Christmas in Williamsburg, Virginia

Christmas in Williamsburg VA is a magical time…a Dickens-like anticipation for the holiday melded with the classic and practical celebration style inspired by Colonial simplicity.

From the first holiday celebration that took place in Colonial Williamsburg in early 1930’s, a tradition was born that continues faithfully today. Twinkling candles in the windows of historic homes, the scent and elegance of fresh pine roping on doors, windows, and porches everywhere…the smell and spectacle of fruit-bedecked homes and businesses create a feeling of warmth and cheer often imitated but never matched!

Visit Williamsburg at Christmas and take a walking tour of the local homes and businesses in all their holiday finery. Join the festive gathering at Merchant's Square on Christmas Eve for the annual lighting of the tree and hear the much-loved story of Williamsburg’s first Christmas tree. There are holiday breakfasts, seminars on decorating, and a wine dinner with Thomas Jefferson!

• Williamsburg Christmas Parade with holiday floats and marching bands
• Grand Illumination: Thousands of candles, fireworks in the Historic Area at the Palace, Courthouse and the Capital, with music on multiple stages at the same time
• Live Theatre for Children: Musical performance on period instruments

The decorations and ornaments of choice for Williamsburg are, for the most part, crafted of natural materials: greenery, fresh and dried fruit, natural fabrics, all materials the early colonists would have had access to. (Santa Claus, tinsel, and bows came much later!) The charm and enchantment of celebrating Christmas in Williamsburg underscored by the commitment to hosting authentic Colonial holiday events.

When you visit Williamsburg for Christmas, you’ll celebrate the holidays in a setting you’ll never forget.