Events by this organizer

Enjoy a family-friendly activity this holiday season on historic Duke of Gloucester St.

Concessions and hot beverages available for purchase! You can walk from the rink to the concessions stand and get cider, coffee and other treats while you are skating. Or make it an evening with dinner at one of the 8 restaurants in Merchants Square just across the street.

Daily Passes are $15 for adults and $14 for kids 3 -12 years old. Skate rental is $6. Season Passes are $110 for adults and $95 for kids. Additional ticket information here.

You can purchase day tickets or if you know you are going to be going more than a few times between November 17, 2023, through February 27, 2024, including holidays! – consider getting a Skate Season Pass.

Good Neighbor Pass discounts are offered for weekday tickets!!

Celebrate the season with a festive holiday tea in the elegance of the Williamsburg Inn. Sample the Inn’s special holiday blend and enjoy cookies, pastries and sandwiches served on the beautiful Churchill Tea China. Enhance this experience with the effervescence of French Champagne and sparkling cider.

Enjoy a delightful afternoon with friends or loved ones while indulging in the fine tradition of Holiday Tea at The Williamsburg Inn.

Gluten Free? They can accommodate your dietary needs! (When you register there is an option for Gluten Free) Learn more

Dates: Wednesday November 29, December 6, 13, 20 and 27
Thursday November 30, December 7, 14, 21 and 28
Friday, December  1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Saturday, December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30

Reservations required. Book here

Drop in for a special pop-up archaeology exhibit in the museum! Archaeologists will be on hand to talk with guests about archaeological excavations at the Public Hospital of 1773, where they’ll be showing off unearthed artifacts discovered on the site. Talk with archaeologists, hear all about current excavations and where we’re headed next! More info

.Included in admission Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg, your day pass or your annual membership or Good Neighbor Pass

From the Public Hospital of 1773 to Eastern State Hospital today, commemorate 250 years of Mental Healthcare.

“The Cellar” at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm of Colonial Williamsburg’s newest walk-in experience. Down beneath the historic walls of Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, is The Cellar – this intimate space only allows only a limited number of guests to enjoy an evening of authentic 18th-century ambiance.

From Tuesday – Saturday, from 4 to 8, the doors swing open to welcome you for an enchanting twilight gathering. As you descend into The Cellar, you’ll be transported to an era of camaraderie and camarilla, where the echoes of merriment resonate through the air.

To accompany your drinks, indulge in a selection of delicate bites to savory treats, each dish is crafted with an artisanal touch, ensuring a delightful experience for your palate.

Please note, The Cellar experience is exclusively walk-up only, adding an element of spontaneity to your visit. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early to secure your place in this immersive journey through time. More info

The annual Christmas Town celebration transforms Busch Gardens Williamsburg into one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America. Christmas Town runs on select dates from November 11 through January 8.

The park will transform into a stunning holiday wonderland with over 10 million twinkling lights, one of the largest light displays in North America. Enjoy heart-warming shows like the all-new Wisemen, returning favorites like ‘Twas that Night and for the first time since 2019, Gloria! Other highlights include Christmas Town Express holiday-themed train ride, Santa’s Workshop, and festive food, drinks and unique holiday shopping. 

This year there are two all-new light experiences, Polar Pathway: Spectacle of Lights and Celebration of Lights at O’Tannenbaum.

Enjoy holiday shows and classics such as Santa’s Workshop, the Christmas Town Express and ‘Twas that Night ice skating show. Over 20 rides and coasters. If you are in Williamsburg,  you do not want to miss  Busch Garden’s Christmas Town. There is something for everyone in your family.  Wait, did we mention Santa Claus is there too?  (The real one!)

Need a ticket? Check our page with the latest Busch Gardens promotions and special discounts.

Wait before you go check out our Unofficial Guide to Busch Gardens Christmas Town for tips and what to expect this year.

Special Event: Artful Winter Evenings

Thursdays, Dec 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 5:30 – 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)
December 7 –  Holiday Handbell Concert
December 14 – The Williamsburg Symphony
December 21 – The Magic of Christmas
December 28 – The Gonzales Sisters

For this event there is no extra fee you simple need your museum ticket, day pass, member pass or Good Neighbor Pass.  Learn more about this event here

31st Annual Celebration in Lights

November 23, 2023 – January 1, 2023

Celebration in Lights, opens for its 31st season on Thanksgiving night (November 23, 2023). Relish in the two miles of over one million lights in their dazzling holiday light displays set amongst the beautiful woods and waterways at Newport News Park. The event will be open nightly from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.

New this year, a salute to the USS Newport News (CA-148), a ship named after our hometown and built by Newport News Shipbuilding! This impressive lighting installation presents a beautiful silhouette of the “Top Gun” awarded ship and stands 36 feet tall. Other new installations include the new City of Newport News logo, furry friends, sea life and more! 

Over 350 individual display pieces, 50+ arches, and over three miles of rope lighting enhance the natural beauty of the two-mile drive along Newport News Park’s main road. All new display pieces added since 2007 use LED lights which result in a savings of approximately 30% on electrical cost compared to incandescent bulbs and last 100,000 hours versus 3,000 hours for incandescent. Older (pre 2007) display pieces are being refitted with LED lights.

Admission:
$15.00 per car on weeknights (Monday – Thursday)
$18.00 per on weekends (Friday – Sunday)
$85.00 per bus (any night)

Cash, credit cards Visa/MC, and checks made payable to the City of Newport News are accepted at the gate. Advance purchase tickets may be purchased (good any night) for $12.00 at the Newport News Visitor Center at the entrance of Newport News Park.

Newport News Park is located at the intersection of Ft. Eustis Blvd. and Jefferson Ave. in Newport News, VA. Directions: Eastbound I-64 use Exit 247 (Lee Hall), Westbound I-64 use Exit 250 B (Ft. Eustis). For more information, call 757-886-7912.

Venue:
Newport News Park
13560 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23606

Phone: (757) 926-1400

Additional information 

Looking for Christmas Lights? Be sure to visit our Best Christmas Lights list for home, neighborhoods and public light displays!

Artful Winter Evening Concerts at 7:00 p.m. (Separate Ticket Required)

December 7 –  Holiday Handbell Concert Usher in the holiday season with a concert in the Special Event: Artful Winter Evenings Series, a magical after-hours event at the Art Museums. Enjoy the ethereal sounds of holiday music played by combined handbell ensembles from Bruton Parish Church and First Baptist Church. Get tickets here
Remaining Concerts
December 14 – The Williamsburg Symphony
December 21 – The Magic of Christmas
December 28 – The Gonzales Sisters

If you come early at 5:30 you can join in the Special Event: Artful Winter Evenings

A Christmas Carol at the Williamsburg Players runs December 7 to December 17, 2023

Conceived By Brink Miller
Book By Charles Dickens
Directed By Jason Kriner and Brink Miller
Music Director Jason Kriner
Williamsburg Players at 100 Hubbard Lane, Williamsburg

In this holiday favorite, Charles Dickens shows us Ebenezer Scrooge as he falls asleep in his dingy, cold quarters on Christmas Eve. The old miser is visited by three ghosts, each revealing to Scrooge his wrong doings and what will happen if he continues in his evil ways. A traditional holiday classic for the entire family, guaranteed to fill you with the Christmas spirit and warm your heart. Get your tickets today!

Performances are on the following dates:
Thurs. Dec. 7, 2023 – 8 PM
Fri. Dec. 8, 2023 – 8 PM
Sat. Dec 9, 2023- 2 PM
Sat. Dec. 9, 2023 – 8 PM
Sun. Dec. 10, 2023 – 2 PM
Thur. Dec. 14, 2023 – 8 PM
Fri. Dec. 15, 2023 – 8 PM
Sat. Dec. 16, 2023 – 2 PM
Sat. Dec. 16, 2023 – 8 PM
Sun. Dec. 17, 2023 – 2 PM

The Santa Experience in Williamsburg – Photos with Santa with your kids (and pets)! Book your spot today!

Dates: Select dates November 24, 2023 through December 23, 2023
Pre-Booking is required

Need that perfect picture of your child, family or pet with Santa? Then this event is for you!

How does it work? Sign up for a session. A handful of sessions are scheduled every 30 minutes. (Only 1-2 families will be allowed in the studio at a time). Families over 6 people will need to purchase two time slots back-to-back in order to accommodate the size). Sundays are to be an allergy free day so Santa’s suit will be animal hair free and the studio is as pet free as possible for families with extreme allergies.

Fee and what is included: $65 fee + $3 processing fee includes high resolution digital copies of all photos taken during your session. This is not per child or per pet – it is per session. So you can get multiple shots of each child with Santa, a family picture, kids, pets and Santa…well, you get the picture!

When: This event runs from November 24th through December 23rd and is both kid and pet friendly.

Pet Photos: “Santa Paws” pet portraits will be on select days so please be aware when booking that pets may be present. Families without pets can book on any day. Pets can have photos all week EXCEPT on Sunday. But you have to pre-book (here).

Bathroom: There is a small bathroom onsite but they suggest you come dressed in your clothes prior. It is not large enough for any outfit changes. Guests can use the bathrooms for potty breaks. 

Location: Santa’s workshop and photo studio will take place at 439 Prince George Street, Williamsburg VA 23185 which is two doors down from Aromas in downtown Williamsburg and near the Henry Street parking garage.

Do you recognize Santa?

You might recognize this beloved local “Santa,”…it is Jim Hines, who has been known to thousands of families as the “Yankee Candle Santa” from his years at Williamsburg’s former Yankee Candle location.

Proceeds: All proceeds from this photo event will go back into our wonderful community.

Why Schedule Times: They are scheduling times in an effort optimize families’ Santa experience. Event organizers don’t want long lines at this event and want to encourage families to spend more time shopping, dining and exploring all the wonderful businesses downtown instead. All of Downtown Williamsburg is aglow this season, so enjoy it before or after your session with Santa. Now, what are you waiting for? Book your photo session today!

Colonial Williamsburg’s 2023 Christmas Decorations Walking Tour
Daily: Nov 24 – Dec 25 from 10 – 11 am & 2 pm – 3 pm

Enjoy a guided look at Colonial Williamsburg’s picturesque building exteriors and streets decked out in holiday splendor. Discuss the materials and construction techniques of these traditional holiday decorations. For tickets and times visit here.

James Geddy House｜$15 per person | Learn more and get your tickets here

For more events at Colonial Williamsburg visit our Colonial Williamsburg events page, their Holiday Planner page and our Daily Calendar!

The 4th annual 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.

The market will be located on Court Street (Adjacent to Bicentennial Park/Behind the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg). Bring the kid for photo ops with Santa AND new this year a TRAIN RIDE! (more info to come). Everyone will enjoy live entertainment, while adults can indulge in gluhwein (warm spiced wine) and craft beers. Enjoy Christmas music, fire pits, & delicious market food from local restaurants.

Dates for the 4th Annual Williamsburg Christmas Market!
Nov. 24-26 (Friday-Sunday)
Nov. 30-Dec. 3 (Thursday-Sunday)
Dec. 7-10 (Thursday-Sunday)
Dec. 14-17 (Thursday-Sunday)
Dec. 21-23 (Thursday-Saturday)

Market Hours:
Thursdays: 11am-6pm
Fridays: 11am-7pm
Saturdays 10am-7pm
Sundays: 11am-6pm

www.culture-fix.org

Dec 7 – 10

Don’t miss your chance to buy a Williamsburg-style wreath made by the same designers that create the decorations that adorn Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area during the holiday season. Fresh greenery, dried materials, and floral supplies will also be available. The landscape team will be at the Williamsburg Christmas Market the first two weekends of December.

The Williamsburg Christmas Market is a village-like setting reminiscent of the traditional European Christmas market, with over 30 vendors and entertainment. Visit every Thursday through Sunday in December.

These decorations will only be sold the first weekend in December at the Christmas Market on Court Street, behind the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. .  More information

Enjoy a family-friendly activity this holiday season on historic Duke of Gloucester St.

Concessions and hot beverages available for purchase! You can walk from the rink to the concessions stand and get cider, coffee and other treats while you are skating. Or make it an evening with dinner at one of the 8 restaurants in Merchants Square just across the street.

Daily Passes are $15 for adults and $14 for kids 3 -12 years old. Skate rental is $6. Season Passes are $110 for adults and $95 for kids. Additional ticket information here.

You can purchase day tickets or if you know you are going to be going more than a few times between November 17, 2023, through February 27, 2024, including holidays! – consider getting a Skate Season Pass.

Good Neighbor Pass discounts are offered for weekday tickets!!

Celebrate the season with a festive holiday tea in the elegance of the Williamsburg Inn. Sample the Inn’s special holiday blend and enjoy cookies, pastries and sandwiches served on the beautiful Churchill Tea China. Enhance this experience with the effervescence of French Champagne and sparkling cider.

Enjoy a delightful afternoon with friends or loved ones while indulging in the fine tradition of Holiday Tea at The Williamsburg Inn.

Gluten Free? They can accommodate your dietary needs! (When you register there is an option for Gluten Free) Learn more

Dates: Wednesday November 29, December 6, 13, 20 and 27
Thursday November 30, December 7, 14, 21 and 28
Friday, December  1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Saturday, December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30

Reservations required. Book here

The annual Christmas Town celebration transforms Busch Gardens Williamsburg into one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America. Christmas Town runs on select dates from November 11 through January 8.

The park will transform into a stunning holiday wonderland with over 10 million twinkling lights, one of the largest light displays in North America. Enjoy heart-warming shows like the all-new Wisemen, returning favorites like ‘Twas that Night and for the first time since 2019, Gloria! Other highlights include Christmas Town Express holiday-themed train ride, Santa’s Workshop, and festive food, drinks and unique holiday shopping. 

This year there are two all-new light experiences, Polar Pathway: Spectacle of Lights and Celebration of Lights at O’Tannenbaum.

Enjoy holiday shows and classics such as Santa’s Workshop, the Christmas Town Express and ‘Twas that Night ice skating show. Over 20 rides and coasters. If you are in Williamsburg,  you do not want to miss  Busch Garden’s Christmas Town. There is something for everyone in your family.  Wait, did we mention Santa Claus is there too?  (The real one!)

Need a ticket? Check our page with the latest Busch Gardens promotions and special discounts.

Wait before you go check out our Unofficial Guide to Busch Gardens Christmas Town for tips and what to expect this year.

A Charles Dickens Christmas – Friday, November 24, and December 1, 8, 15, 22, and at 4 p.m. Gabe Stone, Mark Nixon, and David Gardner present a holiday show featuring readings from various Charles Dickens’ writings paired with Christmas carols of the Victorian era. The musicians will play historic instruments from the 19th century, including cornopean, cornet, violin, ophicleide, and more! Enjoy cherished stories and sing-alongs to join in!. (1 hour) $10 program ticket/$10 Youth 6 – 12 years / $7.50 under 6 years child ticket in addition to your day pass or your annual membership or Good Neighbor Pass. More info and thttps://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/events/music-a-charles-dickens-christmas/?utm_source=Wmbg_familiesickets

“The Cellar” at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm of Colonial Williamsburg’s newest walk-in experience. Down beneath the historic walls of Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, is The Cellar – this intimate space only allows only a limited number of guests to enjoy an evening of authentic 18th-century ambiance.

From Tuesday – Saturday, from 4 to 8, the doors swing open to welcome you for an enchanting twilight gathering. As you descend into The Cellar, you’ll be transported to an era of camaraderie and camarilla, where the echoes of merriment resonate through the air.

To accompany your drinks, indulge in a selection of delicate bites to savory treats, each dish is crafted with an artisanal touch, ensuring a delightful experience for your palate.

Please note, The Cellar experience is exclusively walk-up only, adding an element of spontaneity to your visit. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early to secure your place in this immersive journey through time. More info

An Enchanted Evening on Main Street

Historic Main Street, Yorktown Friday, Dec. 8 | 5 to 9 p.m.

During Yorktown’s second annual An Enchanted Evening on Main Street, immerse yourself in the magic of the season amid festive music, hot apple cider, and even chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Bring a date or your entire family to partake in the delightful activities this event has to offer. 

The Fifes and Drums of York Town will kick off the event. Kids (young and old) can make crafts, admire a live nativity scene, or visit Santa so they can share what they desire for Christmas. Shop for ornaments or last-minute Christmas gifts from local artists. Snuggle up by lit fire cressets, sip on hot drinking chocolate or mulled wine, and enjoy the sweet sounds of the Williamsburg Youth Symphony

Clan MacCool Band and colonial performers will also be ambling down the street to sing classic Christmas carols and tell stories. The Dickens Trio will play music in York Hall and an ice carving demonstration will take place outside. If you get hungry, you can grab dinner at one of the food trucks stationed on Main Street. 

For more Christmas events in December in Yorktown visit our Yorktown Celebrates Christmas post!

Experience the enchantment of Winter Nature Nights! As the sun dips below the horizon, the excitement begins with an evening walk on our beautifully lighted outdoor trail.

On the Dinosaur Discovery Trail, the storybook “How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas” comes to life. Meet Santa at the Goodson House, follow the candy cane trail, and get creative with cookie decorating in the classrooms. And make sure to enjoy a hot chocolate in the cozy café.

Timed tickets are required. Advance tickets are $13 for non-members/$10 for members. Children ages 2 and under are free. Ticket prices for each weekend increase that Friday to $15 for non-members/$12 for members.

Winter Nature Nights run select nights in December: 8-10, 15-17 and 22-23 from 5:30pm – 8:15pm.

While your visiting the VLM you can also purchase tickets for the holiday shows Star of Wonder: Mystery of the Christmas Star and Laser Holidays. Attendance to these shows are an add-on to Winter Nature Nights, and tickets to the main event are required to view these shows. Click this link for more information about each show and the ticket purchase links.

31st Annual Celebration in Lights

November 23, 2023 – January 1, 2023

Celebration in Lights, opens for its 31st season on Thanksgiving night (November 23, 2023). Relish in the two miles of over one million lights in their dazzling holiday light displays set amongst the beautiful woods and waterways at Newport News Park. The event will be open nightly from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.

New this year, a salute to the USS Newport News (CA-148), a ship named after our hometown and built by Newport News Shipbuilding! This impressive lighting installation presents a beautiful silhouette of the “Top Gun” awarded ship and stands 36 feet tall. Other new installations include the new City of Newport News logo, furry friends, sea life and more! 

Over 350 individual display pieces, 50+ arches, and over three miles of rope lighting enhance the natural beauty of the two-mile drive along Newport News Park’s main road. All new display pieces added since 2007 use LED lights which result in a savings of approximately 30% on electrical cost compared to incandescent bulbs and last 100,000 hours versus 3,000 hours for incandescent. Older (pre 2007) display pieces are being refitted with LED lights.

Admission:
$15.00 per car on weeknights (Monday – Thursday)
$18.00 per on weekends (Friday – Sunday)
$85.00 per bus (any night)

Cash, credit cards Visa/MC, and checks made payable to the City of Newport News are accepted at the gate. Advance purchase tickets may be purchased (good any night) for $12.00 at the Newport News Visitor Center at the entrance of Newport News Park.

Newport News Park is located at the intersection of Ft. Eustis Blvd. and Jefferson Ave. in Newport News, VA. Directions: Eastbound I-64 use Exit 247 (Lee Hall), Westbound I-64 use Exit 250 B (Ft. Eustis). For more information, call 757-886-7912.

Venue:
Newport News Park
13560 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23606

Phone: (757) 926-1400

Additional information 

Looking for Christmas Lights? Be sure to visit our Best Christmas Lights list for home, neighborhoods and public light displays!