Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to know for a smooth, magical night.
Hours & Dates
Winterfest kicks off on Friday, November 14, 2025, and runs on select nights through December 31, 2025.
Operating hours vary by night — please check our event calendar for exact times before your visit.
Winterfest is a rain-or-shine event, now featuring 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor experiences. We encourage guests to dress comfortably for the weather.
Entry & Ticketing
Tickets are sold by date and entry time and frequently sell out, especially on weekends and closer to the holidays. You’ll receive digital tickets via email. At check-in, simply show your ticket on your phone or bring a printed copy for scanning.
Please arrive at your scheduled time slot. There will be absolutely NO early entry.
To keep Winterfest safe and magical for all guests, outside food and beverages, pets, and smoking or vaping are prohibited within the event space.
Food & Drink
Indulge in the magic of the season with delicious delights and merry libations made to make spirits bright.
Accessibility
Winterfest is wheelchair accessible, and compact strollers are welcome, no wagon style strollers allowed.
Nauticus welcomes ADA-defined service animals (dogs or miniature horses trained to perform specific tasks), but emotional support animals are not permitted.
Ready to experience the magic?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pricing?
| Ticket Type | Value Night | Premium Night |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $21 | $25 |
| Child (Ages 3–12) | $19 | $21 |
| Military Adult | $19 | $23 |
| Military Child | $17 | $19 |
| Member Adult | $16 | $20 |
| Member Child | $14 | $16 |
| Children 2 & Under* | FREE | FREE |
Purchase your tickets online in advance and SAVE $3 per ticket.
*Member ticket discounts apply based on your membership level (e.g., Nauticus 2 = 2 discounted tickets)
What does my Winterfest ticket include?
Your ticket grants you full access to Winterfest on the Wisconsin, including:
- A dazzling walk-through experience featuring over two million holiday lights across Nauticus and the historic Battleship Wisconsin.
- Entry to our brand-new Kingdom of the Snow Queen, a 30,000-square-foot indoor adventure.
- Live entertainment, themed performances, and holiday photo opportunities.
Do I have to purchase my ticket online in advance?
Yes, advance online purchase is highly recommended. Tickets are sold by date and entry time and frequently sell out, especially on weekends and closer to the holidays.
Limited same-day tickets may be available at the door, but entry is not guaranteed without an online reservation.
What days and times are you open?
Winterfest kicks off on Friday, November 14, 2025, and runs on select nights through December 31, 2025.
Operating hours vary by night — please check our event calendar for exact times before your visit.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased securely on our website. Once your order is complete, you’ll receive digital tickets via email.
At check-in, simply show your ticket on your phone or bring a printed copy for scanning.
Where is this event located?
Winterfest takes place at Nauticus and aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, located in Downtown Norfolk:
Is Winterfest stroller or wheelchair friendly?
WinterFest is wheelchair accessible, and umbrella strollers are welcome, but there are some important guidelines:
- Baby carriers are strongly recommended for the most comfortable experience.
- Absolutely no wagons are permitted.
- Umbrella strollers may be used in most areas but are not allowed aboard the Battleship Wisconsin due to narrow passageways and steep ladders.
- Stroller parking is available at multiple locations throughout the event for your convenience.
- Please note: Some areas of the experience are only accessible by ladders on the ship.
Do I have to arrive exactly at the time listed on my ticket?
Please arrive at your scheduled time slot. This helps us manage crowd flow and create the best experience for everyone.
There will be absolutely NO early entry, so we recommend arriving no earlier than your ticketed time.
What should I wear?
Winterfest is an indoor and outdoor event, so please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Pro tip: Layers are your friend!
When will Santa and the Snow Queen be at Winterfest?
Included in Entertainment Schedule doc – what is the best way to include here?
Will there be food and drinks available?
Absolutely! Enjoy festive bites, warm beverages, and seasonal treats throughout the event.
Where do I park?
Several downtown parking garages are within a short walk of Nauticus. Don’t forget, the first two hours in the downtown garages are free!
Recommended garages include:
- Town Point Garage (110 W. Main Street)
- W Plume St Garage (135 W Plume Street)
Do you offer discounts?
Yes!
- Military Discount: $2 off for active-duty, veterans, and dependents (valid ID required).
- Nauticus Members: Enjoy $5 off tickets for your membership level.
- Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more — please contact our Group Sales team at groups@nauticus.org.
Where can I find my event photos?
All photos taken by Photogenics at Winterfest are available for purchase and can be found here.
What do the proceeds support?
All proceeds benefit the Nauticus Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports educational programs, preservation of the Battleship Wisconsin, and free access initiatives for the community.
Are there any rules or restrictions I should know about?
To keep Winterfest safe and magical for all guests:
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
- Pets are not permitted (service animals welcome).
- Smoking and vaping are prohibited within the event space.
- Please be mindful of other guests when taking photos and videos.
Have additional questions?
We’re here to help!
Email us at wintefest@nauticus.org or call 757-664-1000 for assistance.