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Good Morning Virginia Beach!

With Christmas just days away, this week’s newsletter is all about the little things that make the season feel special. We’re sharing festive recipes, thoughtful gift ideas, and a few local traditions to help you enjoy the days leading up to the holiday without overthinking it. This is our last newsletter before Christmas, and it felt right to keep it simple, warm, and very holiday-focused.

✨ Two holiday recipes worth saving and serving
✨ A wine gift guide made easy, with expert picks for every taste and budget
✨ A sweet seasonal stop, featuring the Virginia Beach Gingerbread Competition
✨ Holiday events happening this weekend, perfect for last-minute festive plans

Grab something cozy, settle in, and enjoy this week’s newsletter.

— Kim Checcio

Thank you to our local sponsors who make this newsletter possible

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THE WEEKLY SCOOP

A Toast-Worthy Holiday Wine Guide

A great bottle of wine has a way of showing up for all the right moments during the holidays. Whether it’s wrapped as a thoughtful gift, brought along to a festive dinner, or opened to toast something worth celebrating, wine has a way of bringing people together. In this holiday wine gift guide, guest writer and Sommelier, Seth White, shares his expert recommendations to take the guesswork out of choosing the perfect bottle, with ideas that work just as well for seasoned collectors as they do for casual sippers.

🍾 Bubbles that always impress, from grower Champagnes to budget-friendly sparkling options
🍷 Crowd-pleasing reds and whites that are easy to love and perfect for holiday meals
🏆 Standout bottles for serious wine lovers, including age-worthy classics from top regions
🎁 Thoughtful wine accessories and curated gift ideas that elevate any bottle

A big thank you to Seth White for sharing his expertise—get ready to discover wine gifts that feel personal, intentional, and perfectly suited for the season.

👉🏼 Get the Holiday Wine Gift Guide

Dining Out on Christmas Day? Here Are Your Options

Here are local spots serving special holiday menus across Virginia Beach and Norfolk courtesy of The Virginia Pilot. Visit this link to view entire Hampton Roads list and additional details.

Please call ahead to confirm information and availability

Virginia Beach

Fogo de Chão | 4574 Virginia Beach Blvd. | 757-317-5950
Forbidden Palace Bar & Bistro | 3333 Virginia Beach Blvd. | 757-747-2388
Hyderabad Biryani House | 1001 Providence Square Shopping Center | 757-330-2223
Murphy’s Irish Pub | 2914 Pacific Ave. | 757-417-7701
Orion’s Roof | 4201 Atlantic Ave. | 757-937-4222
Swan Terrace (Founders Inn & Spa) | 5641 Indian River Road | 757-366-5777
Voodoo Brewing Co. | 300 Constitution Drive | 757-904-3901
Catch 31 Fish House & Bar | 3001 Atlantic Ave. | 757-213-3474

Norfolk

Grain (Hilton Norfolk The Main) | 100 E. Main St. | 757-763-6279
Saltine (Hilton Norfolk The Main) | 100 E. Main St. | 757-763-6280

✨FEATURED EVENT✨

A Virginia Beach Gingerbread Tradition

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Wander through creative gingerbread displays now through December 31, 2025. Admission is free and guaranteed to spark some holiday cheer.

LOCAL FLAVOR

🦪 A Christmas Eve Tradition, Served on the Half Shell

As featured in Courthouse Living Magazine

For print inquiries contact VB Living

Every family has that one dish everyone looks forward to year after year, and for VB neighbor, Maria DeGalleford, it’s these Venetian Oysters Rockefeller. A staple of her family’s Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes, this recipe is rich, comforting, and full of tradition. Creamy spinach, crispy pancetta, and melty cheese come together to create a holiday appetizer that’s just as meaningful as it is delicious.

18 oysters, shucked in half shell
4 slices thick-cut pancetta can sub bacon, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
11 ounces fresh baby spinach
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 small shallot, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoon Prosecco
4 Tablespoon heavy whipping cream
6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
4 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
rock salt for baking
lemon zest for garnish
lemon wedges, for serving

Heat oven to 375°. Crisp up the diced pancetta in a pan. As the pancetta is browning, place the spinach into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for a minute. Squeeze out any excess water from the spinach. Chop and reserve. Melt three tablespoons of butter in a pan. Add in the garlic and shallots. Cook for a minute. Add in the chopped spinach. Season with black pepper. Pour in the prosecco. Cook for a minute before adding the heavy whipping cream. Cook the mixture for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in most of the crisp bacon. Save a few pieces for garnish. Remove pan from heat. In a small bowl, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Stir in the breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. Spread the coarse/rock salt onto a baking dish or oven-safe pan. Arrange (nestle) the oysters into the salt bed. Place a spoonful or two of the spinach mixture into each oyster. Top with cheeses and breadcrumb mixture. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil for a minute or so to brown the cheese and breadcrumbs. Garnish with lemon zest and remaining crispy bacon.

🍸 Like the Holidays, In a Glass

Sweet, creamy, and finished with a sprinkle-covered rim, the Sugar Cookie Martini is the kind of drink that instantly sets the festive mood. Submitted by Waterman Spirits, this dessert-style martini is perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or anytime you want to sip something that feels a little magical and a lot delicious. Cheers to cocktails that double as a treat. 🍪🍸

Ingredients:
1.5 ounces Waterman Spirits Vanilla Organic Vodka
1 ounce Irish cream
0.5 ounce amaretto liqueur
0.25 ounce 1883 Almond Syrup
Frosting and Christmas sprinkles for rim

Rim a chilled martini glass with frosting, then dip in Christmas sprinkles. Fill a shaker with ice. Add vanilla vodka, Irish cream, amaretto and almond syrup. Shake until cold. Strain into the prepared glass.

Submitted By Jessie West, marketing and design coordinator Waterman Spirits

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LOCAL EVENTS

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR ONE STOP TO VIEW ALL LOCAL EVENTS

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check event websites for accurate and most current information.

Weekend Buzz 🐝

All Weekend

Friday, Dec 19

📆 See More Events Here

Enjoy the recipes, the traditions, and the last few days of holiday magic around Virginia Beach.

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A Very VB Living Holiday Edition

Holiday Gift Cards Available Now.
Give a gift that hits the mark.