As a Virginia Beach family photographer, here are my favorite local Virginia Beach holiday events I know many families have loved. From boat parades to tree farms to visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, these community events are so much fun for the entire family.
6 Magical Virginia Beach Holiday Events Your Family Will Enjoy
Virginia Beach’s Town Center
600 22nd Street, 2nd Floor, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Town Center of Virginia Beach celebrates the holidays with the spirit of the season through festive snow globe displays, classic holiday performances, and Christmas lights. Each year features amazing performances from impressive singers and bands. The season kicks off with the Town Center Grand Illumination, where visitors can enjoy hot chocolate, clam chowder, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and 40 trees illuminated with over 5,000 lights. The Snow Globe Spectacular is a family-friendly holiday event with snow globe displays, festive musical performances, and Santa sightings. These displays last from the end of November through December 31.
Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler is a holiday tradition in the area, and it is an evening run that allows people to experience the magic of the holidays as they run through holiday lights displays on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This run includes a post-race party too! Runners go through the beautiful oceanfront area at twilight, finishing with a rocking holiday party.
BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach
2nd Street and Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA
BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach includes many light displays and a 600-foot LED tunnel, the largest curved LED light tunnel in the U.S. Some displays are even designed by local students! These displays include jumping fish, musical crabs, and jolly elves, with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. Other displays include Surfing Santa, color-changing archways, light fixtures, and a 40-foot dancing Christmas tree. Visitors can buy food, including popcorn, kettle corn, homemade cookies, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate.
Festival of Trees | Westminster-Canterbury
3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
The Festival of Trees takes place every year with support from sponsors from the local community. This holiday event delights visitors every year and includes decorated trees and a silent auction.
Winter Wonderland | The Shack on 8th
712 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Winter Wonderland at The Shack features an array of activities and holiday fun, including a vendor village, specialty cocktails, and a Christmas tree farm. At Vendor Village, visitors can shop for the holidays with amazing finds from local artists and vendors. People can also enjoy cocktails and food while they experience the holiday fun. The Food Shack is open for visitors to enjoy freshly made food and drinks, including hot cocoa, coffee, and their famous Crushes.
Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade
2143 Vista Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
The Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade is best viewed from Chick’s Oyster Bar. There, you can enjoy food, drinks, live music, and much more as they watch the colorfully illuminated boats. This event benefits the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation. Boats are decorated with holiday lights, decor, and themes, and the event is a great way to spread holiday cheer while supporting a noble cause.
There Are Virginia Beach Holiday Events For Every Family To Enjoy
Virginia Beach families can enjoy several amazing holiday events each year to commemorate the Christmas season. As a local family photographer, these are some of my favorite annual Virginia Beach holiday events. From boat parades to illuminated Christmas trees to amazing holiday treats and shopping opportunities, these local events are a great way to spread holiday cheer and create happy memories.
If you’ve been looking for a photographer to help you capture all of life’s adventures, let’s chat! I’m a Virginia Beach photographer, and I adore working with families to plan gorgeous, nature-filled sessions. I would love to have a conversation and tell you more about my style so you can decide if I’m the person for you! Contact me today to find out more!
And…if you are wanting your kiddos to have a magical Santa experience this year, look no further! My Santa at the Sun Porch Sessions are just what you need!
