Holiday Trail of Lights at the Virginia Aquarium
Through Jan 3Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Nightly Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027; timed entry at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:30 pm
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451Directions
All ages; child tickets ages 3–12
From $12Value nights: adult $19, child (3–12) $12; Premium nights: adult $22, child $15; Twilight Hour and Military Monday pricing; plus fees
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About this adventure
After 31 years as a drive-through on the Oceanfront boardwalk, Virginia Beach's holiday lights move to a new 1.1-mile walking trail on the Virginia Aquarium grounds. The trail winds through seven themed areas: Dickens Drive with lanterns and carolers, a Glowing Grove of lit pillars and dancing arches, a Light Fall Forest of strands hanging up to 35 feet overhead, Santa's Stroll with interactive video floors and a 40-foot tower, the icicle-lit Flurry Lane, Glimmer Games play caves with a Toy Soldier Tower lookout, and an Enchanted Forest where children chase fog-filled bubbles through laser stars. Santa is in the Glowing Grove, and photos with him are sold on site. Entry is timed: a 5–6 pm Twilight Hour, which is less crowded and includes an ornament, then 6 pm and 7:30 pm slots. The flat trail is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly; pets, bikes, scooters and outside food are not allowed. Buy tickets online in advance, because walk-ups are not guaranteed and cost $10 more.
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