95+ Must-See Magical Christmas Events in Virginia Beach

Updated for 2024

With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to schedule a trip to the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area. Whether you’re marveling at holiday lights or soaking in the holiday spirit, the region offers exciting attractions for everyone. You may already have a trip to Busch Gardens’ unique Christmas Town on your calendar—complete with its towering Christmas tree—so why not spend a few extra days enjoying the festivities?

Take advantage of all the wonderful holiday happenings, including Christmas events in Virginia Beach, going on from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach. This is a season for family fun and creating cherished memories. While you might not be surfing the waves or building sandcastles in your swimsuit, the lighter crowds and dazzling sights make for an unforgettable night by the coast.

Holiday Events in Virginia Beach

Holiday Family Bike Night

• Address: Virginia Beach Board Walk
• Date and Time:  November 14, 2024, 5:30pm-8pm

Join the fun on the Virginia Beach boardwalk at 2nd Street for the FREE Holiday Lights Bike Night! Bring your bikes and the whole family to pedal through dazzling holiday lights displays, including jumping fish, musical crabs, festive elves, and the nation’s largest curved LED Light Tunnel.

This Virginia Beach Christmas event is your chance to experience holiday magic on two wheels. Remember to observe traffic regulations posted to ensure everyone stays safe during this special evening. With its stunning visuals and joyful atmosphere, it’s bound to be an unforgettable night filled with special events for all ages. Don’t miss it!

BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach

• Address: Virginia Beach Boardwalk
• Dates: Mid-November – New Year’s Eve, 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9 p.m.
• Website

Take a drive along Virginia Beach’s boardwalk through lighted archways, swimming fish, and musical crabs, basking in the glow of holiday lights. Feel the holiday spirit as you search for Santa and the dazzling 40-foot Christmas tree right on the beach, bringing plenty of holiday cheer to all who visit.

Note: tickets are required.

Holiday Parade at the Beach

• Address: Atlantic Avenue between 15^th and 25^th Streets, Virginia Beach
• Date: December 7, 2024, 5:30pm-7:30pm
• Website

Join friends and family for family fun at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, as the city kicks off the holiday season with its annual parade. Held along the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk, this festive event features nearly 90 units, including giant balloons, equestrian units, creative floats, fire trucks, marching bands, dance troupes, and of course, Santa Claus. Celebrate the magic of the season and create lifelong memories at this joyful event!

The Holidays at Town Center

• Address: Town Center Fountain Plaza, 4525 Main Street, Virginia Beach
• Dates: Thanksgiving weekend – December 31
• Calendar of Events

If you happen to be heading to Town Center for Thanksgiving dinner or a show, plan on spending some additional time enjoying the Dancing Northern Lights Tree, taking a picture or two at the Selfie Stations, and so much more. Check out the calendar of events for the daily special happenings.

Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler

• Address: Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19^th Street, Virginia Beach
• Dates: December 13-14, 2024
• Information

Run off a few calories as you partake in the annual Surf-n-Santa 5-miler. You and your running mates are sure to have a great time knowing you got in your miles this week before eating more holiday cookies.

• Address: Virginia Wesleyan University, 5817 Wesleyan Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
• Dates: 2nd weekend in December
• Information

Founders Inn and Spa Holiday Events

• Address: Founders Inn and Spa, 5641 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach | Website

• Founders Illumination

• Holiday Lunch Buffet
• Holiday Pasta Night
• Santa Slumber Party
• Breakfast With Santa
• Teddy Bear Tea
• Evening WIth Santa
• Christmas Eve Brunch
  Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet
• Christmas Day Brunch
• Snow Soiree NYE Gala
• New Year’s Eve Dinner

Sandler Center for the Arts

• Address: 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach
• Information

A Christmas Carol

• Dates: December 6-8
• Information

• Dates: December 9, 7pm
• Information

U.S. Fleet Forces Band

• Dates: December 10, 7pm
• Information

Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy

• Dates: December 11, 7:30pm
• Information

Harmony Around the Tree

• Dates: December 13, 7pm
• Information

PBJ: Jingle Bell Jam

• Dates: December 15, 3PM
• Information

Holiday POPS!

• Dates: December 15, 7PM
• Information

Ballet Virginia’s “The Nutcracker”

• Dates: December 20-22, Times vary per date
• Information

Symphonicity: 42nd Annual MESSIAH SING-ALONG

• Dates: December 23, 8pm
• Information

Christmas Eve at the Sandler

• Dates: December 24, 4pm
• Information

The Annual Christmas Bar Crawl – Virginia Beach

• Address: The Bunker Brewpub, 211 21^st Street, Virginia Beach
• Date and Time: 2nd Saturday in December, 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Visiting DC? Check out this pub crawls DC guide.

Two-Fif-Tea-Th Tavern: A Historic Holiday Event

• Address: Lynnhaven House, 4409 Wishart Road
• Date and Time: 2nd weekend in December, 11am & 3:30pm
• Information

Tidewater Big Train Operators’ Annual Holiday Train Show

• Address: Avalon Church of Christ, 844 Woodstock Road, Virginia Beach
• Information, Dates and Times

Zeiders American Dream Theater

• Address: 4509 Commerce St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
• Website

A Soulful Christmas: A Groovy Musical Revue

• December 5-15
• Information

Holidivas – A Holiday Cabaret

• December 19-21
• Information

Tidewater Winds: Santa Swings

• December 22
• Information

• December 27-28
• Information

Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

• Address: Chick’s Oyster Bar, 2143 Vista Circle, Virginia Beach
• Information

Seaside Christmas Party

• Address: Seaside Realty, 1209 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach
• Date and Time: Thursday, December 16, 2021, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Information

The Farmhouse’s Grand Illumination

• Address: Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewing Co, 1805 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach
• Information

Movie Night – The Grinch

• Address: New Realm Brewing Co., 1209 Craft Lane, Virginia Beach
• Information

More Christmas Lights in Virginia Beach

Holiday Events in Norfolk

Dominion Energy Garden of Lights

• Address: Norfolk Botanical Gardens – 6700 Azalea Gardens Road, Norfolk
• Date and Time: Mid-November – New Year’s weekend nightly from 5:30 – 9:00 PM
• Information

To enjoy the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Christmas light display, put on your walking shoes and follow the one-mile-long trail through many of the areas of the gardens.  The trip also includes walking past The Wall of Light which highlights the NATO Tower, before returning to the parking lot.  The walk is stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Tickets are per person and can be purchased online or for an additional charge at the gate.  Head to the park on most Monday through Thursdays and get discounted tickets.

NEON Holiday Market

• Address: The Plot, 776 Granby Street, Norfolk
• Date and Time: December 14 – 12:00 – 4:00 PM
• Information

Enjoy the live music of local acoustic musicians, shop for handmade art and wares from local artisans.

WinterFest on the Wisconsin

• Address: One Waterside Drive, Norfolk
• Dates: Mid-November – New Year’s weekend – Wednesday – Sunday
• Information

You may have toured the Battleship Wisconsin on a summer visit to Norfolk, but come back in November and December to enjoy the more than 650,000 lights that cover the ship.  As you stroll along the decks, you will enjoy a variety of themed light areas, live music and entertainment, and a visit below deck to see Santa and visit the Griswold’s Café in the historic wardroom.

A Merry Little Christmas Carol

• Address: Virginia State Company, 108 E Tazewell Street, Norfolk
• Dates: December 8 – 23
• Information and Tickets

Head to the Wells Theatre to enjoy Dickens’ classic about Ebenezer Scrooge and the Spirits of Christmas.

Harrison Opera House Holiday Happenings

• Address: 160 W Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk
• Website

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

• December 2
• Information

A Sherlock Carol

• December 4-29
• Information

The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company

• December 5
• Information

• December 5-8
• Information

Mosaic Steel Orchestra

• December 7
• Information

• December 11
• Information

• December 12
• Information

• December 13
• Information

Norfolk Admirals vs. Cincinnati Cyclones

• December 13-15
• Information

• December 14
• Information

• December 14
• Information

• December 14
• Information

Norfolk Chamber Consort

• December 16
• Information

• December 17
• Information

• December 20-January 19
• Information

Hallelujah! Handel’s Messiah

• December 21
• Information

• December 26-29
• Information

• December 31
• Information

Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Holiday Marketplace

• Address: Town Point Park, 113 Waterside Dr, Norfolk
• Date and Time: 1st Saturday in December, 12:00 – 8:00 PM
• Information

Fill your day with festive shopping, live entertainment, visits with Santa, and cozy moments by the bonfire at the Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Holiday Marketplace!

Spend the afternoon enjoying live ice carving and creative arts & crafts with Chrystal. Explore unique finds at the Mini Makers Market and our Marketplace Vendors. Stay warm around the Yule Log Bonfire while sipping cider, seasonal craft beer, or hot chocolate.

Don’t miss our new “Bevs for Basics” Collection Drive and extended Santa Claus visit hours for even more holiday cheer. The event is free to attend and features holiday treats available for purchase.

Hurrah Players Present: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

• Address: MacArthur Center, 300 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk
• Dates: 2nd weekend in December

Join the Hurrah Players for one of their two annual Christmas shows. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on Barbara Robinson’s book, is a funny story of a church play gone wrong.

Norfolk Holiday Pub Crawls

• Date: December 7
• Information

• Date: December 14
• Information

• Date: December 21
• Information

• Date: December 31
• Information

12 Plants of Christmas

• Address: Norfolk Botanical Gardens – 6700 Azalea Gardens Road, Norfolk
• Date: December 17
• Information

Christmas at the Kroc

• Address: 1401 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk
• Information

A Celtic Christmas

• Address: Coastal Virginia (CoVA) Church, 301 South Newtown Road Norfolk, VA 23502
• Dates: 1st weekend in December
• Information

More Christmas lights in Norfolk VA

Holiday Events in Hampton

Holiday Wonder Walk

• Address: Waterwalk at Central Park, 1000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton
• Date and Times:  December 20, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Information

Grab your scarf and mittens and enjoy a stroll along the lighted walkway. Along the path, you will pass through Candyland, visit the characters of Frozen, enjoy two stages of holiday entertainment, and have a chance to pick up hot chocolate and holiday merchandise at the vendor booths.

The walk begins behind the Hampton Coliseum, crosses over bridges, and through the woods to Freeman Drive.

The Holiday Wonder Walk is a free event, and parking is even free at the Hampton Coliseum.

Phoebus Holiday Illumination and Market

• Address: East Mellen Street, Hampton
• Date and Time: December 7, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Information

The Chamberlin Holiday Fair

• Address: The Chamberlin, 2 Fenwick Road, Hampton
• Information

Breakfast with SANTA

• Address: The Grey Goose, 118 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton
• Information

Coliseum Central Whimsical Winter Wonderland

• Address: Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton
• Date: Novembre 23, 12pm-5pm
• Information

Lighted Boat Parade

• Address: Hampton River, Downtown Hampton
• Date and Time: 2nd Saturday in December, 2:00 – 9:00 PM
• Information

Biggest Holiday Event of The Year

• Address: Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton
• Date and Time: December 21, 7pm – 11:30pm
• Information

More Christmas Lights in Hampton Roads

Holiday Events in Newport News

Newport News Celebration in Lights

• Address: Newport News Park, 13560 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News
• Dates: Thanksgiving – January 1, 5:30 – 10:00 nightly
• Information

For nearly 30 years, Newport News has been lighting up the park with over 350 displays along three miles of scenic candy canes, reindeer arches, Christmas trees, and Santa’s Kingdom.

Winter Nature Nights at The Virginia Living Museum

• Address: 524 J Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News
• Dates: December 19-22
• Information

Wonderfest – Holiday Marketplace

• Address: Valley of Newport News Scottish Rite, 65 Saunders Road, Newport News
• Information

Stroll through twinkling lights throughout the Dinosaur Discovery Villages and along the outdoor trail. 

This holiday experience will be a memory maker as you sip your hot chocolate, eat delicious cookies, and suck on that peppermint candy cane. Glow toys and sticks are available for purchase.

Ferguson Center for the Arts Holiday Events

• Address: 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, Virginia 23606
• Website

A Magical Cirque Christmas

• Dates: December 4, 6PM
• Information

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2024

• Dates: December 6, 8PM
• Information

CNU’s Holiday Happening

• Dates: December 8, 4PM
• Information

A TRADOC Holiday 2024

• Dates: December 10, 7PM
• Information

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas

• Dates: December 11, 7:30PM
• Information

Holiday POPS!

• Dates: December 12, 7:30PM
• Information

The Christmas Extravaganza

• Dates: December 14-15
• Information

Peninsula Youth Orchestra

• Dates: December 15, 3PM
• Information

A Christmas Carol

• Dates: December 19, 7:30PM
• Information

Holiday Events in Suffolk

Festival of Lights at Sleepy Hole Park

• Address: Sleepy Hole Park, 4616 Sleepy Hole Road, Suffolk
• Dates and Time: November 29 – December 1, December 5 – 8, December 12 – 30
• Information

Take a fantastic drive through the Sleepy Hole Park in Suffolk and discover the five themed holiday light displays.

Home for the Holidays Parade

• Address: West Washington Street, North Main Street, and Finney Avenue, Suffolk
• Date and Time: December 14
• Information

The Suffolk Holiday Parade will feature equestrian units, marching bands, floats, and festive vehicles.  Parking for the event is free in the city public lots.

Holiday Events in Chesapeake

Deck the Hall and Fa La La Land

• Address: Chesapeake City Hall, 306 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA
• Dates and Time: Thanksgiving – New Year’s weekend 6:00 – 9:00 PM
• Information

Christmas In the Country

• Address: Triple R Ranch, 3531 Bunch Walnuts Road, Chesapeake
• Dates and Time: November 29 – 21, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
• Information

Take a drive through Triple R Ranch and marvel at how festively decorated the property is for Christmas.  The drive is a free event.

Holiday Events in Portsmouth

Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival

• Address: Court and High Streets, Portsmouth
• Date and Time: December 14, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Information

Santa Claus Shuffle

• Address: Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, 16 Crawford Circle, Portsmouth
• Date and Time: December 8 at 8 AM
• Information

Annual Holiday Train Show for 2024!

• Address: Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, PO Box 7, Fairfax Station, VA 22039
• Date and Time: December 7-8
• Information