Christmas is hands-down my favorite holiday. I love everything this time of year brings -- the lights, the Christmas trees, the peppermint flavored everything, the Frasier Fir candles, the Hallmark movies, the parties, the music, & so much more. I have many joy-filled memories with my family & friends during this season.

Hampton Roads has so many festive things to do this time of year. Here are some ideas for you & yours…

· Drive down 43rd street at the Oceanfront to see homes with some of the prettiest lights around.

· Grab drinks at the Raleigh Room and peek the Cavalier’s holiday décor (insider tip: $1 champagne for the ladies every Thursday night)

· Go see “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at The Commodore Theater in Portsmouth

· Don’t miss the lights at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens and the Virginia Beach Boardwalk

· Visit CBN’s Christmas Village and shop the marketplace, catch “It’s a Wonderful Life” in the theater, or take an evening carriage ride

· Shop Town Center and see the life-sized snow globes that come to life with ballerinas, elves, and musicians

· Take a ride on the interactive seesaws at MacArthur Mall or test your skills on the ice skating rink

· Go to one of the many Holiday parades or tree lighting ceremonies around town

· Buy one, GET ONE Gold Key restaurant gift cards to use at your favorite restaurants at The Main, Cavalier, or the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront (coming soon) during their holiday special

· Venture up to Williamsburg and visit Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens Christmas Town

· On days when it’s too cold, stay home and bake any of these amazing cookies from my new favorite food blogger/cookbook author, Half Baked Harvest

From my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

PS: Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing photos of my clients' holiday decor. Keep an eye on my Instagram Stories!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year