Holiday Lights in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads (2026)
Every big holiday light show near Virginia Beach this season, with dates, prices and what to know before you go with kids.
October 20, 2026
Holiday lights are one of our favorite traditions in the 757! This year there's a big change: the Oceanfront drive-through is now a walkable trail at the Virginia Aquarium. Here's every major light show around Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads for the 2026 season, with the details parents actually need. Always check the official site before you go, since dates and prices can change.
Quick picks
- Free: Deck the Hall at Chesapeake City Hall (drive-through)
- Opens first: Garden of Lights in Norfolk, starting Nov 6
- Brand new this year: Holiday Trail of Lights at the Virginia Aquarium
- Best for a big day out: Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Virginia Beach
Holiday Trail of Lights (Virginia Aquarium Nature Trail). Nov 20 – Jan 3, nightly. After 31 years on the Oceanfront, the city's holiday lights are now a walk-through trail with seven themed areas, interactive light floors, a 40-foot tower and play areas inside light caves. Adults $19–$22, kids $12–$15. Timed tickets are sold online, and walk-up tickets cost $10 more if any are left. Military families get a discount on Monday nights. Details
Snow Globe Spectacular (Town Center Fountain Plaza). Nov 28 – Dec 23, evenings. A holiday stop at Town Center that pairs well with dinner or holiday shopping. Details
Norfolk
Dominion Energy Garden of Lights (Norfolk Botanical Garden). Nov 6 – Jan 3, nightly. A walking route that meanders through the garden. Adults $24 on value nights and $30 on popular nights, kids 3–12 $15–$18, under 3 free. Parking is free, dogs are welcome on Barks & Bulbs nights (Wednesdays and Sundays), and the elves come out on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 PM. Details
Chesapeake
Deck the Hall (Chesapeake City Hall). Nov 26 – Jan 2, dusk to 10 PM. A free drive-through display, which makes it a great pick for little ones in jammies. On Dec 12 and 19, Fa La La Land adds a walk-around night with activities, food trucks and photo spots. Details
Worth the drive
Christmas Town (Busch Gardens Williamsburg). Nov 13 – Jan 3, select dates. More than ten million lights, holiday shows, Santa's Workshop and holiday rides. Included with Busch Gardens memberships. Details
Celebration in Lights (Newport News Park). A long-running drive-through show. 2026 dates haven't been posted yet, but we'll add them here as soon as they are.
Tips for light shows with kids
- Go early in the season or on a weeknight. Weekends in December are the busiest.
- Buy timed tickets ahead. Walk-up prices are higher, and popular nights sell out.
- Bring the stroller for walk-throughs. The trails can be longer than little legs want to walk when it's cold out.
- Pajamas and hot cocoa for drive-throughs. It's the easiest way to make it a tradition!
See them all in one place
Every light show is on our events page in the "Happening all season" section, and the ones open each weekend show up on This Weekend in VB.
