Looking for ways to celebrate the winter holiday season? The JBLE and broader Hampton Roads area have tons of family-friendly options! Coastal Virginia doesn’t get much snow, but you can see some fantastic holiday light shows and enjoy winter festivals that are unique to the region.
Take a look at these area events!
Virginia Living Museum’s Holiday Planetarium Shows make the perfect local outing. They will offer two different laser shows. One is set to the music of popular seasonal songs, and the other features the story of the “Christmas Star.” Daytime shows are Friday – Sunday from 24 November to 31 December. They offer evening shows as well between 8 and 23 December.
You can also view holiday lights in a few different locations around town:
Several historic homes in the area will feature holiday décor during the month of December.
Finally, City Center at Oyster Point is hosting the only German Christmas market in Coastal Virginia. Weihnactsmarkt, organized by Sister Cities of Newport News, is Friday and Saturday, 1 – 2 December. It will feature local vendors, food, and drinks, including Gluewhein (mulled spiced wine)!
This giant light-filled festival aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy, is a spectacle you don’t want to miss! With over 1 million lights, live kid-friendly entertainment, and food, this is a unique celebration of the season.
The festival is open select nights between 10 November and 1 January. Advance purchase of tickets is highly recommended, and don’t forget to ask for your military discount!
Take a stroll through the Norfolk Botanical Garden while it’s decked out like you’ve never seen it before! From 10 November to 31 December, the garden is aglow with more than 1.5 million lights. During your visit, you can enjoy snacks from local food trucks and vendors, including Bear House Coffee and Duck Donuts.
Buy your tickets online and pay attention to which night you book. Some are Value Nights, during which they offer a military discount if you’re not already a member at the Garden. Also, dogs are welcome during “Bark & Bulbs” Sundays in November!
Visit Chesapeake City Hall to join their holiday festivities. Deck the Hall is their drive-through light show, which is open nightly between 23 November and 2 January.
Fa La La Land is a festival that takes place on 9 and 16 December. It features Santa and other holiday characters along with many family-friendly activities, including face-painting, carolers, food, and . . . baby goats in holiday sweaters!
Virgina Beach’s major holiday celebration takes place nightly on their famous boardwalk from 16 November to 1 January. Don’t miss their unique beach-influenced holiday displays featuring surfing Santa, dancing crabs, and festive fish as you drive along the boardwalk listening to the festival’s soundtrack on your vehicle’s radio!
You must purchase tickets in advance, and the event is very popular, so don’t wait!
If you’re stationed anywhere in the Hampton Roads area, especially if you have kids, you won’t want to miss this incredible festival at Busch Gardens!
The theme park is transformed into a winter wonderland with massive light displays, Santa’s Workshop, and a collection of holiday shows that feature singing and dancing. Kids can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, take photos with Sesame Street friends, and tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
Many of the park’s regular rides and attractions are open during the Christmas Town festival, which runs select nights between 10 November and 7 January.
Note that entry to Christmas Town is included if you have a 2023 Busch Gardens Military Pass. You can also buy reduced priced tickets for Christmas Town at local base Information, Tickets, and Travel (ITT) offices.
Looking for more fun things to do in the JBLE are? Try out these kid-friendly activities, historical sites, and nature trails!
If the military is moving you to the Hampton Roads area, grab our free resource below to make your transition easier.