December 2025

Virginia Beach is decking the halls—and pretty much everything else—with holiday cheer this December, serving up a sleigh-load of festive fun. Whether you’re snapping a selfie with Santa or dashing through the Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler, there’s no shortage of merry mayhem. Add in twinkling lights, holiday performances and plenty of peppermint treats, and Virginia Beach becomes the ultimate destination to fa-la-la-la-live it up this season. Here are all the can’t-miss holiday events to add to your calendar for December in Virginia Beach.

BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach

November 14–December 31

BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach kicks off in mid-November and runs to the end of December. Get ready for whimsical elves, jumping crabs and splashing fish, all aglow for an unforgettable evening as you drive through a 600-foot archway of dazzling LED holiday lights. Don’t forget to check out the show-stopping 40-foot-tall dancing lights Christmas tree. 

Snow Globe Spectacular: Holidays at Town Center

November 26–December 31

Whimsical Christmas scenes are brought to life in a series of life-sized snowglobes at the Town Center of Virginia Beach’s Snow Globe Spectacular. Wave hello to Santa, Mrs. Claus, playful elves and talented tap dancers at this beloved Virginia Beach event.

Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Cavalier Hotel’s Raleigh Room

Select Saturdays and Sundays from November 29–January 4

Indulge in delicate tea sandwiches and festive sweets, like peppermint bark and egg nog cheesecake tarts, as you sip loose leaf teas in the elegant Raleigh Room at the historic Cavalier Hotel. The Holiday Afternoon Tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. Reserve your spot on OpenTable before it fills up—this one always sells out quickly. 

Winter Wonderland at The Shack on 8th

November 29–December 31

Holiday cheer meets beach-town charm at The Shack on 8th for their annual Winter Wonderland. Shop local vendor stalls, sip seasonal cocktails, and even pick out your Christmas tree under a canopy of twinkling lights. It’s the ultimate hangout for cozy vibes and festive fun.

Breakfast with Santa at the Cavalier Resort

Select Saturdays and Sundays from November 29–December 21

Wake up bright and early for breakfast with the big, red suit-clad man himself at the historic Cavalier Resort. Featuring both a classic brunch menu and a kids’ buffet, everyone will feel full and festive. After the meal, snap some pictures with Santa himself and pick up a Cavalier Cookie Kit for some at-home holiday fun.

Gingerbread House Exhibit at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum

December 3–December 31

Step into a world simmering with cinnamon and spice at the annual Gingerbread House Exhibit at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. These beautifully displayed—and still edible—gingerbread masterpieces are hand-crafted by local chefs and artists. They’re truly a feast for the eyes. The exhibit is free and open to the public, making it a perfect holiday outing for all ages.  

Santa Slumber Party at The Founders Inn

December 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19

Add a little extra holiday magic to your stay at The Founders Inn with the Santa Slumber Party. This festive add-on includes overnight accommodations, a personalized letter from Santa and a special delivery of milk and cookies right to your room. Advance reservations are required.

Breakfast with Santa at The Founders Inn

December 6, 7, 13, 14 and 20

After spending the night at The Founders Inn at the Santa Slumber Party, stick around for Breakfast with Santa the next morning at Swan Terrace. Starting at 8am sharp, this festive morning meal also comes with balloon artists and face painters on hand to keep children entertained before they pose for photos with Santa in front of the towering and glimmering 32-foot-tall Christmas tree.  

Holiday Boat Parade

December 6

Join the fun at the free, family-friendly Holiday Boat Parade, where festively decorated boats light up the night as they cruise along the Lynnhaven Inlet. Grab a spot along the shore to enjoy the parade and revel in the festive nautical atmosphere. An exclusive VIP viewing party peeps the show from Chick’s Oyster Bar; tickets on sale now.

Teddy Bear Tea at The Founders Inn

December 7 and 14

On top of the Santa Slumber Party and Breakfast with Santa, The Founders Inn has even more holiday cheer on the schedule. The popular Teddy Bear Tea features a festive buffet spread of finger sandwiches, pastries and holiday teas. Kids will enjoy Christmas stories and leave with a special keepsake—a commemorative teddy bear. Advance reservations are required for this family-friendly tea. Tea time takes place on select December Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Surf-n-Santa Five Miler

December 12–December 13

Get a running start into the holiday season with the Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler. This running route starts at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, then winds along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for gorgeous ocean views and sparkling holiday decor.  Don your best festive outfits — Santa suits and elf costumes are highly encouraged — for this December event.

Santa’s Seaside Cinema

December 13 and December 20

Head on down to 31st Street Park on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for classic Christmas movies under the December sunshine with Santa’s Seaside Cinema. On December 13, catch How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and on December 20, The Muppets Christmas Carol. Enjoy holiday shopping and snacks from noon to 6 pm, with the movies starting at 3:30 pm.

Santa, S’mores, and More at Hunt Club Farm

December 14 and December 21

Get ready for a holly jolly good time at Santa, S’mores, and More at Hunt Club Farm, a fun, family event where you can cozy up around a crackling fire and enjoy ooey, gooey s’mores. Kids can get creative with holiday crafts led by “elves,” then share their holiday wish lists and snap a photo with Santa Claus. The Petting Farm and Tree Walk Adventure will also be open, adding even more fun to the magical holiday festivities. Make your reservations online, as space is limited. 

Evening with Santa at The Founders Inn

December 16

Santa is making a special one-night-only visit to The Founders Inn for a snuggly pajama party. Kids can get comfy and listen to stories read aloud by Santa himself, while enjoying milk and cookies. Make a reservation for an Evening with Santa to create magical family memories.  

Midnight Lotus Ball at The Cavalier Resort

December 31–January 1

Party the night away for the last few hours of 2025 at The Cavalier Resort’s Midnight Lotus Ball. This white-tie affair is filled with champagne towers and shimmering lights, fancy ivory attire and Taylor Swift tunes from a live tribute band. Reserve tickets in advance. Must be 21+ to attend. 

Last Night on the Town at Town Center of Virginia Beach

December 31–January 1

Ring in the new year with the city’s signature NYE celebration: Last Night on the Town. Taking place at the Town Center of Virginia Beach, this free event is headlined by The Band Perry, with special guest, Ripe. VIP tickets — which include a curated menu from Cantina Laredo and NYE party favors — are also available for purchase.

Live Performances

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Throughout December

Dive into a whole host of holiday performances this December at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Watch a captivating performance A Christmas Carol by the Virginia Musical Theatre (December 5–7) or listen to beautiful holiday tunes with Holiday POPS! By the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (December 14). Plus, ballet fans will love the performances of the Nutcracker by Ballet Virginia (December 19–21) and Snow White by Grand Kyiv Ballet (December 22). For a full list of shows, check out the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts’ event page.

The Dome

Throughout December

The Dome’s lineup is getting into the holiday spirit too. Catch the hip-hop group Clipse on their Home for the Holidays tour (December 26 – December 27) or ring in the new year with The River of Life Presents: Something Different New Years Eve Event (December 31). For a full list of performances, see The Dome’s website.

Little Theatre of Virginia Beach

November 14–December 7

This holiday season, Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is tapping into the spirit of “Crazy For You,” a Tony Award-winning musical comedy with a wonderful George and Ira Gershwin score. A New York playboy heads west to foreclose on a dusty theatre, only to find himself entangled in a hilarious case of mistaken identity and love at first sight. Get ready for spectacular dance numbers, witty banter and pure joy. Tickets start at $25.