Best things to do in November in Williamsburg 2023
Best things to do in November in Williamsburg, Yorktown and surrounding towns – Nov 2023
If you love the fall you will love being in Williamsburg in November. With the leaves changing and the air becoming crisp but not cold – it is the perfect time of year to walk the streets of Colonial Williamsburg or head on over to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens and start your stoking your holiday spirit! The outdoor ice rink Liberty Pavilion opens, tree lightings and evening programs keep the lights on and folks wandering the Historic Area. Maritime Markets in Yorktown will keep you kids wide eyed watching for pirates while you can get a holiday shopping done! And don’t forget the photos with Santa! Keep checking back – we add events to this list during the month!
Special Event: Lighting of the Cressets
Head to historic Duke of Gloucester Street for the Lighting of the Cressets as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night with music. Stay and catch and evening program, dinner or a drink with friends.
- Nov. 2, 3, 4 | 6 PM–9 PM
- Nov. 9, 10, 11| | 6 PM–9 PM
- Nov. 16, 17, 18| 6PM-9PM
- Nov. 24, 25| | 6 PM–9 PM
- Dec. 22, 23| | 6 PM–9 PM
- More info
Scrumptious Weekend Friday Nov 3 – Sunday, Nov 5
Friday, November 3: Chowderfest
Chowderfest is from 6:30pm-9:30pm.
$39 ticket includes endless chowder from local restaurants and one drink ticket. Attendees can vote on their favorite chowder and the winners will be announced during the event. BJ Griffin Band as seen on America’s Got Talent is taking the stage.. Purchase here
Saturday November 4: Goat Yoga
From 10am-11am at Jamestown Beach Event park. Tickets are $25 and include a mimosa and entry into the Country Smash event.
Saturday, November 4: Country Smash
From 12pm-3:30pm at Jamestown Beach Event park. Tickets are $5 online, $10 at the door. Live music with Drew Pace Band, Robbie Bradshaw and Cody Christian Band. Food trucks will be on site and craft beer will be available for purchase.
Sunday, November 6: Noktoberfest
Noktoberfest is on November 6 from 12:00pm-4:00pm. Ticket includes craft beers, pretzels, live entertainment, and a performance by The Polka Brothers. German food will be available for purchase separately. Tickets are $25. Get your tickets!
Mack & Mabel – Williamsburg Players – Opens Friday, Nov 3 at 8 pm
Nov 3 – Nov 19 at the Williamsburg Players
This is a Hollywood saga in the era of silent film, a time “when the movies were movies”: scene up on the story of legendary director Mack Sennett and his greatest star, the able and adorable Mabel Normand. Mack guides the audience through his tale of triumph and romance tinged with regret. Bankrupted by the talkies and forced to sell his studio, he reminisces about his colorful past, including his bittersweet love affair with Mabel, whom he had discovered and guided to stardom. Get tickets and more info
Vintage Market
Saturday, November 4, 2023 – 9 am to 3 pm
McReynolds Athletic Complex (MAC) Yorktown
If you enjoy restoring old furniture, shopping for vintage clothing and jewelry or filling your home with one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces—you don’t want to miss this popular fall event!
On Saturday, November 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the McReynolds Athletic Complex (MAC) will transform into York County’s popular Vintage Market. Browse the complex to search for farm antiques, old children’s books, vinyl records, vintage tools and unique home décor.
Fiber & Craft Fall Festival – Peace Hill Farm
Saturday, November 4th at 10 am to 4 pm – FREE Admission
Craft, produce and fiber fair! A full day of local vendors and artisans, food, drinks, farm animals, live music (10-4), yard games (giant Jenga, chess, and four-in a row, plus cornhole toss and more)! All little ones are welcome to play in our new giant sandbox! Parents, bring your kids, grab an adult beverage, and sit around the fire while they play. Or challenge your teenagers to a contest! Free admission to all! More info
Visit Williamsburg Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm
The Williamsburg Farmers Market is in beautiful downtown Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area. Produce, Meat, and Baked Good vendors along with Flowers, Coffee and more. You can shop and then grab lunch at one of the many eateries in town. MORE
The Bodacious Bazaar – Hampton Convention Center
The Bodacious Bazaar Date & Hours:
Friday, Nov 10, 2023 from 10am – 7pm
Saturday, Nov 11, 2023 from 10am – 7pm
Sunday, Nov 12, 2023 from 10am – 5pm
This is Virginia’s largest shopping EXTRAVAGANZA! Packed with vendors wall to wall from all over the country. Get ready to shop for all your holiday gifts!! More info here
Veterans Day Events – Williamsburg & Yorktown
November 11, 2023
There are several events going on for Veterans Day. We have a Veteran’s Day post with the entire list of events because there are too many for this post. See all the Veterans Day events here.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Select dates from November 10 through January 7, 2024.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Christmas Town
It is the most wonderful time of the year as Busch Gardens® Christmas Town™ returns on select dates from November 10, 2023 through January 7, 2024.
Pictures with Santa, sparkling lights, abundant decorations, festive foods, live seasonal music, unique shopping and of course roller coasters and rides. The spirit of the season is alive at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
The annual Christmas Town celebration transforms Busch Gardens Williamsburg into one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America. It is a local and tourist favorite events. Busch Gardens is already running single day ticket promotions (see Busch Gardens ticket discounts here) and they have Fun Cards for those who like to go more than once during the season. This event combines rides, food, live theater, music and LIGHTS. It is a great place to see Santa and world class ice skating. It is kind of…AMAZING. See our tips and review in our Unofficial Guide to Christmas Town.
Maritime Festival November 11
Yorktown Riverwalk Landing
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to the amazing farmer market vendors this annual themed market will feature a pirate encampment, sea shanties, a history fair, kids’ crafts and face painting, work boats, blacksmiths and colonial reenactments. See the day’s schedule and don’t miss it!
Liberty Ice Pavilion Opening Night and Skating Season Starts!
Opens at noon on Friday, November 17, 2023
It really starts to feel like the holidays when the Liberty Ice Pavilion ice rink opens in Colonial Williamsburg. This year it opens on Friday November 17 and is open daily Nov 17, 2023 – Feb 27, 2024
Visit this post to see ticketing, hours of operation and the treats you can purchase near the rink! Learn more…
Harvest Market at the Yorktown Market Days – extended Fall Fun Market
November 18: Harvest Festival (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Riverwalk Landing – 331 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690
It’s a pre-Thanksgiving cornucopia of fun! Shop for turkeys, pecan pies, and cranberry sauce. Take home unique holiday pieces from local artists for serving your family meals. More than 50 vendors participate in this special November market.
Live Animal 5how I Petting Zoo I Market vendors and food trucks
Balloon Artist I Kids’ Crafts & Games I Photo Cutouts
Inflatable Axe Throwing I Pie Eating Contest
Costumed Interpreters from American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:
Ralph Motley and the Last Minute Grass will perform bluegrass on the Riverwalk Landing Stage
Visitors will find seasonal fruits and vegetables; beef, pork, and chicken; farm milk and eggs; homemade breads and baked goods; kettle corn and flavored popcorn; gourmet dog treats; handmade potato chips; and so much more. Learn more
Heritage Humane Society Holiday Bazaar
November 18 from 9 am to 3 pm at Bruton Parish Hall
The Annual Holiday Bazaar raises funds for homeless pets at Heritage Humane Society. Shop for everyone on your holiday shopping list (furry and human)! Hand-Crafted Fabric Creations & Gifts, Homemade Baked Goods, Gift Baskets for Pets & People, Critter Corner, Jewelry, Holiday Decorations, Kids Corner (with books, games, stuffed animals, & more!), and Raffles! Gourmet Soup for Pre-Purchase Online Only! Learn more here
Puppy Bowl
Puppies 4 – 8 months old
Sunday Nov 19 from 10 am to 10:45 am
FEE: $10 members; $15 non-members
Have your puppy join while they take over Zoom Room Williamsburg’s Sunday morning puppy playgroup on November 19 for their first annual puppy bowl! There will be puppy playtime, games and prizes!
Register online or by calling the store! (757) 808-5657 Vaccination records need to be on file. MORE INFO
Annual Pie Sale at Colonial Williamsburg
- Sunday, November 19 Hours: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Monday, November 20 Hours: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 21 Hours: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 22 Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Colonial Williamsburg Annual Pie Sale is back and extended this year throughout select dates in November before Thanksgiving and in December before Christmas at Taste Studio, next to the Williamsburg Inn and across from the Williamsburg Lodge. See the pie selection and more details on this event here.
The Annual Blue Talon Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
November 23, 2023 – 8:30 am
This is an annual run/walk that is the run before the feast…it is family friendly, with families dressing up in turkey hats and coming to have a great time. The run goes into the Colonial Williamsburg historic area – which makes for an absolutely beautiful experience. Get your race 5k or your 1 Mile Fun Run entry soon as they do have limited spots this year! Race Registration here.
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
November 24 – 25, 2023 • Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
This Thanksgiving holiday, dig into the foodways of 17th- and 18th-century America during Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia. Explore centuries-old culinary practices and cooking techniques of early Virginia during a two-day event. At the Jamestown Settlement, “discover how food was gathered, preserved and prepared on land and at sea by Virginia’s English colonists and Powhatan Indians”. At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, “explore how Continental Army soldiers earned their rations and witness the bounty of produce and proteins fresh from the fields transformed into stews, pies and breads”. Remember locals get in to both museums for free (see if you live in the local area) More info
Thanksgiving Dinner at Colonial Williamsburg
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Looking for a special family tradition? Colonial Williamsburg serves Thanksgiving dinner for your family like no one else at five different locations this year. From the fine dining experience to the family holiday traditional meal – your family will love it.
- Christiana Campbell’s Tavern Thanksgiving Dinner
- Williamsburg Lodge’s Traditions Restaurant Thanksgiving Day Buffet
- Williamsburg Lodge’s Traditions Thanksgiving Day Dinner
- Fine Dining Thanksgiving Dinner at the Williamsburg Inn
- Sweet Tea & Barley Thanksgiving Dinner
- Kings Arm’s Tavern Thanksgiving Day Meal
2023 Williamsburg Christmas Market
Nov 24-26, Nov 30-Dec 3, Dec 7-10, Dec 14-17, Dec 21-23
Williamsburg Christmas Market, a European-Style Christmas Market will have 40 chalets with over 60 local, regional and national vendors throughout the duration of the market. Some new vendors every week. Admission is free! Learn more about this amazing market
5th Annual Williamsburg Inn Lighting Ceremony – Open to Public
This year’s program will take place on Friday, November 24 at 6PM. The program begins at 6 PM, refreshments will be available to purchase beginning at 5 PM
Holiday traditions come to life at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts, when the holidays kick off with the 5th Annual Williamsburg Inn Lighting Ceremony. Come see the Williamsburg Inn transformed into a winter wonderland – full of enchantment, elegance, cheer, and classic family fun. The annual Holiday Kick-off Lighting Ceremony event is packed with all the sights, sounds, and experiences of the holiday season. The iconic Williamsburg Inn will shine bright with thousands of shimmering lights. This is a FREE event and open to the public! Learn more
Colonial Williamsburg Open House with Gingerbread House Reveal!
November 25, 2023 – 10 am – 1 pm
Prepare to be among the first to see the Williamsburg Lodge Gingerbread House Exhibit for 2023, painstakingly made by our amazing pastry team and on full display in the front of the lobby of the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection. We welcome everyone to our Open House event on Saturday, November 25th, between 10 AM and 1 PM, when we will unveil this year’s spectacular village. Our pastry experts will be on hand to greet you and answer any questions you may have regarding this year’s gingerbread town.
Not only that, but Santa himself will be making special visits throughout this time, providing a festive touch to your stay. Don’t pass up this chance to kick off your holiday season with us!
This is part of the Saturday, November 25 Open House – MORE INFO
Start a Family Tradition Come to Merchants Square for the Annual Community Tree Lighting!
November 25, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Duke of Gloucester Street
Light Up Your Holiday Season! A festive Merchants Square tradition in downtown Williamsburg, the lighting of the Merchants Square tree! Featuring caroling and an appearance by Father Christmas! Event is FREE! More information here
Deadline to Sign Up for the FREE Santa Calling is Tuesday, Nov 28 (the event happens on Tuesday, Dec 5)
This is one of our favorite programs JCC Parks & Recreation does for local kids. If you have ever signed your child up and received a call from Santa, then you know what we are talking about. James City County Parks & Recreation offers “phone calls from Santa” on Tuesday, Dec. 5, for children ages 9 and younger and for those of all ages with disabilities living in James City County and Williamsburg. Arrangements have been made with the North Pole for Santa and/or Mrs. Claus to personally call each child who completes a registration form by Tuesday, Nov. 28. Santa will attempt to call children between 5:45-8 p.m.; however, specific call times cannot be guaranteed due to Santa’s holiday schedule. Please be available and keep phone lines open during this time. Free More info and registration HERE
Special Event: Artful Winter Evenings
Thursdays, November 30 (and Dec 7, 14, 21, & 28) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Included in admission
Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg
Celebrate the holidays in this magical after-hours event at the Art Museums. Take a guided tour through the galleries to discover Christmas trees themed to the artwork around them, attend a holiday performance in the Hennage Auditorium (separate ticket required), enjoy warm winter treats and crafts, and experience the wonder of the Art Museums at night. Don’t miss the centerpiece of the Museums — our 16-foot Folk Art Christmas tree decorated with over 2,000 hand-crafted ornaments.
Artful Winter Evening Concerts at 7:00 p.m. (Separate Ticket Required)
November 30 – The William & Mary Accidentals
December 7 – Holiday Handbell Concert
December 14 – The Williamsburg Symphony
December 21 – The Magic of Christmas
December 28 – The Gonzales Sisters
FREE Photos with Santa – New Town
Located in Santa’s Workshop at 4915 Courthouse Street, located to the right of Regal New Town
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17
Friday & Saturday, December 22-23
Hours: 12:00 – 3:30pm
Snap your own photos and share instantly! Head down to New Town to get some holiday shopping and while you are there bring the kids to get (FREE) photos with Santa happening each weekend leading up to Christmas! New Town’s FB page for updates!
Holidays in Colonial Williamsburg
November & December 2023
Colonial Williamsburg has announced it Holiday Planner and you literally can visit everyday and experience something different. There are evenings with lighted cressets, ice skating, special holiday music, Strolling Father Christmas – so many events! See all the holiday events planned at Colonial Williamsburg here.
Daily Events in Williamsburg for November
Make sure to visit our daily site calendar. We add events all the time and be patient. The calendar may take a few seconds to appear as there are so many events on each day. Great news is once it loads you can visit any date without it taking time to reload. Here is our Daily Calendar link.
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