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 7, 2024) 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 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 20-22, 2024) 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
Fear No Ice at the Oceanfront
(November 23, 2024) A new event at 24th 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 30, 2024) Kick off the Christmas season with a Grinchy celebration! New Realm Brewing Company hosts this Virginia Beach event for the whole family featuring a Mount Crumpit bounce house, vendor market, and Grinch movie night.
Yule Log Bonfire and Holiday Market
(December 7, 2024) 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).
Holi-Rays at the Virginia Aquarium
(December 13-14, 2024) The Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach becomes a winter wonderland! Enjoy holiday lights alongside the fish and stingrays at Holi-Rays.
The Holidivas at Zeiders American Dream Theater
(December 19-21, 2024) 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 42nd Annual Messiah Sing-Along
(December 23, 2024) Join the chorus (the “Hallelujah Chorus,” to be precise) at Symphonicity’s sing-along concert of Handel’s Messiah! The free concert is held at the Sandler Center, with donations accepted.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services (December 24, 2024) Warm your heart with the Christmas story and hymns at one of several candlelight services hosted by Trinity Church around Virginia Beach! Services are hosted in several locations in Virginia Beach at various times, so you can find the best fit.
The Elf and the Reindeer at Zeider’s American Dream Theatre
(December 27-28, 2024) Bring the kids for some mystery and laughs to “The Elf and the Reindeer” show at the Z in Town Center!
Peabody’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
(December 31, 2024) 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, 2024) Sail down the Elizabeth River on the Spirit of Norfolk for a New Years Eve dinner 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, 2024) 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
Babette’s Feast at Regent University
(November 22 - December 8, 2024) Travel to snowy Norway with the talented cast of this winter play. You’ll love the whimsy and grace of the two sisters attempting to warm the icy hearts of their neighbors with a magical feast.
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.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
(December 14, 2024) 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 13-14, 2024) 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.
Community Drum Circle
(December 22, 2024) Rest and enjoy communal percussion at the “Vibrant Drumming” event in Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District! Bring a chair and your percussion instrument to make rhythms with other enthusiasts.
Things to Do in January in Virginia Beach
Tidewater Striders Resolution 5k
(January 1, 2025) Start your New Year's resolution off on the right foot with the 9th Annual Resolution 5k and 1-Mile Run. This boardwalk race will help you work off those New Year's Eve celebrations.
The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
(January 11, 2025) It’s the original recordings of this favorite psychedelic rock band combined with a stunning laser and light show!
The Snowman with Symphonicity
(January 12, 2025) A fun-filled TV classic set to live music awaits kids and their caretakers at the Sandler Center! This 45-minute winter event will bring joy to the whole family.
Coastal Virginia Magazine’s WineFest
(January 18-19, 2025) 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.
Jim Belushi (for People in Need)
(January 24, 2025) Rescheduled! Head over to the Sandler Center where actor Jim Belushi will be hosting a night of laughs and entertainment for People in Need.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
(January 20-26, 2025) 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 25 - February 2, 2025) 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 31 - February 2, 2025) Check out the latest in boating and water sports at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. See the newest models and enjoy some family fun.
Into the Breeches at Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
(January 17 - February 9, 2025) Take a step back into WWII era, when a local theater finds themselves with no men around – but lots of ladies chanting “the show must go on!” This play by George Brant will have everyone laughing.
Polar Plunge Virginia Beach
(February 7-8, 2025) Support the Special Olympics by taking the Virginia Polar Plunge! Bravely dip into the Atlantic Ocean for a charitable and unforgettable experience.
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.
Annie! with Virginia Musical Theatre
(February 21-23, 2025) This beloved musical featuring the spunky and optimistic orphan and memorable Daddy Warbucks comes to life onstage at the Sandler Center this winter.
Things to Do in March in Virginia Beach
The Three Muskateers with Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads
(March 1 & 8, 2025) It’s all for one and one for all at the Z! Experience the classic Dumas tale of adventure and chivalry with your children this March.
Voice of the Prairie at Regent University Theatre
(February 28 - March 9, 2025) The talents of Regent University Theatre will bring to life the heartwarming tale of The Voice of the Prairie. If you haven’t experienced theatre in this venue yet, now is the time!
Cheer for Charity – Grand National Championship
(March 8-9, 2025) 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 14-16, 2025) 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.
Black Girl Music by UPAC
(March 13-15, 2025) Join Sister, a young black woman exploring the legacy of her African foremothers and Black sisterhood in this stunning production.
The Peking Acrobats
(March 27, 2025) Hold your breath as you witness this troupe of gravity-defying acrobats perform unbelievable displays of physical prowess and poise celebrating Chinese tradition.
Other Winter Activities in Hampton Roads
Snow Globe Spectacular in Town Center
Through December 23, Town Center will host mesmerizing giant snowglobes with unique Christmas scenes inside. Check them out while getting your holiday shopping done!
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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