Festive & Fabulous: 10 Christmas Must-Dos in Virginia Beach

Discover the most enchanting Christmas activities in Virginia Beach! Dazzling boardwalk lights to festive markets, seaside Santa runs, and luxe holiday teas are all around town. Here's the ultimate guide to all things Christmas in VB this season.

1. BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach: Drive along the Oceanfront to see whimsical displays: surfing Santa, musical crabs, and a 40-foot dancing light Christmas tree. There's a new 600-foot LED tunnel and expanded displays for all of you who have gone every year and might be thinking about skipping this year.

2. Holiday Parade at the Beach: Atlantic Avenue transforms with giant balloons, marching bands, floats, equestrian units, and Santa’s grand entrance. The parade is FREE. Get there early to find a good spot! Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks! Make sure to bundle up since it is colder and windy by the ocean.

3. Snow Globe Spectacular at Town Center : Every weekend in December, Fountain Plaza transforms into a winter wonderland with live performances inside life-size snow globes. Watch ballerinas, playful elves, talented violinists, and frosty royal musicians put on a show that’s straight-up enchanting.

   And yes… Santa’s back! Catch him live and in person inside his very own North Pole Snow Globe. Kids (and kids at heart) can stop by, say hi, and snap the ultimate Santa selfie! Don’t forget your wishlist!

4. Holiday Tea at The Cavalier: Sip loose-leaf teas with festive treats like peppermint bark and eggnog cheesecake tarts in the elegant Raleigh Room. Perfect for a little grown-up girl time! There are limited reservations and they book fast!!

5. Winter Wonderland at The Shack on 8th: Go see this super cute and cozy outdoor market with local vendors, seasonal cocktails, and Christmas tree shopping under twinkling lights. They post a list of vendors they are hosting on their Instagram!

6. Breakfast with Santa at the Cavalier: Take the kids to Becca for a festive holiday brunch experience! Enjoy all your favorites from Becca’s classic brunch menu, plus a special kids’ buffet for just $15 per child. After you’ve finished dining, head over to The Raleigh Room Loggia where Santa will be waiting for meet-and-greet photos, AND the kids get to take home a fun Cavalier Cookie Kit to keep the holiday magic going. This is only on select Saturdays and reservations are required!

7. Regent University Christmas Village: This Christmas Village is so much fun and there is something for the entire family. Take the kids on a gentle horse drawn carriage ride under sparkling lights and then take them to get some pictures next to an enormous 40-foot Christmas tree (the kind you literally want to stand beneath and stare up at). There is a Christmas marketplace, and you can meet Santa at Santa's Cottage!

8. The Nutcracker Ballet: A timeless holiday performance at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts! Tickets are going fast and are pricy. This is a perfect date night, or special quality time together with your little dancer.

9. Santa Smore's and More: Visit Hunt Club Farm and take a selfie with Santa, make an ornament with the elves, and BEST OF ALL....eat smores!! YUM.

10. Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Marketplace:  For one magical afternoon, Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront transforms into a charming winter wonderland complete with a towering yule log bonfire, a merry artisan's market, cheerful caroling, hot cocoa and whiskey tastings, and even a visit from Santa himself. Best part? It’s all free! Santa photos included! It’s the kind of holiday outing that guarantees warm hands, warm hearts, and plenty of merry memories.

Here’s to making core memories with your favorite humans and leaning into those Hallmark‑movie vibes we secretly adore. Stay merry, stay bright, and let’s jingle all the way through the season. Until next time, thanks for hanging out here with me!