Weekend events in Hampton Roads

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - The following is a list of events happening in Hampton Roads this weekend.

Friday, November 18

• Suffolk Grand Illumination
  When/Where: 6 p.m. at Market Park, next to the Seaboard Station Railroad Museum at 326 North Main Street
  What: Light the 32 foot tree which signals the start of holiday festivities throughout Suffolk, watch Santa arrive in style, enjoy seasonal music, and purchase your own horse-drawn carriage ride. In addition, children can watch the original Dr Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," as well as participate in arts and crafts and letter-writing to Santa.
  More details: Parking will be available at First Baptist Parking Lot on Main Street and the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts at 110 Finney Avenue. For more details, call Lori Carter at (757) 514-7267.
   
• McDonald's Holiday Lights at the Beach opening night
  When/Where: Nov. 18 through Jan. 1 on the boardwalk between 2nd and 34th Streets
  More details: For more information, visit Beach Street USA's website
   
• Hampton Roads Night Out
  When/Where: 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. at Old Dominion University
  What: The Dwelling Place's Hampton Roads Night Out is a festive event where teams engage in friendly competition to raise funds and awareness for homeless families. Teams of 10 to 15 members from clubs and organizations pitch team campsites for an all-night adventure of games, music, cookouts, and more. Each team is asked for a $100 registration fee.
  More details: For more information, contact The Dwelling Place at (757) 622-4894 or visit www.thedwellingplaceva.org .
   
• Holly Festival of Trees benefit for CHKD (Gala, Live and Silent Auctions)
  When/Where: November 18 at 7 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, located at 100 19th Street in Virginia Beach
  What: Festive trees and elaborate tree-gift packages will be auctioned at the gala, which will feature an open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a personal flight in a military jet, tickets to sporting events, and more. The cost is $80 per person for this black tie affair. 10 On Your Side's Cheryl Tan will emcee the event and Scott Freeman of Dolphin Fixtures will be the auctioneer.
   
• Governor's School Jazz Big Band and Roy Muth Big Band
  When/Where: 8 p.m. at the Robin Hixon Theatre at the Virginia Arts Festival, located at 440 Bank Street in downtown Norfolk
  What: Tickets for the concert are available at the door and are $15 for adults and $5 for students
   

Saturday, November 19

• Grand Illumination Parade
  When/Where: 7 p.m. in Downtown Norfolk
  What: There will be numerous parade events for spectators varying from dance performances to jugglers to Christmas carols. Pre-parade events include the Virginia Stage Company caroling on the steps of Tidewater Community College at 5:30 p.m. Starting at 6 p.m. there will be entertainment on almost every street of downtown to include a juggler, military drumline, dance troupe, and Governor's School for the Arts students singing excerpts from Handel's Messiah at MacArthur Square. Entertainment continues in Town Point Park with a dance troupe and animation video. During pre-parade events, many of Norfolk's mascots can also be seen.
   
• Light Up the Town Parade
  When/Where: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fountain Plaza in Virginia Beach Town Center
  What: A festive parade will step off at 5 p.m., escorting Santa from Constitution Drive along Main Street to the Town Center Plaza. At 6 p.m., he and the crowds will "Light Up the Town," illuminating a 30-foot tree, the office buildings, and holiday decorations throughout the square. The event will include a laser light show, food vendors, face painters, caricature artists, and music.
  More details: For more information, visit the Town Center of Virginia Beach website .
   
• Holly Festival of Trees benefit for CHKD (Breakfast with Santa)
  When/Where: November 19 at 10 a.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, located at 100 19th Street in Virginia Beach
  What: Children can visit and have their photo taken with Santa, enjoy a full breakfast, partake in holiday crafts and activities, and enjoy an interactive trains display. Tickets are $20 per person.