Winterfest on the Wisconsin expands with new 30,000 sq. ft. indoor world and lighted downtown Riverwalk.
Norfolk, Va. (Oct. 1, 2025) – Nauticus is preparing for its largest holiday experience ever as Winterfest on the Wisconsin returns to Hampton Roads on Friday, November 14. The beloved annual event is doubling in size with a 30,000-square-foot indoor journey entitled the Kingdom of the Snow Queen. This immersive adventure will transport families through a snowy landscape where they’ll encounter a talking polar bear, life-sized nutcrackers, a wise old owl, and the Snow Queen herself. This epic adventure is included with regular Winterfest admission.
Also new this season is Downtown Norfolk’s first-ever walking light trail. Extending from the Pagoda, around the battleship, and through Town Point Park, the Winterfest Riverwalk features hundreds of thousands of lights along the Elizabeth River. The half mile-long trail is free and open to the public every night throughout the holiday season.
The star of the show continues to be the Battleship Wisconsin, decorated again this season with more than 2 million dazzling holiday lights and a new below-deck experience.
“This year marks a turning point for Winterfest,” said Stephen Kirkland, Executive Director of Nauticus. “We’ve literally reimagined every aspect of the experience, more than doubling its size. Still, families will pay the same ticket price they’ve come to expect. It’s our way of giving back to the community while creating the most over-the-top, magical celebration in Hampton Roads.”
Ticket Sales
Winterfest tickets will go on sale in October:
- Early Access for Nauticus Members: Sales begin October 13
- General Public Sales: Begin October 20
Despite this incredible expansion, ticket prices remain unchanged, making Winterfest one of the best holiday values in the region. Winterfest will run on select nights from November 14 through December 31.
For more information, visit winterfestonthewisconsin.com.
About Nauticus
Support for WinterFest on the Wisconsin directly benefits the Nauticus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Funding provides interpretation and restoration of the Battleship Wisconsin and allows Nauticus to open new onboard spaces and experiential learning opportunities for students, families and visitors.
For more information, visit www.winterfestonthewisconsin.com or www.nauticus.org