Step back in time when you head south from DC to Williamsburg, Virginia this holiday season. Christmas in Williamsburg, VA means the best Christmas lights, a photos with Santa, Busch Gardens Christmas Town, and more sights and sounds of the holiday season.
Let’s celebrate the holidays together, with traditions old and new, as you start planning your Williamsburg vacation for November and December.
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Christmas Celebration at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Address: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
- Dates: Mid-November through first weekend in January (select dates), 10am-3pm or 5pm-10pm
- Cost: Free with a reservation for annual pass holders/ Tickets – $39.99 (reservation required)
- Website
Celebrate the Christmas season throughout the European villages at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Enjoy the carolers as they sing your favorite holiday songs while you stroll through the festively lit park.
The Busch Gardens Christmas Celebration runs on select dates from Thanksgiving through the first weekend in January, featuring village entertainment, fifteen coasters and rides, a Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, festive holiday shopping, sweet culinary offerings and meeting Santa in his Workshop.
Check the website for more upcoming events and Williamsburg Christmas packages.
The Lighting of the Cressets
- Address: Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
- Dates: mid- December through Christmas Eve, 6pm-9pm
- Website
Join in this 18th-century holiday tradition of Lighting the Cressets in Colonial Williamsburg. There will be musicians strolling about for your entertainment as you stroll the grounds and see these huge metal cups (or baskets), mounted to a pole to light your way.
Colonial Williamsburg Christmas
- Address: Williamsburg, VA
- Dates: December
- Website
At the Colonial Williamsburg Christmas, guests will enjoy special holiday events throughout December include caroling at the Courthouse, walking tours highlighting colonial Christmas decorations and the galleries of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
Make sue you visit Father Christmas before you head to the ice skating rink at the Liberty Ice Pavilion.
Families will love the community Christmas Tree lighting with a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” in mid-December, which is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Experience the Lighting of the Cressets on historic Duke of Gloucester Street from mid-December through Christmas Eve.
Savoring the holiday feasts and Christmas meals put a unique spin on the holidays, especially for students starting to dive into American history.
There are plenty of opportunities to shop for unique colonial gifts such as wreaths, centerpieces and more.
Grand Illumination
- Address: Colonial Williamsburg, 310 S England St., Williamsburg, VA 23185
- Dates: First Sunday in Dember
- Website
Schedule your trip to Colonial Williamsburg to witness the Grand Illumination, one of the most highly anticipated Christmas events in Williamsburg, VA. It takes place the first weekend of December every year, and is something you, your friends and family won’t want to miss.
The history of “Illuminations” dates back to the 18th century, when the firing of guns and fireworks celebrated a major event in the region, like the birthday of the king, military victory or a new governor’s arrival.
Musical performances from multiple stages throughout the Historic Area begin at 5:15 pm and fireworks displays can be viewed from three locations—the Palace, Magazine and Capitol—at 7 p.m.
Yorktown Christmas
- Address: Yorktown, Virginia 23690
- Dates: First weekend in December
- Website
Pop over to Yorktown, VA for even more Christmas magic. The Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting, a community tradition started in 1945 taking place on the first Friday in December.
It kicks off the Christmas Market on Main Street that takes place the first weekend in December. This annual holiday market features 60 vendors, holiday music, The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown, festive food and drink, and of course, a glimpse of Santa as he rides by on York County’s first fire truck.
On the first Sunday in December, you can sit down for Cookies with Santa at the Gallery at York Hall. History lovers can learn about ancient Norse influences on modern Christmas culture at the Viking Yuletide Celebration at the Watermen’s Museum.
Shop for holiday gifts while enjoying chowders, soups, baked goods and other treats at the Mistletoe Market at Riverwalk Landing, Second Saturday in December, also featuring a live ice carving demonstration and a Toyland Parade.
Christmas at the Jamestown Settlement
- Address: 2110 Jamestown Road. Williamsburg, VA 23185
- Dates: Weekend before Christmas through Christmas Eve
- Website
The weekend before Christmas through Christmas Eve you can experience Christmastide in Virginia at the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn about how early settlers in the 17th- and 18th-century spent their Christmas, what holiday traditions they celebrated and have carried through to today.
Special interpretive programs and musical entertainment of the period happen throughout the event for all to enjoy.
At Jamestown Settlement, you can compare the English Christmas customs of the period with how Christmas was celebrated during the tough early years in the Jamestown colony. It sure wasn’t filled with ballgowns and high tea.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Christmas events
- Address: 200 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690
- Dates: Weekend before Christmas through Christmas Eve
- Website
At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, you will learn about the Christmas traditions and winter life at military encampments during the American Revolution. You can also catch a glimpse of the holiday preparations on a Revolution-era farm.
Where to find Santa in Williamsburg, VA
It’s hard NOT to find Santa in Williamsburg, VA. Meet with the big guy in red at Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, Yankee Candle Village, the Gallery at York Hall, Yorktown, the Mariners Museum, and more.
Christmas shops in Williamsburg
No one puts Christmas in a corner when you are in Williamsburg, VA. There are three jam-packed Christmas shops in the destination for ornament and decoration lovers.
The Christmas Shop in the middle of Merchants Square, specializing in collectibles and unique ornaments.
The Christmas Mouse, whose flagship store is located in Williamsburg and brimming with thousands of ornaments and decorations.
Yankee Candle Village, with more than 45,000 square feet packed with more than 40,000 ornaments, candles, music, entertainment, food, Santa and more.
Colonial Williamsburg Hotel Christmas Packages
Check out Colonial Williamsburg Resorts Holiday Getaway Packages, valid for stays Thanksgiving through New Years.
Williamsburg VA Planning Guide
Best Williamsburg VA Hotels
Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg, VA? Check out the following!
- Kingsmill Resort: Condo style resort with golf and swimming pool
- Williamsburg Inn: 5-star Regency-style luxury in the center of Colonial Williamsburg
- Williamsburg Lodge: Boutique hotel with suites and family rooms
- Best Western Williamsburg Historic District: Affordable hotel within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg
- Cedars of Williamsburg Bed and Breakfast: Adorable B&B close to all the attractions
Looking for more? Search for a great deal on Booking.com!
Our Favorite Williamsburg VA Airbnb
- A place to call home | 2BR in Williamsburg: 5 guests · 2 bedrooms
- The 1918 Williamsburg Cottage: 4 guests · 2 bedrooms
- Westgate Historic Williamsburg One Bedroom: 4 guests · 1 bedroom
- Wyndham Patriot’s Place: 6 guests · 2 bedrooms
- 4BDR/4BA SLEEPS 12! Perfect for large families!: 12 guests · 4 bedrooms
Click for more Williamsburg VA Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
Williamsburg Rental Car
- Grab the best rates on a Williamsburg Rental Car HERE
