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How to Get to the Grand Illumination Parade

So you want to join us for the Grand Illumination Parade? Great! Now how do you get to Downtown Norfolk? 

Arriving By Car

From Richmond, Washington D.C. and points North & West

  • Follow I-95 South to I-64 East in Richmond.
  • Follow I-64 through Williamsburg, Newport News and Hampton into Norfolk.
  • Take Exit #284 onto I-264 West towards Downtown Norfolk.
  • Take Exit #9, Waterside Drive.
  • After 5pm, we recommend using Exit #10, City Hall or Exit #11, Brambleton.

From New York, Philadelphia and points North

  • Follow Route 13 through the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia.
  • Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
  • Stay on Route 13, which will become Northampton Blvd.
  • Take Northampton Blvd. to I-64 East.
  • Take Exit #284 onto I-264 West towards Downtown Norfolk.
  • Take Exit #9, Waterside Drive.
  • After 5pm, we recommend using Exit #10, City Hall or Exit #11, Brambleton.

From Raleigh and points South

  • Take I-95 North to Route 58 East.
  • Exit onto I-664 East to I-264 East.
  • Follow through the Downtown Tunnel and cross the Berkley Bridge.
  • Take Exit #9, Waterside Drive.
  • After 5pm, we recommend using Exit #10, City Hall or Exit #11, Brambleton.

Once you are here, you can park in one of Downtown Norfolk's parking garages. We also suggest you look at our parade route map to see where parking garages are located along the route, and see our Parade Day of Information for parking garage rates.

Public Transportation

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is the region's public transportation system, connecting the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News via bus, paratransit, ferry, and light rail services.  For route schedules and general information, call 757-222-6100 or visit GoHRT.com.

Grand Illumination Special Event Fare Pass — Ferry or Light Rail Only

$4.00 Roundtrip Grand Illumination Special Event Fare Passes will be available for sale on Ticketleap beginning November 18 to November 23, 2024. The event pass is valid for use November 23, 2024 only on the Ferry or The Tide Light Rail.

Hampton Roads’ light rail system, The Tide, connects travelers and commuters from Newtown Road to Eastern Virginia Medical Center (EVMC). With 10 stops, five of which are within the Downtown corridor, riders are sure to find the service relaxing and convenient. Park & Ride stops include Newtown Road, Military Highway and Ballentine/Broad Creek.

The Tide Light Rail System

  • 6am-4pm — Regular rail service will operate until 4pm.
  • 4pm-10pm* — Rail service will operate on a 10-minute frequency (*up to 1 hour after the end of the parade).
  • 10pm-Midnight — Rail service will operate on a 30-minute frequency. The last train departing EVMC for Newtown road is at Midnight. The last train departing Newtown Road for EVMC is at Midnight.

Harbor Park Light Rail Station will not be served between 5pm and 9pm.

Elizabeth River Ferry
The HRT Elizabeth River Ferry system runs between Downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth (North Landing and High Street Docks) offering a unique view of the river and the waterfront.

Ferry Service Hours

  • 10am-4pm — Ferry service will operate on a 30-minute frequency to Waterside, High Street and North Landing.
  • 4pm-11:45pm — Ferry service will operate on a 15-minute frequency to Waterside, High Street and North Landing.