A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland… an excerpt from one of my favorite holiday songs. Probably because it reflects the spirit of the season. There’s nothing better than bundling up, getting out with your family, and enjoying the comraderie of your friends and neighbors. And, when Hampton Roads gets into the season, it is a truly wondrous sight to behold!From December 5th until December 22, Wells Theatre in Norfolk is putting on the classic, A Christmas Carol. The timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future has entertained and enlightened thousands of theater-goers, reminding everyone of the true meaning of the holiday season. Location: 254 Granby Street. Contact: http://www.vastage.com/

To put yourself in the holiday mood, why not visit Newport News’ Celebration in Lights running from November 22 until January 1st (5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)? Newport News is proud to be the home of the first drive-through holiday light event in Virginia. The two-mile drive features spectacular holiday light displays and winds through the woods and lakes of Newport News Park. View whimsical toys, elegant swans and scenes from Virginia’s past portrayed in a kaleidoscope of dazzling color created by over 650,000 lights. During the dark winter evenings, the park’s lakes become magical mirrors reflecting sailing ships and “spring” blossoming trees. Pack the car full and turn up the heat! Location: Newport News Regional Park is located at exit 250B from I-64. Price: $8.00 per car, $50.00 per bus. Contact: 926-1400 or http://www.nnparks.com/festivals.php

You could also start the season out right by going to Hollydazzle at the City Center at Oyster Point Foundation Plaza in Newport News. On November 30th from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. get together with the community and enjoy the feeling of the onset of the holiday season. This unique holiday event combines fireworks, special effects, and music in a spectacular show presented on the Fountain Plaza. There will be free children’s activities, holiday performances, and lots of yummy food. Location: City Center at Oyster Point Foundation Plaza. Free admission. Contact: http://www.nnparks.com/festivals.php

If you want a little bit of history in your church services this month consider visiting Historic St. Luke’s Church 5th Sunday Service on December 30th (starts at 11 a.m.).
St. Luke’s was established around 1632 and is known as the “Oldest church of English origin in America” and is inviting the public for the 5th Sunday Service being sponsored by Christ Episcopal Church. There will be tours and the gift shop will be open from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Our regular hours are Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 to 4:00pm Sunday 1:00 to 4:00pm, April through October; Tuesday - Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00 to 5:00pm. Location: 14477 Benn’s Church Blvd. Smithfield, VA 23430. Contact: 357-3367 or http://www.historicstlukes.org/

An event perfect for a group of friends or visiting family members from out of town is the James River Plantation Progressive Carol Tour & Dinner (December 15th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.). The spirits of Christmas past comes to life during this special evening presentation. Explore history, holiday musical traditions and culinary delights while exploring Piney Grove - 1790, Ashland - 1835, Ladysmith - 1857 and Duck Church -1917. You will also enjoy the very unique collection of Christmas decorations of the Gordineer that spans five generations! This offering may be arranged for private groups on other dates, and is ideal for a corporate holiday party. There are also package plans available with historic bed & breakfast lodging on the property. Location: 16920 Southall Plantation Lane, Williamsburg. Contact: (804) 829-2196 or http://www.pineygrove.com/

For a double-hitter in Yorktown why not make a day of visiting the Christmas Market (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 301 Mainstreet) and then staying for the Lighted Boat Parade (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Yorktown Beach, 425 Water Street)? On Saturday, December 1st, the 2nd annual Christmas Market on historic Main Street will feature demonstrations, arts and crafts, living history, antique cars, roasted chestnuts and hot cider, entertainment, food and much more. This event is free. Contact: http://www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism/. After the cider and chestnuts, why not visit the waterfront and listen to musical performance in front of a beach bonfire while boaters parade down the York River in competition for the “Best in Show” prize for this magnificent parade! This event is free. Contact: http://www.yorkcounty.gov/cyc/

Want to experience true colonial holiday traditions? The Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center are presenting English customs of the earliest Jamestown settlers and depicting the desperate winters of the 18th-century American Revolution (December 22nd to December 31st). At Jamestown Settlement, film and guided tours compare and contrast English Christmas customs of the period with how the season may have been observed in the difficult early years of the Jamestown colony. At the Yorktown Victory Center, you can hear accounts of Christmas and winter in military encampments during the American Revolution and glimpse holiday preparations on a 1780’s Virginia farm. Location: Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center. Contact: 888-593-4682 or http://www.historyisfun.org/calendar.htm

The Children’s Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth is presenting Holidays Around the World. Kids can learn the traditional holiday celebrations from countries around the world at this entertaining and educational program. Parents will enjoy the opportunity to learn with their kids and everyone will love the creative and festive atmosphere! Location: 221 High Street. Time: December 8th 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact 757-7757 or http://www.childrensmuseumva.com/contact_us.html

In Chesapeake there are a variety of offerings. You have the Indian River Christmas Craft Show (November 17th – 18th, 382-6411) where you will be sure to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list while tasting all the treats that are up for sale. On December 1st there is the Chesapeake Christmas Parade (Mt. Pleasant Rd. and Battlefield Blvd., 418-1321) which will fascinate both the young and young-at-heart. And, on December 8th you really should visit the South Norfolk Christmas Open House (547-1165). Beautiful decorations combined with lively companionship makes this a holiday must-do! For more information on what’s happening during the holiday season in Chesapeake, please check online at http://www.visitchesapeake.com/upcoming.html