Things to Do in Virginia Beach in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Virginia Beach
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Smaller crowds at major attractions - December is solidly off-season with most families back in school mode and fewer tourists willing to brave the cooler Atlantic. You'll actually get decent photos at the Boardwalk without dodging selfie sticks, and restaurant reservations become walk-ins again.
- Lower accommodation rates drop 40-60% compared to summer peaks - oceanfront hotels that command $300+ in July are often available for $120-180 in December. Book 3-4 weeks out for best selection, though last-minute deals pop up frequently if you're flexible.
- Mild temperatures for outdoor activities without summer's oppressive heat and humidity - those 13-21°C (55-70°F) afternoons are genuinely pleasant for the 5 km (3.1 mile) Boardwalk walk or cycling the 11 km (6.8 mile) Cape Henry Trail. You can actually move around midday without melting.
- Holiday events create a festive atmosphere unique to December - the Boardwalk transforms with light displays, and locals are out enjoying seasonal activities rather than hiding indoors from summer tourists. There's an energy to the place that feels more authentic than peak season's commercial rush.
Considerations
- Ocean water temperatures drop to 10-13°C (50-55°F) making swimming genuinely uncomfortable for most people - even with a wetsuit, you're looking at brief dips rather than leisurely swims. The beach becomes more of a walking destination than a water sports hub.
- Unpredictable weather patterns mean you might get a sunny 18°C (65°F) day or a grey 7°C (45°F) afternoon with biting wind off the Atlantic - pack for both scenarios because forecasts this time of year tend to shift. That 70% humidity makes cold days feel colder and warm days feel warmer than the thermometer suggests.
- Many seasonal businesses reduce hours or close entirely - some Boardwalk vendors, water sports rental shops, and tour operators either shut down completely or operate weekend-only schedules. You'll need to call ahead rather than assuming places are open, which adds planning friction.
Best Activities in December
First Landing State Park hiking and nature trails
December weather is actually ideal for the 32 km (20 miles) of trails here - you avoid summer's mosquito swarms and oppressive heat while enjoying crisp air perfect for the 8 km (5 mile) Cape Henry Trail or the shorter Bald Cypress Trail through 400-year-old trees. The park sees maybe 20% of its summer visitor numbers, so you'll have stretches of trail completely to yourself. Wildlife is more active in cooler temperatures, and the lack of foliage makes bird watching notably better.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center visits
Perfect December backup for those inevitable grey days, and frankly more enjoyable in off-season when you're not shoulder-to-shoulder with summer camp groups. The harbor seal and sea turtle exhibits are indoors and climate-controlled, and December typically brings special holiday programming. The outdoor Owls Creek Marsh Pavilion is actually pleasant to explore in 13-16°C (55-60°F) weather with lower humidity than summer.
Boardwalk and oceanfront cycling
The 46 km (28.6 mile) paved trail system connecting the Boardwalk to Cape Henry is legitimately enjoyable in December when you're not competing with summer's pedestrian traffic and the temperature sits in that perfect 13-18°C (55-65°F) range for sustained cycling. Wind off the ocean can be brisk, but you'll appreciate it on warmer afternoons. Sunrise rides around 7am offer spectacular light with almost zero crowds.
Chesapeake Bay fishing charters and boat tours
December is actually prime season for striped bass fishing in the Bay, with cooler water temperatures bringing fish closer to shore and into predictable patterns. Even if you're not fishing, the Bay is notably calmer than the Atlantic this time of year, making boat tours more comfortable for those prone to seasickness. Wildlife watching improves with migrating waterfowl using the Bay as a stopover.
Historic Cape Henry Lighthouse and Fort Story exploration
The exposed coastal location that makes this miserable in summer's heat becomes atmospheric and dramatic in December, especially on those partly cloudy days when light breaks through in shafts. The 90 m (300 ft) climb up the 1792 lighthouse is actually pleasant when it's 13°C (55°F) rather than 32°C (90°F), and the views across the Chesapeake Bay entrance are clearest in winter's lower humidity. The adjacent First Landing Cross and Fort Story military base add historical context worth 2-3 hours total.
Local craft brewery and winery tours
Virginia Beach's craft beverage scene has exploded in recent years, and December is ideal for indoor tasting room hopping when outdoor activities get weathered out. The Pungo agricultural area 24 km (15 miles) south hosts several wineries and cideries with holiday events and seasonal releases. Breweries along the ViBe Creative District offer walkable clusters perfect for 13-16°C (55-60°F) afternoons.
December Events & Festivals
Boardwalk Holiday Lights and Winter Festival
The 5 km (3.1 mile) Boardwalk gets decorated with light displays and holiday installations, typically running from late November through early January. It's become a legitimate local tradition with ice skating rink setup, holiday market vendors, and weekend entertainment. Worth experiencing after dark when temperatures drop to 7-10°C (45-50°F) - bring layers and hot chocolate money.
Neptune Festival Holiday Market
The organization behind September's massive Neptune Festival runs a scaled-down holiday market at the Convention Center, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and seasonal goods. It's genuinely oriented toward locals doing holiday shopping rather than tourists, which gives it a more authentic feel than typical craft fairs. Indoor venue makes it perfect for grey weather days.