From shimmering lights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to festive tunes echoing through grand arts and entertainment venues, Virginia Beach knows how to make the holidays merry and bright. Tap into a little beach-town magic with festive drag queens, racing Santas and glittering Christmas trees—all in the name of spreading good cheer. Grab your scarf (or Santa hat), rally your friends and family and dive into the holiday spirit Virginia Beach style.
Murray & Peter Present: A Drag Queen Christmas
November 14
Kick off the holiday season with a fierce dose of festive fun at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Hosted by the one and only Nina West, A Drag Queen Christmas brings together dazzling performers, glittering costumes, and plenty of holiday sass. It’s the longest-running drag tour in the country—an unapologetically joyful celebration that’s strictly 18+ and 100% fabulous.
BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach
November 14–December 31
Experience the magic of the oceanfront transformed by millions of lights at the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach. At 2nd Street, drive along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk (closed to pedestrians during the event) to see illuminated sea creatures, color-changing archways and the country’s largest curved LED light tunnel. Honoring the Armed Forces and shimmering with holiday spirit, this light show is a must-see Virginia Beach tradition.
6th Annual Festival of Trees
November 21
Step into a winter wonderland for a good cause at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. The 6th Annual Festival of Trees is an elegant evening featuring a silent auction, festive cocktails and beautifully decorated Christmas trees—all benefiting the Westminster-Canterbury Foundation. Come admire the artistry, bid on your favorite tree and feel good knowing your holiday spirit helps support the local community.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
November 26
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, an international touring production, delivers everything you love about the season: glittering sets, elaborate costumes and over-the-top whimsy. Watch as world-renowned dancers, larger-than-life puppets and fantastical characters bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life onstage at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in a production that’s equal parts elegant and enchanting.
Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day, November 27
Kick off Thanksgiving Day with the Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot. Lace up your sneakers for this beloved annual run starting at the Mt. Trashmore Family YMCA, featuring a 10K race and a 1-mile youth course. With crisp fall air, friendly competition, and plenty of high-fives, it’s a community tradition that kicks off the holiday season on a healthy note.
Virginia Beach Christmas Market
November 28–30
Get your shopping done early and support independent makers from across the country at the Virginia Beach Christmas Market. More than 175 artisans showcase everything from jewelry and pottery to ornaments and gourmet treats at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or the perfect holiday centerpiece, you’ll find it here—along with plenty of inspiration (and maybe a snack or two).
Small Business Saturday
November 29
Spend the day exploring local shops, galleries, and cafés as the ViBe Creative District comes alive with music, art, and festive energy. More than 75 small businesses open their doors for the Small Business Saturday, complete with live tunes from Big Juicy Entertainment and plenty of opportunities to find that perfect local gift.
The ViBe District Small Business Saturday
November 25th, 10 am to 4 pm, ViBe Creative District
Spend the day exploring local shops, galleries, and cafés as the ViBe Creative District comes alive with music, art, and festive energy. More than 75 small businesses open their doors for the Small Business Saturday, complete with live tunes from Big Juicy Entertainment and plenty of opportunities to find that perfect local gift.
Winter Wonderland
Opens November 29
Holiday cheer meets beach-town charm at The Shack on 8th for their annual Winter Wonderland. Browse local vendor stalls, sip seasonal cocktails, shop for handmade gifts, and even pick out your Christmas tree under a canopy of twinkling lights. It’s the ultimate hangout for cozy vibes and festive fun.
A Christmas Carol
December 5–7
Virginia Musical Theatre and The Governor’s School for the Arts bring Charles Dickens’ timeless story to life at A Christmas Carol. Expect stirring performances, classic carols and all the magic of redemption and goodwill wrapped in a heartwarming production at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.
Holiday Boat Parade
December 6
Watch the night shimmer as boats decorated in dazzling lights cruise from the east end of Long Creek to the Lesnar Bridge and back during the Holiday Boat Parade. It’s a Virginia Beach tradition that combines maritime pride with holiday flair, all to benefit the VB Rescue Squad Foundation. Grab a warm drink, find a cozy viewing spot, and enjoy the festive flotilla.
Yuletide Celebration
December 8
At Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, the Tidewater Winds Concert Band brings together Christmas and Hanukkah melodies for an uplifting Yuletide Celebration. Expect bold brass, soaring strings and a few toe-tapping surprises in this harmonious holiday performance.
BayPort Credit Union Surf N Santa 5 Miler presented by Sentara
December 12–13
Don your Santa hat—or a full costume!—and join thousands of costumed Santas for the twilight Surf N Santa 5 Miler through the beautiful Oceanfront area. Kids can light up the night with Rudolph’s 1K, and everyone’s invited to the post-race party featuring a DJ, craft beer, and hot soup. It’s holiday fitness, beach style.
Because It’s Christmas
December 13
Let the Virginia Beach Chorale fill your heart with joy at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Their Because It’s Christmas concert channels the innocence and excitement of childhood holidays through uplifting choral arrangements and beautiful harmonies. A heart-warming evening for families and music lovers alike.
Sail with Santa on the Flipper Express
December 14
All aboard for a kid-friendly Christmas cruise departing from Lake Rudee. Meet Santa, wear your pajamas, and sip cocoa as you sail along the coast on this 90-minute holiday adventure with Rudee Tours. Complete with treats, cozy drinks and festive photo ops, it’s like the Polar Express—but on the water.
PBJ: Jingle Bell Jam
December 14
Ring in the season with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s family-friendly matinee at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Expect sing-along carols, holiday classics, and a surprise visit from Santa himself at the PBJ: Jingle Bell Jam. This cheerful concert makes a perfect intro to live symphony music for kids (and kids at heart).
Holiday POPS!
December 14
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus take the stage again that evening at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts for a more formal—but no less festive—concert. Holiday POPS! dazzles with soaring vocals and a mix of traditional carols and contemporary holiday hits. Get ready for goosebumps and glittering musical joy.
The Nutcracker
December 19–21
Ballet Virginia and the Symphonicity Orchestra team up for this beloved holiday classic at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. With a cast of more than 100 dancers and Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, this performance delivers the full magic of The Nutcracker—snowflakes, sweets and all.
Santa Swings!
December 21
Bring a jazzy note to your holiday season at Zeiders American Dream Theater. The Tidewater Winds Big Band joins vocalists Danielle Roby and Frank Cubillo for a lively mix of swing, jazz, and holiday favorites during Santa Swings!. Expect toe-tapping tunes, big-band sparkle, and plenty of cheer to carry you through to the New Year.
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