There’s a certain magic that comes with planning a getaway, especially as the holiday season approaches. This time of year brings a promise of twinkling lights, festive celebrations, and the opportunity to create memories with those you love most. There’s a sense of anticipation that only a road trip can bring, whether your car is loaded with gifts for loved ones or cleaned out and ready for a bountiful holiday shopping foray. For east coast travelers, there’s a special part of the journey that is just as great as the destination: the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT).
Spanning an impressive 23 miles, the CBBT is not just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s an adventure in its own right — a thrilling experience that harmonizes land and sea. Whether you’re traveling from the Eastern Shore of Virginia or the Hampton Roads area, crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is so much more than just a commute—it’s a part of your holiday adventure, a connection to a charming coastal spirit that defines the season.
A One-of-a-Kind Journey
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is your connection to a coastal getaway. You’ll be greeted by expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay, with the water stretching out before you in a shimmer of blues and greens. You might even catch a glimpse of pelicans or seagulls in the distance, diving and emerging as though performing a coastal ballet. Then, as you enter the tunnels that dip beneath the bay, you’ll experience a similar movement of plunging below the heart of the water just to rise again and meet the daylight (or moonlight). This exhilarating feeling mirrors the thrill of the holiday road trip—the blend of wonder and excitement working together to evoke the sense that you’re heading somewhere truly special.
Every mile of this coastal journey brings you closer not only to your getaway haven but to the center of what makes this part of the world so alluring. The stretch of shoreline on either side of the bridge-tunnel system is home to some of the most charming towns and cheerful events on the East Coast. No matter what you aim to accomplish on your trip, the CBBT serves as your access to a wealth of holly jolly experiences.
On the Eastern Shore
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a must-visit for those looking to experience a quieter, more intimate holiday escape. The quaint, small-town charm of places like Cape Charles, Onancock, and Chincoteague offers a perfect backdrop for holiday festivities.
- Festive Fridays in Cape Charles (11/29-12/20): Every Friday through December 20th, the streets of Cape Charles come alive with holiday spirit. Think hot cocoa, carolers, carriage rides, and shopping with a view of the water.
- Chincoteague’s Old Fashioned Christmas Parade (12/7): This beloved event ushers in the season with a parade that captures the heart of a traditional holiday celebration, complete with floats, local businesses, and community cheer.
- Onancock Christmas Parade (12/15) & Lights on the Lawn at Ker Place (12/6): If you find yourself on the Eastern Shore, make sure to check out these events in the charming town of Onancock. The Christmas Parade is a holiday favorite, while the Lights on the Lawn event offers a sparkling spectacle under the night sky.
Hampton Roads Holiday Magic
Just on the other side of the bridge-tunnel, the Hampton Roads area brings its own set of shimmering holiday traditions and events. From Virginia Beach to the Peninsula, there’s no shortage of seasonal celebrations waiting for you.
- Winterfest on the Wisconsin: Step aboard the historic USS Wisconsin for this immersive winter experience, complete with one of the most talked- about light displays, nightly live entertainment, and holiday cheer.
- Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Gardens: Wander through over a million lights in a beautiful winter wonderland at one of the region’s most beloved holiday attractions.
- Holiday Lights at the Beach (Virginia Beach Oceanfront): Enjoy the Oceanfront’s boardwalk decked in holiday splendor from the comfort of your vehicle!
- NlightN Holiday Event Series: Travel through the seasons from the comfort of your vehicle as you enjoy two miles of dazzling drive-through displays, ending up at your favorite time of the year inside Newport News Park.
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Featuring one of the largest light displays in North America, immerse yourself into a dazzling display of lights, family-friendly holiday shows and so much more as this theme park transforms for the holidays season.
Experiencing the holidays by the water adds a unique touch of magic, no matter which city or town of Coastal Virginia becomes part of your journey.
Creating Your Perfect Coastal Holiday
The CBBT isn’t just a roadway. It’s a symbol that the journey is part of what makes your coastal holiday escape unforgettable. So, this season, don’t just drive to your holiday destination — make the trip part of the fun. Put on your favorite holiday playlist, soak in the views as you cross the CBBT, and start your yuletide adventure the moment you hit the road. With each mile you travel, you’re not just heading somewhere; you’re arriving in a place where holiday magic awaits on both sides of the water. For more info on the marvel that is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, please click here today.
Get your holiday roadtrip started with some of our favorite holiday tunes!
