New experiences await visitors this season as Nauticus reimagines its popular holiday festival, WinterFest on the Wisconsin. Now in its fourth year, WinterFest has become a tradition for families throughout the Mid-Atlantic; last season more than 65,000 guests enjoyed the waterfront experience. Appropriately, this season the event aboard the Battleship Wisconsin and across the Nauticus campus opens on Friday, November 10th in honor of Veteran’s Day weekend.
This holiday, WinterFest visitors can explore more than twice the below-deck areas aboard the Battleship Wisconsin and for the first time ever, the Captain’s Cabin and Admiral’s Cabin are open for self-guided tours. Guests will also enjoy all-new live entertainment, including a juggling show, a magic show, and an elaborate puppet version of A Christmas Carol. The waterfront journey begins inside the Mistletoe Marina, featuring an all-new lighted bridge experience, a snowfall every hour, and a trip around the world with an all-new walking trail entitled NATO’s Passport to the Holidays. Other additions include a s’mores station and a curated craft bar experience. Aboard the battleship, Santa himself will light the region’s tallest floating Christmas tree.
“We’ve been planning new concepts for this year’s WinterFest since January,” said Nauticus’ executive director, Stephen E. Kirkland. “Proceeds directly support the battleship and so this season is particularly important as we prepare to celebrate the ship’s eightieth birthday in April.”
WinterFest on the Wisconsin kicks off on Friday, November 10th at 6:30PM. For the entire month of November, to celebrate the Hampton Roads military community, Nauticus is proud to present active-duty service members, veterans, and their families with $4 off WinterFest tickets. Military Appreciation tickets must be purchased online, and service members must provide a valid ID upon check-in.
WinterFest general admission and member tickets are now on sale. Proceeds from WinterFest on the Wisconsin directly provide support to the Battleship Wisconsin through the Nauticus Foundation. Learn more at www.nauticus.org/support.
Plan Your Visit
WinterFest on the Wisconsin runs from November 10, 2023, to January 1, 2024, on select nights. General admission pricing is $18.50 for adults and $14.50 for children. Nauticus members receive the largest discount of $5 off tickets. Not a member? Join today.
WinterFest on Wisconsin would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors: TowneBank, The Perry Family Foundation, Centura College, Tidewater Tech, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Southern Kia Greenbrier, IPConfigure, Seaward Marine Services, MHI, The Taylor Foundation, Virginia Maritime Association, Hampton Roads Shipping Association, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Webb, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Festevents, Chesbay Distributing, Media Partner: WAVY TV 10, Fox 43, and Holiday Music Partner: 2WD 101.3 / Audacy.
About Nauticus
Support for WinterFest on the Wisconsin directly benefits the Nauticus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Funding provides interpretation and restoration of the Battleship Wisconsin and allows Nauticus to open new onboard spaces and experiential learning opportunities for students, families, and visitors.
For more information, visit www.winterfestonthewisconsin.com or www.nauticus.org
