With year-round sunshine, a wealth of oceanfront accommodations, fabulous feasts and an array of holiday-inspired events, Virginia Beach is the ideal destination for making Thanksgiving memories. Check out the top spots to stay, dine and play — for a holiday brimming with unexpected delights.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for a quiet cottage, a multi-family vacation home or a luxury hotel, Virginia Beach has loads of accommodation options for your Thanksgiving visit.
The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club
Arguably the most Thanksgiving-inspired stay of them all, The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club truly goes all out for the holiday. From the moment you set foot in the lobby, you’ll be enveloped in the spirit of Thanksgiving, thanks to the festive decorations and live music. The pièce de résistance is the hotel’s indulgent Thanksgiving feast. Savor a mouthwatering array of traditional dishes, from roasted turkey to truffle mashed potatoes to bourbon pecan tarts — all prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. Although the feast sells out quickly, the Cavalier can likely accommodate your party at Becca, The Hunt Room, Orion’s Roof Garden & Dining or Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill.
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
Escape to the ocean this Thanksgiving with a stay at Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. With an enviable location right on the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a wonderful place to wake up grateful every day for ocean waves and salty air — and that’s before you even take advantage of the hotel’s on-site spa, indoor and outdoor pools, rooftop bar and restaurants.
Ocean Oasis
With five bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a breathtaking oceanfront location, the Ocean Oasis vacation home in Sandbridge is fantastic for a multi-generational Thanksgiving family getaway. Imagine enjoying a traditional feast with loved ones while overlooking the sparkling Atlantic or sipping holiday-inspired cocktails on the seaside deck. Add in features like bunk beds for the kids and a gas grill for easy holiday weekend meals, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an unforgettable Thanksgiving trip.
The Seaglass Cottage
Hoping for a peaceful holiday vacation? Look no further than The Seaglass Cottage in Chesapeake Bay. This locally owned Ocean Park home includes three bedrooms, a game room, a backyard and a full kitchen, perfect for a Thanksgiving get together. And who knows? The place might even be decked out in holiday sparkle and trim just for you.
Westin Virginia Beach Town Center
Experience downtown Virginia Beach this Thanksgiving, with Westin Virginia Beach Town Center as your home base. With its modern rooms, indoor pool and modern American restaurant, this hotel seamlessly blends comfort and convenience for a wonderful holiday stay. With plenty of Town Center restaurants, bars, and family-friendly entertainment just steps away, there’s much to discover here.
For family holidays and Friendsgiving alike, Virginia Beach is the place to be.
Where to Eat
Enjoy classic dishes like turkey and sweet potato casserole with a side of fresh, local seafood for a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving Day meal in Virginia Beach.
The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club
Though this Oceanfront hotel has already been lauded for its Thanksgiving flair, its holiday dinner deserves a highlight of its own. With a range of options spanning six on-site dining venues, there’s no doubt that The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club Thanksgiving dinner has something for everyone in your group. There are multiple table service and buffet options, all serving up elevated Thanksgiving classics — including favorites like Virginia oysters on the half-shell, roasted prime rib with bourbon au jus, roasted turkey with sage gravy, and pumpkin caramel cake are just the beginning.
Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant
Any Virginia Beach local will tell you that fall is prime time for local seafood, so why not have a seafood-focused, buffet-style Thanksgiving at Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant? With options like fresh-caught crab legs, shrimp, oysters Rockefeller and clam chowder alongside Thanksgiving classics like turkey, gravy and sweet potato casserole, it’s the best of both worlds. Call to make reservations.
Surf Club Ocean Grille
Pair your Thanksgiving meal with beautiful ocean views at Surf Club Ocean Grille. This Oceanfront excels at putting a coastal spin on all your favorite holiday classics — with all the expected Thanksgiving mains and sides plus peel-and-eat shrimp, local oysters on the half shell, creamy seafood chowder and more. Oh, and let’s not forget the carving station, featuring prime rib with horseradish crema and oven-roasted turkey with peppercorn gravy.
What to Do
From pub crawls to farm visits, there are all sorts of incredible, holiday-inspired events around Thanksgiving in Virginia Beach.
Get Active During the Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot
Kick off the Thanksgiving holiday with a blood-pumping race. Started in 1977, the Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot has been going strong for decades, with its mile, 10k and competitive walking events. All of the proceeds from this race go towards the Tidewater Striders Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships to deserving student-athletes.
Pick Up Farm Fresh Fall Veggies
Spruce up your Thanksgiving spread with some farm-fresh fall produce from Flanagan Farm in Pungo. While most Virginia Beach fall festivals and pumpkin patches close up in early November, this turkey-ranch-turned-produce farm continues to sell pick-up vegetables throughout November and December. Swing by and stock up on sweet potatoes, collard greens and pumpkins for a locavore holiday feast.
Pay a Visit to the Virginia Beach Farmers Market
The Virginia Beach Farmers Market is always a blast, but during the holidays, it’s a special treat. Vendors bring out their Thanksgiving- and Christmas-themed wares in addition to their usual arrays of baked goods, local beef, fresh produce and ice cream. Before you know it, you’ll be headed home with Thanksgiving dinner ingredients, Christmas presents, new holiday decor and so much more. Please note that individual merchant hours may vary, given the holiday season.
Enjoy Holiday Festivities at the Hunt Club Farm’s Holiday Market
Looking for a festive Black Friday activity? Look no further than the Hunt Club Farm’s Holiday Market. Opening the day after Thanksgiving, this market features some of the most well-kept Frasier Firs in town. Even if you’re not in the market for a Christmas tree, stop by for a fresh wreath, handmade seasonal decor or the impeccable holiday atmosphere. The market and tree lot are open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until December 23.
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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.
