December 2022
‘Tis the season, and this month, Virginia Beach turns into a holiday fantasea for the entire family. All month long, enjoy special events and activities that bring out the best of our coastal destination’s holiday cheer.
BASK IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Count down to Santa’s arrival and warm up with a variety of specially themed events that’ll be sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Holiday Parade at the Beach
Atlantic Avenue, from 15th to 25th Streets
Dec. 3
Head to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for a joyous celebration, as 90 parade units – including giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian unities, dance groups and more – present a dazzling and entertaining night of holiday fun for all ages. Best of all, Santa himself will make a grand appearance as the festive evening winds down. The Holiday Parade at the Beach begins at 5:30 p.m., traveling north on Atlantic Avenue from 15th Street to 25th Street.
Bayport Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk at 2nd Street
Now through Jan. 1, 2023
Festive fish, musical crabs and hard-working elves – oh my! These are the stars of one of VB’s most magical sights: Holiday Lights at the Beach. Drive through a stunning light display of nautical, holiday and winter wonderlands directly on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, as you listen to a traditional holiday soundtrack from the comfort of your own vehicle. Make the most of your night by enjoying dinner at one of our area restaurants or visiting other Resort-area attractions. Advanced tickets are required and may be purchased online. For more information, please visit the event website.
Snowglobe Spectacular
Virginia Beach Town Center
Now through Jan. 1, 2023
Stroll through the Virginia Beach Town Center and view one-of-a-kind snowglobes, themed around the area’s unique attractions and offerings during the annual Snowglobe Spectacular display. These unique and festive works of art provide a great backdrop as you savor, sip and shop in Town Center this November. But the festive fun doesn’t end there! Journey through the giant sparkling and romantic Coeur de Noel ornament, tie yourself up a 30-ft. Decorative Ribbon display, send a selfie to loved ones in the life-size Holiday Picture Frame or visit Saint Nick’s Sleigh. At the top of the hour, every night between 5 and 9 p.m., the Holiday Fountain Plaza Tree bursts to life with a mesmerizing dancing light display of sight and sound.
Visits with Santa
Virginia Beach Town Center
Every Friday & Saturday in December & Dec. 16-23
Visit with Santa and enjoy a magical array of family-friendly entertainment every Friday and Saturday evening (and every day, Dec. 16-23) at the Fountain Plaza, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Winter Wonderland
The Shack on 8th
Now through Dec. 26
The weather is cooling down, but the fun keeps heating up at The Shack on 8th, as it transforms into a Winter Wonderland! Shop for locally made and loved gifts at the Vendor Village, or start a new holiday tradition by picking out a tree from The Shack’s huge selection of live trees. Grab a drink and walk around to enjoy the lights, family-friendly activities and holiday cheer; or have a seat and enjoy the delicious food and drinks from The Shack Restaurant, open daily. For more information and for a full calendar of events, please visit the event website.
LIVE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT AT THE SHOPS AT HILLTOP
Just two miles from the Oceanfront, one of Virginia Beach’s premier shopping hubs – The Shops at Hilltop – provides a spirited holiday-shopping experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Visits with Santa
Dec. 3, 10, 17 & 18
The jolly man himself will be making several visits to The Shops at Hilltop, delighting children and kids at heart alike as he spreads good cheer to holiday shoppers. Santa Visits will take place between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 3, 10, 17 & 18. Kids will receive a free activity pad (while supplies last).
The Doorway Singers
Dec. 3 & 17
Add holiday cheer to your shopping experience at The Shops at Hilltop, as the strolling Doorway Singers sing your favorite holiday tunes acapella. The free, live performances take place throughout the Hilltop shops (North, East & West), between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 17.
Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Dec. 3, 10, 17 & 18
Experience a classic and charming holiday tradition with a free horse-drawn carriage ride, courtesy of The Shops at Hilltop, with two carriages running simultaneously to delight as many families and groups as possible. Riders will be served on a first-come, first-served basis; no tickets necessary. Photos will be available for purchase. Find the carriages on Dec. 3 near Kitchen Barn in HIlltop North, on Dec. 10, 17 & 18 near TASTE in Hilltop East.
TOAST TO THE NEW YEAR
Last Night on the Town
Virginia Beach Town Center
Dec. 31
Ring in 2023 with a Virginia Beach New Year’s Eve tradition at the heart of the Virginia Beach Town Center. This year’s Last Night on the Town, presented by The Central Business District Association and IMGoing will feature live entertainment by headlining performer Lupe Fiasco, with special guests Empire Strikes Back and Monotronic. The New Year’s Eve festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 and go through midnight, of course, complete with an exciting countdown to the New Year. For more information, tickets and advance VIP ticket sales, please visit www.lastnightonthetown.com.
LIVE HOLIDAY-THEMED PERFORMANCES
These spirited performances and family-friendly live entertainment will have you singing, dancing and rejoicing all holiday season long.
Celebrate Christmas with Virginia Voices International
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 2
For one night only, “Celebrate Christmas” with Virginia Voices International, featuring the Bella Dancers. All proceeds benefit the ongoing mission of Virginia Voices International. Tickets are now available for purchase online. The show begins at 7 p.m.
A Christmas Wish with the Virginia Beach Chorale
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 4
There is nothing more magical than a wish at Christmas, and Virginia Beach Chorale is bringing that magic to the stage with their Holiday Concert, "A Christmas Wish” – a stunning show filled with wishful holiday musical classics. Tickets are now available for purchase online. The show begins at 3 p.m.; doors open at 2 p.m.
Holiday Traditions: A Free Public Concert
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 5
Join the United States Air Force Heritage of American Band for an evening of festive holiday music for the entire family, celebrating seasonal traditions. Advance registration for this FREE concert is required; reserve your FREE ticket online. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Let Me Sleigh U
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Dec. 10
Delight in this one-night-only holiday drag show extravaganza starring Vivian Valentine & Friends. The performance promises to entertain, delight and sleigh guests with plenty of holiday cheer. Tickets are now available for purchase online. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Jingle Bell Jam
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 11
Santa Claus is stopping by to be a part of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s ever-popular Jingle Bell Jam! Celebrate the magic of the season with an afternoon that showcases the music of the holidays, performed by the region’s very best. Get your tickets early, as this family favorite is sure to sell out. The show begins at 3 p.m., with pre-concert activities beginning at 2 p.m.
Holiday POPS!
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 11
Experience one of Virginia Beach’s most beloved seasonal favorites, a spectacle of holiday songs and traditional carols performed by the Virginia Symphony and special guests in a high-energy, family-friendly one-night concert with plenty of surprises. Tickets are now available for purchase online. The show begins at 7 p.m.
Ballet Virginia’s “The Nutcracker”
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 16, 17 & 18
Enjoy this classic holiday tradition, performed by Ballet Virginia’s professional company members alongside the region's finest young dancers. Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking score will be performed live by Symphonicity, Virginia Beach’s symphony orchestra. Tickets are now available for purchase online. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Holidivas
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Dec. 15, 16 & 17
The Holidivas are back! One of The Z’s most popular cabarets, the different and delightful divas bring the house down with holiday favorites and new original classics. Heart-warming and sprinkled with comedy, this is a unique holiday experience you won’t want to miss. Tickets are now available for purchase online. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 16 and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17.
Jim Brickman: A Very Merry Christmas
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 19
The multiple Grammy-nominated songwriter and piano sensation, Jim Brickman, is back with his annual holiday tour – a magical evening celebrating music, love and family. Brickman’s joyous live performance blends yuletide memories and holiday favorites with his own hit songs, such as “The Gift,” “Angel Eyes” and “If You Believe. Tickets are now available for purchase online. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
