Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center | November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
After 31 years of lighting up the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions is taking a dramatic new turn.
Virginia Beach Events and the City of Virginia Beach are launching BayPort Credit Union “Holiday Trail of Lights” presented by Huffman & Huffman Brothers-In-Law.
An all-new, walkable holiday lights experience designed by nationally recognized light-show creators James Bain and Ken MacMaster that will transform the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Nature Trail (717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451) into an immersive nighttime wonderland.
Opening Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, and running through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, the inaugural experience invites guests to leave the car behind and step into a trail filled with light, sound, movement and holiday magic.
The holiday lights tickets range from $19-$22 for adults and $12-$15 for children, with special military family pricing available on Monday nights and additional discounts available for Aquarium members.
Holiday Trail of Lights will use timed entries to help minimize wait times.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online at BeachEventsVB.com. Purchasing online reserves the date and time for entry. If available, walk-up tickets will incur an additional $10 fee per ticket.
Enjoy this new holiday experience!
These frequently asked questions may help!
Ticket availability at the door is not guaranteed, as tickets are limited per each time slot. If available, walk-up tickets will incur an additional $10 fee per ticket.
The trail is 1.1 miles round-trip. Guests may enter from both the North Building or the South Building.
Santa will be located in Glowing Grove, where guests will have the option to purchase photos with Santa. Santa upgrades cannot be added to a ticket, but can be purchased on-site when you visit Santa.
Yes! Concessions will be available in both the North and South buildings, as well as throughout the trail. Limited alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase for guests 21+.
Yes! The trail is flat and ADA accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs will also be available to rent through the Aquarium. Mobility scooters are also permitted.
Any child between 3 to 12 years of age will require a children’s ticket.
