First Day Hikes
January 1
New year, new adventures. Kick off 2025 with a winter hike through Virginia Beach state parks and soak in the natural beauty. At False Cape State Park, you can join two ranger-led treks, including “From Bay to Beach,” a two-mile hike from Back Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, and “Welcome to Wash Woods,” a three-mile hike across the park’s diverse coastal habitats. Both require reservations and a $10 fee per person. Meanwhile, First Landing State Park has free guided hikes on the schedule, including a history walk, a birdwatching basics experience and a sensory hike that brings the park to life through all five senses.
First Night Holiday Hike at the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach
January 1
Mark the first night of 2025 with a festive family stroll along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at the inaugural First Night Holiday Hike. Enjoy one final look at the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach, where a magical 600-foot-long curved archway of twinkling LED holiday offers the perfect way to wrap up the holiday season. The walk is free and runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Coastal Virginia Weddings Showcase
January 12
If wedding bells are in your future, you won’t want to miss the Coastal Virginia Weddings Showcase at Founders Inn & Spa. It’s your one-stop shop for planning the big day. Meet the region’s top wedding pros under one roof, from venues and event planners, to DJs, travel agents and bridal boutiques. Stay ahead of the trends with a stunning fashion show presented by Milk & Honey Bride and Andre Julius Tuxedos. As a bonus, there will be door prizes and giveaways.
RV Show of Tidewater
January 17-19
If hitting the open road—in an RV, of course—sounds like your kind of adventure, plan to make your way to the RV Show of Tidewater at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Chat with exhibitors and explore a serious lineup of RVs, including travel trailers, motorhomes and camper vans. This is your opportunity to get an inside look at what makes each road trip-ready. Beyond RVs, get the scoop on campgrounds, state parks, e-bikes and more. January is prime time to map out your next vacation, and this event has everything you need to hit the open road.
Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Living Show
January 18-19
Ready for a home makeover? The 40th annual Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Living Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center is the ultimate destination when you want to make all your home renovation and design dreams come true. Connect with expert vendors, brush up on the latest trends, and soak up creative inspiration—from a sleek new kitchen to a cookout-ready outdoor living space, even a stunning new addition. Get ready to turn your dream home into a reality.
Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase
January 19
Calling all future brides and grooms! The Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase, presented by Astro Event Company, is headed to the Virginia Beach Convention Center for a one-day wedding extravaganza. From top-notch wedding planners and DJs to dreamy venues, photographers and bridal shops, it’s the ultimate resource for planning the perfect day. Don’t miss the bridal gown pop-up shop where you may just find the dress. Plus, a portion of ticket sales supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with more than $45,000 donated to date to the organization.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
January 20-26
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week, celebrating its 20th year is serving up the most delicious deals of the year, making it the perfect time to hit those must-try restaurants you’ve been eyeing. Dozens of local restaurants are offering fixed-price, multi-course menus at mouthwatering prices. Think $35 for a three-course dinner or $15 for a two-course lunch. Catch 31 Fish House and Bar, Eurasia and Rockafeller’s Restaurant are just a few of the foodie favorites around town to check out. Plus, enjoy hotel bundles, so you can eat and stay for less.
Winter Wildlife Festival
January 25 – February 2
Winter is the perfect time to bundle up and dive into the magic and stillness of nature. The Winter Wildlife Festival is a nine-day celebration of the area’s breathtaking coastal beauty. Hosted by Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, you can enjoy tram tours, ranger-led walks, boat rides, skill-building workshops and more. All events, including free and fee-based activities, require pre-registration. Spots fill up fast, so sign up quickly.
Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show
January 31 – February 2
Whether you're an experienced angler, a boating enthusiast or just dipping your toe in the waters, the Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center has something for you. You’ll find a super-size selection of the latest boat models, as well as custom watercraft and jet skis. Plus, boating experts will be on hand, ready to help elevate your next water adventure.
Live Performances
Brush off the winter blues with live entertainment in Virginia Beach this January. From comedy shows to musical events to theatre performances, here’s what’s on tap to kick off the new year.
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
January 17 – February 9
Into the Breeches starts its run at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach on January 17. Set during World War II, this comedy follows a group of spirited women who step into the roles of male actors to save a theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s Henriad. This humorous and heartwarming play is a delight for adults and teens alike.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout January
For a good laugh, make your way to Funny Bone Comedy Club. January is packed with more than a dozen shows. Get ready to be entertained all month long by such stand-up comics as Chico Bean (January 10-12,) Bodacious (January 16) and DL Hughley (January 17-19.)
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout January
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is kicking off the new year with symphonies, comedy tours, and family-friendly shows. Don’t miss The Snow Queen (January 6) by the Grand Kyiv Ballet, Dirty Dancing in Concert (January 19,) the movie’s first live film-to-concert experience, and stand-up comic Jim Belushi (January 24.) Plus, enjoy the return of the “Out of the Box” Emerging Artist Series, which offers free live concerts every Thursday at 7 p.m. from January 9 through March 6.
About Our Writer
Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoor writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation, and national parks.
