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Morning beach walks, an afternoon of Christmas shopping, and an evening surrounded by holiday lights—December days look a little different in Sandbridge. Bring your favorite traditions to the beach, then make room for a few new ones with seasonal events throughout nearby Virginia Beach.
Whether you’re visiting for Thanksgiving weekend, gathering the family for Christmas, or counting down to 2027, these holiday activities will give you plenty of reasons to get out and celebrate.
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When you’re ready to explore, nearby Virginia Beach offers holiday lights, Christmas shopping, and seasonal performances. Fill your days with festive outings, or keep things simple with movies, cookie decorating, and evenings together at your Sandbridge Blue vacation rental.
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Finish 2026 with your favorite people and a few days at the beach. New Year’s in Sandbridge can mean a homemade seafood dinner, games around the dining table, and a midnight toast at your vacation rental. For a night out, head into Virginia Beach for a celebratory dinner or a New Year’s Eve event.
On January 1, ease into 2027 with coffee overlooking the ocean, a leisurely breakfast, and the first beach walk of the year. Whether your group wants a lively celebration or a quiet weekend together, a Sandbridge Blue vacation rental gives you a comfortable place to welcome the new year.
Holiday Light Shows Near Sandbridge
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Holiday Trail of Lights
November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Virginia Aquarium
Virginia Beach’s holiday lights have a new home in 2026! The Holiday Trail of Lights transforms the Virginia Aquarium’s Nature Trail into a walking experience filled with illuminated displays, sound, and movement. Bundle up, enjoy the lights together, and stop for seasonal refreshments along the way. Timed-entry tickets should be purchased online before your visit.
Holiday Markets Near Sandbridge
December 5, 2026 | Noon–8 p.m. | Town Point Park, Norfolk
Make a holiday day trip to Norfolk for waterfront shopping, Christmas caroling, and a towering Yule Log Bonfire. Browse gifts from local artisans, warm up with hot chocolate, and visit Santa during this free seasonal celebration. It’s a festive option for families looking to explore beyond Virginia Beach during their Sandbridge stay.
December 5, 2026 | Noon–8 p.m. | Town Point Park, Norfolk
Make a holiday day trip to Norfolk for waterfront shopping, Christmas caroling, and a towering Yule Log Bonfire. Browse gifts from local artisans, warm up with hot chocolate, and visit Santa during this free seasonal celebration. It’s a festive option for families looking to explore beyond Virginia Beach during their Sandbridge stay.
December 5, 2026 | 1–4:30 p.m. | Pungo Square
Rain date: December 6
Celebrate the season close to Sandbridge at the second annual Pungo Country Christmas! Enjoy live Christmas music, browse gifts and handmade finds from local vendors, and snap a family photo at the holiday photo stations. Explore Pungo Square’s shops and restaurants while enjoying an afternoon of small-town holiday fun.
The event will also collect food donations for the Creeds Elementary Beach Bag Program, helping support local students and families during the season.
Holiday Races in Virginia Beach
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November 26, 2026 | Virginia Beach
Start Thanksgiving morning with a little fresh air and friendly competition at the Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot. The event offers a 10K, a mile run, and additional participation options, including a toddler trot. Gather your running crew for a holiday tradition before heading back to your Sandbridge rental for Thanksgiving dinner.
December 12, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. | Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Bring your holiday spirit to this festive twilight race through the Virginia Beach Oceanfront area. The Surf N Santa 5 Miler combines a seasonal running adventure with a post-race holiday celebration at the Convention Center. Pick your holiday outfit, gather your running buddies, and make it part of your December getaway.
2026 dates TBA | Baja Restaurant, Sandbridge
Bring the kids to Baja for a festive Santa visit right here in Sandbridge! Little ones can share their Christmas wishes while the family enjoys a holiday outing close to your vacation rental. Check back for the 2026 date and event details.
November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Virginia Aquarium
Pair an evening of holiday lights with a visit to Santa in Glowing Grove! Families can purchase photos with Santa during their Holiday Trail of Lights outing. Santa photos are purchased separately on-site, so plan for an extra stop as you explore the illuminated trail together.
November 27–29, 2026 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. daily | Virginia Beach Convention Center
Let the kids share their Christmas wishes while you enjoy a little holiday shopping. Santa photos are scheduled each day of the Virginia Beach Christmas Market, making this Thanksgiving weekend outing a chance to check off gifts and capture a family holiday memory.
2026 dates coming soon | Hunt Club Farm
Enjoy a Santa visit with a side of farm fun! This seasonal event includes a selfie with Santa, a s’mores pack, and a children’s craft with Santa’s elves. Admission also includes the Petting Farm and TreeWalk Adventure. Check the event website for the upcoming dates.
December 13, 2026 | 10–11:30 a.m. | Rudee Tours
Take your Santa visit out on the water with a festive 90-minute family cruise. Enjoy pictures with Santa, holiday music, pastries, cocoa, coffee, and coastal wildlife watching along the way. Wear your favorite holiday outfit and reserve tickets ahead of time for this Christmas outing.
Other Holiday Events Near Sandbridge
November 20, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. | Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
Add a holiday fundraiser to your vacation plans at the seventh annual Festival of Trees. This ticketed event benefits the Westminster-Canterbury Foundation, offering an opportunity to celebrate the season while supporting its work in the community.
November 21, 2026 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Plan a musical start to the season with Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. Add the performance to a November beach getaway and pair your outing with dinner in Virginia Beach’s Town Center.
November 25, 2026 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Make room in your Thanksgiving getaway for a Christmas ballet performance. This touring production offers another opportunity to enjoy The Nutcracker in Virginia Beach, separate from Ballet Virginia’s December performances.
December 4–6, 2026 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy a Christmas celebration with a rock ’n’ roll soundtrack. Virginia Musical Theatre’s Million Dollar Quartet Christmas imagines Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley reuniting at Sun Records for a holiday jam session. Familiar Christmas songs and lively performances make this a fun addition to a December weekend.
December 5, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. | Atlantic Avenue
Find your viewing spot along Atlantic Avenue for a festive evening at the Oceanfront. The Holiday Parade at the Beach travels north from 15th Street to 25th Street. Bring warm layers and make a night of it with dinner before or after the parade.
December 5, 2026 | 7 p.m. | Zeiders American Dream Theater
Give your holiday evening a jazzy soundtrack at Santa Swings. Tidewater Winds’ Little Big Band joins guest vocalist Danielle Roby for seasonal favorites and fresh arrangements under the direction of John Brewington.
December 11–13, 2026 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Watch Clara’s Christmas adventure unfold with Ballet Virginia’s The Nutcracker, accompanied by live music from Symphonicity Orchestra. Afternoon and evening performances give families several opportunities to enjoy this holiday tradition during a Sandbridge vacation.
December 11–13, 2026 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Watch Clara’s Christmas adventure unfold with Ballet Virginia’s The Nutcracker, accompanied by live music from Symphonicity Orchestra. Afternoon and evening performances give families several opportunities to enjoy this holiday tradition during a Sandbridge vacation.
December 31, 2026 | Beginning at 7 p.m. | Town Center
Welcome 2027 at Virginia Beach’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. Last Night on the Town offers free general admission, with a separate paid VIP experience available. Celebrate in Town Center before returning to your Sandbridge rental for the first beach morning of the new year.
Choose Sandbridge Blue vacation rentals to start an unforgettable coastal Christmas tradition this year. Our luxurious Sandbridge beach homes are perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring cozy amenities like a fireplace and private hot tubs. Book your Virginia Beach getaway with Sandbridge Blue to skip travel stress and enjoy the space, comfort, and direct access to the festive Virginia Beach coast for a truly magical holiday season.
Enjoy easy preparation of your holiday meals in our high quality kitchens.
