VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The Holiday Lights at the Beach are returning! Friday is the opening night for families to see the colorful light display while driving down the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at the Oceanfront. 

Whether it’s a restaurant or a gift shop, almost all businesses see a drop in tourists once summer ends. Many establishments search for a way to bring in customers during the offseason. 

“I know that a lot of people are relying on certain festivals going on to bring in traction, and it’s getting a little tough right now, but I feel like it should pick back up within the next year or so. But right now, that decrease is just happening with all of the restaurants in the area,” said Tiarra Roscoe, manager at Fishtails Restaurant and Bar. 

Roscoe said after a slower-than-average summer, Fishtails is ready to gain more customers. 

“Even talking with other restaurant owners, they’ve been saying that there’s been an 18 to 20% decrease,” said Roscoe. 

From a giant American flag to a moving octopus, families are eager to view the amazing light display. 

“We are definitely appreciative of the city, and they’re bringing things to us so that we’re able to get more people in for our season,” said Roscoe. 

But not all businesses get to enjoy the effects of the lights. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront Fishing Pier is not accessible during the light show. 

“You can’t just walk down the boardwalk and be here because they’ll run you off because of the lights, because of safety, you know, pedestrians walking while people are driving in the dark,” said the manager of Pier Gift Shop, Bruce Whitfield. 

Whitfield said they are open and making fudge year-round. 

“A lot of people will drive by and see us,” said Whitfield. 

The lights run from Nov. 15 until the end of December. Click here to learn more.