December 2025 Newsletter
Greetings All,
We hope this message finds you well. As we approach then end of 2025 and start looking towards a new year, The Office of Lifelong Learning (Believe in Learning Norfolk) is excited to continue its work into 2026.
Established through the Mayor’s Commission on Lifelong Learning, we are committed to fostering collaboration throughout our region. Together, we aim to enhance economic mobility, improve employment outcomes, boost literacy, and advance overall community well-being—all through the power of lifelong learning.
Upcoming Events from our Partners:
Dec 18, 2025 – Glass After Dark: December (Chrysler Museum of Art): This after-hours glassmaking showcase features live demonstrations, music, and refreshments. Guests can watch artists create illuminated works in a lively, social atmosphere.
Dec 19, 2025 – Elves Around the City: Pop-Up Litter Cleanup (Lafayette Park/Keep Norfolk Beautiful): Volunteers gather for a quick, spirited “elf-themed” litter cleanup to help keep Norfolk beautiful. Participants enjoy a fun and festive way to support community stewardship.
Dec 31, 2025 – Noon Year’s Eve (Virginia Zoo): Families celebrate the new year early with balloon drops, activities, and animal encounters. This kid-friendly event offers a midday countdown to 2026.
Continues until Jan 4, 2026 – Dominion Energy Garden of Lights (Norfolk Botanical Garden): Visitors stroll through millions of lights arranged across themed garden displays. It’s one of Norfolk’s most popular holiday traditions, offering a magical nighttime experience.
Jan 8, 2026 – Coffee Painting (d’Art Center): Participants learn to paint using brewed coffee as a natural medium, experimenting with tone and texture. An instructor guides the creative process in a relaxed studio environment.
Jan 15, 2026 – Glass After Dark: 2025 Fall Studio Assistants (Chrysler Museum of Art): This session spotlights the Chrysler’s Fall Studio Assistants as they demonstrate their glassmaking craft. Attendees enjoy an energetic evening of creativity, music, and refreshments.
Jan 16, 2026 – The Acting Company: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Virginia Arts Festival): The Acting Company performs Shakespeare’s classic comedy with fresh staging and dynamic talent. This production blends magic, romance, and mischief for audiences of all ages.
Jan 21, 2026 – Art Babies: Play with Clay (Chrysler Museum of Art): Designed for infants and toddlers, this class introduces little ones to textures and creativity through safe, sensory clay play. Caregivers and children explore art together in a welcoming setting.
Jan 23, 2026 – Trail Beautification Day (Elizabeth River Trail): Community volunteers join forces to clean, mulch, and improve sections of the trail. The event supports environmental stewardship and enhances public green spaces.
Jan 30, 2026 – Intelligence – Virginia Opera (7:30 PM): “Intelligence” brings to life a Civil War-era spy story through powerful operatic performance. The production blends drama, historical narrative, and rich vocal artistry.
Feb 1, 2026 – Intelligence – Virginia Opera (2:30 PM): The opera returns for a matinee performance.
Feb 11, 2026 – STEM on Tap (Nauticus): This hands-on science event invites adults to explore interactive STEM demonstrations while enjoying drinks and conversation. Participants learn from educators and innovators in a relaxed, social setting.
Feb 22, 2026 – Danish Radio Big Band feat. Cécile McLorin Salvant (Virginia Arts Festival): A world-class jazz collaboration featuring GRAMMY-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant and the renowned Danish Radio Big Band. Conductor Miho Hazama leads an evening of sophisticated, globally celebrated jazz.
Ongoing / Long-Running: Black Voices and Visions Exhibition – Norfolk Arts – Runs until April 4, 2026: This exhibition highlights the work of Black artists whose perspectives shape contemporary visual culture. It offers thought-provoking, powerful pieces that celebrate identity, heritage, and creative expression.
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