The Region’s Most Beloved Holiday Tradition is Back!

Winterfest on the Wisconsin returns to Nauticus this season, bigger and brighter than ever! Explore over 2 million dazzling lights across the historic Battleship Wisconsin and the waterfront. This year features the breathtaking NEW Kingdom of the Snow Queen, turning 30,000 square feet of indoor space into a festive, unforgettable journey.

Dates & Hours

Winterfest kicks off on Friday, November 14, 2025, and runs on select nights through December 31, 2025.

• Operating hours vary nightly—please check our event calendar for exact times before your visit.

• Winterfest is a rain-or-shine event, now featuring extensive indoor experiences. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably for the weather.

CALENDAR

Entry & Ticketing

Tickets are sold by date and entry time and frequently sell out, especially on weekends and closer to the holidays.

• Digital tickets are emailed upon purchase. Present your ticket on your phone or bring a printed copy for scanning at check-in.

• Please arrive at your scheduled time slot. There is absolutely NO early entry.

• Your entry time is when you may enter the event. Once inside, you are welcome to explore for as long as you like.

Note: Outside food and beverages, pets, and smoking or vaping are prohibited within the event space.

Winterfest Highlights

New for 2025: Indoor Experiences

• The Kingdom of the Snow Queen: A breathtaking new indoor experience featuring fairy villages, life-sized nutcrackers, an enormous train display, and the Snow Queen herself.

• Snowball Zone: Step onto the Snow Deck for the Snowball Challenge. Snow falls every hour on the hour.

  • Warm Up: Visit the Snow Bar for festive cocktails, mocktails, and rich hot cocoa, then gather around the firepits to roast s’mores.

• The Ornament Corner (Presented by Color Me Mine): For $15 + tax, paint a festive ornament onsite. Color Me Mine will glaze your creation for later pickup at their Norfolk location.

• Photos with Santa: Capture a keepsake photo with Santa aboard Winterfest.

Aboard the Battleship Wisconsin

• Navy Celebration: In celebration of the Navy’s 250th anniversary, guests will journey into never-before-seen spaces below deck, honoring service and reflection.

• The Officer’s Club: Located in the Battleship’s historic wardroom, serving hot chocolate, warm cider, specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and more.

• Gedunk Donut Shop: Serving fresh-baked donuts from the ship’s WWII-era Gedunk (snackbar) stand, available nightly by Dugout Donuts.

Waterfront Activities

• Winterfest Riverwalk Ice Rink: This 4,400-square-foot real ice rink in the TowneBank Fountain Park offers an open-air experience surrounded by fire pits and holiday music. Ice skating opens for the season on November 22.

• Winterfest Riverwalk (Free Public Trail): This half-mile long trail features hundreds of thousands of lights along the Elizabeth River, extending from the Pagoda, around the battleship, and through Town Point Park. Free and open to the public every night.

• Winterfest Harbor Lights Cruise: A 30-minute festive cruise along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront with Rover Cruises.

  • Available on select dates: Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 21-23, 26-30 with cruises at 6 PM and 7 PM.

Shopping & Dining

Savor festive bites and seasonal drinks. Discover unique gifts, festive finds, and treasures from our amazing local vendors for all your holiday shopping needs.

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