Holiday Fun List

The Hampton Roads area is full of fun things to do and see all year long, but especially at Christmas! Below are a few of our favorite things to see, make, read, and eat during the holiday season, including a list of handmade gift ideas that even kids can make!


What have we forgotten? Let us know your favorites!

GO:

Bright's Christmas Tree Farm: Where you can pick your own Christmas tree, cut it down, and take it home with you.

Children's Theatre of Hampton Roads: Their don't-miss holiday offering this year is Uncle Wiggly's Christmas Carol. 

Children's Museum of Virginia: The CMV has several seasonal exhibits (including the free Snow Wonders.)

Chrysler Museum Glass Studio: Watch visiting artists craft handmade ornaments or make one yourself.

Eastern Shore VA: Kiptopeke is lovely this time of year, and the old Victorian houses in Cape Charles will put you in the mood for the season. (Cape Charles also hosts Festive Fridays through the end of December).

Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden: The best holiday light display in the area (in our humble opinion).
Moses Myers House: Celebrate Hannukah at the historic home of Norfolk's first Jewish family.

Olde Towne Portsmouth: Ride the Elizabeth River ferry over to stroll the seawall or to get a glimpse of the Norfolk skyline at night.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is charming. Christmas at the Yorktown Victory Center includes a look at a colonial village and a walk through a winter Revolutionary war encampment.

Virginia Aquarium: Featuring several holiday programs, including the famous SCUBA Santa!

Winter Wonderland at Hunt Club Farm: Petting zoo, light show, and more!

Winter Wonderland at Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center: Dozens and dozens of Christmas decorations and maybe even a snow flurry or two.



MAKE:

Cardboard roll bird feeders: A little treat for the ones who didn't fly south.

Last minute holiday crafts: Instructions for making baking soda clay ornaments, pinecone pom-pom Christmas trees, and an easy star garland.

Salt crystal paintings: Wintery art that even the smallest can do. Great for gift tags and cards!
Stained glass solstice lanterns: These festive oiled paper lanterns would be nice around the house or as gifts.
Tissue paper bowls: Use holiday-colored tissue to make seasonal decor or someone's favorite colors to make decorative gifts.

Three snow day activities


COOK: 

Homemade Saltwater Taffy: Great for a gift or just for yourself! Add red and green sprinkles and peppermint flavoring for a holiday treat.

Red Hot Apples: From a friend's family recipe.

Hot Buttered Lemonade: perfect on a cold day as an alternative to hot chocolate.

Snow Candy: Just like they made in the Little House books!

DIY Marzipan Christmas trees: Festive and delicious.

Tahini Halawa: a Middle Eastern candy that is easy to make and tastes delicious.

GIFT: 

Custom state prints: use Photoshop and a special font to create custom nursery and wedding prints.

Foam sticker stamps: Use wood blocks as a base, add in a few colorful inkpads, and make a handful to give to your best friend (or teacher!)

DIY Bath Bombs: Kid-friendly and a big hit for all ages.

Create-Your-Own Postcards: An inexpensive way for kids to design and send holiday greetings.
Herb-infused sugars: These flavored sugars add an oomph to baked goods and are so simple to make.

Popsicle stick bracelets: A fun and personalized gift kids can make for friends.

Tangrams: use foam sheets to make a puzzle that will build creativity and problem solving. Find a wood version here.

Terrariums: Make a miniature landscape under glass.
And don't forget to make your own gift wrap!  Use dot markers, apple stamps, or tissue paper rosettes to embellish!



READ:

Kids' Books about Winter

25 Holiday Picture Books