Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to visit Williamsburg, Va. It is especially perfect for people who like long weekend getaways since many people get both Thursday and Friday off that week. Williamsburg has history, art, holiday decorations, ice skating, and, of course, Thanksgiving dinner. Plan your Williamsburg Thanksgiving weekend and get ready to celebrate your turkey day with a colonial flair.
Photo Credit to Ed Man
Explore History
Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year. Yes, that means it is open on Thanksgiving which means you can celebrate the day with a historic backdrop. The Thanksgiving holiday itself is obviously steeped in history and this is a unique opportunity to walk in the shoes of those who came before us. Since the living history museum is also in the middle of the city, you can walk around the grounds for free if you wish. If you want to explore inside the historic buildings or participate in activities, you will need a ticket. A majority of the ticketed historic sites are open from 9 am until 5 pm. Colonial Williamsburg plans special programming throughout the year to acknowledge seasons and holidays. Check the American Indian Heritage Month page and Thanksgiving page for more information about special programming as it gets published. Be sure to check out the following historic sites:
- Governor’s Palace – If the weather decides it does not want to cooperate, step inside for a guided tour of the building that served as the home of seven royal governors and two elected governors.
- Capitol – Virginia had some bad luck in the early years with capitol buildings going up in flames. This building is a meticulous recreation of the building that stood from 1705 until 1747.
- Public Gaol – Remember, just because someone ate the last piece of pumpkin pie does not mean you can leave them in jail.
- Market Square – While you are there, think about how people would have shopped for a Thanksgiving meal 100 years ago.
Want more history? Nearby Historic Jamestowne, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and the Yorktown Battlefield are all closed on Thanksgiving Day but open that weekend.
Enjoy Art
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg is home to two distinct museum collections. Like the rest of Colonial Williamsburg, the museums are open 365 days a year. Keep in mind that they open at 10 am which is an hour later than the rest of Colonial Williamsburg.
- The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum houses one of the largest collections of American folk art.
- The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum focuses on the “finer things” including furniture, British ceramics, and a portrait gallery. Current special temporary exhibits include: Stitched in Time: American Needlework (on display until January 2, 2025), “I Made This…” : The Work of Black American Artists and Artisans (on display until December 31, 2025), and Elegance, Taste, and Style: The Mary D. Doering Fashion Collection (first in a three part series, dates for the second and third installments TBD).
The Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center hosts exhibits during which all of the art is for sale. From November 6 until December 20 all of the galleries will be showcasing Small Works / Holiday Market and Artisan Corner. The Center is free and open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays. Start your holiday shopping early or pick up something for yourself to remember your Colonial Williamsburg Thanksgiving.
Savor a Thanksgiving Meal
Many Williamsburg restaurants are open and offering Thanksgiving dinner. Be sure to make a reservation to secure your holiday dinner.
- Williamsburg restaurants that currently have availability according to OpenTable
- Reservations for diners who are not staying at the Colonial Williamsburg Resorts will open on September 30, 2024 for Thanksgiving Day. Options include:
- buffet-style dining at the Virginia Room of the Williamsburg Lodge ($75/per person)
- a grand buffet at the Regency Room of the Williamsburg Inn ($129.95/per person)
- three-course prix fixe menu at Shields’ Tavern ($84.95/per person)
- three-course menu at King’s Arms Tavern (price not disclosed)
- buffet at Traditions Restaurant in Williamsburg Lodge ($75/per person).
Be Dazzled by Lights
Busch Gardens is known for its thrilling rides and award winning shows. Every year, over ten million twinkling lights convert the park into a holiday extravaganza. Indulge yourself with rides, holiday treats, and heart-warming shows. Best of all, sparkling lights will amaze you as you wander through the park. It is like driving to all of the best decorated houses in town without having to drive. Christmas Town will be available on select dates from November 15, 2024 until January 5, 2025. Busch Gardens is scheduled to be open on Thanksgiving Day from 2 pm until 9 pm. More information will be posted as the dates get closer. Want to visit both Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Christmas Town? Purchase the Christmas Bounce ticket for three days of unlimited access to both attractions.
Go Ice Skating
Want to work off that extra piece of pie? How about an afternoon of ice skating in an iconic location? Liberty Ice Pavilion is right across the street from Merchant’s Square. Dates for the 2024 season have not been announced but the skating rink is typically open from mid-November until the end of February. It is usually open on holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Season passes, daily passes, and skate rentals are all available. After taking a few laps around the rink, grab a warm cup of coffee or apple cider available just steps from the ice.
Start the Day with a Run
The Blue Talon Bistro Turkey Trot 5K has become a Williamsburg tradition. The race starts at 8:45 am and runners get to enjoy the scenery of the College of William and Mary, Colonial Williamsburg, and Merchants Square. After the race there is a buffet and a charity raffle. Since the race is early in the morning you can finish running, shower (and maybe nap), and still have the rest of Thanksgiving to enjoy.