Holiday Trail of Lights

BayPort Credit Union “Holiday Trail of Lights” Presented by Huffman & Huffman Brothers-In-Law

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 17, 2026) – After 31 years of lighting up the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions is taking a dramatic new turn. Virginia Beach Events and the City of Virginia Beach are launching BayPort Credit Union “Holiday Trail of Lights” presented by Huffman & Huffman Brothers-In-Law, an all-new, walkable holiday lights experience designed by nationally recognized light-show creators James Bain and Ken MacMaster that will transform the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Nature Trail into an immersive nighttime wonderland. Opening Friday, Nov. 20, and running through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, the inaugural experience invites guests to leave the car behind and step into a trail filled with light, sound, movement and holiday magic. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Sept. 24 at BeachEventsVB.com.

“After 31 successful years at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, we’re transforming a beloved holiday tradition into something completely new,” said William Younce, Director of Beach Events. “Holiday Trail of Lights is an immersive experience designed to surround attendees of all ages in light, sound, wonder and holiday magic. This isn’t simply a new location, it’s a brand-new show, and everyone should come experience it.”

The all-new holiday light show was designed by James Bain of Mega Light Show and Ken MacMaster of Wired Watts, alongside Virginia Beach Events and the City of Virginia Beach. The pair have created and built displays and interactive experiences for the Brooklyn Zoo and Cincinnati Zoo, and have designed full-scale holiday productions across the country, including the “Light of Christmas” show at Chicago White Sox stadium, Kennywood Amusement Park in Pennsylvania and holiday projects at several Six Flags parks.

Holiday Trail of Lights will unfold across seven themed areas along the trail, each offering a distinct visual and interactive adventure, including:

• Dickens Drive – Guests will step into the charm of Old England with Charles Dickens-inspired décor, lanterns and carolers creating a festive Victorian atmosphere.

• Glowing Grove & Snowflake Symphony – A symphony of lights and festive music featuring a vast grove of colorfully lit pillars that lead to a stage of 20-foot trees, dancing arches, and shimmering snowflakes.

• Light Fall Forest – A truly massive immersive display, featuring hundreds of strands of light suspended up to 35 feet overhead and cascading toward the ground to create a spectacular canopy of light.

• Santa’s Stroll – This nostalgic walk-through is filled with whimsical scenes leading to interactive video floors and walls, suspended white trees, and a 40-foot decorated tower that offers a larger-than-life holiday photo opportunity.

• Flurry Lane – A classical shimmering white wonderland. Guests will wander beneath a canopy of glowing icicle lights and frosted snowflakes while falling snow creates a perfect winter moment.

• Glimmer Games & Toy Soldier Tower – Visitors can play in the lights within vast caves of fun. Nearby, Toy Soldier Tower provides a whole new bird’s-eye view of the show, sure to be a social media favorite.

• Enchanted Forest – A winding woodland path set beneath magical dancing laser stars and vibrant forest scenes. In an opening near the end, bubbles drift through the laser beams for a one-of-a-kind “light in the dark” bubble party. It’s a sensory-filled adventure where children can chase and catch fog-filled bubbles in the heart of the woods.

“One of the things we love most at BayPort is being part of the communities we serve, and this is a great example of that,” said Jim Mears, President and CEO of BayPort Credit Union. “The Holiday Trail of Lights takes a tradition that so many families have enjoyed and gives it a whole new experience. We’re excited to be part of bringing it to Virginia Beach, and we hope families from across Hampton Roads will come out, enjoy the lights, and make some great memories together this holiday season.”

Tickets range from $19-$22 for adults and $12-$15 for children, with special military family pricing available on Monday nights and additional discounts available for Aquarium members. Holiday Trail of Lights will use timed entries to help minimize wait times. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online at BeachEventsVB.com. Purchasing online reserves the date and time for entry. If available, walk-up tickets will incur an additional $5 fee per ticket.

With its new location, walkable format and seven immersive themed areas, BayPort Credit Union “Holiday Trail of Lights” presented by Huffman & Huffman Brothers-In-Law marks a new chapter for a holiday tradition that has welcomed generations of Virginia Beach families.