Winter visitors in Williamsburg, Virginia.

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Winter Fun in Williamsburg, Virginia

The Williamsburg area is a wonderful place to enjoy the winter season – visiting during the colder months gives your stay an entirely different atmosphere! There are all types of winter activities in Williamsburg, so don’t let the winter chill stop you from having a great time!

In fact, plan your winter getaway early so you can get deep discounts on lodging and other activities during the holiday season. Here’s our list of the best ways to enjoy winter in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

During winter in Williamsburg, Busch Gardens theme park transforms into “Christmas Town.” The entire park becomes one enormous display featuring over ten million lights! This special event is paired with other events like Christmas Town Express, Santa’s Workshop and more.

Enjoy games, hot beverages, and Christmas-themed treats. And, don’t forget to take a roller coaster ride while you’re there! Once you experience Christmas Town in Busch Gardens, you will see why it’s the number one winter attraction in Williamsburg. You can even ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display on December 30 and 31! Get your tickets while you can.

Ghost Tours

If you love a good fright, then this time of year is perfect to go on one of Williamsburg’s spooky ghost tours. Tour guides lead you through the historic area while retelling the town’s haunted history.

Get the fright of your life as you listen to bone-chilling tales of murder and mayhem, which are all taken from actual historical events. Don’t forget to take some pictures, because maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a ghost!

Ice Skating

The Liberty Ice Pavilion is where the ice skaters go to have fun. This large outdoor rink is great for beginners and advanced skaters alike. If you get a chill, the rink has hot coffee, tea, and cocoa available for purchase.

There are also several restaurants in nearby Merchants Square, where you can get a bite to eat when you’re done. The rink is open daily, from November 18 through February 26, even on holidays!

Jamestown Settlement

This historical site has an amazing wealth of knowledge to explore. Jamestown has a rich and robust history that extends long before the early 1600s when the first European settlers arrived.

As part of “Christmastide in Virginia,” historical interpreters decorate the town in period-accurate Christmas decor, and visitors can learn about how Christmas was celebrated during those first difficult years. In nearby Paspahegh Town, visitors can learn about typical wintertime activities performed by the local indigenous tribes, such as hunting and food preservation.

Biking and Hiking

During winter in Williamsburg, visitors can have a great time hiking and biking the nearby trails. Enjoy the beautiful nature, wildlife, and awesome scenery when Williamsburg transforms into a winter wonderland. Most of the local trails are easy to walk or ride; just be sure to dress warmly and bring a backpack with water and snacks.

Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade

If you have never witnessed the Yorktown winter parade, put that at the top of your list. This beautiful holiday event features boats covered with Christmas lighting passing by the waterfront, with live entertainment courtesy of Fifes & Drums of Yorktown. Enjoy a complimentary hot cider as carolers sing Christmas favorites, and if you get chilly, the beach bonfire will surely keep you warm!

Theater Events

Take in a live theater show to keep warm on a cold winter night. Williamsburg has many shows to choose from, including stand-up comedy, drama, musicals, and more.

If you’re into music, spend 60 minutes with the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, or attend The Winter Blues Jazz Fest. Want to be dazed by a magic show? Then head to The Wagsters Magic Theatre for an unforgettable experience!

Christmas Market on Main

Every December, The Christmas Market opens in downtown Yorktown. Interact with well over 100 different vendors selling a vast selection of holiday items. You can purchase almost anything – from food to souvenirs and everything else in between.

The Town Crier rings the bell at 10 a.m. sharp to kick off the events. Fifes & Drums of Yorktown will also be there to provide musical entertainment. Sample the local fare, watch ice carving, and even have a visit with Santa Claus! Christmas Market on Main is Saturday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, December 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Yule Log Celebration

This free event is another of the Williamsburg annual holiday traditions. Every Friday in December, the yule log is taken by wagon from Capitol Circle, down historic Duke of Gloucester Street to Market Square, where it is lit for a festive bonfire. This event features live Christmas music, singing, and people dressed in 18th century attire to represent the historic occasion.

Be sure to participate in the tradition of tossing a sprig of greenery into the fire, then making a wish. The Yule Log Celebration takes place on December 2, 9, 16, and 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Winter Carriage Ride through Colonial Williamsburg

A carriage ride through Williamsburg is a treat for visitors year-round. But in winter, there’s something extra special about an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg.

Take in the holiday sights, sounds, and smells in a four-person carriage, or a romantic ride just for two!

Enjoy Winter in Williamsburg

Come on down to Virgina to experience all sorts of winter activities! Afterall, there’s something magical about the holidays, and their old-fashioned splendor, that you can only get during winter in Williamsburg, VA.

Make memories that last forever. For all the news, events, and fun activities to do in Williamsburg, visit Relax Williamsburg and start planning your visit! Book a flight to Williamsburg today! You can also find tips & tricks for your travels at relaxandchill.us!