The holiday season brings a little extra magic to Virginia Beach, where coastal charm meets festive traditions and plenty of reasons to celebrate. From dazzling light displays and holiday parades to Christmas markets, live performances and visits with Santa, there’s no shortage of ways to make merry by the sea. Whether you’re planning a festive family getaway, shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts or simply looking to soak up the holiday spirit, Virginia Beach has something special in store. Bundle up, gather your loved ones and explore the can’t-miss holiday events and celebrations happening throughout November and December.
BayPort Credit Union “Holiday Trail of Lights”
November 20–January 3
A beloved Virginia Beach holiday tradition is getting a magical makeover! After 31 years of lighting up the Oceanfront, Holiday Lights at the Beach is transforming into the all-new Holiday Trail of Lights at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. This enchanting, walk-through experience invites visitors to explore the Aquarium’s Nature Trail, transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive music and interactive displays. Wander through seven themed light zones, snap family photos with Santa and soak up the holiday magic at this unforgettable new seasonal celebration.
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis
November 20
Experience the magic of the holidays through music at the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. This beloved holiday tradition brings more than 40 years of Christmas classics to life with a signature blend of classical melodies, modern sounds and dazzling multimedia effects. Featuring 15 talented musicians playing more than 20 instruments, this spectacular performance is sure to fill the whole family with holiday cheer.
Santa’s Seaside Cinema
November 21 and 28, December 12 and 19
Holiday movie magic meets the Oceanfront at Santa’s Seaside Cinema! Head to 31st Street Park for a festive afternoon filled with family-friendly fun, seasonal entertainment and holiday movies under the open sky. Little ones can meet Santa, enjoy face painting and balloon art, while the whole family explores holiday shopping, sweet treats and a cozy hot cocoa bar. Best of all, this cheerful seaside celebration is free to attend, making it a perfect addition to your Virginia Beach holiday getaway.
6th Annual Festival of Trees
November 20
Step into a winter wonderland for a good cause at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. The 7th Annual Festival of Trees is an elegant evening featuring a silent auction, festive cocktails, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees—all benefiting the Westminster-Canterbury Foundation. Come admire the artistry, bid on your favorite tree and feel good knowing your holiday spirit helps support the local community.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
November 25
Step into a world of holiday magic with NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, a spectacular international touring production that brings a beloved Christmas classic to life. Featuring breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes, larger-than-life puppets and whimsical sets, this enchanting performance transports audiences into a world of wonder. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, world-class dancers take the stage at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts for a holiday experience the whole family will love.
Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day, November 26
Kick off Thanksgiving Day with the Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot. Lace up your sneakers for this beloved annual run starting at the Mt. Trashmore Family YMCA, featuring a 10K race and a 1-mile youth course. With crisp fall air, friendly competition, and plenty of high-fives, it’s a community tradition that kicks off the holiday season on a healthy note.
Virginia Beach Christmas Market
November 27–29
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the 45th annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market, a festive three-day shopping experience held Thanksgiving weekend at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Browse handcrafted creations from more than 175 talented artisans and makers from across the country, featuring everything from unique jewelry and pottery to holiday ornaments, seasonal décor, specialty foods and gourmet treats. Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful gift, a one-of-a-kind treasure or something special to deck the halls, this beloved holiday market offers plenty of inspiration to kick off the season.
Gingerbread & Gratitude: Holiday Competition and Exhibition
November 27 – December 29
Get into the holiday spirit at Gingerbread & Gratitude, a festive gingerbread house competition and exhibition at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. This sweet seasonal celebration features creative gingerbread displays crafted by local bakers, families and community members, all while honoring military service members, veterans and their families. Browse the edible masterpieces and vote for your favorites at this family-friendly holiday event.
The ViBe District Small Business Saturday
November 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ViBe Creative District
Spend the day exploring local shops, galleries, and cafés as the ViBe Creative District comes alive with music, art, and festive energy. More than 75 small businesses open their doors for the Small Business Saturday, complete with live tunes from Big Juicy Entertainment and plenty of opportunities to find that perfect local gift.
Winter Wonderland
Opens November 28
Holiday cheer meets beach-town charm at The Shack on 8th for their annual Winter Wonderland. Browse local vendor stalls, sip seasonal cocktails, shop for handmade gifts, and even pick out your Christmas tree under a canopy of twinkling lights. It’s the ultimate hangout for cozy vibes and festive fun.
Holiday Performances at the Sandler Center
December 4-23
Celebrate the sounds of the season at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, where a festive lineup of holiday concerts, musicals and family-friendly performances brings Christmas magic to the stage all December long. Kick things off with Million Dollar Quartet Christmas (Dec. 4–6), a rock ‘n’ roll holiday celebration featuring the music of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Then, experience the timeless magic of Ballet Virginia’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 11–13), featuring more than 100 dancers and live music by Symphonicity Orchestra.
Keep the holiday cheer going with Tidewater Winds: Holiday Classics (Dec. 14), featuring nostalgic seasonal favorites, followed by the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir (Dec. 15), bringing centuries of choral tradition to the stage. Pianist Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration (Dec. 16) offers an evening of heartwarming music and holiday memories.
Families with little ones won’t want to miss PB&J: Jingle Bell Jam (Dec. 19), a playful afternoon with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and a special visit from Santa. Later that evening, Holiday POPS! (Dec. 19) fills the theater with beloved Christmas carols and seasonal hits performed by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
The festivities continue with Unwrapped – The Surprises of Christmas! (Dec. 20), featuring joyful harmonies and holiday favorites from the Virginia Beach Chorale. Finally, join Symphonicity for the free Messiah Sing-Along (Dec. 23), a cherished community tradition that invites everyone to celebrate the season through music.
Holiday Parade at the Beach
December 5
Get into the holiday spirit at the annual Holiday Parade at the Beach, where the Virginia Beach Oceanfront comes alive with festive floats, marching bands, dazzling lights and plenty of seasonal cheer. Gather the family, bundle up and find your favorite spot along Atlantic Avenue as local performers and community groups spread holiday magic through the streets. Keep an eye out for a special appearance from Santa Claus as he makes his way through this beloved holiday tradition.
Santa Swings!
December 5
Bring a jazzy note to your holiday season at Zeiders American Dream Theater. The Tidewater Winds Big Band joins vocalists Danielle Roby and Frank Cubillo for a lively mix of swing, jazz, and holiday favorites during Santa Swings!. Expect toe-tapping tunes, big-band sparkle, and plenty of cheer to carry you through to the New Year.
BayPort Credit Union Surf N Santa 5 Miler presented by Sentara
December 11-12
This year, you’ll have to choose: are you Naughty or Nice? Join thousands of runners and walkers as you pick your side for an evening of festive energy, holiday cheer, and treats along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. For the twilight Surf N Santa 5 Miler through the beautiful Oceanfront area. Kids can light up the night with Rudolph’s 1K, and no matter what side of Santa’s list you’re on, everyone’s invited to the rockin’ holiday post-race party!
Sail with Santa on the Flipper Express
December 14
All aboard for a kid-friendly Christmas cruise departing from Lake Rudee. Meet Santa, wear your pajamas, and sip cocoa as you sail along the coast on this 90-minute holiday adventure with Rudee Tours. Complete with treats, cozy drinks and festive photo ops, it’s like the Polar Express—but on the water.
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