Virginia Beach Christmas Market
Through December 1
Talented artisans will showcase their handmade creations, including fiber arts, photography, jewelry and stained glass, as well as collectibles and gourmet treats, like holiday cookies, at the 43rd Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market. This beloved event, located at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and stocking stuffers.
Planes, Trains and Santa at the Military Aviation Museum
Through December 1
Kick off your holiday season with Planes, Trains and Santa at the Military Aviation Museum. The highlight of this family-friendly event is the arrival of Santa Claus. In a vintage plane, no less. Take your photo with Santa, then stroll the hangar to marvel at model trains winding through twinkling holiday villages. The Marine Corps Reserves will collect donations for Toys for Tots.
Grand Hotel Illuminations
December 1
Let the holidays begin as two of the city’s grandest spots sparkle with more than 100,000 lights. The Founders Inn hosts an afternoon of magic shows, face painting and horse-drawn carriage rides from 2 to 6 p.m. Then, head to the historic Cavalier Resort, where the evening lights up with carolers, hot chocolate, photos with Santa and dancers from The Nutcracker from 5 to 8 p.m.
Snow Globe Spectacular
Through December 23
Get ready for a magical evening at the Town Center of Virginia Beach, which will host the Snow Globe Spectacular. Wave hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus as they welcome passers-by from within life-size snow globes. Playful elves, talented tap dancers, and lively violinists perform right alongside them, spreading joy and merriment from within a whimsical winter wonderland.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
Through January 5
Indulge in delicate tea sandwiches and festive sweets, like peppermint bark and egg nog cheesecake tarts, as you sip loose leaf teas in the elegant Raleigh Room at the historic Cavalier Hotel. The Holiday Afternoon Tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. Reserve your spot on OpenTable before it fills up – this one always sells out quickly.
Gingerbread House Exhibit at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
Through December 31
Step into a winter wonderland filled with aromatic gingerbread houses, which are beautifully displayed inside the historic de Witt Cottage at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. These edible gingerbread masterpieces, hand-crafted by local chefs and artists, are truly a feast for the eyes. The exhibit is free and open to the public, making it a perfect holiday outing for all ages.
BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach
Through December 31
Playful elves, splashing fish and dancing crabs light up the night at the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach along Oceanfront. Get set for a magical evening as you drive through a 600-foot-long curved archway of sparkling LED holiday lights. Don’t miss the show-stopping 40-foot-tall dancing lights Christmas tree. Advance-timed tickets are a must for this beachside family favorite.
Holiday Festivities at The Shops at Hilltop
Select Dates in December
Get ready for a festive holiday season at The Shops at Hilltop. Enjoy magical horse-drawn carriage rides on December 7, 14, 21 and 22, and a cheery visit from Santa Claus on December 7, 14 and 21. The Doorway Singers will fill the air with joyful carols on December 21. While you’re there, explore dozens of retail stores to check off everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Santa Slumber Party
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20
For a little extra holiday magic to your stay at The Founders Inn, enjoy a Santa Slumber Party the night before the inn’s Breakfast with Santa. This festive add-on includes overnight accommodations, a personalized letter from Santa and a special delivery of milk and cookies right to your room.
Breakfast with Santa
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21
Celebrate the season with a festive breakfast buffet starring none other than the big man in the red suit. Breakfast with Santa at the Swan Terrace Grill at The Founders Inn starts at 8 a.m. sharp, with balloon artists and face painters on hand to keep children entertained before they pose for photos with Santa in front of the towering and glimmering 32-foot-tall Christmas tree.
Holiday Boat Parade
December 7
Join the fun at the Holiday Boat Parade, where festively decorated boats light up the night as they cruise along the Lynnhaven Inlet. This free, family-friendly event features a colorful line-up of boats, each decked out in dazzling holiday lights. Grab a spot along the shore to enjoy the parade and revel in the festive nautical atmosphere. An exclusive VIP viewing party peeps the show from Chick’s Oyster Bar; tickets on sale now.
Teddy Bear Tea
December 8, 15
Embrace the holiday spirit at The Founders Inn, which hosts an absolutely enchanting Teddy Bear Tea. This delightful tea-time buffet features a festive spread of finger sandwiches, sweet pastries and a selection of holiday teas. Kids will enjoy Christmas stories and leave with a special keepsake – a commemorative teddy bear. Advance reservations are required for this family-friendly tea. Tea time is from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Virginia Ballroom.
Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler
December 13-14
Get a running start into the season at the Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler, which starts at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and then along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This fun and festive race encourages spirited costumes, so run in your Santa suit or stroll dressed up like an elf. The 5 Miler starts at 4:30 p.m. on December 14, so you can enjoy the sparkling Holiday Lights at the Beach as you race. Rudolph’s 1K kicks off at 6:15 p.m. on December 13.
Holi-Rays at the Virginia Aquarium
December 13-14
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is getting into the holiday spirit with Holi-Rays, an after-hours event that brings magic above and under the sea. Come dressed in your holiday best or your coziest Christmas jammies (even adults!). Wander through the aquarium, sparkling with festive lights and don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with a scuba diving Saint Nick.
Santa, S'mores, and More at Hunt Club Farm
December 15, 21
Get ready for a holly jolly good time at Santa, S’mores, and More at Hunt Club Farm, a fun, family event where you can cozy up around a crackling fire and enjoy gooey s’mores. Kids can get creative with holiday crafts led by “elves,” then share their holiday wish lists and snap a photo with Santa Claus. The Petting Farm and Tree Walk Adventure will also be open, adding even more fun to the magical holiday festivities. Make your reservations online, as space is limited.
Holiday Tree Hunt at The Adventure Park
December 21 – January 5
Head to The Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium for a festive challenge called the Holiday Tree Hunt, where you’ll search for mischievous elves that have hidden high in the trees. Get ready to zipline and navigate obstacles, like wooden bridges and cargo nets, as you make your way across the park on your quest to find all the elves. After your climb, enjoy a treat as a well-deserved reward!
Evening with Santa at The Founders Inn
December 17
Santa is making a special one-night-only visit to The Founders Inn for a snuggly pajama party. Kids can get comfy and listen to stories read aloud by Santa himself, while enjoying milk and cookies. Make a reservation for an Evening with Santa to create magical family memories.
Last Night on the Town
December 31
At the Town Center of Virginia Beach, ring in the new year at VB’s signature celebration, Last Night on the Town. Headlined by Hunter Hayes, with special guests Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos and DJ Mista Cham, this popular event draws thousands of revelers for an evening of fun and music. Now in its 11th year, this free family event starts at 7 p.m. at Cantina Laredo, with live music kicking off at 9 p.m. VIP tickets include perks like colorful party favors and main stage views.
Live Performances
There is no lack of live entertainment in Virginia Beach this December. From comedy shows to musical events to theater performances, here’s what’s on tap this month.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout December
When you want to laugh, head on over to Funny Bone Comedy Club in Town Center in December, which has more than two dozen shows on the schedule this month. You’ll be entertained by stand-up comics like Drew Lynch (December 5-7,) Michael Blaustein (December 13-14) and Deray Davis (December 20-22.)
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout December
At the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Town Center, a full events calendar includes holiday shows aplenty this December. Plan on A Christmas Carol (December 6-8,) Jim Brickman (December 11,) PBJ: Jingle Bell Jam (December 15) and Ballet Virginia’s The Nutcracker (December 20-22.)
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Throughout December
At Zeiders American Dream Theater, several holiday shows in December add a special glow to the holiday season, including A Soulful Christmas: A Groovy Musical Revue (December 5-7, 13-15,) Holidivas (December 19-20) and Tidewater Winds: Santa Swings (December 22.)
About Our Writer
Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoors writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation and national parks. Her credits include Parents, The Washington Post, Thrillist, TIME and AFAR.com. She has written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides and has created a hiking website, GoHikeVirginia.com. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states (so far, she has checked off 40 states).
