One Light, Many Hearts

This holiday season, A.R.E. transforms its historic Virginia Beach campus into a beacon of hope, beauty, and connection. The Grand Illumination lights up the Hospital Building and surrounding grounds into a celebration of the light, love, and service that lives within each of us.

What Will Happen at This Event?

Join us for an evening where the beauty of the season meets the depth of spiritual connection:

• Live music on the illuminated grounds
• Guided candlelight labyrinth walk led by consciousness experts
• Free hot cocoa, sweets, and popcorn as you explore the glowing pathways
• Exclusive bookstore and spa discounts
• Community celebration where neighbors and like-minded souls gather under the stars

Schedule of Events

5:30 PM – Welcome and Warm Cocoa
Begin at the Visitor Center with hot cocoa and friendly faces. The bookstore and gift shop will be open. Follow the lighted pathway to the Labyrinth stairs.

5:40 PM – Labyrinth Walk
Gather on the labyrinth lawn for a guided walk through the Labyrinth. Receive an electric votive candle as a symbol of your inner light.

6:00 PM – Remarks from A.R.E. Leadership
As the walk concludes, enjoy brief words of welcome and gratitude from A.R.E. leaders and community partners.

6:10–7:00 PM – Live Blues Trio
Relax to the sounds of our Blues Trio on the Labyrinth Patio. Lights shimmer as guests mingle with cocoa and cookies from the Hospital Building above.

5:40–7:15 PM – Cookies and Cocoa Reception (Hospital Building)
Stop in for warm refreshments overlooking the glowing Labyrinth.

5:30–7:20 PM – Visitor Center Open House
The Visitor Center remains open with cocoa service, seasonal gift shop specials, and a warm space to gather.

7:15 PM – Finale and Reflection
Our Jazz Trio offers a closing song of peace and gratitude. The lights will remain on briefly for final moments of reflection.

7:30 PM – Closing Blessing and Farewell
Receive a final blessing as we part, carrying our shared light into the holiday season.
If you have mobility issues or are using a stroller, we suggest arriving earlier and using the parking lot behind the Hospital Building to enter the Hospital Building and Labyrinth.

What You’ll Walk Away With

This is more than a holiday light show. Attendees will experience:

• A soulful, feel-good evening reconnecting with what matters most: light, love, and togetherness.
• Emotional restoration and calm through illuminated gardens and candlelight labyrinth walks that offer stress relief and mindfulness during the busiest time of year.
• Connection to purpose and community as you join a tradition celebrating compassion and service alongside neighbors and like-minded souls.
• A family-friendly night under the stars with warmth and wonder for all ages, creating new holiday memories together.
• The joy of giving back, as every visit supports A.R.E.’s mission in holistic health, meditation, and personal growth.

Continue Your Journey

Deepen the renewal begun during the Illumination through upcoming programs:

• The Path to Enlightenment (December 31)
• Be the Change: Living Your Ideals (January 21, 2026)

Ready to Step Into the Light?

Join us for an evening of beauty, connection, and meaning as we illuminate the season together.

Will you be part of the light this year?