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.
Chartway Holiday Parade at the Beach (December 2, 2023) 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 15-17, 2023) Over 100 dancers and musicians 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
Whobilation Celebration at New Realm Brewing (November 25, 2023) 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 2, 2023) 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).
The Holidivas at Zeiders American Dream Theater (December 14-16, 2023) 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.
Uncle Wiggly’s Christmas Carol The Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads presents will bring to life the spirit of Charles Dicken’s classic at Zeider’s American Dream Theater. Join Uncle Wiggly the rabbit and his forest friends in this new spin on a holiday favorite.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services (December 24, 2023) 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.
Last Night on the Town (December 31, 2022) Ring in the new year with the 757 crew in Town Center! The celebration kicks off at 6pm with family fun around the area. Concerts featuring The Movement, The Collection, and The Ries Brothers will perform until the countdown!
New Year’s Day Brunch Cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk (January 1, 2024) Sail down the Elizabeth River on the Spirit of Norfolk to celebrate the New Year! Celebrate in style with a sumptuous buffet, full bar, live jazz music, and more.
The 41st Annual Messiah Sing-Along (December 23, 2023) 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.
Other Things to Do in December in Virginia Beach
Christmas Belles at Regent University Theatre (December 1-3 & 8-10, 2023) Experience a new kind of Christmas pageant in this play where just about everything that can go wrong, does! This gut-busting comedy performed in Regent University’s black box theatre will be a great night out for the family.
“The Undiscovered” Open Mic Night (December 12, 2023) Claim your 15 minutes of fame in the spotlight at Zeiders American Dream Theater at this open mic night! Bring your favorite piece to sing along with the area’s musical theater community.
Surf-N-Santa 5-Miler and Rudolph 1K (December 15-16, 2023) 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.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl (December 16, 2023) 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.
Peabody’s Comedy Brunch (December 17, 2023) Laugh out loud while over dinner and drinks at Peabody’s near the oceanfront! Isaac Fields and Big Vino host as local and national comedians perform.
Community Drum Circle (December 24, 2023) 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.
Mickey’s Search Party with Disney on Ice (December 28, 2023 - January 1, 2024) Get your fill of magic and wonder as Mickey and his friends perform beautiful skating, spectacular stunts, and high-flying acrobatics at nearby Norfolk’s Scope Arena.
Things to Do in January in Virginia Beach
Tidewater Striders Resolution 5k (January 1, 2024) 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.
Carnival of the Animals with Symphonicity (January 7, 2024) A visually captivating musical storytime awaits kids and their caretakers at the “Carnival of the Animals” with Ballet Virginia! This 45-minute presentation will showcase musical interpretations of the sounds and movements of different animals.
Salsa Saturday in the ViBe District (January 13, 2024) Bring your salsa vibe to De Rican Chef for a salsa class and a live concert from an 11-person band out on the beautiful patio.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week (January 15-21, 2024) 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.
Dave Matthews Band Tribute Band (January 19, 2024) Get your groove on at Elevation 27 for this Dave Matthews Tribute concert. Doors open at 7pm.
Winter Wildlife Festival (January 27 - February 4, 2024) 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.
Birding on the Eastern Shore (January 28, 2024) Board the Nature Bus at the Bayside Recreation Center in Virginia Beach for a trip to some birding hotspots on the Eastern Shore. The trip will wrap with a stop for lunch in the quaint town of St. Charles.
Things to Do in February in Virginia Beach
Polar Plunge Virginia Beach (February 2-3, 2024) Support the Special Olympics by taking the Virginia Polar Plunge! Bravely dip into the Atlantic Ocean for a charitable and unforgettable experience.
Old Beach Art and Eco Market (February 3, 2024) 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.
Evita by Virginia Musical Theatre (February 23-25, 2024) Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony-winning musical graces the stage of the Sandler Center during this winter event. Follow the rags-to-riches story of Eva Peron in this musical masterpiece.
A Raisin in the Sun (January 19 - February 11, 2024) Take in Lorraine Hansberry’s classic drama at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach! The timeless themes of generational dreams, family dynamics, and hope for the future pervade this play.
Coastal Virginia Magazine’s WineFest (February 10-11, 2024) 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.
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 dinner and wine at Mermaid Winery.
Sing a Song at the Symphony (February 17, 2024) The Virginia Symphony’s PBJ series brings you a fun-filled production of classic folk songs and nursery rhymes! Sing along with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Norfolk Academy Choir.
Things to Do in March in Virginia Beach
Cheer for Charity – Grand National Championship (March 9-10, 2024) 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!
Faerie Folk of the Emerald Isle (March 2 & 9, 2024) The Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads brings fairy lands to life at The Z! Enjoy this family-friendly and interactive production for kids in Virginia Beach.
Yuengling’s Shamrock Marathon (March 15-17, 2024) 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.
Celtic Music at the Sandler Center (March 17 & 19, 2024) Enjoy St. Patrick’s day with a celebration of Celtic music or soak in the beauty of Celtic Woman’s inspiring harmonies with these concerts at the Sandler Center.
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (March 17, 2024) Don your green and get ready to indulge with the best during this holiday bar crawl! Prepare yourself for tons of drink specials and a costume contest.
A Murder is Announced (March 22 - April 14, 2024) Head back to the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach for this classic Agatha Christie thriller! A series of twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat until the play’s dramatic conclusion.
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 Roller-skate 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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