🌞Good morning, Newport News! No matter how busy life gets this time of year, I hope you find a few moments this week to enjoy the simple magic of Christmas.
In today’s Newport Newser:
⚓ Shipyard momentum builds 🎶 Big festival coming to Downtown 📚 Strong results from NN schools 🎸 A local blues legend honored 🍽️ Dressed Duck, a holiday classic
It’s all in today’s Newport Newser! |
Trivia Question❓Newport News was named after Captain Christopher Newport. What famous settlement did he help establish? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
💪Personalized fitness for people with medical or neurological conditions, focused on getting stronger, moving better, and staying active in a safe, supportive space. Options include 1:1 and small-group training to build strength, confidence, and real-world movement at your pace.
📍 12680 McManus Blvd 📞 Sarah Tucker: 757-504-0474 |
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The next Ford-class carrier, USS John F. Kennedy, is expected to start sea trials early next year, showing job security and stability at Newport News Shipbuilding. Read More... |
🎶 Big festival coming to Downtown |
City Council approved about $3 million to launch a major music festival over Memorial Day weekend 2026 downtown, with big names, art, tech experiences, youth activities and more. It’s a boost for local culture and downtown energy.
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📚 Schools on the rise |
Recent state data shows Newport News Public Schools are fully accredited and graduation rates are climbing above 97%, with several schools earning top performance ratings.
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🎸 Newport News honors a local music legend |
Blues musician Bobby “BlackHat” Walters was officially named Newport News’ Blues Ambassador, recognizing decades of keeping the blues alive right here at home. It’s a well-earned nod to a hometown artist who’s put Newport News on the map through music, mentorship, and pure love for the craft.
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Your Newport News Forecast |
⛅Thursday 60° 53° Cloudy
☔Friday 61° 31° AM Rain/Wind
☀️Saturday 49° 38° Sunny
☀️Sunday 61° 28° Mostly Sunny
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📅 This Weekend in Newport News |
🎉 Friday, Dec 19
🎶 Soulful Celebration
📅 Fri, Dec 19 | 7 PM A soulful holiday concert at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. 🎅 Dinner with Santa
📅 Fri, Dec 19 | 6–8 PM Free Serving Heroes community meal, crafts for kids, and Santa at the Fort Eustis Community Rec Center. 🎄The 1700 Command Christmas Party
📅 Fri, Dec 19 | 5–10 PM Ugly sweaters, brews, and a white elephant swap at 1700 Brewing. 🎉 5th Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
📅 Fri, Dec 19 | 8 PM Live music, prizes, and peak ugly sweater energy. 🎡 Saturday, Dec 20
🚂 Ho Ho Ho at the Depot!
📅 Sat, Dec 20 | 10 AM–4 PM Santa, model trains, and holiday fun at Lee Hall Depot. 🎼 Handel’s Messiah with Eric Jacobsen
📅 Sat, Dec 20 | 2:30 PM A classic holiday performance at the Ferguson Center. 🐐 Live Animal Nativity
📅 Sat, Dec 20 | 4–6 PM Walk-through nativity with live animals at Warwick Memorial UMC. 🎶 Umi’s 3rd Annual Caroling on Chestnut
📅 Sat, Dec 20 | 6 PM Community caroling with warm drinks and holiday cheer. 🕎 JKids Hanukkah Shell Decorating & Latke Bar
📅 Sat, Dec 20 | 7–9 PM Hanukkah crafts and a latke bar for kids (K–8). $10 per child. 🎭 Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
📅 Sat, Dec 20 | 7 PM A darker Dickens twist at Peninsula Community Theatre. 🩰 Virginia Regional Ballet: The Nutcracker
📅 Fri–Sun, Dec 19–21 Classic holiday ballet at the Ferguson Center’s Diamonstein Concert Hall. ✨ Ongoing Holiday Lights
🎄 Artech Lights: Animated Holiday Tree Show
📅 Dec 6–Jan 1 | 5–9 PM A 30-ft animated tree synced to holiday music. 🌟 Winter Nature Nights
📅 Select nights through Dec 23 | 5:30–8:15 PM Twinkling lights and glowing trails at the Virginia Living Museum. |
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Meet Matt Brown, the manager at the Burger King on Warwick Blvd near Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. Some of his coworkers jokingly call him “Dudley Do-Right” because he’s always ready to help and keeps things running smoothly.
Matt has managed the store for two years and is known for remembering his regulars and greeting everyone like a neighbor. If something’s not right with an order, he fixes it fast and with a smile. Just a solid local guy making everyday stops feel a little better.
📍14375 Warwick Boulevard near Yorktown Naval Weapons Station
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🍽️Dressed Duck |
Rich, cozy, and made for slow holiday meals, Dressed Duck is a classic that feels special without the fuss. Perfect when you want something different on the Christmas table.
Get the Full Recipe for Dressed Duck |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Jamestown |
😊Thanks! |
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