In 18th century Colonial Williamsburg, there were no strings of Christmas lights. Holiday decorations were made out of sugary pastries and marzipan arranged on banquet tables of the wealthy.
During a Colonial Williamsburg Christmas, families have the opportunity to experience the holiday traditions of the people that lived in Virginia over two centuries ago.
If you’re a fan of huge, modern displays of holiday lights, you’ll be relieved to learn that there are also plenty of places to celebrate a modern Williamsburg, VA Christmas.
Here are the best Williamsburg Christmas events for 2023.
Williamsburg Christmas Events 2023
Experience a Colonial Williamsburg Christmas
While Christmas certainly wasn’t as commercialized in the late 18th Century as it is now, the historic area does have a full schedule of events for the holiday season. Visitors celebrating Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg can fully experience what the holidays might have been like in the American colonies.
From a traditional celebration of firework illuminations that light up the historic capital town to concerts of 18th-century music played on traditional instruments, there are plenty of Colonial Williamsburg Christmas events for families to choose from throughout the month of December.
When my family visited the Colonial Williamsburg during the first few days of January, the town was still decorated with intricate holiday wreaths. Relatively few tourists were out and about as we strolled down Duke of Gloucester Street sipping our hot apple cider.
At the Governor’s Palace, we learned of the parties that the Williamsburg elite would attend during the holiday season. In the ballroom the the house musician was practicing a minuet on the harpsichord in preparation for an upcoming ball.
Live holiday music, Christmas shopping, ice skating, fireworks during Grand Illumination, and various Christmas presentations and performances await. Use Colonial Williamsburg’s Holiday Planner to plan out your visit.
Williamsburg made this great list of the 20 best places to go for Christmas on the East Coast.
Learn About Fall Harvest & Christmas Traditions at Jamestown Settlement
November and December are a fun time of year to learn about colonial history in Jamestown. The traditional American Thanksgiving feast reminds us of the hardships that the pilgrims in Massachusetts endured coming to a new land and their gratefulness in a successful fall harvest.
The colonists at Jamestown may have traveled to America for different reasons. However, they encountered many of the same struggles as they prepared for the winter months.
The Christmastide in Virginia celebration at Jamestown Settlement gives families a glimpse into the festivities that were popular among the 17th century English colonists from the feasting after the fall harvest to the traditional revelry of the Lord of Misrule, “grand captain of all mischief.”
This year’s holiday events will take place December 18 – 31, 2023.
Walk Under the Lights at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens, a popular warm-weather amusement park destination, also knows how to bring the holiday season to life.
During the Christmas Town celebration, the park’s quaint European villages are lit up with over eight million lights and decorated with more than 1300 fresh-cut Christmas trees. Families can enjoy holiday treats and peppermint hot chocolate while they experience a variety of European Christmas traditions.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, the Yankee Candle Company in Williamsburg celebrates the holidays year round.
In November and December village shops turn into a winter wonderland filled with beautiful decorations to enjoy with your family. We spent a rainy afternoon inside looking at all of the displays, enjoying the edible treats, and making our candles.
This year’s event takes place November 10, 2023 – January 8, 2024. In addition to 10 million lights to enjoy, there is also Santa’s Workshop, Christmas Town Express, ‘Twas the Night ice skating show, and three other holiday-themed shows await.
Back for 2023- Santa’s Fireside Feast which will have festive treats, holiday shopping and photo opps. Coaster enthusiasts will also want to check out Pantheon™, the world’s fastest multi-launch coaster which opened in 2022.
Where to Stay in Williamsburg for Christmas
There are a variety of lodging options in the Williamsburg area. One Christmas season, we treated the kids to a visit at Great Wolf Lodge. The kids loved our bunk bed room just down the hall from Great Wolf’s distinctive indoor waterpark.
The waterpark can keep a family busy for hours with a lazy river, wave pool and water slides for all ages. The holiday season brings a “snowfall” to the lobby in the evenings and fun decorations.
We have a full guide dedicated to Great Wolf Lodge Christmas fun, including Snowland. We also have plenty of great Great Wolf Lodge tips.
My family has also enjoyed our Williamsburg vacations at Kingsmill Resort. Situated along the James River, this Williamsburg resort boasts breathtaking views, a prestigious golf course, delicious dining options, and a host of family-friendly amenities to keep everyone in the family happy.
See the Snow Fall in Portsmouth & Hear Carolers in Norfolk
Portsmouth’s celebrations center around its museums. The Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center is hosting its traditional Winter Wonderland display featuring Coleman Nursery Yuletide figures.
Animated figures from Santa and his elves to polar bears and penguins have delighted generations of Hampton Roads families. This event takes place November 24 – December 31, 2023 on Thursdays through Saturdays from 12 pm – 8 pm and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm.
For more festivities, head over to the Children’s Museum of Virginia for a full schedule of holiday activities.
Across the harbor in Norfolk, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens is once again hosting its amazing winter light display, the Dominion Energy Garden of Light. Highlights include millions of lights, model train displays, several decorated trees, and a variety of food and drink options.
This year’s event will take place nightly through January 7, 2024. Advanced tickets are required to be purchased online.
Looking for more holiday festivities in the Hampton Roads region? Here’s a list of places for families to Celebrate the Holidays in Hampton Roads.
Look for the deals on hotels in Williamsburg.
