With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to start planning fun holiday activities and perhaps some weekend family trips. One place pulling out all the stops this holiday season is Williamsburg, Virginia.
Grab the family and head to Williamsburg to help spread holiday cheer.
In Colonial Williamsburg, enjoy holiday events throughout December. Enjoy some caroling at the Courthouse; visits from Father Christmas; walking tours highlighting colonial Christmas decorations and galleries of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg; community Christmas tree lighting; plenty of opportunities to shop for unique colonial gifts; and much more.
Wythe House Winter. Photo: Visit Williamsburg
Next, head to Busch Gardens for the Busch Gardens Christmas Celebration, open on select dates through Jan. 3. The Christmas Celebration features new village entertainment, a Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, 15 fun coasters and rides, festive holiday shopping and visiting Santa at his workshop.
After Busch Gardens, explore Yorktown and take part in some traditional Christmas celebrations. Don’t miss the Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 4, a community tradition dating back to 1945. Wander around the Christmas Market on Main Street Dec. 5–6, checking out more than 60 vendors for holiday gift shopping and holiday music, including The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown. Expect appearances from Santa and festive food and drink.
Williamsburg Inn, Piano. Photo: Visit Williamsburg
Later in the month, visit Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for a celebration of the 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions through special interpretive programs and musical entertainment.
Lastly, at Berkeley Plantation, enjoy Centuries of Christmas Dec. 5–Jan. 1. The elegant 1726 mansion will be decorated beautifully with fresh greenery from Berkley’s gardens and highlights include festive guides sharing four centuries of stories, tours, workshops, teas and other events.
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