The holiday season is a magical time to visit Cape Charles, Virginia, where festive cheer fills the air and exciting local events await around every corner. Here are some can’t-miss holiday happenings near Cape Charles, VA. Whether visiting with family and friends or on a romantic getaway, there’s plenty to enjoy during the most wonderful time of the year.
Festive Fridays in Downtown
Get into the holiday spirit with Festive Fridays, a cherished tradition in Cape Charles! Every Friday from Thanksgiving to Christmas, the streets of downtown come alive with holiday lights, music, and cheer — making our cozy shore a true winter wonderland.
Local shops stay open late, offering special deals and holiday treats. This year, FREE holiday movies will be shown each Friday at the Historic Palace Theatre at 8 p.m. Stroll through the charming, decorated streets, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy live entertainment with family and friends.
Don’t miss the opportunity to escape “corporate Christmas” and shop for unique gifts while experiencing the warmth of Cape Charles’ small-town holiday atmosphere. You might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus! For more details, visit the Festive Fridays event page.
Cape Charles Cookie Trail
If you have a sweet tooth and an eye for old buildings that look like they could genuinely be decadent, cut-out cookies, you won’t want to miss the Cape Charles Cookie Trail! This beloved event takes place in early December, inviting visitors to tour beautifully decorated bed and breakfasts and homes, each decorated for the holiday season.
We started this fun event several years ago and are on the trail again this year. It’s the perfect way to discover the charming historic buildings in Cape Charles while indulging in some tasty holiday treats.
Entry is a non-perishable food item donation that will benefit the Cape Charles food pantry. Monetary donations are accepted and benefit the Cape Charles Fire Department. The Cookie Trail is fun for all ages and makes for a great day out with friends or family.
More Local Celebrations to Check Out in Cape Charles
There’s so much to do and see during the holiday season. We hope this guide gave you a good place to start, but we wanted to throw in some additional highlights for you to check out during your stay on Virginia’s cape. Here’s more celebrations you won’t want to miss:
- Lighted Golf Cart Parade & Grand Illumination | Dec. 7 | Downtown Cape Charles
- Shows at the Historic Palace Theater:
- Shore Singers Holiday Concert | Dec. 8 | 5 pm
- Gerry Gennarelli: An Italian Christmas | Dec. 18 | 7:30 pm
- Virginia Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Brass | Dec. 21 | 7:30 pm
How could we forget about New Year’s? If you’re still around, come enjoy our fun and quirky way of ringing in the New Year at the 11th Annual Dropping of the Crab Pot on Mason Avenue. On New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), usually, from 9-10 pm, bundle up to watch a large crab pot decorated with lights and holiday decor get lowered down in a ball drop fashion…Virginia Cape style!
Bay Haven’s Holiday Happenings
Cape Charles and the surrounding Eastern Shore of Virginia offer plenty of other holiday activities, from Christmas parades to seasonal craft markets. Here at Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles, we are lucky enough to be at the heart of it. Whether taking a scenic drive to enjoy holiday lights or indulging in a cozy wine night by the fire (see our Cozy Night Inn Package), there’s something for everyone.
We look forward to welcoming you to our cozy, coastal Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles, where you can relax and enjoy the season’s festivities to the fullest extent. And yes! — We love the holidays and are decorated to the nines yearly. Book your stay today and experience all the holiday happenings Cape Charles offers this season!
Photo Credit: © Cape Charles Main Street
