This Iconic Holiday Event in Virginia is the One Thing You Must Do This Season

We love to visit Virginia Beach, especially when the weather is warm. The iconic boardwalk, outdoor dining, incredible local parks, and live entertainment are just a few reasons to visit this region of Virginia. And winter offers its own charms, especially over the holiday season. Each year, between mid-November and the end of December, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk undergoes a magical transformation. The result? An enchanting drive-through holiday event you simply can't miss: Holiday Lights at the Beach.

Presented by BayPort Credit Union, Holiday Lights at the Beach is a cherished Virginia Beach tradition. It's not every day that you get to witness giant illuminated holiday displays against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, but this is the exact experience you can look forward to.

Tunnels made of twinkling Christmas lights, giant illuminated trees, a surfing Santa Claus, musical crabs, and jumping fish are some of the displays that are bound to capture your imagination this year. The real show-stoppers, though, are the 40-foot Christmas tree and the single longest curved LED Light Tunnel in the U.S.

So how does it all work? First, you'll want to reserve your tickets online. (Tickets can be purchased at the event, but they'll cost a bit extra). Show times are 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m., and the event takes place on the boardwalk at 2nd Street. Each vehicle will enter the show at 2nd Street and begin to travel north right on the famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk all the way to 33rd Street. While the show is taking place, there won't be any pedestrians on the boardwalk.

While driving through the display is a can't-miss experience, there are select nights where you can experience the show on foot or even on a bike. The holiday lights bike night already took place for this season, but you can save the date for the First Night Hike, happening Wednesday, January 1st from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. What an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year!

After enjoying the display, check out some of the nearby restaurants. One of our favorites is Repeal Bourbon & Burgers.

Do you plan on attending Holiday Lights at the Beach 2024? Be sure to send this article to someone you'd love to go with! For more information, head on over to the official event page. Need a place to stay while you're in town? Check out these amazing oceanfront vacation rentals in Virginia Beach.