Enjoy Dazzling Christmas Lights Aboard the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk
Photo by Daniel/Flickr
A historic battleship isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Christmas, but the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, Virginia, hosts an annual event known as Nauticus’ Winterfest on the Wisconsin that transforms a decommissioned battleship into a hub of holiday cheer.
Initially constructed in 1941, the USS Wisconsin saw numerous conflicts, including battles in World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm. After the USS Wisconsin was permanently decommissioned, she was docked at the National Maritime Center—also known as Nauticus—in Norfolk, Virginia. Every December, the staff of Nauticus decks out the USS Wisconsin in colorful lights and other seasonal decorations so that the residents of Norfolk can get holly and jolly aboard one of the most celebrated historic battleships in the United States.
Photo by Flickr
During the month of December, the USS Wisconsin is adorned with over a million lights. Visitors can stroll among twinkling icicles, Christmas trees, and red ribbons. There is even an illuminated tunnel and a sparkling footbridge. The gray battleship temporarily becomes a colorful winter wonderland that resembles a technicolor forest. Revelers can swing by the Mistletoe Marina for a cocktail such as a Miracle on Bourbon Street or a virgin hot cocoa. The Mistletoe Marina also features a Waterfront S’mores Station where you can get warm and cozy next to a toasty fire and enjoy a delicious sweet treat.
Photo by Flickr
Nauticus’ Winterfest on the Wisconsin also features live entertainment at the Nauticus Museum, such as a puppet show, a circus, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. After giving your wish list to Santa and getting your picture taken, you can visit a talking tree and enjoy a fanciful train display. Visitors can also tour portions of the interior of the USS Wisconsin. The battleship’s historic decks feature seasonal decorations such as Christmas trees. Every inch of the USS Wisconsin is bursting with holiday cheer.
For a small fee, you can purchase a ticket to Nauticus’ Winterfest on the Wisconsin and experience some memorable holiday joy. Children 2 and under can enter for free, and members of the military and large parties can purchase discounted tickets. No holiday season is complete without wandering through an illuminated winter wonderland. You may even experience a few snow flurries as you sip hot cocoa at the Mistletoe Marina. You’ll never look at a battleship the same after celebrating the holidays aboard the USS Wisconsin.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin, One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Coordinates
- 36.84764, -76.29513
- Access
- Winterfest is a separate ticketed event at Nauticus and aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, One Waterside Drive, Norfolk. The operator requires entry at the date/time on the ticket; no early entry is allowed, and operating times vary by night. Nauticus describes the event as wheelchair accessible overall, but some areas aboard the ship require ladders and are not accessible; umbrella strollers are also not allowed aboard the ship. Check the event calendar and access details before booking.
- Admission
- Separate date-and-time Winterfest ticket required; it is not Nauticus's regular museum admission. The event operator's current 2026–27 plan page lists value nights at $23 adult/$21 child (ages 3–12), premium nights at $27/$23, and free admission for children 2 and under. Advance online tickets save $3; day-of tickets cost $3 more and may not be available. Military, member and group rates also apply. Confirm the chosen date's checkout total; Visit Norfolk lists conflicting lower prices.
- Time needed
- The operator publishes no fixed visit duration: guests may explore for as long as they like after their timed entry. Allow enough time for the indoor and outdoor displays and the ship, based on your group; this is a planning choice, not a published tour length.
- Best season
- Winterfest is a seasonal holiday event scheduled on select nights from November 13, 2026. Tickets are now being sold by date and entry time; check the event calendar for available nights before planning. The event has not opened as of this October 28 check.
- Opening hours
- The 2026–27 season starts November 13, with select nights and variable entry times. Nauticus’s event listing and the Winterfest ticket-calendar banner give January 2, 2027 as the final date; the Plan Your Visit text says through January 3. The operator’s pages conflict, so verify a specific date and time on the live ticket calendar. Regular Nauticus museum hours are separate.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-23
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-28
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