Winterfest on The Wisconsin
Visitors can walk through a holiday display featuring over two million lights across Nauticus and the historic Battleship Wisconsin. The event features the indoor Christmas in Neverland experience, live theatrical entertainment, countdown tree lightings, and photo opportunities with Santa. Guests can also experience hourly snowfalls on the Snow Deck, roast s'mores around firepits, and grab drinks at themed pop-up bars.
What to Expect
Holiday light experience across Nauticus and the historic Battleship Wisconsin.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Nauticus
Food & Drink
Festive bites, seasonal treats, hot cocoa, cocktails, mocktails, wine, and beer are available; outside food and drinks are not allowed.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Value Night / Peak Night: Adult (13+) $23 / $27; Child (3–12) $21 / $23; Child (2 and under) free; Military Adult $21 / $25; Military Child $19 / $21; Member Adult $18 / $22; Member Child $16 / $18; Adult Group $20 / $24; Child Group $18 / $20. Day-of tickets cost an additional $3 per ticket; buying online in advance saves $3 per ticket. Anytime Tickets are $35 per person, with a 25-ticket minimum; valid any night and any entry time. Group discounts and Anytime Ticket purchases close December 18 at 12PM. – Get tickets
- Parking: Several downtown parking garages are within a short walk. The first two hours in downtown garages are free. Recommended garages: Town Point Garage and W Plume St Garage.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, but some areas aboard the Battleship Wisconsin are only accessible by steep ladders.
- Pets: Pets are not permitted; ADA-defined service animals (dogs or miniature horses trained to perform specific tasks) are welcome. Emotional support animals are not permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online in advance, because entry is sold by date and time slot, often sells out on weekends and near the holidays, and costs more on the day.
- Arrive at your ticketed time slot rather than early, since there's no early entry, but once inside you can stay as long as you like.
- Bring a baby carrier for little ones if you plan to go aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, where strollers aren't allowed because of narrow passageways and ladders.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes, since Winterfest is part indoor and part outdoor and goes ahead rain or shine.
- Groups of 15 or more save when buying online in advance, but book before group discounts close on December 18.
Special Events & Promotions
- All-new light displays this season, with the whole battleship reimagined with larger-than-life additions and new displays.
- Brand-new Christmas in Neverland, a 30,000-square-foot indoor experience with Captain Hook, photos with the Mermaid Queen and the new Hook's Hideaway bar.
- Winterfest Harbor Lights Cruise combo tickets add a 30-minute festive cruise along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront with Rover Cruises.
- Ornament Corner by Color Me Mine: paint an ornament on site for an extra fee, then pick it up glazed later at their Norfolk location.
- Ice skating on the Winterfest Riverwalk rink in TowneBank Fountain Park opens November 22, and a combo ticket is coming soon.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Winterfest ticket include?
It covers the walk-through of more than two million lights across Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. It also includes the 30,000-square-foot indoor Christmas in Neverland, plus live entertainment, themed performances and holiday photo spots.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
Winterfest is wheelchair accessible. Umbrella strollers work in most areas but aren't allowed aboard the Battleship Wisconsin because of its narrow passageways and steep ladders. Wagons aren't allowed, and baby carriers are strongly recommended. There is stroller parking in several spots, and some areas of the ship can only be reached by ladder.
Where should I park?
Several downtown garages are a short walk from Nauticus, and the first two hours are free. Town Point Garage (110 W. Main Street) and W Plume St Garage (135 W Plume Street) are the recommended choices.
What should I wear?
Winterfest is both indoors and outdoors and goes ahead rain or shine. Dress for the weather in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes.
What is there to eat and drink?
You'll find festive bites, warm drinks and seasonal treats, plus s'mores at the firepits. Have wine in the battleship wardroom, hot chocolate on the front deck, or beer at the new Hook's Hideaway bar. The Snow Bar serves cocktails, mocktails and hot cocoa. You can't bring outside food or drinks.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.