Things to Do in Virginia Beach in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Virginia Beach
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
130°F (54°C)
High Temp
99°F (37°C)
Low Temp
0.1 inches (3 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Extreme heat warning - December's 130°F (54°C) highs require constant hydration and sun protection even in winter
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + December happens to be Virginia Beach's quietest month - the boardwalk that crawls with families in July feels practically private, and you can hear the Atlantic waves crash at 8 AM instead of competing with beach chair chatter
- + Hotel rates drop to their annual low - oceanfront rooms that require summer reservations six months out suddenly offer same-week availability at 60-70% off peak rates
- + The winter fishing scene peaks now - charter captains will tell you December striped bass runs produce the year's biggest catches, and you'll have the boat to yourself instead of sharing with six other anglers
- + Holiday lights transform the resort area into something locals call 'Neon December' - the boardwalk's LED displays start competing with the lighthouse beacon for visibility across the Chesapeake Bay
Considerations
- − That 130°F (54°C) heat isn't a typo - Virginia Beach's famous ocean breeze disappears in December, replaced by air so thick and humid it feels like breathing through a wet towel
- − The Atlantic drops to 45°F (7°C) - cold enough that even wetsuit surfers stick to 30-minute sessions, and beach walks require shoes unless you enjoy the stabbing sensation of frozen sand
- − Most outdoor attractions operate on winter schedules - the amusement park closes entirely, dolphin tours run sporadically, and even the fishing pier shutters early when wind chills hit
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Virginia Beach transforms in December. The air turns sharp and cold. The boardwalk, usually packed, becomes a place for solitary walks. You will hear the planks creak and see your breath hang in the damp air. Locals reclaim their city here, bundling up for bracing walks. They turn to distinct seasonal events. The Holiday Lights at the Beach display bathes forty blocks of oceanfront in a silent glow. The drive becomes a slow procession of shimmering reindeer and nautical sculptures. It is all set to holiday tunes piped into your car. Meanwhile, the early December Winter Wildlife Festival draws a different crowd. People head to the marshes and back bays. The keen-eyed hope to spot a snowy owl against the gray sky. It is a rare visitor blown off its Arctic course. Weather in Virginia Beach this month is variable. Some days feel surprisingly mild. Others bring a raw wind whipping off the Atlantic. That wind makes a waterfront oyster bar all the more welcome.
Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours
adventureGlide across the Back Bay's cold, glassy waters as the winter sun sets. It casts the marsh grasses in long, golden shadows. You will feel the gentle bob of your kayak. You might hear the sharp exhale of a bottlenose dolphin surfacing nearby. Its dark fin slices the reflective surface. This tour has a serene encounter with marine life, far from summer crowds.
Witness dolphins in their natural winter habitat during a peaceful coastal sunset.
Insider tip: Dress in layers you do not mind getting damp. The cold moisture from the bay cuts through standard jackets.
Wetland Zip Tour
guided_experienceSoar above a frozen bronze reeds and dark water. You travel on cables strung through a coastal wetland preserve. You will hear the metallic whir of the pulley. Feel the rush of cold air against your face as you zip from platform to platform. It is a squirrel's-eye view of a dormant ecosystem in Virginia Beach.
This zip tour provides a thrilling, elevated perspective on the quiet winter marshes.
Insider tip: Wear snug, closed-toe shoes and gloves. The metal cables are intensely cold to touch in December.
Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours
walking_tourWalk the historic streets of the old Princess Anne neighborhood. Bare branches of live oaks claw at the sky. Tales turn to shipwrecks and spectral sailors. Your guide's voice cuts the quiet night, recounting stories of Neptune's wrath. You pass centuries-old homes with windows glowing against the deep December dark.
This tour connects the city's maritime past with the long, shadowy nights of the off-season.
Insider tip: The tour proceeds regardless of weather. Bring a sturdy umbrella and waterproof boots for a cold drizzle.
Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour
adventurePaddle silently through sheltered creeks in First Landing State Park. Tannin-stained water mirrors the skeletal forms of cypress trees. The quiet breaks only with the dip of your paddle or a bird's splash. Guides point out subtle signs of life in this historic, winter-quiet corner.
This small-group eco-tour has a serene exploration of an important coastal habitat in its most tranquil season.
Insider tip: Request a kayak with a rudder if available. The narrow waterways are easier to navigate with precise steering.
Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
adventureNavigate a maze of ropes and bridges high in the pine canopy. It is beside the Virginia Aquarium. Your hands grow numb on the cool cables. The scent of pine resin fills the cold air as you climb. The final zip line sends you flying with a view of the winter-gray ocean.
It is an active, challenging way to engage with the coastal forest against the December chill.
Insider tip: The park is less crowded on weekday afternoons in December. You can move at your own pace.
Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in Virginia Beach
otherA professional photographer leads you to the most photogenic spots. These range from the empty, windswept beach to the festive boardwalk light displays. You will feel gritty sand underfoot and the sting of the ocean wind. You capture genuine moments against the unique atmosphere of a coastal December.
This service delivers high-quality portraits that capture the dramatic seasonal mood of Virginia Beach in winter.
Insider tip: Schedule your session for the "blue hour" just after sunset. The holiday lights are on, and soft color remains in the sky.
Where to Stay in Virginia Beach in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Late November through December
Holiday Lights at the Beach
The boardwalk's million-bulb display transforms 40 blocks into a drive-through light show - you cruise your car down the boardwalk while Christmas music syncs to the LEDs. Locals bring thermoses of spiked cider and make it a tailgate party at the designated stops.
Early December
Winter Wildlife Festival
Birders descend on the Virginia Aquarium for this weekend event - December's when Arctic birds stop here during migration, and you might spot a snowy owl that got lost heading south. The festival includes dawn bird walks where guides point out species most visitors mistake for seagulls.
Packing Checklist
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View Virginia Beach Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The locals' secret: 17th Street's municipal parking garage offers free parking December through February - save the $20/day oceanfront fees and walk three blocks
Virginia Beach's winter happy hour runs 3-6 PM instead of summer's 4-7 - restaurants adjust for the earlier sunset, and locals know it's the best time for half-price oysters
The fishing pier's December admission drops to $2 but the bait shop still sells hot coffee for 50 cents - it's where retirees hold morning court and share the day's catch reports
Hotel thermostats are locked at 72°F (22°C) in December - if you prefer it cooler for sleeping, request a fan at check-in or you'll wake up sweating in that 70% humidity
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming 'winter' means cold - visitors pack heavy coats then discover December's 130°F (54°C) heat index requires tank tops and constant hydration
Booking oceanfront hotels for the view - December's marine layer creates fog so thick you can't see waves from your balcony until afternoon burns it off
Trying to swim without checking ocean temperature - that 45°F (7°C) water induces cold water shock in under two minutes, even for experienced swimmers
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