NORFOLK, VA – Thousands are expected to line the streets of Downtown Norfolk for the 37th Annual Grand Illumination Parade on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Hampton Roads Transit is making it easier to get there with a special event pass for the ferry and light rail. These round-trip passes are $4.00 each and are valid on Nov. 18 only. They will be available for purchase on Ticketleap beginning November 10 through the day of the parade.
To further accommodate parade goers, the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry will operate with increased frequency on parade day. Starting at 4:00 p.m., The Tide will operate on a 10-minute schedule up until one hour following the end of the parade. Then, from 10:00 p.m. to midnight, light rail will run every 30-minutes. HRT will not serve the Harbor Park light rail station between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on the day of the parade, as Harbor Park is a staging area for parade participants. The Elizabeth River Ferry will operate every 15-minutes from 4:00 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. from Waterside, High Street, and North Landing. Bus service will be suspended at stops in Downtown Norfolk impacted by traffic restrictions for the parade. FREE parking is available for light rail customers at Newtown Road Station, Military Highway Station, and Ballentine Broad/Creek Station.