How will Suffolk kick off its holiday season? With the magic of Mary Poppins and the magic of a grand parade.
On Dec. 14, the entire family is invited to the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and Suffolk Division of Tourism’s “Movies at the Center” at 2 p.m.
The free screening at the center at 110 W. Finney Ave. will feature the box office success of the PG-rated 2018 film “Mary Poppins Returns,” the sequel to the 1964 Disney classic with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
This time, Emily Blunt will portray the magical perfect-in-every-way nanny who arrives in Depression era London to save the family of the now grown-up Michael Banks. The film also stars Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and “Hamilton’s” Lin-Manuel Miranda.
As an added treat, Poppins herself will pop in for a meet and greet and photo ops with moviegoers.
Although there’s no admission charge, please be sure to bring along a nonperishable food donation to help feed the hungry during the holidays.
Call 514-4130 or 923-2900 for more information.
And after the flick stick around downtown Suffolk and seek out a spot along West Washington Street, North Main Street or Finney Avenue for a good view of the annual Suffolk Holiday Parade that will commence its grand procession at 7 p.m. Dec. 14.
Forget Macy’s holiday parade, Suffolk’s merry march will feature floats, equestrian units, marching bands, vintage and decorated vehicles, parade squads, and local dignitaries and community leaders.
Free parking will be available at various city lots including the Godwin Courts, Commerce Street, Market Park and Suffolk Visitor Center parking areas.
It’s all free and festive. Call 514-4130 for more information.
GOOD GRIEF! A JAZZY YULE
Have yourself a jazzy little Christmas by attending Portsmouth Community Concerts Inc.’s next performance.
At 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, the series will present the Eric Mintel Quartet in concert at the Churchland High School auditorium, 4301 Cedar Road.
Pianist, composer and band leader Mintel and his group — saxophonist Nelson Hill, bassist Jack Hegyi and drummer Dave Mohn — will offer the musical program “A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas.” It will feature the now iconic seasonal jazz created by legendary jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi for the 1965 television Christmas special based on the Charles Schulz comic strip characters.
Mintel’s combo has been earning accolades and critical acclaim since 1993 having performed at venues, concerts and festivals across the country and abroad.
Mintel, a Pennsylvania native, cut his musical teeth on such jazz classics as Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo a la Turk” and Paul Desmond’s “Take Five.” He’s performed at the White House, the United Nations and the Kennedy Center, and has been featured on the popular NPR radio series “Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland.”
Tickets are $25 for adults; students are admitted free.
For tickets or more information, call 686-5447 or visit portsmouthcommunityconcerts.com.
PORTSMOUTH HOLIDAY WONDERS
What better way to celebrate Christmas and the winter holidays in Portsmouth than by viewing “Winter Wonderland: The Coleman Collection,” the display based on the historic and iconic Coleman’s Nursery Winter Wonderland.
The now refurbished, reimagined and reenvisioned holiday displays, dioramas and exhibits are at the Children’s Museum of Virginia, 221 High St., from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31.
Have you and your family witness the holiday magic along with having fun with sock skating and a scavenger hunt.
And during Fridays and Saturdays take in "Snow Wonders,” a light, snow and music show by the Children’s Museum from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Children of all ages will be dazzled by the show accompanied by, what else, snow!
Experience an African American 19th century Christmas celebration at 11 am. and 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Children’s Museum.
The New Bern Jonkonnu Band will dress in colorful period costumes and fashions while offering historic dances and music of the postcolonial era.
During the holidays, admission for all will be $5. For more information, call 393-5258 or visit childrensmuseumvirginia.com.
Weekend Scoop
How about celebrating Christmas in Cradock and Olde Towne?
From 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 7, everyone is invited to celebrate Christmas In Cradock.
The free seasonal party at the Cradock Baptist Church, 96 Afton Parkway, will feature the lighting of the gazebo, Christmas carols, refreshments and children’s activities.
On Dec. 14, trek to the city’s Olde Towne section for the annual Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival.
The celebration will kick off at 10 a.m. with the annual children’s parade through Olde Towne. Afterward, the public will hear strolling carolers along Washington and Water streets. Costumed performers and music groups will set up along the High Street corridor. Children’s activities will be ongoing at the Middle Street Mall, adjacent to the Children’s Museum, and marshmallows will be roasted at various fire pits.
For more Olde Towne information, call 393-8481.
Eric W. Feber, ewjfeber@gmail.com