Forego a modern Christmas this year and opt for a historic and traditional Christmas in Williamsburg, Virginia. Centuries-old traditions meet timeless festive charm, and family travelers to Williamsburg will find an endless amount of holiday experiences this season.
In fact, Visit Williamsburg created a free Historic Holiday Pass, offering access to select historic sites in Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, as well as exclusive discounts on lodging, dining, shopping and attractions. Collect rewards via the pass by attending holiday events and visiting participating locations.
© Beatriz Lange
Williamsburg Christmas Market (Weekends through Dec. 22)
This market transforms the city into a European-inspired holiday village with dozens of vendors selling handcrafted gifts and décor. Take a photo with Santa, enjoy live entertainment, sit by cozy fire pits and indulge in festive bites from local restaurants. Parents can even sip glühwein, a traditional, warm spiced wine.
Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination (First 3 Saturdays in December)
Taking place above Governor’s Palace and the Capital building, the Grand Illumination lights up buildings with pyrotechnics. Don’t forget to join the Yule Log procession along Duke of Gloucester Street, and look out for Father Christmas, too.
© Britny McKibben
Christmas Tide at Jamestown Settlement & The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (Dec. 20–31)
Step back in time at Christmas Tide and explore how early settlers celebrated the holidays. Costumed interpreters bring 17th– and 18th-century holiday traditions to life through storytelling, music and demonstrations at both museums.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town (Through Jan. 5)
Wander through the theme park’s Christmas Town, complete with more than 10 million lights, one of the largest holiday displays in North America. At Christmas Town, visitors can also meet Santa, ride the Christmas Town Express and enjoy three new holiday shows. There’s also festive food, shopping and other entertainment.
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