December 2021
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.
The Lights of Christmas
Virginia Beach KOA Campground
November 19 - January 2
Witness the magic of these elaborate displays of lights throughout this popular Virginia Beach campground. The display will be synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes using your car radio. After the show, the fun has only just begun, because included in your ticket price is admission to the Christmas Village.
BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
November 19 - January 2
The Bayport Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach is the perfect socially-distanced event to attend during the 2021 holiday season! Guests drive their vehicles on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk through holiday, nautical, and adventure-themed light displays, listening on their radios to a soundtrack playing traditional holiday music. Festive fish, musical crabs, and hard-working elves – all in brightly colored lights against the moonlit Atlantic Ocean - are the stars of BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach. They are joined by Surfing Santa and a 40-foot tall dancing light Christmas tree, new for 2020! The magical light display features fish swimming overhead, color-changing archways, and light fixtures that pay tribute to the region’s Armed Forces community.
Families are encouraged to enjoy everything the Virginia Beach Resort features by Holiday-bundling BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach with dinner at one of the many fine restaurants or a visit to one of the exciting attractions at the Oceanfront.
BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach has been named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 November Events” and one of the American Bus Association's "Top 100 Events in North America”! More than 20,000 families a year make this unique light show a part of their holiday celebration. This “Fanta-Sea” of lights will dazzle and amaze holiday visitors and locals alike.
Snow Globe Spectacular | Holidays at Town Center
Town Center
November 26 - December 31
November 26th through December 31st when all of Town Center in Virginia Beach comes alive with the spirit of the holidays. ALL New and Amazing snow globes filled with one of a kind artistic, unique, creative, and whimsical Christmas scenes. A tribute to our city, our community and the season!
Be mesmerized and entertained in the Fountain Plaza each weekend in December by dancing ballerinas and elves, violinists, and frosty royal musicians performing live inside Life Size magical snow globes. Santa will appear LIVE and in-person in his very own North Pole (Covid Safe) Snow Globe. Children Young and Old can visit, and take selfies with Santa. Town Center is excited to again bring this exclusive, safe experience to you. Come early, because Santa will be busy!
Santa's Workshop Schedule
Friday's | 6-9PM
Saturday's | 4-9 PM
Sunday's | 6-9 PM
December 21-23 | 6–9 PM
Christmas Eve 4-6 PM
The magic doesn’t stop there. Journey through the giant sparkling holiday ornaments, lose yourself in our new decorative ribbon display and visit Saint Nick’s Sleigh. At the top of the hour, each night between 6pm - 9pm, the Holiday Fountain Plaza Tree bursts to life with a mesmerizing dancing light display of sight and sound. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday tradition at Town Center of Virginia Beach.
Holidays at the Cavalier
The Cavalier Hotel
November 27 - January 2
Holiday Tea at Becca
Enjoy high tea in the Raleigh Room, with a special Cavalier Holiday twist all season long (November 27 – January 2). Delicious and seasonal tea selections, holiday-themed sweets and perfectly paired tea sandwiches.
Breakfast with Santa
Bring the family for breakfast at Becca Restaurant & Garden, then join Santa for photos! Children also receive a take-home Cavalier Cookie Kit. Book your breakfast reservations at BeccaVB.com/reservations. Available December 4th , 11th , and 18th from 10AM – 2PM.
Holiday Carolers
Enjoy the holiday cheer as carolers greet you at the doors of the Historic Cavalier Hotel. Get into the holiday spirit every Friday and Saturday evening in December.
Christmas at the Cavalier
The most wonderful time of year is best spent at the Historic Cavalier Hotel. Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner feature a specialty 3- course menu of delectable holiday fare at Becca Restaurant & Garden. Regular Breakfast and Brunch menus will be available. Book your reservations at BeccaVB.com/Reservations on December 25 or 25.
New Year's Eve
The traditional Cavalier New Year is BACK. Luxury hotel-stay, dinner and party packages, live entertainment, and more. More information and details on reservations to come soon, on CavalierResortVB.com/Events.
Virginia Aquarium Holi-Rays
Virginia Aquarium
December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18
Come dressed in your holiday best or festive pjs for an evening of family fun. Stroll through our winter wonderland of lights and holiday magic under the sea. Be sure to stop and wave hello to the jolly elf himself (Santa)!
Holiday Parade at the Beach
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
December 4
@liveonatlantic, Instagram
From marching bands to holiday themed floats, almost 90 units march up Atlantic Avenue for a fun parade the entire family can enjoy.
Santa Slumber Party
Founder's Inn
December 10, 11, 17 & 18
A cozy, festive getaway at The Founders Inn and Spa awaits. Rooms Start at $99 per night and package includes a personalized letter from Santa and a milk and cookie turndown service. Sold separately, but is a great pairing, is Breakfast with Santa at The Founders Inn. Mix up the traditional picture with Santa this year with breakfast at the hotel’s Swan Terrace and enjoy face painting and a balloon artist. Cap the event with a photo with Saint Nic. Reservations are required, $29.95 per person.
Sensory Friendly Morning
Virginia Aquarium
December 11
The Aquarium will open early exclusively for individuals and families wanting a quieter experience with soft lighting, limited sounds, and other modifications. This special event will allow guests to enjoy the animals and exhibits at their own pace and ensure a comfortable visit for everyone, before the doors open to the public at 9 a.m. Advanced registration/timed ticketing is required, and regular admission rates apply.
BayPort Credit Union Surf-n-Santa 5-Miler
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
December 18
@jandaracing, Instagram
After being exclusively virtual last year, the Surf-n-Santa 5-miler returns for a little holiday ‘fitspo’ the entire family can partake in. Whether team naughty or nice, this festive evening run takes participants through the holiday lights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk before celebrating with a post-race party at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
4h Annual Karma Giveback - Skate for Change
1704 Atlantic Avenue
December 18
Tis the season of giving. Come out from 2-4 pm on December 18 and skate with Karma Skate and pass out hats, socks, and gloves to those in need. Karma Skate is sponsored by 4 Families, who is helping to also give away 10 boards and 5 bikes for Christmas. You don't want to miss this fun time for a good cause!
Live Holiday Performances
Sandler Center & Zeider's
All Month Long
Join the Sandler Center and Zeider's for the must-see holiday performances of the season. Get into the Christmas spirit with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered to perfection. This shows will have all the holiday fun you've come to expect -- and may even feature a festive surprise or two!
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
December 4
Tis The Season to Swing
December 5
Hot Chocolate and Cinema Sticks by Virginia Chorale
December 10 - 12
Holiday Pops! with the Virginia Symphony
December 12
Virginia Symphony's Jingle Bell Jam
December 17 - 19
Ballet Virginia presents "The Nutcracker"
Zeider's American Dream Theater
December 9 - 11
Holidivas Holiday Cabaret
Last Night on the Town
Town Center
December 31
@jakedowningg, Instagram
On New Year’s Eve, this free, public event will kick off with fun and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Town Center will host a variety of live performances, including local favorite, The Deloreans. 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.
