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Looking for Some Seasonal Cheer? Spend the Holidays in Williamsburg VA
Ho-ho-hoping for a special holiday season? Then look no further. Spend the holidays in Williamsburg VA this Christmas season and rediscover the magic of Christmas past. Meet Santa, be dazzled by the spectacular lights of the historic area, and build your own take-home ornament – all this and more can be yours to experience on your holiday getaway.
A Very Merry Colonial Williamsburg Christmas
Visit Williamsburg during the holiday season and you’re stepping back in time to a classical 18th century American Christmas. Tradition runs strong in the historic triangle, and there are plenty of heartwarming holiday events and musical performances that turn the area into a magical winter wonderland.
Annual Holiday Traditions
Williamsburg is host to several annual events you’ll want to make sure to mark down in your holiday planner. If you’re looking to see Father Christmas or be dazzled by a stunning display of seasonal lights, then here’s where you can track them down year after year.
Grand Illumination
In Colonial Williamsburg, Christmas is celebrated with a bang. Each year, the season is celebrated the way it was in America during the 18th century – with fireworks from both the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol. There’s a reason this event is called the Grand Illumination – the view is absolutely breathtaking.
There are musical performances on several stages leading up to the big finale that you can enjoy, and of course, holiday shopping in a decorated merchants square.
Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting
Ever since 1945, Williamsburg has been celebrating the holiday season with the lighting of a “Giant Everest Fir” Christmas tree. This event starts at the Yorktown Victory Monument and features a visit from Santa Claus himself every year.
Gingerbread Open House
Who doesn’t love a Gingerbread House? Williamsburg Lodge puts on an annual exhibit of expertly made Gingerbread houses every year. They host an unveiling early in the season that even Santa can’t resist visiting.
Williamsburg Inn Annual Lighting Ceremony
The Colonial Williamsburg Resort and the Virginia Arts Festival host their own lighting ceremony at the Williamsburg Inn. The Inn’s already awe-inspiring grounds are lit up with a shimmering array of lights. Before or after the event is also the perfect opportunity to do some ice skating at the Liberty Ice Pavilion down the road on W. Duke of Gloucester street.
Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade
If you’re a boat lover, then this will be a special treat for you. For this event, boats are decked out in Christmas lights with decorations that sail up and down the York River. Awards are given for best in show, and before the parade kicks off, there’s caroling and musical performances along with free hot cider.
New Years Eve Celebration
Speaking of the beautiful Williamsburg Inn, they host a yearly New Years party in their stunning Rockefeller Room. Or you could ring in the New Year on the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg lawn and enjoy live musical performances while you do. If you need something more epic – why not begin the New Year with some excitement? You can celebrate among the coasters at the Busch Garden theme park’s annual party.
Holiday Decorations and Christmas Light Displays
If you can’t make any of those annual events – never fear! Williamsburg is decked out with holiday spirit all season long. You can come get an eye-full of Christmas decorations and lights at any of these locations during the winter.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town
Busch Gardens Christmas Town is a replica of Western European cities decorated with thousands and thousands of sparkling holiday lights. You can take a ride on the Christmas Town Express to take in the sights or stroll through the cities – or both!
Christmas Decoration Walking Tours
Throughout the season, there are walking tours of a decorated Colonial Williamsburg where you can see traditional holiday decorations from the 18th century such as handmade Christmas wreaths. You can learn all about how these decorations were made and the materials used while taking in the beauty of the holiday in the historic area.
Find Holiday Spirit and More in Williamsburg Virginia!
The holidays in Williamsburg are a wonderful time to visit – but so is the rest of the year! Whether your getaway is in Spring, Summer, or Fall, there’s plenty to do in the historic triangle. From live music, to beaches, to the historic Jamestown Settlement – you can find your perfect vacation any time of year when you visit Williamsburg. Want some ideas? Check out our blog and start planning your next trip today.