Holiday Lights at the Beach
Guests walk a 1.1-mile nature trail featuring seven themed areas illuminated with sound, light, and motion. Displays include Victorian carolers along Dickens Drive, a cascading 35-foot canopy of lights in Light Fall Forest, and falling snow in Flurry Lane. Visitors can also interact with video floors, take in elevated views from Toy Soldier Tower, and chase fog-filled bubbles beneath dancing lasers in the Enchanted Forest.
What to Expect
Walkable light show transforming the Virginia Aquarium Nature Trail.
Event Details
Duration
The trail is 1.1 miles round-trip.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Oceanfront
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Live On Atlantic
Food & Drink
Concessions are available in the North and South buildings and along the trail, with limited alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Immersive and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Value Night: adults $19 plus fees; children ages 3–12 $12 plus fees; Twilight Hour adults $25 plus fees and children $18 plus fees; group adults (25+) $15 plus fees and group children (25+) $8 plus fees. Premium Night: adults $22 plus fees; children ages 3–12 $15 plus fees; Twilight Hour adults $28 plus fees and children $21 plus fees; group adults (25+) $18 plus fees and group children (25+) $11 plus fees. Military Mondays, for active duty service members and retired veterans: adults $16 plus fees and children ages 3–12 $10 plus fees. Walk-up tickets, if available, cost an additional $10 per ticket. Aquarium members may purchase through a link distributed directly from the aquarium; no member price is specified. Santa photos are an optional on-site purchase; no price is specified. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.; timed-entry slots: 5–6 p.m. (Twilight Hour), 6–7:30 p.m., and 7:30–9 p.m.
- Accessibility: The trail is flat and ADA accessible, permitting wheelchairs and mobility scooters, with a limited number of wheelchairs available for rent at the Aquarium.
- Pets: Pets may not be brought to the event.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online in advance, because each time slot has limited tickets and walk-up tickets, when there are any, cost extra.
- Book the Twilight Hour slot if you want early entry, less crowded trails and a commemorative ornament to take home.
- Military families should pick a Monday night, when active duty service members and retired veterans get special Military Mondays pricing.
- Leave outside food, drinks and chairs at home, since they aren't allowed, and buy snacks in the North or South building or along the trail.
- If weather cancels your night, keep your ticket unscanned and take it to the box office to use on another night of equal or lesser value.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: an all-new walkable light trail through the Virginia Aquarium Nature Trail replaces the Oceanfront display after 31 years.
- Twilight Hour tickets (first time slot) include early entry, less crowded trails and a commemorative ornament.
- Military Mondays: special pricing for active duty service members and retired veterans on Monday nights.
- Aquarium members buy discounted tickets through a link sent directly by the Aquarium.
- Photos with Santa in Glowing Grove are an extra purchase on-site.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the trail accessible?
Yes. The trail is flat and ADA accessible, and wheelchairs and mobility scooters are allowed. The Aquarium has a limited number of wheelchairs to rent.
How long is the walk?
The trail is 1.1 miles round-trip. You can start from either the North Building or the South Building.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. Concessions are in both the North and South buildings and along the trail, with a limited selection of alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and over. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed.
How do we get pictures with Santa?
Santa is in Glowing Grove, and you buy photos with him on-site. Santa photos can't be added to your ticket.
What can we bring?
Strollers, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and bags are fine, but bags may be searched. Leave weapons, glass, outside food and alcohol, chairs, pets, professional camera gear, bikes, scooters and skateboards at home.
More Christmas Events Near Virginia Beach
More Christmas Events near Virginia Beach
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.