Updated for 2024
It’s time to deck the halls and trim those trees as we look for the best holiday light displays and Christmas lights in Virginia Beach VA this season. Whether you’re after indoor fun, photo moments with the kids, or a stroll along the beach to see the lights at the beach, this thriving town offers exciting attractions and unforgettable nights to fill your weekend in December (and even November!).
If you’ve ever wanted to experience where the sea meets Santa—a surfing Santa, this is the perfect destination. To find some festive, coastal cheer, we’ve got your list of things to do in Virginia Beach this holiday season.
Our Favorite Holiday Events And Christmas Lights In Virginia Beach, VA
Annual Holiday Lights at the Beach
- Address: 2nd Street and Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Dates: Second weekend in November through December.
- Timed entries at 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Cost: Purchase tickets in advance. Cost depends on the type of vehicle
- Website
Drive your car along Virginia Beach’s boardwalk through a 600-foot LED tunnel past lighted swimming fish, musical crabs, and jolly elves. Families are encouraged to be on the lookout for surfing Santa Claus, color changing archways, luminous fixtures honoring the region’s Armed Forces community, and the 40-foot dancing light Christmas tree right on the beach, part of the BayPort Credit Union Holiday event. This is one of the many exciting holiday light displays that create lifelong memories and is definitely an unforgettable night. Vehicles enter the Boardwalk through the Holiday Lights at the Beach main entrance on Atlantic Avenue at 2nd Street.
There are also special events such as:
- Military Monday: Save $5 every Monday with your Military I.D.
- Holiday Lights Bike Night: Thursday, November 14 | 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Holiday Light First Night Hike: Wednesday, January 1 | 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Please note that you must adhere to all event and traffic signage when heading to the light show entrance. Do observe traffic regulations posted along Atlantic Avenue and the Boardwalk. Remember that pedestrian access to the Boardwalk is prohibited while the light show is active.
Virginia Beach Town Center
- Address: 4535 Commerce St., Virginia Beach, VA 23462
- Dates: Thanksgiving Weekend through December 31st.
- Website
Virginia Beach Town Center gets into the holiday spirit with dazzling displays and a whole host of festivities to ring in the season. The Dancing Northern Lights Tree “dances” nightly on the hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Stick around for the dancing ballerinas, elves, marching toy soldiers, and musicians entertaining from inside life-size snow globes.
Santa’s Snow Globe offers kids a great way to share their wish lists in a safe environment via the “Candy Cane Communication” network in the Gingerbread Chalet, where they can see, talk, and take selfies with Santa from the safety of his snow globe.
Holiday selfie stations are scattered throughout Town Center, including a decorative ribbon display, a holiday photo frame, St. Nicholas’s sleigh, a Christmas Wish Bridge, and a Mistletoe Arch. The entire family will love the strolling sparkling ornament, Coeur de Noël (Heart of Christmas), a 503-pound enchanting piece with over 11,000 LED Christmas lights. This beach promises lifelong memories and an unforgettable night of wondrous fun!
Holi-Rays at the Virginia Aquarium
- Address: 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Dates: first three weekends in December, doors open at 6pm
- Website
Grab your PJs and jump aboard the Aquarium Express for one of the many exciting attractions this holiday season! Join the Virginia Aquarium staff during the first three weekends in December (Saturdays and Sundays) for after-hours fun. Stroll through the winter wonderland of lights, enjoy under-the-sea holiday fun, and marvel at the Christmas tree. Check out the holiday Aquarium train exhibit, grab selfies with Speckles and Sandy, and wave hello to Santa. Best of all, bring your stocking to fill with sweets and treats as you explore the aquarium, which offers wondrous fun for all ages.
Part of the Aquarium Express fun is the “Celebration Stations,” where you can learn about holiday traditions worldwide. Get your “train ticket” stamped at each station to earn a special gift at the end of your journey!
Pop in this winter for some Virginia Beach Whale Watching too!
Back Bay Brew House Farmhouse Holiday Events
- Address: 1805 Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach, VA
- Dates: Varies, see website for details
- Website
Celebrate the season at the Back Bay Brew House Farmhouse with festive holiday events perfect for the entire family! Enjoy live music and kick off the holidays at the annual Grand Illumination, a free event featuring twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Pick up your Christmas tree and other seasonal decorations, and don’t miss the chance to meet Santa for a memorable photo. The Christmas Tree at the Farmhouse will be open for visits throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Add to your Virginia Christmas with these Christmas Events in Norfolk, VA
Holiday Reveal at the Cavalier
- Address: 4200 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Date: November and December dates, check website for most recent dates and times.
- Website
Virginia Beach’s go-to destination for traditional holiday cheer, join in an array of festivities at the historic Cavalier Hotel (est. 1927). From the Grand Illumination of the hotel’s holiday décor to Breakfast with Santa (Saturdays in December) and Christmas Dinner, enjoy the best of the holiday season at this elegant, oceanfront spot.
- Cavalier Resort Grand Illumination
- Breakfast with Santa
- Becca’s Winter Wonderland
- Carriage Rides
- Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Raleigh Room
- Cavalier Carolers
- Christmas Dining
- Becca
- Orion’s Roof
- Hunt Room
- Tulu
- Arbuckles
- The Raleigh Room
- New Year’s Eve at Cavalier Resort
Sage Kitchen Movies on the Terrace
- Address: 1925 Fisher Arch, Virginia Beach
- Date: late November, seating opens at 4:30pm
- Cost: FREE
- Website
Come out and enjoy an old fashion drive-In showing of Elf and Tim Burton’s, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Sage Kitchen in Virginia Beach will be open for dining and drinks before and during the movie. Blankets are welcome. No outside food, drinks, or pets!
BayPort Credit Union Surf-n-Santa 5-miler
- Address: Virginia Beach, VA
- Dates: weekend before Christmas
- Website
Run off a few calories as you partake in the annual Surf-n-Santa 5-miler. Whether this year is virtual or in person with all of your running mates, you are sure to have a great time knowing you got in your miles this week… before eating more holiday cookies.
Holidays at Anderson’s Garden Center
- Address: 1925 Fisher Arch, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
- Website
Anderson’s On “Ice” in Virginia Beach Opens: Lace up your skates and slide around the synthetic “ice” rink, open for family skating. Fees cover skate rental and use of the rink.
Breakfast with Santa at Virginia Beach
If you want to have Breakfast with Santa, you need to make a reservation fast. This annual event at Sage Kitchen’s Holiday Breakfast Buffet is super popular, especially when you want photos with your kids and the big guy, Santa Claus. Gingerbread house kits are available for purchase so you can carry o on the fun at home too.
Holiday Lights at the Beach Bike Night
- Address: 2nd Street & The Boardwalk, 4500 Holland Office Park, Suite 318, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
- Dates: November 14
- Website
Grab your bicycle and head to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for a special free sneak preview of the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach. Pedal through holiday, nautical, and adventure-themed light displays down the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. You will get to see this annual light display that locals and visitors look forward to each year BEFORE it opens to vehicle traffic.
Take note that this year Holiday Lights Bike Night will only happen one time this season so don’t miss your chance to bike around and experience the holiday magic!
Virginia Beach Christmas Market
- Address: Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Dates: Thanksgiving weekend
- Website
Enter the Virginia Beach Convention Center and explore one of the most exciting attractions of the season! Discover the original works of more than 175 artisans and crafters from over 20 states, with unique creations that make perfect gifts for everyone on your list. The venue dazzles with holiday lights and festive light fixtures, creating the perfect atmosphere for seasonal shopping. Don’t forget to indulge your taste buds with specialty food items from the Taste of the Holidays collection!
Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit
- Address: The Historic de Witt Cottage, 1113 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Dates: Thanksgiving weekend through December 30th (closed Dec. 24 – 26)
- Admission: FREE
- Website
Make your way to the gingerbread house exhibit, one of the many exciting attractions in Virginia Beach. Featuring original designs by local businesses and residents, this event offers a delightful new display each year. Held at the Historic de Witt Cottage—the oldest remaining private structure at the Oceanfront and home to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum—this exhibit is a feast for the eyes and the imagination. Wander through the museum while admiring these edible creations and create lifelong memories in this charming seaside setting.
Small Business Saturday in the ViBe District
- Address: ViBe District, Virginia Beach, VA
- Dates: Saturday after Thanksgiving
- Website
The ViBe Creative District is one of the many exciting attractions in Virginia Beach, showcasing (mostly) small, locally-owned-and-operated businesses. It’s the perfect spot to shop small this holiday season, supporting 75 artisan and craft businesses while enjoying the vibrant, creative atmosphere of this unique district.
The Founders Inn Annual Illumination
- Address: Regent University Campus, 5641 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
- Dates: Sunday after Thanksgiving
- Website
Watch as the Founders Inn Annual Illumination lights up the expansive English Garden with dazzling holiday lights and a stunning Christmas tree, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. Enjoy magic shows, cultural dancers, Christmas choirs, and pictures with Santa. The evening is filled with strolling entertainment, face painting, balloon artistry, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a live reading of the holiday classic “The Christmas Story.” Create lifelong memories at this festive and enchanting event!
Free and open to the public. You can make a reservation in advance for the ticketed brunch and dinner buffets at the Swan Terrace Grill to minimize wait times. Additional fees and reservations are encouraged.
More Christmas events at The Founders Inn and Spa
The Founders Inn and Spa Breakfast with Santa: Located in the Swan Terrace Grill, kids can get photos taken with Santa and the 32-foot tree in the hotel atrium. A balloon artist and face painter will be on hand. You must make a reservation to attend.
The Founders Inn and Spa Teddy Bear Tea: indulge in a Christmas afternoon tea while you listen to Christmas stories with your kids and their new commemorative teddy bear that is included with the price of your reservation. And yes, you must have a reservation to attend.
The Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
- Address: Lynnhaven Inlet
- Dates: First Saturday in December
- Website
Head over to the Lynnhaven Inlet to watch decorated boats twinkle with holiday lights and themed decorations as they glide through the water. The event is in support of the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, a local volunteer-based EMS organization.
Book a table at one of many fine restaurants on the waterway for a prime seat of the boat parade, similar to the Boat Parade on the Wharf during Christmas in Washington, D.C.
VIP viewing party tickets also are available for purchase.
Santa, S’mores & More at Hunt Club Farm
- Address: 2388 London Bridge Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
- Dates: December 15th and 21st, 10am-2pm
- Website
From photos with Santa to making an ornament with the elves, Hunt Club Farm offers wondrous fun for the entire family this Christmas. Kids and adults alike will have a blast exploring the festive activities. If you need a little downtime, head over to the Petting Farm and TreeWalk Adventure before ending your day roasting s’mores over the bonfire.
Reservations are required.
Additional reporting by Laura Gray
Headed to VA and need a hotel in Virginia Beach?
- Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront : free parking
- Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront: Family rooms at affordable prices
- Residence Inn by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront : oceanfront suites
- Hampton Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront North: 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers Choice + free breakfast
- The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club: luxury a few blocks off the beach
Looking for more? Search for a great deal on Expedia.com!
Need a Virginia Beach Airbnb? These are our favorites + more HERE.
- Oceanfront Penthouse
- Oceanfront/Boardwalk – VB Studio
- VB Oceanfront Studio Balcony,Beach,Boardwalk, Pool
- Beach Paradise Studio on the Boardwalk w/Pool
- Beach Quarters Resort – The Continental Suite
Need more? Search for a great deal on vacation rentals below.
You may also want to check out Christmas Lights In Hampton Roads
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