News Flash

Dec. 1, 2017 - From lift off to markets and mistletoe tours, Hampton has a number of upcoming events designed to keep you in the holiday mood.

Lift Off refers to the annual Holly Days parade, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, starting at 7 p.m. The theme, Holiday Lift Off, is in celebration of the NASA Langley Research Center's 100th anniversary in Hampton. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including best commercial float, best community band, best dance group and best illumination. The grand marshal for the parade will be Clayton Turner, deputy director at NASA Langley. Turner is active in community outreach and in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematic careers. 

You can learn more about the parade, including the parade route and streets that will be closed downtown, at http://www.hampton.gov/2010/Holly-Days-Parade. 

Earlier on Saturday, Dec. 10, the Hampton History Museum hosts the Holiday Market, where unique gifts by local artists will be available, along with children's activities and Selfies with Santa at the Hampton Carousel.  On Sunday, Dec. 11, the Hampton Roads Philharmonic will perform winter classics and holiday favorites at the American Theatre. And don't forget about the Downtown Hampton Block Party on New Year's Eve, when you can dine at one of 17 restaurants downtown, dance to a DJ and watch a new downtown tradition - the dropping of the crab pot at midnight.

If you want to know more about these and other events this holiday season, including the lighted boat parade, performances by Dianne Reeves and Darlene Love, a holiday train display and the Mistletoe marketplace, visit www.hampton.gov/holidayevents.