delight in food, fun, and tons of children’s activities. Afterward, listen to music from the U.S. Fleet Forces Band before settling in on the lawn for an impressive fireworks display.
Another way to celebrate the Fourth of July in Hampton Roads is to head to the Annual South Norfolk Parade & Picnic in the Park. At this free event in Lakeside Park, watch live entertainment, take a paddle boat ride, and chow down on delicious snacks.
Fall
For just over a month each fall, Bergey’s Corn Maze opens to give visitors a chance to wind their way through the fields of maize. For a per-person fee, spend a few hours on the farm enjoying wagon rides, a petting zoo, and tons of terrific photo opportunities. Pumpkins are available for sale to complete your autumn adventure.
Featuring more than 100 vendors, including a Kidz Korner complete with activities for the youngest guests, Chesapeake Jubilee Fall Craft Market is a great place to spend the day doing some holiday shopping, all while supporting local businesses. It all takes place at Chesapeake City Park.
Not done shopping? Spend your weekend at the Holiday Craft Show. Taking place at the Chesapeake Conference Center, you can purchase handmade decorations and one-of-a-kind gifts, from bedazzled hair ties to whittled walking sticks, all from local crafters. Santa will be ready and waiting for toy requests and photos.