December 2018
As we turn to the last page on our calendars, the fun is only beginning in Virginia Beach. With cooler temps comes a beach scene with a decidedly more local vibe and a wave of holiday activities that can only be experienced during December in Virginia Beach. When you have a whole coastal city at your fingertips, a winter getaway to the beach is the gift that keeps on giving.
Holiday Lights Merry Mile
November 22 - December 30
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
@iamanar92, Instagram
This festive drive-through light show features a twinkling journey into nautical, holiday, and adventure lands – all along the beautiful Virginia Beach Boardwalk, from 8th Street to 22nd Street. Guests can tune their car radio in to hear holiday music synced with the light show, as they drive through festive fish, jumping dolphins, and frolicking porpoises, as well as Santa and his elves and much more. The Holiday Lights Merry Mile is open nightly 5:30pm-10pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30pm-11pm, Friday-Saturday.
Santa’s Cottage
November 23 - December 25
Town Center
@towncenterofvirginiabeach, Instagram
Santa’s Cottage in the Fountain Plaza at Virginia Beach Town Center, is the perfect place this holiday season for family fun. Make a festive craft, send a letter to the North Pole, and enjoy complimentary gift wrapping! This kid-friendly activity is free, open to the public, and the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
Holiday Parade at the Beach
December 1
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
@liveonatlantic, Instagram
The Holiday Parade at the Beach kicks off the holiday season each year at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Featuring giant balloons, student marching bands, flashy floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, dancers and more, it’s sure to be a dazzling and entertaining night of fun for everyone! Best of all, Santa Claus will make his debut appearance and greet all the boys and girls as the parade makes its way down Atlantic Avenue. Catch the parade traveling from 15th Street to 25th Street.
2018 Surf-n-Santa Expo
December 14 - 15
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
@jandaracing, Instagram
From J&A Racing comes one of our healthiest annual holiday traditions, the Great Outdoor Provision Co. Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler, presented by Bon Secours In Motion. Participants can choose between a 5-piece Santa suit or an official race shirt during registration to prepare them for their run through a nautical holiday wonderland along the Atlantic Ocean. The event is held at twilight along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk so runners can enjoy the Holiday Lights Merry Mile and a festive evening filled with holiday spirit. All participants are invited to the post-race party inside the Virginia Beach Convention Center featuring live music, brews from Samuel Adams, and other goodies.
Ballet Virginia International presents The Nutcracker
December 14 - 16
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
@sandlercenter, Instagram
Join the Sandler Center for The Nutcracker, presented by Ballet Virginia International, and enjoy the wonder of this timeless ballet classic. Enjoy nationally recognized guest artists and our region's finest dancers along with imaginative choreography and staging. Live orchestra from Symphonicity, with Daniel W. Boothe conducting, will add the final touch to this version of one our most-cherished holiday masterpieces.
Last Night on the Town
December 31
Town Center
@jakedowningg, Instagram
On New Year’s Eve, this free, public event will kick off with fun and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Pembroke Mall will host a variety of live performances including a DJ Ty Street, Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos, and Switchfoot. Food and drinks will be available throughout the night for purchase, and parking is always free. Town Center merchants, hotels and restaurants will also be offering celebratory specials throughout the night. VIP tickets may also be purchased for exclusive access to food, party favors and more.
Cover Image: @manojvenkatesan, Instagram
