The holidays are all about tradition, but who says your favorite traditions have to happen indoors? This year, get outside, soak up the festive spirit and make some new memories in Virginia Beach. Whether you live here or are visiting for the holidays, these five fun festive activities, from twinkling lights to festive runs, offer plenty of ways to enjoy the season together. And maybe one or all of them will become new traditions you look forward to every year!

#1 Lumi SkyWalk at Owl Creek Landing

Follow the glow to the Lumi SkyWalk at Owl Creek, Virginia Beach’s newest outdoor holiday experience. As twinkling lights guide your way through the trees, the forest takes on a whole new feel after dark. Rustling leaves, glowing pathways and the crisp night air set the stage for an enchanting adventure in the treetops designed to delight guests of all ages.

Lumi SkyWalk brings a holiday story to life as you stroll along Owl Creek’s elevated Treetop Canopy Walk. The gentle, accessible path winds through the forest, where lights, scenery and storytelling come together to create an experience that feels a little different around every turn. And when the story ends, the adventure doesn’t have to. Head to the Nautilus Tower, an eight-story observation tower, and take a thrilling ride on the Whorl Slide, the longest spiral slide in the U.S., which winds through the tower’s core (the slide is for guests ages 7+).

Tickets are on sale for the November 20 – January 3 holiday period, and we highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance for this limited-capacity special event. Make Lumi SkyWalk part of your holiday traditions for years to come!

NEW: A Halloween run has been added, with family-friendly spooky music and decor to set the scene. The Halloween Lumi SkyWalk show runs 6 nights only on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from October 22 – 31.

#2 The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and head outside for fresh air, thrills and new memories at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium. With 33 ziplines and more than 250 treetop platforms, there’s an adventure for everyone, from beginners to experienced climbers. Choose your own path through the self-guided park and enjoy some active time together in the great outdoors.

This holiday season, give the gift of an experience instead of another item. Purchase a gift eCard or gift certificate and plan a day of adventure with family or friends. Up the ante by presenting your gift in an Adventure Gift Box, which includes a pair of Treekkers Plus Premium Climbing Gloves to use at the Park. You can also purchase a combo Adventure Park/Owl Creek Landing Ticket and save 20%. Then, when school is out and the holidays slow down, head to the Park for a day of challenges and laughs.

The annual Holiday Sale kicks off on November 5, with deep discounts on gift ticket packages.  Sign up here to be notified of the sale launch and save an additonal $5 on your order.

#3 Small Business Saturday in the ViBe Creative District

Instead of ordering gifts online, head outside for a day of shopping while supporting small businesses. November 28, 2026, is Small Business Saturday in ViBe Creative District, home to approximately 100 locally owned and operated businesses within 1.5 miles. Shop for unique gifts, explore the district and enjoy live music from Big Juicy Entertainment featuring local musicians, all while supporting the Virginia Beach community.

#4 Holiday Boat Parade

It wouldn’t be the holidays in Virginia Beach without a boat-related event! Grab your neighbors and friends to watch the Holiday Boat Parade, Hampton Roads’ largest charitable lighted boat parade. Get in the holiday spirit by watching the lights reflecting off the water as decorated boats make their way from the east end of Long Creek to the Lesner Bridge and back. Even better, the parade supports the local Volunteer Rescue Squads around the City of Virginia Beach, making this a tradition that gives back.

#5 BayPort Surf N Santa 5 Miler

Will you be Team Naughty or Team Nice? Both are welcome at the BayPort Surf N Santa 5 Miler, a festive run along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Along the course, runners can fuel up at gingerbread cookie and taffy stations (with water, too, of course)! And unlike many races, you don’t have to wake up early for this one. The 4:30 p.m. start leaves plenty of time to enjoy the morning and afternoon before the event.

Let the kids join in on the fun at the Rudolph’s 1K, where every participant will receive a light-up Rudolph nose to help lead the way. Afterward, head over to the Virginia Beach Convention Center for a post-race party with beer, food and music. Whether you’re running, cheering or simply soaking up the holiday spirit, this is an event that the whole family can enjoy.

Make New Holiday Memories

The best holiday traditions are the ones that bring people together and give you something to look forward to year after year. This season, get outside, try something new and make a few memories of your own. You just might discover a new Virginia Beach tradition to add to your holiday list!