It’s 2026, and Virginia Beach is ringing in the New Year with a slew of exciting events. Start the month off with a scenic winter hike, dive into all the delicious deals during Virginia Beach Restaurant Week, or map out your next vacation at the RV Show of Tidewater. No matter which events and activities you choose, there’s no shortage of fun for you to take part in this January.
First Day Hikes at at False Cape State Park
January 1
New year, new adventures — starting with the First Day Hikes at False Cape State Park. There, join one of two ranger-led treks. Tackle “From Bay to Beach,” a two-mile hike from Back Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, or opt for the “Welcome to Wash Woods” adventure, a three-mile hike across the park’s diverse coastal habitats. Both require reservations and a $10 fee per person.
First Night Holiday Hike
January 1
Mark the first night of 2026 with a festive stroll along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at the First Night Holiday Hike. Enjoy one final look at the city’s magical holiday lights as you start your New Year’s resolutions off on the right foot, both figuratively and literally. The walk is free and runs from 5:30–8 p.m.
Coastal Virginia Weddings Showcase
January 11
If wedding bells are in your future, you won’t want to miss the Coastal Virginia Weddings Showcase at the Founders Inn & Spa. It’s your one-stop shop for planning the big day. Meet the region’s top wedding pros all under one roof, from venues and event planners, to DJs, travel agents and bridal boutiques. Stay ahead of the trends with a stunning fashion show presented by Milk & Honey Bride and Andre Julius Tuxedos. As a bonus, there will be door prizes and giveaways.
RV Show of Tidewater
January 16–18
Ready to hit the open road? Stop by the RV Show of Tidewater at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Chat with exhibitors and explore a serious lineup of RVs, including travel trailers, motor homes and camper vans. This is your opportunity to get an inside look at what makes each vehicle road trip-ready. Beyond RVs, get the scoop on campgrounds, state parks, e-bikes and more.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
January 16–25
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week is back at it, serving up the most delicious deals of the year from many must-try Virginia Beach restaurants. Dozens of local eateries are offering fixed-price menus and event-exclusive dishes at mouthwatering prices. Tupelo Honey, Eurasia Cafe and 1608 Craft House are just a few of the foodie favorites around town to check out. Plus, take advantage of the event’s Dine and Stay program and its well-priced hotel bundles, so you can eat and stay for less.
2026 Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Living Show
January 17-18
Ready for a home makeover? The 40th annual Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Living Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center is the ultimate destination when you want to make all your home renovation and design dreams come true. Connect with expert vendors, brush up on the latest trends, and soak up creative inspiration—from a sleek new kitchen to a cookout-ready outdoor living space, even a stunning new addition. Get ready to turn your dream home into a reality.
Winter Wildlife Festival
January 24–February 1
Winter is a fantastic time to bundle up and dive into nature, and the nine-day Winter Wildlife Festival — held at a variety of locations around town — is the perfect opportunity to do so. The event is hosted by Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and offers tram tours, ranger-led walks, boat rides, skill-building workshops and more. All events, including free and fee-based activities, require pre-registration. Spots fill up fast, so we recommend signing up prior to your visit.
Live Performances
Brush off the winter blues with live entertainment in Virginia Beach this January. From comedy shows to musical events to theatre performances, here’s what’s on tap to kick off the new year.
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout January
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has two wonderful family-friendly performances this January. On January 11, the local orchestra, Symphonicity, is putting on a beautiful live music show called “It’s a Jazz Orchestra, Charlie Brown!” Then, on January 23, the TV show-inspired “Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!” comes to town.
The Dome
January 17
The Dome has one special show to kick off the New Year, with actor and comedian Martin Lawrence taking to the stage on January 17. Tickets start at $86.50.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout January
Looking for some laughs to kick off 2026? Funny Bone Comedy Club is welcoming a whole host of hilariously talented entertainers, including Damon Williams (January 9–January 10), Kountry Wayne (January 23–24) and Marlon Wayans (January 30–February 1). For a full list of performances, refer to Funny Bone Comedy Club’s event calendar.
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
January 16–February 8
Spend an evening at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach enjoying their newest production, “Stick Fly.” On their Martha’s Vineyard estate, the affluent LeVay brothers bring their respective ladies home to meet the parents — only for this casual weekend retreat to be anything but calm. Secrets and drama collide with issues of racial discrimination and socioeconomic status, turning this family get-together into a must-watch powderkeg of a show. Tickets start at $25.
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Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
