Virginia Beach Offers Loads of Holiday Fun

Just a four-hour drive from Alexandria, Virginia Beach transforms into a sparkling coastal haven during the holiday season.

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Make plans now for a holiday getaway just a four-hour drive from Alexandria, but worlds away: Virginia Beach transforms into a coastal haven where the spirit of celebration is amplified by the power of the Atlantic Ocean. This year, immerse yourself in a destination where the “seas and greetings” combine for a unique and festive holiday experience.

Whether you’re drawn by adventure, a promise of relaxation or the sheer novelty of a beachside Christmas, Virginia Beach is an ideal setting for your next holiday chapter. 

Read more about the holiday highlights in Virginia Beach for 2024, thanks to our tourism partners:

  • Holiday Lights at the Beach (Nov. 15 - Dec. 31): Embark on a magical drive
  • along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, adorned with nautical-themed lights and festive displays, including a new 600-foot lighted LED tunnel. Advance timed tickets are a must for this dazzling experience.
  • Becca’s Winter Wonderland (Nov. 21 – Feb. 28, 2025): The Historic Cavalier Resort restaurant’s outdoor garden transforms with a seasonal collection of heated, private igloos for an enchanting dining experience.
  • Fear No Ice (Nov. 23): A spectacular new pair of free performance ice-sculpting shows are held in 24th Street Park at 5 p.m. and 7 pm. Chainsaws are used to transform blocks of ice into larger-than-life displays in a stunning theatrical display.
  • Third Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit (Nov. 23 - Dec. 31): Visit the Historic de Witt Cottage for a whimsical display of gingerbread houses, each crafted with imagination in meticulous detail for the annual competition.
  • Feast on a Thanksgiving Buffet (Nov. 28): Indulge in a gourmet feast featuring traditional Thanksgiving fare prepared to perfection on Nov. 28. Reservations are required for this culinary delight at The Founders Inn or Historic Cavalier Resort’s collection of restaurants.
  • Snow Globe Spectacular Holidays at Town Center (Nov. 29 – Dec. 23): Step into a life-size set of holiday snow globes on display at Virginia Beach's Town Center, an immersive experience that captures the essence of winter enchantment embedded within a collection of top shopping and dining experiences.
  • 43rd Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market (Nov. 29 – Dec. 1): Discover handcrafted treasures at the 43rd Annual Market, where 175 artisans from across the nation showcase their unique crafts perfect for holiday shopping. Whether you’re searching for unique one-of -kind gifts, personalized stocking stuffers or a stunning floral centerpiece for the holidays, you’ll find it all at the Virginia Beach Christmas Market.
  • Planes, Trains and Santa at the Military Aviation Museum (Nov. 29 – Dec. 1): Experience the magic of the season at this event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This festive gathering offers a unique blend of history and holiday cheer, where families can enjoy activities like boarding historic aircraft, riding on vintage trains, and meeting Santa Claus himself. Admission includes access to all museum exhibits, ensuring a day filled with both educational and holiday fun. Don’t miss this enchanting opportunity to celebrate the holidays in a setting that combines the thrill of aviation with the joy of Christmas.
  • Small Business Saturday in the ViBe District (Nov. 30): Support local businesses with flair in the ViBe Creative District, where shopping small means discovering big, unique finds for everyone on your gift list.
  • Holiday Afternoon Tea (Nov. 3 – Jan. 5): Lift your pinky as you sip a freshly 
  • brewed selection of teas and nibble on sweets and sandwiches in the Historic Cavalier Hotel’s elegant Raleigh Room on Saturdays and Sundays, 1-3 pm.
  • Grand Hotel Illuminations (Dec. 1): Kick off the holiday season as two of the city’s grandest properties twinkle with more than 100,000 lights, complete with festive entertainment, Santa visits and more. The Founders Inn lovely English garden is set aglow, and the Historic Cavalier Resort sparkles by the sea.
  • Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Dec. 7): Watch as beautifully decorated boats parade along the calm waters of the Lynnhaven Inlet. Offering a dazzling display that reflects on the water, the show is best viewed from waterfront dining spots like Chick’s Oyster Bar or The Back Deck.
  • Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22): Start your day with a breakfast buffet, meet Santa in front of The Founders Inn 32-foot Christmas tree, and enjoy family-friendly activities such as face-painting, balloon artists and more. Santa’s lap is open for two seatings per day at the Historic Cavalier Hotel’s Becca Restaurant and includes a take-home cookie kit. Reservations are required for each of these jolly gatherings.
  • Santa Slumber Party at The Founders Inn (Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14 and 20): Grant holiday wishes with a festive overnight stay that includes a personalized letter from Santa with milk and cookies delivered to your room.
  • Holiday Parade at the Beach (Dec. 7): More than 100 parade units traverse Atlantic Avenue to herald the arrival of Santa Claus and the holiday season!
  • Santa, S’mores & More at Hunt Club Farm (Dec. 15 and Dec. 21): Enjoy an afternoon with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., crafting with elves and s'mores by the bonfire. A perfect family outing requiring reservations.
  • Holiday Tree Hunt at The Adventure Park (Dec. 21 – Jan. 5, 2025): Hunt for elves among the trees as you zip line and navigate aerial trails at Virginia Aquarium's Adventure Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.
  • Teddy Bear Tea at The Founders Inn (Dec. 8 and Dec. 15): Toast to a magical tea party for kids, complete with a teatime buffet and a new teddy bear friend to take home –reservations are required.
  • Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler (Dec. 13-14): Run in your Santa suit along the festive oceanfront Boardwalk all decked out with the sparkling Holiday Lights at the Beach displays. Join thousands in a cheerful twilight race that’s fun for all ages, including Rudolph’s 1K for kids 12 and younger, and finish with a rocking holiday luau.
  • Holi-Rays at Virginia Aquarium (Dec. 13-14): Oh, fish-mas tree! The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is decking the halls and transforming into a winter wonderland on Dec. 13-14 from 6-9 p.m. Come dressed in your holiday best or festive pajamas for an evening of family fun. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the workshop preparing presents with the elves or wave hello as jolly ol’ Saint Nick scuba dives under the sea. Help the grouchy Grump find his holiday spirit through the power of recycling. Decorate an ornament using recycled material, in keeping with the Aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation. Candy canes galore, there will be much for all to explore!
  • Evening with Santa at The Founders Inn (Dec. 17): Snuggle in for a cozy pajama party with Santa reading holiday tales and serving milk and cookies, perfect for a heartwarming family memory from 6-8 p.m.
  • Last Night on the Town (Dec. 31): Last Night on the Town is now in its 11th year at Virginia Beach Town Center, and is a free celebration suitable for the entire family. Ring in the new year with family-friendly activities, live performances headlined by Grammy-nominated Hunter Hayes, and a beach ball drop at midnight at Town Center’s Fountain Plaza.
  • New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): Celebrate the close of another year with a spectacular Havana-themed party bundled with resort-wide stay and dining packages at the Historic Cavalier Hotel.
  • First Night Holiday Hike (Jan. 1): Step into the new year under the glow of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk’s Holiday Lights display at this first-ever and free family outing from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Sharks After Dark New Year’s Party (Jan. 2): Dive into the new year at the Virginia Aquarium for a fun, adults-only celebration. Advance tickets required.

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