NORFOLK, Va.The 38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade returns to Downtown Norfolk on Saturday, Nov. 23 – and getting there will be jolly with Hampton Roads Transit.
HRT is offering $4 roundtrip special event fare passes for travel on the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry. Kids under 17 ride free with a paying adult.
Passes are available to purchase in advance with Ticketleap at gohrt.com/gi now through Nov. 23. The pass is valid for travel on Nov. 23 only.
In addition to convenient ticketing, light rail and ferry will operate more frequently on parade day to accommodate paradegoers.
Elizabeth River Ferry
Starting at 10 a.m., the ferry will operate on a 30-minute frequency to and from Waterside in Norfolk and High Street and North Landing in Portsmouth. Beginning at 4 p.m., ferry service will increase to every 15 minutes, with the last boat departing Waterside at 11:45 p.m.
Tide Light Rail
Tide light rail will operate on a 10-minute frequency from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., or one hour after the parade. Light rail service will operate on a 30-minute frequency from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with the last trains departing EVMC/Fort Norfolk and Newtown Road stations at 11 p.m.
Note: Harbor Park Light Rail Station will not be served between 5 and 9 p.m.
Bus Operations
HRT will operate five shuttle buses at City Hall Avenue near MacArthur Station to support light rail overflow passengers after the parade. Shuttle buses will carry passengers directly from MacArthur Station to Newtown Road Station. One shuttle bus will be available at Civic Plaza for light rail overflow passengers.
Bus service will be suspended downtown due to traffic restrictions during the event.
Park and Ride for Free
Free parking is available for light rail customers at Newtown Road Station, Military Highway Station, Ballentine Broad/Creek Station, and EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station.
For more information on parade passes, hours of operation, or parking, please visit www.gohrt.com.
Media Contact:
Thomas Becher, APR
Manager, Communications
Date: November 18, 2024
Cell: (757) 354-0564
Office: (757) 222-6010