50+ Festive Things to Do in Virginia Beach this Winter
- Scott Westfall
- Oct 28
- 9 min read
Don’t miss a single one of these top things to do in Virginia Beach this winter! We’ve got the scoop on fun events and activities in December, January, February, and March in Hampton Roads. If you’re looking for a great date spot this weekend or something to do today or tomorrow, try these great ways to keep the cold at bay and enjoy all Hampton Roads has to offer.
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Classic Virginia Beach Christmas and Holiday Events
Virginia Beach is a city full of holiday cheer this time of year! Whether you’re a VB local looking for something to do this weekend or enjoying a rental home holiday getaway in Hampton Roads, there are tons of opportunities to make it memorable.
Holiday Parade at the Beach
(December 6, 2025) On the 15th - 25th Street stretch of Atlantic Avenue, claim your spot to witness floats, bands, horses, dancers, and more ring in the season. Try to spy Santa in the line-up!
Holiday Lights at the Beach
Sponsored by Bayport Credit Union, this favorite holiday activity allows guests to drive their cars right down the Virginia Beach Boardwalk under twinkling arches and past massive Christmas light structures. Be sure to book your timeslot ahead of time!
Breakfast with Santa at the Cavalier Book a breakfast spot with jolly old Saint Nick himself at Virginia Beach’s famous Cavalier Hotel! Kids will enjoy breakfast specials, photos with Santa, and a take-home cookie kit.
Christmas Village by CBN and Regent University Rides, lights displays, a marketplace, and a live nativity, the return of this popular Christmas Village has it all! Don't miss this holiday stop open for two weekends in December.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Sip hot wassail under 10 million twinkling lights at this must-attend winter event in nearby Williamsburg! Busch Gardens brings Christmas around the world to life with dazzling shows, spectacular attractions, and festive fare.
The Nutcracker by Ballet Virginia (December 19-21, 2025) Dancers and musicians from around Virginia band together for this classic holiday tradition at the Sandler Center. Immerse yourself in Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score during your night at the ballet.
Things to Do for the Holidays in Virginia Beach
Santa's Seaside Cinema Bundle up for movie nights at 31st Street Park on select Saturday afternoons this winter! A fan-favorite Christmas film will play while families enjoy visits with Santa, hot cocoa, face-painting, and more.
Fear No Ice at the Oceanfront
(November 22, 2025) At 31st Street Park, ice sculptors will bring a larger-than-life performance as they perform their craft with chisels, chainsaws, and comedy!
Whobilation Celebration at New Realm Brewing
(November 29, 2025) Kick off the Christmas season with a Grinchy celebration! New Realm Brewing Company hosts this Virginia Beach event for the whole family featuring a Christmas vendor market.
Yule Log Bonfire and Holiday Market
(December 6, 2025) Pick up the perfect one-of-a-kind Christmas present at the Holiday Market at Town Point Park in neighboring Norfolk, where you can ward off the crisp air by one of the blazing Yule Bonfires with a cup of cocoa (or whiskey).
Virginia Beach Chorale: Because It's Christmas (December 13, 2025) Reignite your childlike Christmas wonder with the Virginia Beach Chorale as they sing and perform at the Sandler Center.
The Holidivas at Zeiders American Dream Theater
(December 18 & 20, 2025) Get into the holiday spirit with one of Virginia Beach’s most popular cabarets - the Holidivas! Enjoy classic Yuletide songs as well as some new holiday tunes and heart-warming comedy.
The Messiah in Concert
(December 18, 2025) Join the chorus (the “Hallelujah Chorus,” to be precise) with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at a sing-along concert of Handel’s Messiah!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services (December 24, 2025) Warm your heart with the Christmas story and hymns at one of several candlelight services hosted by churches around Virginia Beach! Services are hosted in several locations in Virginia Beach at various times, so you can find the best fit.
Uncle Wiggly's Christmas Carol at Zeider’s American Dream Theatre
(December 26-27, 2025) Bring the kids for some heartwarming cheer and laughs to “Uncle Wiggly's Christmas Carol” show at the Z in Town Center!
Peabody’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
(December 31, 2025) Celebrate in style at a masquerade ball down near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on New Year’s Eve, where you can dance all night long.
New Year’s Eve Cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk
(December 31, 2025) Sail down the Elizabeth River on the Spirit of Norfolk for a New Years Eve brunch cruise! Celebrate in style with a sumptuous buffet, full bar, dancing, and more! Celebrate in style with a sumptuous buffet, full bar, live jazz music, and more.
Last Night on the Town
(December 31, 2025) Ring in the new year with the 757 crew in Town Center! All evening and into the night, there will be family activities, live concerts, and roaming entertainers throughout the area. It’s all free - so grab dinner at a restaurant in town and stay for the countdown!
Other Things to Do in December in Virginia Beach
Wedding Belles at Regent University
(December 5-14, 2025) Warm up with a trip to 1940s Texas where four fiesty friends face the lsat-minute challenge of putting together a wedding for a timid bride-to-be in a single day before her soldier ships off to war! Regent University Theatre puts on another excellent production this season.
Winter Wonderland at the Shack on 8th
Make it a festive outing at the Shack on 8th! Pick out a Christmas Tree, sip specialty drinks, and visit the Vendor Village at the Winter Wonderland.
Crazy for You with Little Theatre of Virginia Beach (November 14 - December 7, 2025) Let the iconic music of Gershwin envelop you as you enjoy the popular romantic musical comedy, Crazy for You and rich-boy Bobby Child's attempts to woo his hometown girl.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
(December 13, 2025) Don your ugliest sweater or your best Christmas costume and enjoy a tour through Virginia Beach’s best bars. A digital map will guide you along the path to food and drink specials.
Surf-N-Santa 5-Miler and Rudolph 1K
(December 12-13, 2025) There’s never been such a holly jolly race in Virginia Beach! Experience the magic of the holidays as you run through the Holiday Lights on the Beach along the boardwalk. Choose the whole five miles or take part in the Rudolph 1K.
Open Mic Nights
Claim your 15 minutes of fame in the spotlight at Zeiders American Dream Theater at an open mic night! Bring your favorite piece to sing along with the area’s musical theater community.
Things to Do in January in Virginia Beach
Tidewater Striders Resolution 5k
(January 1, 2026) Start your New Year's resolution off on the right foot with the 11th Annual Resolution 5k and 1-Mile Run. This boardwalk race will help you work off those New Year's Eve celebrations.
First Night Holiday Hike (January 1, 2026) Enjoy the holiday boardwalk lights one last time with a public hike along the oceanfront to kick off the new year with some exercise.
Gabby's Dollhouse Live!
(January 23, 2026) The kids will love this brand-new stage show based on the popular show from DreamWorks Animation! The production features puppetry, music, and a live cast full of energy.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
(January 16-25, 2026) Indulge in flavor and decadence during Virginia Beach’s restaurant week! Enjoy special menus and deals at some of the city’s favorite dining spots.
Winter Wildlife Festival
(January 24 - February 1, 2026) It’s a celebration of wildlife and nature! Participate in workshops and activities, trips and excursions, and birding challenges at this one-of-a-kind festival.
Things to Do in February in Virginia Beach
Old Beach Art and Eco Market
Find the perfect unique piece of art or jewelry at the Old Beach Art and Eco Market! From stones to marble to ceramics to glass, vendors bring beauty in all forms.
Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show
(January 30 - February 1, 2026) Check out the latest in boating and water sports at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. See the newest models and enjoy some family fun.
Polar Plunge Virginia Beach
(February 6-7, 2026) Support the Special Olympics by taking the Virginia Polar Plunge! Bravely dip into the Atlantic Ocean for a charitable and unforgettable experience.
Stick Fly at Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
(January 16 - February 8, 2026) Enjoy the thought-provoking and relatable stageplay by Lydia R. Diamond, featuring two "meet the family" experiences when brothers Kent and Flip from an affluent African-American family bring their ladies home to Martha's Vineyard for the first time.
Coastal Virginia Magazine’s WineFest
(February 7-8, 2026) Raise your glass to Virginia Beach’s February WineFest! Trek down the “Virginia Wine Trail” featuring tastes from the best wineries across the state. In addition to delicious drinks, there will be live entertainment and a local celebrity grape stomp.
Henry V with Regent University Theatre (February 13-22, 2026) Experience William Shakespeare's great history play come to life around you with this adaptation by Marianne Savell. Legend, battle, and drama come together onstage at the renowned Regent University Theatre.
Valentine’s Day in Virginia Beach
Make this February 14 a special one! There are some great things to do for your Valentine in the area, but some of our favorites include fondue at The Royal Chocolate, massages at SeaHill Spa, or a romantic dinner out.
Ballet Virginia: Heart & Soul (February 20-21, 2026) Experience diversity and hope in a whole new way as Ballet Virginia performs works old and new with soulful music and guest artists at Zeiders.
Justin Willman: One for the Ages Tour (February 20, 2026) Stunning magic meets gut-busting comedy with this astonishing performance by Justic Willman at the Sandler Center this February.
Keb' Mo' at the Sandler Center (February 21, 2026) hear five-time Grammy Award winner Keb' Mo' bring the blues to you at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Town Center.
1776 with Virginia Musical Theatre
(February 27 - March 1, 2026) Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with this classic American musical coming to the Sandler Center.
Things to Do in March in Virginia Beach
Chasing Mother Goose with Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads
(Febrary 28 & March 7, 2026) Watch all your favorite characters from children's literature come to life in this hilarious and creative play designed for audiences of all ages.
Cheer for Charity – Grand National Championship
(March 14-15, 2026) Come watch teams of all ages compete in Nationals at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. As a bonus, they’re teaming up with Cheer for Charity to give back!
Yuengling’s Shamrock Marathon
(March 21-22, 2026) Run a marathon, half-marathon, 8K, or various challenges in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Finish up with some festive Irish fare and some excellent beer.
Doubt with Little Theatre of Virginia Beach (March 13 - April 5, 2026) Experience intrigue, uncertainty, and suspicion alongside Sister Aloysius in this classic drama by John Patrick Stanley. It's theatre you won't want to miss.
Other Winter Activities in Hampton Roads
Whale Watching with Rudee Tours
Stay on the lookout for humpback and fin whales on the Rudee Flipper! It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean during the colder months.
Horseback Riding
Check horseback riding on the beach off your bucket list with an adventure along the Atlantic coast. Tours are available for everyone from brand-new riders to experienced equestrians.
Adult Skating at Sk8house
Rollerskate all night with adults only from 11pm to 3am. With a DJ and tracks from local artists, it will be the fun-filled night you need to get you through a long winter.
Axe Throwing at Tribal Axe
Unleash your inner warrior with an axe-throwing session! It’s a great way to enjoy some indoor physical activity and have a memorable time with friends and family.
The Escape Room Virginia Beach
Choose your theme or difficulty level at The Escape Room! Work together with your team to solve riddles and figure out how to unlock your room before the time runs out.
Go Fishing
Fishing isn’t an activity exclusive to fair weather! Head down to one of the popular piers with your rod and reel or take a charter out on the Bay or Ocean.
The Dinner Detective
Be a part of the intrigue with America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theater, The Dinner Detective! Enjoy a delicious meal while helping to unravel the mystery.
Beach Social
Head over to Beachside Social and take advantage of their excellent menu, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, or even a board game!
Primitive Camping at False Cape State Park
Get in touch with nature by booking one of the primitive campsites at False Cape State Park. With 6 pristine miles of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a truly unique retreat.
Got a great event coming up for the Spring? Let us know for a chance to be featured in our Spring rundown!
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