Williamsburg, Virginia, with its rich colonial history and charming atmosphere, transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season. If you are looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season, look no further than this historic town. Here are the top 10 ways to make your Williamsburg Christmas truly special.
1. Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination. In 2024, this spectacular event, will be held on December 7, 14, and 21 (all Saturdays). In an homage to the 18th century tradition of firing guns and lighting fireworks to celebrate major events, Grand Illumination features decorations throughout the historic area, musical performances on multiple stages, and, of course, fireworks.
2. Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town
Experience the wonder of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This annual event has grown to become one of the largest light displays in the country. The theme park is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, holiday shows, and festive food and drinks. Guests can enjoy over 25 rides and coasters, all while watching for Santa Claus. The event runs November 15, 2024 through January 5, 2025. The park is even open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Talk about a thrilling holiday option!
3. Ice Skating at Liberty Ice Pavilion
Glide into the holiday spirit at Liberty Ice Pavilion in Colonial Williamsburg. This outdoor ice rink, located on Duke of Gloucester Street, offers a magical setting for skating under the stars. It is a perfect activity for families, couples, or anyone looking to embrace the winter chill with some festive exercise. Hot beverages will be available for purchase nearby for when you are done skating.
4. Williamsburg Christmas Market
Immerse yourself in the old-world charm of the Williamsburg Christmas Market. This European-style market features local artisans selling handcrafted gifts, seasonal food and drinks, and live entertainment. Stroll through the market with a cup of gluhwein (warm spiced wine) or craft beer while you warm yourself by a fire pit and listen to Christmas music. The 2024 event runs November 29-December 1, December 5-8, December 12-15, and December 19-22.
5. Christmas Decorations Walking Tour
Take a self-guided walking tour through Colonial Williamsburg to admire the stunning Christmas decorations. The historic area is adorned with natural materials like evergreen boughs, fruit, and pinecones, creating beautiful wreaths and garlands that reflect 18th-century holiday traditions. In past years, there have been more than 2,500 wreaths hung. Many of the buildings light up their windows with candles. Do not forget your camera – you’ll want to capture these picturesque scenes.
6. Attend a Holiday Concert
Enjoy the sounds of the season at one of Williamsburg’s many holiday concerts. The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra is excited to perform a Holiday Pops concert on December 7 and 8. The performance will feature soprano Tiffany Haas. There will be many musical events in the Hennage Auditorium inside the Art Museums of Colonia Williamsburg. A Charles Dickens Christmas will feature reading from Charles Dickens writings paired with traditional carols. A Fiddler’s 75th Christmas will feature an hour of holiday related melodies. A Holiday Medley tells the tale of winters in Williamsburg over the past 250 years. Many of the Hennage Auditorium performances are held on multiple dates.
7. Explore Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year. The historic area is a mile long and a half-mile wide. You can stroll through open buildings, chat with costumed historians, and check out the Art Museums. Most sites are open from 9 am until 5 pm giving you plenty of time to sleep in and open gifts before going out to explore.
8. Take a Festive Carriage Ride
Experience Williamsburg like never before with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district. Many companies offer special holiday-themed rides, complete with blankets to keep you warm and guides sharing stories of Christmases past in colonial times.
9. Attend Christmas Eve Services
For those seeking a more traditional celebration, attend a Christmas Eve service at one of Williamsburg’s historic churches. Bruton Parish Church, dating back to 1715, offers a particularly atmospheric setting for celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
10. Christmas Day Dining
Cap off your Williamsburg Christmas experience with a special meal on Christmas Day. While many restaurants are closed, several establishments remain open to serve holiday diners. Here are a few options:
- Traditions at the Williamsburg Lodge: This restaurant is offering a specialty-themed dinner buffet. Reservations are available between 4 pm and 8 pm on Christmas Day.
- The Whaling Company: Known for its seafood and steaks, The Whaling Company often remains open on Christmas Day, offering a festive dining experience. The 2024 Christmas menu has not been posted but here is the 2023 menu to give you an idea of what is offered.
- Rockefeller Room at the Williamsburg Inn: For a more upscale experience, the Rockefeller Room is offering a four-course prex fixe menu on Christmas Day. The dress code for this restaurant is “evening elegant casual.”
- Christiana Campbell’s Tavern: This restaurant was a frequent dining spot for George Washington. On Christmas Day, they are offering a three-course chef-curated prix fixe menu.
Remember to make reservations well in advance, as these restaurants can book up quickly for Christmas Day dining.
Williamsburg offers a unique blend of history, tradition, and modern holiday cheer that makes for an unforgettable Christmas experience. Whether you’re exploring the colonial-era decorations, enjoying festive performances, or indulging in seasonal treats, you’ll find plenty of ways to create lasting holiday memories in this charming Virginia town.
From the twinkling lights of Christmas Town to the simple elegance of colonial decorations, from ice skating under the stars to savoring a Christmas feast, Williamsburg offers something for everyone during the holiday season. So bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and prepare to be enchanted by Christmas in Williamsburg – a celebration that beautifully blends the past with the present.