Holiday Trail of Lights
The Holiday Trail of Lights is a new walkable holiday light show held on a nature trail at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach. It features interactive elements, laser stars, and "snow."
- Date
- Nov 20, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027
- Status
- Upcoming
Event summary
Highlights
- Walkable holiday light show on a nature trail
- Interactive dance floors and laser stars
- "Snow" falling in designated zones
- Santa Claus appearances nightly with photo packages
The Holiday Trail of Lights is an immersive, walkable holiday light show presented by Virginia Beach's Beach Events program. It takes place on a nature trail approximately one-third of a mile long, winding through woods and salt marsh along Owl Creek. The trail is divided into seven themed zones, with all lights choreographed to music played through mini-speakers.
Key features of the event include an interactive dance floor, dancing laser stars, and areas where "snow" falls, such as in "Flurry Lane" where guests walk under a canopy of icicle lights. Santa Claus will be present nightly in the "Glowing Grove" zone, which showcases 20-foot trees, dancing arches, and shimmering snowflakes, with photo opportunities available. Another highlight is the "Light Fall Forest," featuring hundreds of light strands suspended 35 feet high, creating a captivating canopy.
Free parking is provided at the aquarium’s main and south building lots, and visitors can enter the experience from either end of the trail. Additionally, some original light displays will be installed along the Boardwalk between 24th and 31st streets for public enjoyment, accessible on foot.
Key features of the event include an interactive dance floor, dancing laser stars, and areas where "snow" falls, such as in "Flurry Lane" where guests walk under a canopy of icicle lights. Santa Claus will be present nightly in the "Glowing Grove" zone, which showcases 20-foot trees, dancing arches, and shimmering snowflakes, with photo opportunities available. Another highlight is the "Light Fall Forest," featuring hundreds of light strands suspended 35 feet high, creating a captivating canopy.
Free parking is provided at the aquarium’s main and south building lots, and visitors can enter the experience from either end of the trail. Additionally, some original light displays will be installed along the Boardwalk between 24th and 31st streets for public enjoyment, accessible on foot.
Practical details
- Area for browsing nearby events
- Virginia Beach
- Organizer — source statement
William Younce, director of Beach Events, the city’s entertainment program.
- www.dailypress.com
Before attending
Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.
Sources and further information
Check these references for event announcements and updates before attending.
- New holiday light show in Virginia Beach will be all on foot www.dailypress.com
Location map
Approximate area only; exact venue coordinates are not confirmed.
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