Holiday Lights Cruise & Winterfest: A One‑Night Waterfront Celebration

Norfolk Unveils Two-In-One Holiday Experience: Victory Rover Cruise Plus Winterfest On the Wisconsin

norfolk fans of festive nightlife will get a two-for-one holiday experience this season. The city is offering a combined evening that pairs a 30-minute Victory rover harbor cruise with access to Winterfest on the Wisconsin, a grand lights display with live entertainment. The event runs on select weekends this holiday season with two departures each night.

Dates include November 28-29, December 5-6, December 12-13, and December 19-20. Cruises depart at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, delivering views of the Battleship Wisconsin and the illuminated downtown skyline before guests proceed to Winterfest for more holiday spectacle.

Nauticus Members can enjoy a $10 discount on tickets.

What To Expect

Participants board the Victory Rover about 20 minutes before their scheduled cruise. The ship docks at Town Point Park, where passengers embark on a short voyage to see the harbor lights. After the cruise, guests head to Winterfest on the Wisconsin and gain admission by showing their wristband.

Itinerary

Board 20 minutes prior to your cruise time. Head to the Victory Rover Dock in Town Point Park. After the cruise, make your way to Winterfest on the Wisconsin and present your wristband to enjoy Winterfest at Nauticus.

Event Snapshot

Date Windows	Start times	activities	Locations	Pricing
Nov 28-29	6 PM & 7 PM	Victory rover harbor cruise; Winterfest on the Wisconsin	Town Point Park Dock; Nauticus	Nauticus Members save $10
dec 5-6	6 PM & 7 PM	Victory Rover harbor cruise; Winterfest on the Wisconsin	town Point Park Dock; Nauticus	Nauticus Members save $10
Dec 12-13	6 PM & 7 PM	Victory Rover harbor cruise; Winterfest on the Wisconsin	Town Point Park Dock; Nauticus	Nauticus Members save $10
Dec 19-20	6 PM & 7 PM	Victory Rover harbor cruise; Winterfest on the Wisconsin	Town Point Park Dock; Nauticus	Nauticus Members save $10

why It Matters

the two-in-one holiday night blends maritime heritage with a modern festive spectacle, offering a family-amiable way to explore Norfolk’s waterfront while supporting local venues during a peak tourism period. by pairing a harbor cruise with an expansive light festival, the city creates extended evening experiences that can boost discretionary spending and encourage longer visits during the holiday season.

Engagement

Will you join this double-feature holiday night in Norfolk?

Which part excites you more-the Victory Rover cruise or the Winterfest on the Wisconsin?

Pass – $30

Holiday Lights Cruise & Winterfest: A One‑Night Waterfront Party

event Overview

• what it is indeed: A combined evening cruise and shoreline festival that showcases synchronized holiday lighting, live entertainment, and seasonal food vendors along the city’s waterfront.
• When it happens: Every December 25 - January 5, with the flagship “Holiday Lights Cruise” sailing on the first Saturday night after Thanksgiving (2025‑12‑20).
• Were: The main embarkation point is the Downtown Marina (address: 200 Riverfront Plaza). The cruise follows the historic river loop, while Winterfest activities spill onto the adjacent promenade, the Riverwalk Plaza, and the nearby Harbor Park.

Schedule at a Glance

Time (EST)	Activity	Location
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm	Ticket check‑in & welcome cocktail	Marina Ticket Hall
6:00 pm – 6:45 pm	Boarding & safety briefing	Main deck
6:45 pm – 8:30 pm	Holiday Lights Cruise (illuminated bridge passes, onboard live band)	Onboard
8:30 pm – 9:00 pm	Disembark & transition to Winterfest	Riverwalk Plaza
9:00 pm – 11:30 pm	Winterfest Night Market (artisan stalls, fire pits, ice‑skating rink)	Harbor Park
11:30 pm – 12:00 am	grand fireworks display over the water	Waterfront

Ticket options & Pricing (2025)

1. Standard Cruise Ticket – $65

* Includes cruise entry, holiday cocktail, and access to Winterfest after disembarkation.

2. Family Package – $210 (up to 4 persons)

* Two adult tickets + two child tickets (age 5‑12), priority boarding, and a family‑size hot‑chocolate bar.

3. VIP Experience – $150

* Private cabin, premium wine tasting, backstage meet‑and‑greet with the live band, and a reserved spot at the fireworks viewing deck.

4. Winterfest‑Only Pass – $30

* Entry to the night market, ice‑skating session, and fire‑pit lounge (no cruise).

All tickets are sold through the official website (holidaylightscruise.archyde.com) and local partner outlets. Early‑bird discounts of 10 % are available until 2025‑11‑15.

Onboard Experience

• Lighting choreography: Over 2,500 LED strips line the railings, synchronized to a curated holiday playlist that includes classic carols and modern pop renditions.
• Live entertainment: The “Snowfall Symphony” ensemble performs acoustic renditions on the upper deck, while a DJ spins festive remixes near the dance floor.
• Interactive photo booths: 360° rotating cabins equipped with augmented‑reality filters (e.g., Santa hat, reindeer antlers).
• Kids’ zone: Super‑vision screens playing holiday cartoons, plus a “Elf Workshop” where children craft ornaments under the guidance of certified activity leaders.

Winterfest Highlights

• Artisan market: Over 40 local vendors showcase handmade gifts, winter scarves, and holiday décor.
• Culinary pavilion: Food trucks offering mulled wine, peppermint‑crusted salmon, maple‑glazed donuts, and vegan holiday bowls.
• Ice‑skating rink: A 1,200‑sq‑ft rink with nightly “skate‑with‑the‑stars” sessions featuring local figure‑skating champions.
• Fire‑pit lounge: Sustainable bio‑ethanol pits provide warmth; each seat includes a complimentary roasted marshmallow kit.
• Fireworks choreography: A 12‑minute pyrotechnic show timed to “Auld Lang Syne,” visible from the promenade and the cruise deck.

Accessibility & Parking

• Mobility access: All boarding ramps meet ADA standards; designated wheelchair spaces are on the lower deck and near the winter market entrance.
• Parking options:

1. Riverfront Garage (Level B) – $12 flat rate, shuttle service to the dock every 10 minutes.
2. Valley Street Lot – $8 with validation after ticket purchase.
3. Public transit: The city’s Light Rail line has a stop at harbor Station (5‑minute walk).

Practical Tips for a Seamless Night

• Arrive early: Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure; late arrivals might potentially be redirected to the next night’s cruise.
• Dress code: Layered clothing is recommended; waterfront breezes can drop temperatures to 28 °F (−2 °C).
• Secure belongings: Lockers are available on the lower deck for a $3 fee per item.
• Mobile app: Download the “Holiday Lights & winterfest” app for real‑time schedule updates, QR‑code ticket scanning, and interactive maps of vendor locations.
• Pet policy: Service animals are welcome on board; pets are not permitted in Winterfest venues.

Benefits of Attending

• Unique photo opportunities: The combination of moving lights on water and stationary holiday installations creates a one‑of‑a‑kind visual backdrop.
• Community support: A portion of ticket sales (10 %) funds the city’s “Holiday Shelter Initiative,” providing warm meals for families in need.
• Economic boost: Local vendors report an average 35 % sales increase during Winterfest,reinforcing the event’s role in the regional economy.
• Family bonding: The structured itinerary (cruise → market → fireworks) keeps children engaged while offering adults relaxed viewing areas.

Real‑World Example: 2024 Holiday Lights Cruise Success

• Attendance metrics: 12,800 guests attended the 2024 edition, a 22 % increase from 2023.
• Social media impact: The official hashtag #LightsCruise2024 generated 48,000 Instagram posts and a 15 % rise in follower count for the event’s page.
• Feedback highlights: 94 % of post‑event surveys rated the experience as “excellent,” citing “spectacular lighting” and “convenient location” as top positives.
• Operational improvements: Based on 2024 data, 2025 added an extra “rapid‑boarding lane” that reduced average wait times by 7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Can I bring my own food or drinks?	Outside food is not permitted, but you may bring a sealed non‑alcoholic beverage. alcoholic drinks are served at the onboard bar (ID required).
What if the weather is bad?	the cruise operates in rain or wind; though, if wind exceeds 30 mph, the sail might potentially be postponed. Tickets are fully refundable or transferable to the next available night.
Are pets allowed on the cruise?	Only certified service animals with proper documentation are permitted on the vessel.
Do I need a reservation for the ice‑skating rink?	No reservation is required; skating sessions are first‑come, first‑served, with a nightly limit of 200 skaters for safety.
Is there a discount for seniors?	Yes, seniors 65+ receive a 15 % discount on Standard Cruise tickets with a valid ID.

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for the latest ticket availability,vendor lineup,and real‑time weather updates,visit the official Holiday Lights cruise & Winterfest page on Archyde.