January 2024


 

The holiday season will be wrapped up, taking with it the tree lightings, boat parades and light tours, but there’s still plenty of festive fun to be had in Virginia Beach this January.

 

From ranger-led hikes to family concerts to the ever-popular Virginia Beach Restaurant Week, here are the Virginia Beach events and activities to add to your calendar to help ensure the new year starts off fabulously.

 

 

Hiking - False Cape State Park


First Day Hikes
 

January 1
 

A new year means a new you, so why not get out for a hike? On January 1, The Nature Bus will host an easy, restorative mid-afternoon hike that’s inspired by forest bathing, a relaxing Japanese concept that allows participants to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.

 

Alternatively, head to one of our beautiful state parks for a winter adventure. False Cape State Park will host two ranger-led excursions, including “From Bay to Beach,” a two-mile hike that guides participants from Back Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, and “Welcome to Wash Woods,” a three-mile hike across the park’s coastal habitats. First Landing State Park will host three ranger-led hikes, including a birdwatching experience.

 

 

Holiday Lights Merry Mile


Holiday Lights Bike Night
 

January 1
 

If you missed BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach, a drive-thru holiday lights experience that runs through December 31, you’ll have one last chance after dark on January 1 during the Bike Night Finale. Ride your bike through the 600-foot-long color-changing LED tunnel and more than 25 festive light displays including mermaids, jumping fish and colorful crabs. This event is free, so bling up your bike and head out to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

 

 

Sandler Center - Main Hall


“Carnival of the Animals” Family Concert
 

January 7
 

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Town Center presents “Carnival of the Animals” at its 25th Annual Lollipop Concert, a mid-afternoon family concert geared toward children ages 5 to 12 years old. This 45-minute concert will feature symphonic melodies that depict the personalities of a variety of animals, including donkeys, kangaroos and turtles. Pre-concert family activities will take place in the lobby one hour before showtime.

 

 

Founders Inn - Fall.jpg


Coastal Virginia Weddings Showcase
 

January 7
 

Planning a wedding in the new year? Make plans to attend the Coastal Virginia Weddings Showcase at Founders Inn and Spa. It promises to be a veritable who’s who of the region’s top wedding industry professionals, including venues, event planners, travel agencies, DJs and bridal shops. Check out the year’s wedding trends at a fashion show presented by Milk & Honey Bride and Unveiled On-Site Beauty. There will be door prizes and giveaways, including a $3,000 shopping spree at Ashley Furniture.
 



drinks out of focus with a statue in the background


"The Recipe"


January 9
 

The Virginia Beach Restaurant Association is proud to announce its partnership with Mr. Nathan W. Beck of Beck Image in the creation of “The Recipe” – a photographic journey through the Virginia Beach Restaurant scene. 

The exhibit consists of sixty photographs, taking the viewer behind the scenes of members of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association. Your visual journey commences with: 

  • The Beginning of a Culinary Career
  • Ingredients’ Origins Highlighting Local Farms, Seafood, and Food Distributors
  • The Guests that Grace our Doorsteps
  • The Kitchen Ballet
  • The Stars of the Menu: Food and Beverages
  • “Last Call”

The exhibit will open to the public on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Sandler Center for Performing Arts, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Admission is free and exhibit access is available during box office hours and scheduled events. After the closing at Sandler Center, the exhibit will move to other locations across Virginia Beach and beyond.

 

 

Images credited to Ashley Lester


18th Annual Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
 

January 15-21
 

Virginia Beach Restaurant Week is the most flavorful time of the year. It’s also the perfect chance to try some of the area’s best eateries. Dozens of participating restaurants – including Arbuckles Bar & Grill, Becca Restaurant & Garden and Orion’s Roof Garden & Dining – have prepared delicious fixed-price, multi-course menus with enticing prices from $15 for a two-course lunch to $35 for a three-course dinner.

 

 

Aerial view of convention center with resort area in distance


RV Show of Tidewater
 

January 19-21
 

For those who dream of driving an RV off into the sunset, the RV Show of Tidewater at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in the Oceanfront district is the place to chat with exhibitors and check out the RVs, travel trailers, motorhomes and camper vans. You can also get the scoop on campgrounds, state parks, electric bike brands and more. 

 

A Raisin in the Sun
 

January 19-February 11
 

The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach in the Inland district presents A Raisin in the Sun, the story of the dreams and struggles of three generations of one Black family living in Chicago’s South Side. This award-winning play written by Lorrain Hansberry in 1959 has a PG rating and offers a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate the arts this winter.

 

 

Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops


Tchaikovsky 6: The Story Behind the Music
 

January 20
 

At the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will indulge classical music-loving audiences with an afternoon of Tchaikovsky and the story behind his last completed major work, Symphony No. 6.Conductor Eric Jacobson will speak to the audience and go behind the music that brings this passionate symphony to life. 

 

 

plated food


Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase
 

January 21
 

Presented by Astro Entertainment, the Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase at the Virginia Beach Convention Center will feature the area’s top wedding planners, DJs, venues, photographers and bridal dress shops. The one-day event is designed to help couples plan the big day, including the latest bridal fashion trends and color palettes for bridesmaids. A bridal pop-up shop will help brides-to-be find the dresses of their dreams. A portion of the showcase entrance will be donated to the Susan G. Komen organization.

 

Sandler Center Plaza Wings Scultpure


DRUM TAO 30th Anniversary
 

January 21 
 

It’s a big month for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts thanks to three live performances in January, including the DRUM TAO 30th Anniversary, a theatrical dance spectacle that mesmerizes with rhythmic taiko drumming, colorful costumes and dazzling lighting effects. A Japanese ensemble of 40 acclaimed performers keeps the audience entertained with this fast-paced and engaging percussion and dance show, which also features flute, harp and marimba sounds.

 

 

Edgar Cayce's A.R.E


Harmony & Rejuvenation Weekend Seminar
 

January 26-28
 

The new year is about new beginnings, so if you’re eager to become the happiest, healthiest you, consider the Harmony & Rejuvenation weekend seminar presented by Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment. The seminar, which is focused on mind, body and spirit, will feature expert-led presentations on holistic approaches to wellness, self-hypnosis and understanding karma. There will also be free time to connect with like-minded attendees for fun and fellowship.

 

 

Back Bay Heron Wildlife


Wildlife Winter Festival
 

January 27-February 4
 

Winter is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the cooler air and the stillness of nature. At the Winter Wildlife Festival, a celebration of the area’s natural coastal beauty, you’ll find daily family-friendly opportunities to take part in, such as excursions, ranger-led walks, tram tours, skill-building workshops and boat tours. The nature festivities are put on by the City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation division. All events, including free and fee-based activities, require pre-registration.