There's no time like the present to gift yourself and your loved ones unforgettable experiences. Whether you've already planned to spend time in Williamsburg this winter - or just getting started thinking about your getaway - there are unlimited ways to spend the holidays in Williamsburg.
Let there be Light
Yorktown festivities kick off with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6th at Victory Walk. This favored tradition began in 1945 when Reverend Claud G. Barkley, and staff from the County Clerk's office, decorated a cedar tree that stood at the corner of Main and Ballard streets, and the York County Historical Committee works hard to keep this ritual alive. Revelers will gather at Victory Monument at 6:30 for live music, includinga performance from the Fife and Drums of Yorktown, before the procession makes its way to Riverwalk Landing for the lighting of the 24-foot tree. Be sure to stick around for a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Float your Boat
Everybody loves a parade, and Yorktown is no different. The 27th annual Lighted Boat Parade kicks off on December 7th at 6 pm, with caroling around illuminated braziers, a musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown, and complimentary hot cider. At 7 pm the parade will begin with decorated boats sailing down the river in a fleet of lights competing for Best in Show!
Shop Talk
Why visit one big-box store when 100 artisans are selling their homemade crafts at theChristmas Market on MainStreet? The weekend-long daytime event begins on December 7th, and wraps on December 8th, bringing nautical paintings, handmade soaps, ornaments, and greenery to Yorktown’s most historic thoroughfare. The festival will kick off not with jingle bells, but with the town crier ringing in two days of fun on Saturday at 10 a.m. Strolling musical entertainment from the Fife and Drums of York Town will round out visits with Santa Claus on Saturday.
Main Street will be aglow for its third annualEnchanted Evening on Main Streetnighttime market on December 13th, featuring twinkling lights, festive tunes, hot cider, and roasted chestnuts – and shopping aplenty, of course.
At theWilliamsburg Christmas Market, dozens of vendors sell holiday gifts and décor, 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. The market will begin the weekend of November 29th and open each weekend through December 22nd.
Kiss and Tell
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. TheMistletoe Market, taking place on December 19th,is one to plan a weekend around, with goodies including pastries, cakes, bread, brownies, fudge, and cookies on resplendent display. Locally made jams, jellies, and honey are ideal for stocking stuffers, while fresh meats, candles, and soaps make great housewarming presents. Don’t miss the Riverwalk Landing Polar Express train ride or the Toyland Parade, where strollers, wagons, pets, and kids will form a festive march set to seasonal music.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Meet Jolly Old St. Nick atBusch Gardens®Christmas Town™, which returns on most dates fromNovember15th - January 5th, 2024. The theme park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with more than 10 million twinkling lights — one of the largest light displays in North America — with extra spotlights this year in the form of three new seasonal shows. Whether it’s Sesame Street, Old World Christmas, Scrooge, or the Christmas Town Express holiday train ride, there are treats, shopping, and entertainment for all ages.
Happy Olden Days
On December 7th, 14th, and 21st,Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination will light up the night with pyrotechnicsSaturdays atGovernor’s Palace and the Capitol building. Visitors can begin the special day by checking out the unique decorations throughout the Historic Area.Traditionally festivities include a Yule Log procession on Friday nights along Duke of Gloucester Street to kick off the weekend’s festivities. The cresset-lined streets come alive with cheer and music, performances, an appearance by Father Christmas, and special seasonal greenery adorning the historic area.
Historical Holiday Happenings
There’s a special holiday gift this year with regular admission toJamestown Settlementand theAmerican Revolution Museumat Yorktown:Christmas Tide. Held December 20th - 31st, the festivities offer a glimpse of 17th and 18th-century holiday traditions with period musical entertainment at both sites. At Jamestown Settlement, costumed interpreters will present the story of how English Christmas customs – including those that differed from America’s earliest settlers.
Abracadabra
The holidays in and of themselves are magical, but Brandon and Hannah Wagster ofWagsters Magic Theatretake it to another level for the holidays. The husband and wife duo will present their illusions and sleight of hand with a seasonal spin most days starting November 10thand running through the new year.
