Winterfest to appear as Heavyweight Contender on ABC-TV’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight”
Norfolk, Va. (Nov. 10, 2025) Hampton Roads’ beloved holiday tradition, Winterfest on the Wisconsin, will be seen in homes across the country next month. ABC-TV’s hit holiday competition series, The Great Christmas Light Fight, will feature Winterfest in its “Heavyweights” category. Winterfest will go head-to-head with two other professionally designed light displays, Northern California’s Imaginarium and Albuquerque’s River of Lights. Winterfest will compete for the show’s coveted trophy along with a $50,000 grand prize. The episode will air Thursday, December 18 at 9:00 PM ET and can also be streamed on Hulu after its air date.
“We were absolutely thrilled to be invited to compete on such a beloved national holiday show,” said Stephen Kirkland, Executive Director of Nauticus. “We’ve been preparing for this national TV debut for some time and so as you can imagine, this year’s lights will be completely over the top.”
Now in its sixth dazzling year, Winterfest on the Wisconsin transforms Nauticus and the historic Battleship Wisconsin with more than two million lights, live entertainment, themed bars, s’mores stations, and an all-new immersive experience, The Kingdom of the Snow Queen. Also new this year, the Winterfest Riverwalk will illuminate the riverfront with a light trail connecting the Pagoda, Nauticus, and Town Point Park.
Come see this national star in person!
Winterfest opens to the public this Friday, November 14 and runs select evenings through December 31.Guests can explore both the battleship and the museum in an unforgettable setting beneath a canopy of twinkling lights.
Tickets start at just $16 and are available now at WinterfestOnTheWisconsin.com.
About Winterfest on the Wisconsin
Winterfest on the Wisconsin is Nauticus’ largest annual fundraiser. Now in its 6th year, Winterfest 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