Williamsburg, VA is a city deeply steeped in history. It was the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780 and it played a major role in the American Revolution. Colonial Williamsburg sits at the heart of the city and serves as its historic district and living history museum. Actors often dress in costume to recreate what colonial life was like.

As you can imagine, the old-timey vibe is perfect for a vintage Christmas. And the city celebrates big time during this time of year. Here are some of the things you can enjoy when you’re in town.

Busch Gardens Christmas Celebration

Busch Gardens is an amusement park that goes all out for the Holiday season. Guests can stroll through their eight European villages to enjoy festive foods, lovely decorations, live music, rides, and attractions. Other activities include a gingerbread scavenger hunt and a meeting with Santa at his workshop.

Colonial Williamsburg

Visit Colonial Williamsburg to find out what Christmas was like in colonial times. Instead of the flashy decorations we have today, the ornamentation was a lot simpler back then and often included greenery, fresh fruit, and candles. Those that run the event use that as a starting point and decorate the historical buildings accordingly. They go from there to re-create a vintage holiday experience.

American Revolution Museum and Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement

These two history museums tell the story of America’s beginnings. During the holiday season, the staff will take you back decorating the building with simple sprays of holly, pine, and berries. They also offer a Christmas in Virginia workshop which educates guests on traditional holiday decorating.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown provides food and music demonstrations that show how revolutionaries prepared for the holidays. The Jamestown Settlement helps guests compare English Christmas traditions with Jamestown’s struggles to celebrate during their difficult early years.

Liberty’s Ice Pavilion

Duke of Gloucester is Williamsburg’s main pedestrian street, and it transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The main attraction is Liberty’s Ice Pavilion, a family-friendly ice-skating rink with refreshment stands that serve coffee, hot chocolate, and sweet treats.

Sweethaven Lavendar Country Christmas

Sweethaven Lavender is a 130 acre plus farm open to the public. It offers ‘you pick’ lavender, farm animals, and events. During the holiday season, it lights up with live music, lavender hot cocoa, and a petting zoo. You can also purchase a variety of small-batch items that make terrific gifts including handmade toys, soaps, and earrings.

Williamsburg Christmas Market

The Christmas Market is set up in a parking lot downtown. It consists of 20 vendors offering unique gift items as well as hot chocolate and craft beer. Fires burn to keep guests warm. There is also live music and visits with Santa are available.

Carriage Rides

Carriage rides are available throughout Williamsburg. You can choose from a variety of experiences including an 18th-century style ride or a ride in a signature Colonial Williamsburg. The ride will take you through the historic downtown section which will be decorated in all its holiday finery.

The Lighting of the Cressets

This 18th-century holiday tradition takes place in Colonial Williamsburg. It features musicians who will be strolling around to provide entertainment. You will also see the lighting of huge metal cups mounted to poles that will light your way.

The Grand Illumination

The Grand Illumination is one of the most exciting Christmas events in Williamsburg. It dates back to the 19th century when fireworks and the firing of guns were used to commemorate special occasions. Music performances take place on several stages throughout the Historic area. A fireworks display serves as the grand finale and can be viewed from three locations, the Palace, Magazine, and Capitol.

The event takes place during the first weekend in December.

Yorktown Christmas

For more excitement, head over to nearby Yorktown for their tree lighting event. It marks a community tradition that started in 1945. It kicks off the Christmas Market on Main Street which features 60 vendors, holiday music, food and drink, and Santa who rides in on York County’s first fire truck.

This event also happens on the first weekend of December.

Other events to enjoy in Yorktown include Cookies with Santa which happens at the Gallery at York Hall. Or head over to the Viking Yuletide Celebration at Watermen’s Museum to learn about Norse influences on Christmas culture.

You can also shop for holiday gifts and enjoy chowders, soups, and baked goods at the Mistletoe Market at Riverwalk Landing on the second Saturday in December. This includes a live ice carving demonstration and a Toyland Parade.

Christmas Shopping

Williamsburg is a great place to find unique Christmas gifts. In fact, there are several stores in town that specialize in Christmas ornaments and collectibles including The Christmas Shop in Merchants Square, the Christmas Mouse, and Yankee Candle Village.

If you are looking for a taste of traditional Christmas flavor, Williamsburg is the place to find it. There are so many terrific throwback events to enjoy. Which of these will you be checking out first when you get to town?

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