First Night has become a favorite family tradition in Williamsburg! Ring in the New Year with entertainment appropriate for all ages.  Over 25 musicians and entertainers will perform in locations throughout downtown and the William and Mary campus. Admission is $15 and kids five and under are free. Buy your admission buttons at participating shops all over Williamsburg.

I grew up in Williamsburg and nothing compares to spending Christmas in this magical place!  The decorations are always amazing and represent Christmas in a way that no modern LED lights can touch. No matter whether you have a little time or a lot of time to spend in town, I recommend walking around the restored area and taking in the sights. The beautiful decorations of real fruit and greenery are everywhere. There are also many musical events, and do try to make a church service at Bruton Parish Church if possible. Celebrating with a Tavern meal is also so fun and festive. Listed below are just a few of the events coming up this Saturday, December 24th.

Haunted tours don't end when October does! You can still enjoy all the scary fun into the month of November. Colonial Williamsburg books haunted tours throughout November.  Check out their web site for more information.

Colonial Williamsburg and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance are sponsoring a 9-11 Remembrance and Freedom Walk on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011. It starts at Merchants Square at 1:00 pm. The community is invited to join in as the Colonial Williamsburg Fife & Drums Corp, First Responders Colors and Military/1st Responders senior officials walk from Merchants Square to the courthouse on Duke of Gloucester Street in the restore area.

As I have said before, The Shakespeare Festival is one of my all-time favorite summer events in Williamsburg. Now playing is Hamlet, one of Shakespeare's best known plays and possibly the best ghost story ever told! Held at The College of William and Mary in Phi Beta Kappa Hall, tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students, and $10 for children 7-13 years. For more info call 757-221-2674 or visit www.wm.edu/vsf

Colonial Williamsburg will once again hold the Governor's Palace Picnic on July Fourth this year from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Cost is $55 adults, $25 youths 12- under. Reservations are reguired and must be made by July 2nd.

Come to visit Shirley Plantation on Monday, July 4th, for their Fourth Annual Independence Ice Cream Social! Ice cream, lemonade, and iced tea are included with the regular admission prices. Served between 2 and 4 pm, while supplies last. Enjoy festive period games such as lawn bowling, too. It's good old-fashioned fun for the whole family!

Busch Gardens will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks starting Saturday, July 2nd thru Monday, July 4th. The shows begin at 9:30 pm.

Colonial Williamsburg is having a birthday bash on the lawn at the DeWitt Wallace Museum on June 24th. The lawn opens for seating at 5 pm. From 6 to 7:30 you can purchase a picnic dinner from Huzzah! BBQ Grille. Enjoy visiting the museum from 6 to 8 pm for tours and activities. A swing band will perform from 7 to 8:30 on the lawn and complimentary cake and ice cream will be available. Starting at 8:45 pm, enjoy the showing of "Night At The Museum 2." What a fun way for a family to spend a summer evening!

The Williamsburg Farmers Market has Father's Day specials this weekend. Come out Saturday June 18th to Merchant's Square. Check out the fresh blueberries, raspberries, and tomatos.  Prentice Creek partners will entertain from 9 to 11:00. Blue Talon Bistro will be at the Chef Tent from 9:30 to !0:30.  Knife sharpening is available, too. The market is open from 8 to noon.