Embrace the holiday season with a family coastal retreat to Virginia Beach. The destination offers a blend of holiday charm and year-round amenities perfect for family travels. With mild winter weather, pristine beaches and a variety of seasonal events, the destination offers a one-of-a-kind winter escape.
29th Annual Holiday Lights at the Beach
Through Dec. 31, take a magical journey through Virginia Beach Boardwalk’s festive nautical holiday light display from the comfort of your car. Get even more immersed by playing a holiday soundtrack on the radio. See festive fish, musical crabs and elves join a surfing Santa and a 40-foot dancing Christmas tree in this “Fanta-Sea” of lights.
Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market
If you are in town this Thanksgiving weekend, head to this award-winning craft market. This market started as a small country craft consignment shop and has since grown. Located at Virginia Beach Convention Center, the market showcases original works of more than 175 artists and crafters from more than 20 states.
Third Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit
The Historic de Witt Cottage, the oldest remaining private structure at the oceanfront and home to Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, is home to a gingerbread house exhibit until Dec. 30. The exhibit features original designs by local businesses and residents.
The Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
On Dec. 2, decorated boats with holiday lights and themed decorations sail along Lynnhaven Inlet to celebrate the season in support of Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, a local volunteer-based EMS organization.
The Founders Inn and Spa Breakfast with Santa
On select dates in December, Founders Inn and Spa hosts a charming breakfast with Santa. Children can have their picture taken with Santa and enjoy balloon art and face painting.
Santa, S’mores & More at Hunt Club Farm
Bring the family to the farm for an afternoon of fun with Santa. Tickets include selfies with Santa, ornament making with elves, visiting the Petting Farm and TreeWalk Adventure, and roasting s’mores over the bonfire. Reservations are required.
Elves are set to invade The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium! Hunt for the elves in the park’s system of 17 elevated trails and zip lines, find them all and maybe even earn a Christmas surprise at the end.
Read This Next
3 Reasons to Visit St. Paul, Minnesota
Destinations / North America
Jan 20, 2025#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedBudget
Jan 17, 2025Round-Trip Versus Two One-Way Tickets: Upgraded Points Takes a Closer Look
All travelers, and especially family travelers, look to maximize savings when booking flights so they can spend money elsewhere while traveling. A new study from Upgraded Points examines which booking option offers the best savings. Is it purchasing a round-trip flight or two one-way tickets?
Sponsored Content
Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway
East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.
Hotels
Jan 15, 2025Stay in a CHIPS AHOY!-Themed Room at This New York City Hotel
Fulfill your kids’ dreams of staying in a hotel room inspired by a cookie at Arlo Midtown. This New York City hotel partnered with CHIPS AHOY! to celebrate the cookie brand’s latest innovation: CHIPS AHOY! Baked Bites, Blondie. Arlo Midtown and CHIPS AHOY! now give family travelers and fans the chance to win the ultimate CHIPS AHOY! experience with an immersive stay in limited-edition Baked Bites hotel rooms.
Dining/Entertainment
Jan 14, 2025Chef Richard Blais Opens Tiki Taka at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
Family travelers to Scottsdale, Arizona, can enjoy new culinary delights at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, now home to the latest restaurant from celebrity chef and restaurateur Richard Blais. Tiki Taka highlights flavors from Japanese and Spanish cultures with ingredients from the Southwest. The décor in the 138-seat eatery finds inspiration in Spanish landmarks and Japanese izakayas, boasting communal tables, vibrant neons and digital art.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Hotels
Jan 14, 2025Book a Whimsical Winter Escape in Kimpton Hotel Eventi’s New Winter Suite
Kimpton Hotel Eventi offers a unique escape for family travelers this winter. This iconic New York hotel, at the crossroads of the NoMad and Chelsea neighborhoods, invites travelers to stay at this new, one-of-a-kind suite. The Winter Lodge Suite is available now for travelers to book for festive fun through March 20. This fun suite transports guests into a winter wonderland with extra amenities and holiday-inspired touches, allowing travelers to savor the holiday magic through the winter season.
ShareThis