Best things to do in Williamsburg: January 2026
Best things to do in and around Williamsburg – January 2026
Blow the budget at Christmas and now fun in January is looking like a non-existent option? Well here is a list that may help. If you are looking for fun free, or not too expensive things to do this January in the Williamsburg, James City County and Yorktown area (and a little further down the Peninsula) below is the list for you!
Outdoor Ice Skating Rink in Colonial Williamsburg
Open Daily
Liberty Ice Pavilion will open daily through February 28, 2026, including holidays! Ice skate with your family on Duke of Gloucester Street at the outdoor Liberty Ice Pavilion! You can purchase day tickets or if you know you are going to be going more than a few times between – consider getting a Skate Season Pass. Day Passes and hours of operation here.
Winter Lantern Festival at the Jamestown Settlement
January 1 – 4 and 8 – 11 from 5 – 10 pm
The Winter Lantern Festival, produced by Kaleido Entertainment, is illuminating Jamestown Settlement with a dazzling display of light for the whole family. Guests will wander among glowing Chinese lanterns, each handcrafted and illuminated with vibrant LEDs. Inspired by ancient folklore, these displays turn the night into a magical journey of culture and imagination. Your ticket includes access to an acrobatic show featuring award-winning performers from China. Experience gravity-defying stunts. Witness the mesmerizing art of face-changing. This is entertainment you won’t forget. More info.
Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg
Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg is FREE! Explore the Art Museum on your own and/or take a 30 minute guided tour (daily in January) at 10 am and 12 pm. Fun, free, educational but in a way everyone will enjoy! And they have a great cafe to get a snack or lunch! If you haven’t been in a while (or ever) its worth repeat visits to this world class museum. Learn more…
Preschool Open Gym at Williamsburg Gymnastics
Thursday, January 8 from 10:30am-12pm
Open gym is open to the public and a great way to get the kids out of the house and release some of the pent-up energy that winter can sometimes bring. Staff are on hand to ensure a safe environment for all. Parents of preschoolers are required to stay. Register online.
Personalized Birthday Plate Workshop at Paint on Pottery
January 10 from 6 – 8 pm
A handmade birthday plate adds a special touch to any celebration, and now you can design your own. Easy-to-copy templates and festive design ideas will be provided. If you have a unique design in mind, staff will help bring your vision to life. Enjoy a relaxed, inspiring night of creativity as you paint a keepsake that will make every birthday feel extra special. Registration information here.
Fitness Open House at James City County Parks & Recreation
Saturday, January 17 from 9 – 11 am
It is time for a new healthy routine in the New Year! Meet their instructors, reserve a spot for demo classes and receive information on all that James City County Health & Wellness has to offer. Raffle prizes and Sentara Health Screenings. All ages. Free event. More info…
American Revolutionary Museum Yorktown – Free Admission for locals*
I had the good fortune of getting to spend a day with 4th graders on their field trip to the American Revolutionary Museum in Yorktown and it made me remember why I love this museum. Hallographic projections telling history to us in the first person. A movie theater in the round that tells the epic story of the last days of the decisive Battle of Yorktown. Your seats shudder when the bombs blast and smokey fog rises from the floor as the guns fire. Be sure to check out the “Fresh Views of the American Revolution” Special Exhibit. View original folk art paintings of Oscar de Mejo’s including The Declaration of Independence. But this is just on the inside of the museum. Outside museum interpreters are there in a rebuilt Revolutionary period town with a farm and roaming chickens. And that is just what we saw during a two hour field trip. Spend a day there and you will be amazed! *Best part? Residents of Williamsburg, James City County and Yorktown get in free with proof of residency. More info
Orientation to the Zoom Room
This 30-minute session allows you to get familiar with Zoom Room without your dog. Go over all the things that you need to know to get started in our training programs, discuss goals, and get you really excited about the unique classes and flexible scheduling that we offer. Call the store, (757) 808-5657 or book online. More info…
Winter Blues Jazz Fest
Thursday, January 16 – Sunday, January 19
The four-day Winter Blues Jazz Fest is back for its 12th year! The festival provides an enriching and entertaining weekend full of music and educational programs with options available to suit all tastes and budgets. The Winter Blues Jazz Fest has a little something for everyone. Most events will take place at The College of William & Mary Alumni House. Check out all the events and reserve your ticket here.
Family Day at Jamestown Settlement
Saturday, January 17 from 10 am – 3 pm
Family Days offer hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages and are open to the whole family. Create your own fresh views of the American Revolution with art making activities for all ages. Meet artists whose art is on display in the “Fresh Views of the American Revolution” special exhibition and enjoy an interactive story time. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency. More Info
Three Rivers/Three Peoples Hike at York River State Park
Monday, January 19 from 10 am – 1 pm
This hike, honors the shared history of African, European, and Native Americans who made their homes along the Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and York Rivers. Stop at certain points along the trails, in particular those that highlight the history of Taskinas Plantation (the colonial name for where our park is located) and other areas of historic significance. Of course, if something unique in the natural world captures your attention, we will share about that as well…More info
Basset Trace Nature Trail
If the weather holds…enjoy the Basset Trace Trail in Colonial Williamsburg. This is a free access trail to visitors and locals a like. Re-opened in the fall of 2019 this trail is beautiful. It has markers along the way to let you know about the different types of trees, shrubs and plants along the trail . Take a snap shot of the Bird Guide poster at the trail head so you can identify what you spot along your walk. Trail is 1.4 miles (2.8 mile round trip). Here is more on the Bassett Trace Nature Trail
Mariners Museum
$1 Admission – This museum took a bold stand two years ago and committed to $1 admission. That is right! Now they also have great films running and those are for an extra fee – so you might still consider purchasing a family membership. But they have great family programming including storytimes. This permanent exhibits in this museum will delight young and old and there is so much there – you can keep visiting over and over. They do have a restaurant but it is limited hours so check before you go. Their gift shop is worth a visit too! Learn more about them here.
Annual Working Wood in the 18th Century Conference
January 22 – 25
Expert craftspeople, scholars, and special guests at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation invite visitors to explore how taste, status, and budget shaped craftsmanship, celebrating ingenuity and quality at every level. For more information, see here.
The Last Word Comedy Festival
Opens on January 29
The Last Word Comedy Festival returns to Williamsburg, January 29 – February 1. Enjoy four days of shows, workshops, and receptions featuring improv and stand up comedy acts from around the country. Get your Festival pass for access to 23 comedy showcases. View the full schedule.
Busch Gardens Mardi Gras
Opens on January 30th
Busch Gardens Williamsburg will celebrate Mardi Gras! Learn more about this festive event at Busch Gardens! Continues select dates in February & March. Additional information here.
Author
