The Best Christmas Events in Williamsburg Virginia

One of our favorite destinations to visit during the holiday season is Williamsburg, Virginia.

The charm of these historic town comes alive with festive decorations and a variety of delightful Christmas events that truly capture the spirit of the holidays.

 I will share the best Christmas events in Williamsburg, Virginia, including those in Yorktown and the Jamestown Settlement on the blog.

From festive lights and fireworks shows to charming local markets filled with holiday crafts, there’s something for everyone.

READ NEXT: TOP THINGS TO DO IN WILLIAMSBURG VIRGINIA

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Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg 

Colonial Williamsburg is one of our favorite holiday destinations. We love walking along the cobblestone streets and admiring the simple yet elegant Christmas decorations adorning the historic buildings.

The festive atmosphere is enhanced by carolers performing near Merchant Square, creating a delightful holiday ambiance.

Families can also meet Santa for photos, go ice skating, and enjoy some hot cider to stay warm. There are so many wonderful holiday events to look forward to and I share a few to add to your itinerary.

READ MORE: COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG WITH KIDS

Christmas Events in Colonial Williamsburg

• Enjoy the Festivities at Colonial Williamsburg: There are lots of holiday events to enjoy on your visit to Colonial Williamsburg including Christmas Performances, Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea, Holiday Christmas edition tours, decorated wreath sales,and more!
• Download the Holiday Planner here for all the holiday events at Colonial Williamsburg
• The Historic Area is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day.
• The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day.

• Grand Illumination 
• Watch fireworks displays from the Capitol and Palace and enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout the streets. 
• Dates: December 7, 14 & 21, 2024
• Price: FREE

• Ice Skating at the Liberty Ice Pavilion  
• Enjoy ice skating at Colonial Williamsburg along the historic Duke of Gloucester Street. Refreshments available for purchase nearby including hot cider, coffee, and more. 
• Dates: (TBA)November 17- February 27, 2024
• Price: Regular Daily Rates: 16 Adults/$14 Youth (ages 3–12)
• Ice Rink Season Skate Pass: $110 Adult/ $95 (ages 3–12)
• Ice Skate Rental: $6.00
• Skate sharpening: $5.00
• Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12pm-8pm
• Friday: Noon – 10pm
• Saturday: 10am-10pm

Williamsburg Christmas Market

Ring in the holidays with a visit to the Williamsburg Christmas Market which features 40 vendor chalets, a Santa photo-op, train rides, live entertainment, gluhwein (warm spiced wine), food, crafts, and more! 

• Dates: November 29-December 1
• Hours:Thursdays: 11am-6pm
• Fridays: 11am-7pm
• Saturdays: 10am-7pm
• Sundays: 11am-6pm
• Tickets: $5 for adults / Thursdays are free / 18 and under are free and also students with ID’s.
• Location: Court Street (Adjacent to Bicentennial Park/Behind the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg) Entrance is through Henry Street only.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

Whenever we plan our visit to Colonial Williamsburg during the holiday season, we always make it a point to pair it with a trip to the enchanting Christmas Town event at Busch Gardens.

The theme park transforms into a winter wonderland, with millions of dazzling lights twinkling in the night and festive shows to keep you in the Christmas mood! It’s truly a magical experience!

• Some festive holiday shows to look forward to include Twas That Night, Scrooge No More!, and Elmos Christmas Wish which are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

• One of our favorites is the nightly Spectacular O’ Tannenbaum Christmas Light Show, which dances to the tune of cheerful holiday music. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and get ready to celebrate!

• Families can enjoy a meal and listen to a special Christmas story from Santa himself during “Santa’s Fireside Feast.” Festive treats, holiday shopping, and special photo opportunities complete this beloved tradition.

• Kids can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at “Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland” in Festa Italia, and they can take photos with Frosty the Snowman and Gingy the Gingerbread Man along the Polar Pathway.

• Dates: November 15 through January 5.
• Prices: Tickets starting at $29.99
• Visit the website here for more info

READ NEXT: BEST AMUSEMENT PARKS IN THE DC AREA

Christmas in Yorktown 

Christmas in Yorktown, Virginia, is such a magical time for a visit. From the twinkling lights and festive decorations to the fun holiday festivities. There’s lots to discover during the holidays in Yorktown.

READ NEXT: TOP THINGS TO DO IN YORKTOWN VIRGINIA

• Christmas Market on Main: Find unique Christmas gift ideas at the  2-day Market on Main Street featuring 100 vendors selling unique gift ideas for those on your list. There will be a performance from the Fifes and Drums of York Town, a visit with Santa, musical entertainment, and more. 
• Dates: December 7, 2024
• Price: Free
• Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Location: Historic Main Street 301 Main Street Yorktown, VA 23690

• Yorktown Market Days – Mistletoe Market: Holiday market along the Riverwalk Landing selling chowders and soups, baked goods, holiday wreaths, candles and soaps, and local seasonal art. March in the annual Toyland Parade at 1:30 p.m. with the Fifes and Drums of York Town, and hop aboard the Riverwalk Landing Polar Express for a loop around the festivities!
• Dates: December 14, 2024
• Price: FREE
• Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Location: Yorktown Riverwalk Landing 

• An Enchanted Evening on Main Street: Find the perfect gift for those on your list at this festive nighttime Christmas Market featuring twinkling lights, festive music, roasted chestnuts, and hot cider. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform, as well.
• Dates: December 13, 2024
• Price: FREE
• Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Location: Yorktown Riverwalk Landing 

• Cookies with Santa: Visit with Santa and enjoy some snacks and holiday shopping during the annual Cookies with Santa at the Gallery at York Hall.
• Dates: December 8, 2024
• Price: FREE
• Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Location: York Hall 301 Main Street
• Yorktown, VA 23692

• Christmas Tree Lighting: Watch the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Riverwalk landing which includes live music, including a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. 
• Dates: December 6, 2024
• Price: FREE
• Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
• Location: Riverwalk Landing 

• Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade: Watch the festive holiday boats compete during the Yorktown Boat Parade. Festivities start at 6 p.m. and include caroling, a musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town, and complimentary hot cider.
• Dates: December 7, 2024
• Price: Free
• Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Location: Yorktown Waterfront Harbor

Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown American Revolution Museum

• Christmastide in Virginia: Explore 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions through engaging interpretive programs, festive cooking, caroling, and live musical entertainment. The holiday festivities take place at both museums. Experience immersive exhibition galleries that lead to interactive activities in recreated outdoor settings reminiscent of early Virginia.
• Dates: December 20-31, 2024 Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except on Christmas Day.
• Price: Included with your admission
• Location: Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown