NORFOLK, Va. (Nov. 14, 2025) - Tonight, Nauticus is set to unveil a greatly expanded Winterfest on the Wisconsin, featuring a new, 30,000 square-foot immersive indoor journey, the Kingdom of the Snow Queen, and Norfolk's first-ever lighted walking trail spanning a mile along the Elizabeth River.

Developed by Nauticus and the City of Norfolk, the Winterfest Riverwalk is a free, waterfront experience that extends the magic of Winterfest beyond the battleship and along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront. The mile-long illuminated trail stretches along the Elizabeth River from the Pagoda & Oriental Gardens, around the Battleship Wisconsin, and throughout Town Point Park.

Visitors will encounter a forest of dazzling lighted tree displays, festive photo opportunities, and holiday music nightly from 5 PM-11 PM. Free and open to the public, the Winterfest Riverwalk opens tonight and will be illuminated through New Year's Eve.

"Transforming Norfolk's waterfront into a true holiday destination has been the goal since we first created Winterfest in 2020," said Stephen Kirkland, Executive Director of Nauticus. "We've always imagined the lights of the battleship one day spilling out along the waterfront for everyone to enjoy and this season that dream becomes reality."

Though Nauticus' Winterfest will anchor the lighted trail, two new additions will bring even more cheer this year. Skate the Riverwalk is a new ice skating experience located in Fountain Park next to Waterside, and guests can also enjoy evening boat cruises for prime views of the dazzling waterfront.

The Winterfest Riverwalk is free and open to the public, though guests can enhance their evening along the trail:

• Winterfest on the Wisconsin - Nauticus' signature holiday destination featuring over two million lights aboard and around the historic Battleship Wisconsin, plus the new "Kingdom of the Snow Queen" indoor experience.
• Winterfest Harbor Lights Cruises with the Victory Rover - A 30-minute guided lighted harbor cruise offering sweeping views of the Winterfest Riverwalk and battleship from the water, kicking off November 28 on select weekends through December 20.
• Skate the Riverwalk - Located in TowneBank Fountain Park within the illuminated Winterfest Riverwalk, this 4,400-square-foot real ice rink offers a festive open-air experience surrounded by fire pits, holiday music, and seasonal favorites like hot chocolate. Perfect for date nights, family outings, or creating new holiday traditions, Skate the Riverwalk includes rental skates for all ages and will host themed events throughout the season, including Skate & Send: Letters to Santa on Ice and Skate with Santa nights.

The expansion onto the waterfront comes as Winterfest steps into a growing national spotlight. This season, Winterfest on the Wisconsin will appear as a contender in the "Heavyweights" category on ABC-TV's The Great Christmas Light Fight, airing Thursday, December 18 at 9 PM ET. Viewers across the country will get a look at an illuminated Nauticus and the iconic Battleship Wisconsin - but local residents can experience it in person all season long.

Winterfest on the Wisconsin and the Winterfest Riverwalk run nightly from November 14 through December 31. Winterfest Riverwalk is free and open to the public; Winterfest tickets and combo tickets with the Harbor Lights Cruise and Skate the Riverwalk are available online.

For more information and tickets, visit WinterfestOnTheWisconsin.com.