As the sun sets on 2025, we’re looking ahead to all the great things 2026 will bring to Mermaid City.
In the meantime, there’s still some partying to be done. With that, here’s a look at the top New Year’s Eve 2025/26 events for Norfolk, Virginia.
New Year’s Eve Live! At Waterside
Waterside District
Dec. 31, 2025, 8 p.m.
Get ready for Norfolk’s most anticipated New Year’s Eve party of the year featuring Live! entertainment and the best of vibes! Enjoy an electrifying extravaganza featuring multiple DJs, mesmerizing live performers, champagne toast + balloon drops filled with cash.
New Year’s Eve Signature BRunch Cruise
Otter Berth
Dec. 31, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
Ring in 2026 on the water with a countdown toast to 12 noon and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Signature Brunch Cruise in Norfolk. Whether for a romantic date or a special celebration with friends and family, celebrate the new year in style on the Elizabeth River with a buffet freshly prepared by our chef, City Cruises’ distinctive hospitality, and full bar service. While onboard, guests will enjoy exceptional views of the Navy’s Atlantic fleet, dining and dancing, countdown festivities with a sparkling wine toast, DJ entertainment, and celebrations. Toast the new year with this most memorable brunch cruise experience. Happy New Year!
Jazz BRunch Cruise
Otter Berth
Jan, 1, 2026, Noon
Celebrate the new year on the water with a New Year’s Day Signature Brunch Cruise in Norfolk. While onboard, guests will enjoy a festive brunch buffet freshly prepared by our chef, full bar service, and City Cruises’ distinctive hospitality. Start your new year in style with exceptional views of the Navy’s Atlantic fleet, and a live jazz band on the Elizabeth River. Jazz music provided by Forte and Jest Cuz. Toast the new year with this festive brunch cruise!
Noon Year’s EvE At The Zoo
Virginia Zoo
Dec. 31, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
Calling all early risers and young party animals – you don’t have to stay up all night to celebrate the new year at the Zoo! Noon Year’s Eve is a family-friendly celebration featuring a wild dance party, a sparkling juice “toast”, countdown, and ball drop at noon. It’s all the fun of welcoming 2026 without disrupting the kids’ (or your) bedtime routine! This year’s celebration will be extra special as the kick-off for the Virginia Zoo’s 125th Anniversary! With special activities, all-day zoo-access, photo-ops, and more, we know you’ll love starting the year on the wild side!
Great Nauticus Snowball Countdown
Nauticus
Dec. 31, 2025; 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nauticus recently announced its inaugural Noon Year’s Eve event, the Great Nauticus Snowball Countdown, a brand-new daytime New Year’s celebration designed for families. Taking place on Wednesday, December 31, this first-of-its-kind event offers all the excitement of New Year’s Eve with none of the late-night hours.
The centerpiece of the celebration is Virginia’s largest indoor snowball fight, transforming Nauticus’ expansive indoor spaces into an action-packed winter playground. Guests of all ages can jump into the fun with safe, soft snowballs, creating a high-energy experience that is equal parts playful and unforgettable.
Throughout the event, guests will enjoy live circus performances featuring an aerialist, juggler and magician that bring movement and spectacle to the celebration. Interactive activities, festive crafts, and winter-themed surprises will be available throughout the campus, encouraging families to explore and engage together.
2026 Gatsby’s New Year’s Eve Party
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
Dec. 31, 2025, 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the coming of 2026 like Jay Gatsby in this Roaring Twenties-themed New Year’s Eve party at the Sheraton.
2026 At The Main
Hilton Norfolk The Main
Dec. 31, 2025
Dine. Dance. Toast. Get ready to ring in the New Year at 100 E Main St on December 31, 2025 at 8:00 PM (Eastern Time). Join us in our Ballroom for a night of dancing, delicious food, and great company as we countdown to 2026. Don’t miss out on the biggest party of the year. Music from Brian Sewell, Clara Zimm, DJ Hutch and DJ Gabraham Lincoln.
Champion Lover New Year’s Eve at Glass Light
Glass Light Hotel & Gallery
Dec. 31, 2025
Close out the year with a special NYE edition of Champion Lover, taking over the entire Glass Light Hotel & Gallery (from the lobby to the 3rd floor VIP experience) for an elevated, one-of-a-kind dancehall event. Expect the best in Lovers Rock, Classic Reggae, Dancehall & live entertainment all night long. Entertainers include Lex Lucent, Bukka Chromatic, Jah Boo, DJ Nobe & RVAs own Markus Gold.
New Year’s Day Brunch at COVA
COVA Brewing Co.
Jan. 1, 2026
Come ring in the New Year at COVA with some delicious coffee drinks, craft beer, and a build your own mimosa bar! Moontide Sundries will be serving brunch from 9am-3pm! Live Music by the duo, Swell Luck 11am-2pm!
