Williamsburg, Virginia pairs centuries-old holiday traditions with modern merriment and thrills. From nostalgic celebrations at historic sites to exciting theme park events, the Historic Triangle offers heartwarming, exhilarating holiday fun. Now’s the perfect time to gift yourself and your loved ones a season full of memories!
When you visit over the holidays, take advantage of the free Historic Holiday Pass to enjoy discounts on hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions, plus get special prizes and free entry to festive events.
These top experiences will bring a perfect blend of past and present to your holiday getaway.
See Holiday Lights on Land & Water
Along the York River, the annual Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverwalk Landing continues a decades-old tradition. Typically held in early December, the event also features live music, including a spirited performance from the Fifes and Drums of York Town. Plus, kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Also in Yorktown, catch the Lighted Boat Parade, complete with a shimmering lineup of decked-out boats, caroling around a beach bonfire, live music, and complimentary hot cider.
In Colonial Williamsburg, the Community Christmas Tree Lighting features special festivities including a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on the Courthouse steps.
Shop Christmas Markets for Handmade Treats & Treasures
Why visit a big-box store when 100 artisans are selling their handmade crafts at the Christmas Market on Main? The weekend-long daytime event features artisan-made paintings, soaps, ornaments, and greenery on Yorktown’s most historic thoroughfare. There’s also strolling musical entertainment, ice carving, and visits from Santa. For a nighttime market, don’t miss Yorktown’s Enchanted Evening on Main Street, offering glowing lights, festive tunes, hot cider, roasted chestnuts, and shopping aplenty.
The Yorktown farmers market is fun year-round, but perhaps none is sweeter than Christmastime when it’s a one-stop shop for butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers. The Mistletoe Market offers up goodies like cakes, pastries, cakes, fudge, and cookies. Locally made jams, jellies, and honey are ideal for stocking stuffers, while fresh candles and soaps make great housewarming presents. Don’t miss the train rides for kids or the Toyland Parade, where strollers, wagons, pets, and kids form a festive march set to seasonal music.
At the Williamsburg Christmas Market, dozens of vendors sell holiday gifts and décor in charming chalets, while shoppers enjoy photo ops with Santa, live entertainment, gluhwein (warm spiced wine), craft beers, Christmas music, fire pits, and delicious market food from local restaurants.
Enjoy a Thrilling Winter Wonderland
The annual Busch Gardens® Christmas Town™ truly offers thrills for all ages, whether it’s kids meeting Jolly Old St. Nick or teens and adults enjoying some of the world’s best roller coasters.
From November to early January, the famous theme park transforms into a winter wonderland with more than 10 million twinkling lights – one of the largest light displays in North America.
Stroll festive European-inspired villages, sample holiday food and drink, and enjoy seasonal shows and entertainment for all ages. Plus, take a spin on the park’s amazing rides and roller coasters! For a fun and easygoing experience, don’t miss the Christmas Town Express holiday train.
Celebrate Timeless Traditions at Historic Sites
For one of the season’s most epic celebrations, experience Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination, typically held on select Saturdays in December. Dazzling fireworks light up the night over the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol building after an evening of live music and special festivities, like an appearance from Father Christmas. A traditional Yule Log procession kicks off the festivities.
Historic hotels and inns throughout Colonial Williamsburg sparkle with traditional lights and décor throughout the Christmas season. The iconic Williamsburg Inn hosts an annual lighting ceremony, while the Williamsburg Lodge hosts an annual Gingerbread Open House. Nearby, the Williamsburg White House Inn, themed after the White House, is draped in holiday finery.
Head to one of the area’s most storied sites to experience “At Christmas be Mery”: A Special Evening at Historic Jamestowne. Recreating an authentic early Virginia Christmas celebration, this event features historical interpreters, a cappella singers, a seasonal bonfire, and caroling, plus a musical performance by William & Mary’s Christopher Wren Singers.
You can also celebrate early Virginia traditions at Christmastide at Jamestown Settlement and Christmastide at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Get a glimpse into 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions and enjoy live music from the period at both sites. At Jamestown Settlement, hear tales of Christmas customs from America’s earliest settlers. In Yorktown, get a whiff of figgy pudding in the Revolution-era farm kitchen and learn about winter camp life in the Continental Army encampment – with the pop of musket demonstrations throughout the day.
Witness Holiday Wonder at a Modern Magic Theatre
The holidays are already magical, but Brandon and Hannah Wagster of Wagsters Magic Theatre take it to another level with their creative artistry. The husband and wife duo present their illusions and sleight of hand with a seasonal spin most days starting in November and running through the new year. Get ready for sparkling sets, big laughs, and illusions that will spark awe and wonder.
More Holiday Fun
See the full lineup of holiday events, from spectacular celebrations to everyday delights like ice skating in the heart of history. Happy holidays await in Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle!