Hampton’s annual holiday lights display has moved to new locations for 2025. The event, which is a regular feature of the city’s community offerings, will be held at Carousel Park downtown and along the boardwalk at Buckroe Beach this year. The change in venue comes as the traditional Wonder Walk trail location is closed due to construction related to the Lake Weir project.
Funding that would have supported lighting at Wonder Walk has instead been used to install displays at Buckroe Beach, Queens Way downtown, Carousel Park, and Honor Park. Additional lights are also featured at Sandy Bottom Nature Park near the Hampton Nature Center. The displays will be available nightly until 9 p.m. through the end of December.
City Manager Mary Bunting stated: “Like all localities in our region, we install holiday lights during the season. This year, our traditional major holiday stage — Wonder Walk and Water Walk — is not available due to construction work at the Coliseum Lake area. Accordingly, we opted to use funds we would usually spend there for additional lights in Downtown and Buckroe. While the beach itself closes at sunset, we certainly encourage people to stroll the Boardwalk during the holiday season as a special event for our community.”
The city of Hampton provides municipal services such as education, public safety, economic development, and community events like these seasonal light displays. The city is also home to attractions including museums and cultural sites that highlight its historical and cultural significance (official website). Hampton operates under a council-manager form of government; City Council appoints a city manager who oversees daily operations and policy implementation (official website).
Hampton’s history dates back to its founding in 1610 by English colonists, making it one of America’s oldest cities (official history page). Its strategic location at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay continues to influence regional development (official website).
The holiday lights display at Buckroe Beach will continue each night until 9 p.m., ending with the close of the year.
