Things To Do in Williamsburg in Winter | Itinerary

One of our favorite weekend trips from the Maryland area is to Williamsburg. No matter the time of year, this is a charming, historic and exciting little area, but especially during the holiday season. If you are planning a trip to this area of Virginia and are looking for things to do in Williamsburg in December, this guide will give you great ideas in the historic area and surrounding cities as well as the full itinerary to spend a great weekend in Virgina. 

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Growing up, we would make the trip to Williamsburg, VA a few times a year: once in the Spring, again in the fall and once during the holiday season. I have memories from this trip, going back to when I was around 4 years old. I have taken friends with me, dealt with my younger brothers being crazy in historic sites, and have talked my cousins into riding rides that I knew they wouldn’t really enjoy. 

Williamsburg has a special place in my heart. It reminds me of family, growing up, history and my American Girl Doll, Felicity. Since I was homeschooled, we were able to go during the week and practically have private tours anywhere we went. I also fell in love with the College of William and Mary. 

As I get older, I appreciate this area even more. I get butterflies just driving through, and the proximity to Busch Gardens doesn’t hurt either.

The holiday season transforms Williamsburg, Virginia into a festive wonderland, blending rich history with modern holiday magic. With its charming colonial atmosphere, Williamsburg offers families a unique Christmas experience filled with twinkling lights, historical reenactments, and plenty of seasonal activities.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning for another holiday adventure, this 3-day itinerary will help your family create unforgettable memories during the most wonderful time of the year.

Williamsburg, Virginia Overview

Williamsburg, Virginia, is a city steeped in American history, known for its role in the nation’s early development and its restoration as a living museum. Situated in the historic “Historic Triangle” along with Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg was at the center of pivotal moments in colonial America, the American Revolution, and later, the preservation of America’s past.

Its story is one of growth, Revolution, and preservation, reflecting the evolution of the United States.

History dates back to the early 1600s, beginning with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, which was the first permanent English settlement in America. With a role in the American Revolution and being home to a bustling town with taverns, shops and artisan merchants, this town still has a feeling of stepping back in time. 

In the 1920s, it was determined to restore many parts of Williamsburg to what you see today, with beautiful buildings like the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, and many historic homes.

You can enjoy reenactments like a trial in the courthouse, watch a blacksmith at work, or participate in military drills. Williamsburg is far more than a historical attraction, it’s a thriving modern city that balances colonial heritage and contemporary life. 

It’s also home to my dream college as a child, the College of William & Mary, one of the country’s oldest higher education institutions, second only to Harvard. It’s a beautiful campus to explore! 

Despite the growth, the heart of Williamsburg remains its historical charm. The city stands as a symbol of America’s revolutionary spirit and its commitment to preserving the past for future generations.

Through the work of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, visitors can experience firsthand the sights, sounds, and stories of early America, making Williamsburg a vital link to the nation’s founding and its journey to independence.

Williamsburg Things To Do in December 

As mentioned, Williamsburg, Virginia, is a rich blend of colonial history, family fun, and modern attractions. Whether you’re visiting for a deep dive into America’s past or looking for activities the whole family can enjoy, Williamsburg offers plenty to do. Here’s a list of some of the best things to experience in and around Williamsburg:

 1. Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

• Description: During December, Colonial Williamsburg immerses visitors in the holiday spirit with its beautifully decorated historic buildings and festive events. The town is adorned with natural wreaths, garlands, and candles, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a wintery 18th-century wonderland. Take a stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street to admire the traditional holiday decor and catch the Grand Illumination, a fireworks display with live music and storytelling that kicks off the season. Experience holiday traditions, including special reenactments, concerts, and candlelight tours of historic homes.

• Highlights: Grand Illumination, festive wreaths, carolers, holiday performances, and evening tours.

 2. Busch Gardens Christmas Town

• Description: Busch Gardens Williamsburg transforms into a Christmas wonderland in December with its annual Christmas Town event, one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in the country. The park is decked out in millions of twinkling lights, and visitors can enjoy holiday-themed shows, festive food, and family-friendly rides. Don’t miss the chance to visit Santa’s Workshop and meet Santa Claus himself, or watch the popular Scrooge No More live musical. The park’s iconic roller coasters are open, but the true charm comes from the lights, music, and festive atmosphere.
• Highlights: Spectacular holiday lights, themed shows, festive dining, and seasonal rides.

 3. Yorktown Christmas Market on Main

• Description: A short drive from Williamsburg, Yorktown hosts its charming Christmas Market on Main Street during the first weekend of December. This outdoor market features over 100 vendors selling handmade crafts, holiday decorations, local foods, and gifts. Live entertainment, carolers, and special visits from Santa make this market a must-visit for families. The event concludes with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree, which brings the town to life with festive spirit.
• Highlights: Christmas shopping, local crafts, live entertainment, and festive tree lighting.

 4. Colonial Williamsburg Holiday Traditions Tour

• Description: Discover how early Virginians celebrated Christmas during the colonial era with the Holiday Traditions Tour at Colonial Williamsburg. Learn about 18th-century holiday customs, including how they decorated, celebrated, and hosted grand feasts. This special tour takes you through historic homes where costumed interpreters explain the significance of holiday traditions like the Twelve Days of Christmas and colonial feasts. You’ll also see the iconic Colonial Williamsburg Wreaths made from natural materials.
• Highlights: Educational tours, historic homes, and colonial Christmas traditions.

 5. A Christmas Carol at the Kimball Theatre

• Description: For a dose of classic Christmas entertainment, head to the Kimball Theatre in Merchant’s Square to see a live performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This beloved holiday tale is brought to life with stunning costumes, talented actors, and the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation after being visited by the three spirits of Christmas. It’s a perfect family-friendly activity that captures the essence of the holiday spirit.
• Highlights: Classic holiday story, live performance, and family-friendly fun.

 6. Ice Skating at Liberty Ice Pavilion

• Description: For a quintessential winter experience, visit Liberty’s Ice Pavilion in Colonial Williamsburg, where you can go ice skating under the glow of holiday lights at this fun ice rink. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, this outdoor rink offers a fun and festive activity for all ages. Hot cocoa and seasonal treats are available at nearby vendors, making it a perfect way to warm up after your skate.
• Highlights: Outdoor ice skating, Christmas lights, and seasonal treats.

 7. The Williamsburg Christmas Parade

• Description: Held on the first Saturday of December, the Williamsburg Christmas Parade is a festive event that brings the community together. The parade features beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, local performers, and an appearance from Santa Claus. It’s a family-friendly event that’s perfect for kicking off the holiday season in Williamsburg.
• Highlights: Festive floats, live musical performances, and community celebrations.

 8. Holiday Lantern Tours

• Description: Step back in time with a Holiday Lantern Tour in Colonial Williamsburg. As night falls, guides dressed in colonial attire will lead you through the historic area by lantern light. You’ll hear ghost stories, historical anecdotes, and holiday folklore from the colonial era. This unique tour offers a blend of history, mystery, and holiday charm.
• Highlights: Lantern-lit tours, historical storytelling, and colonial holiday folklore.

 9. Williamsburg Winery – Holiday Wine Tasting

• Description: For a more grown-up holiday experience, visit the Williamsburg Winery for a seasonal wine tasting. The winery offers special holiday-themed tastings and tours during December, featuring mulled wine, festive pairings, and limited-edition holiday releases. Take a tour of the winery’s beautiful grounds, learn about winemaking, and enjoy seasonal food pairings in their on-site restaurant, Gabriel Archer Tavern.
• Highlights: Holiday wines, festive pairings, and winery tours.

 10. Merchants Square Festive Shopping and Dining

• Description: Located adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square is a vibrant shopping and dining district that comes alive during December with holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and festive displays. Stroll through the square to find unique gifts at local boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops. Many of the restaurants in the area offer special holiday menus, making it a great place to enjoy a festive meal after a day of exploring. This Williamsburg Christmas Market is a great mix of historic items and modern Christmas gifts. 
• Highlights: Holiday shopping, local crafts, and seasonal dining.

 11. Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg: Festive Exhibits

• Description: The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum in Colonial Williamsburg host special exhibits and events during December that focus on holiday themes. Visitors can explore galleries featuring colonial Christmas traditions, handcrafted ornaments, and seasonal art. The museums also host workshops and craft activities for children and families.
• Highlights: Holiday-themed exhibits, folk art, and craft activities.

 12. Christmas Decorations Tour at Berkeley Plantation

• Description: A bit outside Williamsburg, the Berkeley Plantation offers a spectacular Christmas Decorations Tour during December. This stately home is decked out in festive garlands, wreaths, and period holiday decorations, giving visitors a glimpse into how the holidays were celebrated on Virginia’s grand plantations. Guided tours of the historic home and gardens are available.
• Highlights: Holiday decor, historical tours, and plantation history.

 13. Go Ape Treetop Adventure

• Description: For outdoor enthusiasts, Go Ape offers an exhilarating treetop adventure in nearby Freedom Park. The course includes zip lines, rope bridges, Tarzan swings, and other challenges, all set among the treetops. It’s a fun activity for families looking to combine outdoor adventure with a visit to Williamsburg.
• Highlights: Zip lines, tree-based obstacle courses, and outdoor fun.

3-Day Williamsburg In December Itinerary 

While a visit to Williamsburg is amazing at any time of year, it’s truly magical in December. Ideally, planning a trip during the first weekend of December will coincide with many of the above activities as well as annual events like the Grand Illumination, which is included in the itinerary below. 

Day 1: Colonial Williamsburg’s Timeless Christmas Charm

Morning: Explore Colonial Williamsburg

Kick off your family’s Williamsburg Christmas adventure by stepping into the 18th century. Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum, and during the holiday season, it shines with festive decorations reminiscent of colonial times. From handcrafted wreaths and garlands to traditional lanterns, the streets of the town evoke the warmth and spirit of Christmas past.

Must-Do Activities:

• Holiday Walking Tours: Join a costumed guide for the Holiday Decorations Tour, where you’ll discover how 18th-century residents celebrated Christmas. Learn the symbolism behind the decorations, which are made from natural materials like fruit, pinecones, and greenery. I absolutely love seeing all of the wreaths on the doors of each historic home- southern charm meets historic vibes. 
• Visit Trade Shops: Pop into some of the working trade shops like the Blacksmith and Silversmith, where costumed artisans demonstrate crafts that were vital in colonial times. Many artisans offer hands-on activities that are fun and engaging for kids.
• Family Crafting at the Art Museums: The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum offers interactive family workshops where kids can make traditional colonial-style ornaments to take home as souvenirs.
• Walk the Streets of Colonial Williamsburg: You don’t have to book a tour for everything to see it all. I love aimlessly walking the streets in Williamsburg, VA on our own time because you can stop in the shops, grab some cheese and rootbeers from the Cheese Shop, and enjoy the decorations at your leisure. A mix of tours and downtown in perfect.

Afternoon: Lunch at a Colonial Tavern

Treat your family to a colonial-style meal at Chowning’s Tavern or King’s Arms Tavern, where you’ll experience dining as it was in the 1700s. The menu features hearty fare such as Virginia ham, stews, and pies, while costumed servers entertain with stories of the past.

For kids, the taverns often feature simplified menus that cater to younger tastes, like turkey sandwiches or mac and cheese with a historical twist. We have tried many of the historic taverns in Williamsburg and these are two of our favorites. 

Evening: Grand Illumination and Caroling

If your visit coincides with Grand Illumination, make sure to stay for this iconic event. The entire town is lit up by candlelight, and the evening is capped off by a spectacular fireworks display, accompanied by colonial-style fife and drum performances.

Carolers in period costumes walk the streets singing classic Christmas tunes, and your family can join in the holiday cheer. Don’t forget to stop by Merchants Square for a cup of hot cider or chocolate to warm up while you explore.

Day 2: Busch Gardens Christmas Town Extravaganza

All Day: Busch Gardens Christmas Town

On your second day, head over to Busch Gardens Christmas Town, which is transformed into a winter wonderland every year. The park’s more than 10 million lights make it one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America.

Busch Gardens is an amusement park, but during the holidays, it becomes much more than just rides – it’s a fully immersive Christmas experience. (Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of our favorite theme park experiences in the US! And that says a lot coming from a Disney family)

Top Attractions for Families:

• Christmas Town Express: This scenic train ride offers the perfect way for families to take in the dazzling light displays while hearing a narrated Christmas story. It’s a must-do for both kids and adults.
• Santa’s Workshop: Meet Santa in his cozy workshop, where kids can share their Christmas wish lists and take photos with the jolly man himself. The workshop is beautifully decorated, making it feel like a true North Pole experience.
• Sesame Street Forest of Fun: Perfect for younger children, this section of the park offers holiday-themed rides and the chance to meet Elmo, Cookie Monster, and friends dressed in their Christmas best. 

Afternoon: Dining in Christmas Town

For lunch, there are several festive dining options within the park. Stop by Trappers Smokehouse for family favorites like barbecue chicken and ribs, or grab sweet holiday treats such as gingerbread cookies and eggnog at the Highland Stables café. Make sure to try a cup of Busch Gardens’ famous hot cocoa, topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles.

Evening: Festive Lights, Shows, and More

Stay into the evening to experience the park in full holiday mode. The O Tannenbaum light show features a 50-foot Christmas tree that sparkles with synchronized lights set to classic Christmas music. Be sure to catch one of the many live holiday shows, such as Deck the Halls, a high-energy performance filled with festive singing and dancing.

As you stroll through the park, you’ll discover different Christmas zones, each themed after a different European country, offering a delightful mix of international holiday traditions.

Day 3: Jamestown and Yorktown Christmas Experience

Morning: A Step Back in Time at Historic Jamestown

On your final day, dive deeper into history with a visit to Historic Jamestown. Just a short drive from Williamsburg, this site offers an immersive look into America’s first permanent English settlement. During the holidays, the settlement showcases how Christmas was celebrated in the early 1600s.

Suggested Activities:

• Walking Tours: Take a guided tour of the James Fort and Powhatan Village to learn about the early settlers and Native American tribes who interacted here. Historical interpreters share fascinating stories about life during the settlement’s first few years, including how early Christmas traditions began in the New World.
• Jamestown Settlement Museum: With hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, this museum is a great place for kids to explore artifacts, try on colonial clothing, and learn through play.

Afternoon: Yorktown’s Christmas Market

Drive to nearby Yorktown for a picturesque Christmas market on Main Street. The Yorktown Christmas Market on Main offers an array of holiday treats, handmade crafts, and live entertainment, making it a perfect spot to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs. The market is set against the backdrop of the historic waterfront, where you can take a relaxing stroll while admiring views of the York River.

Suggested Stops:

• Local Artisans: Pick up handmade ornaments, jewelry, and holiday décor from local craftsmen.
• Waterfront Dining: Enjoy lunch at one of Yorktown’s charming waterfront cafés. Restaurants like Water Street Grille offer a cozy atmosphere with scenic views, perfect for unwinding after a morning of exploration.

Evening: Colonial Christmas Lantern Tour **MUST DO!**

End your Williamsburg trip with a magical Colonial Lantern Tour back in Williamsburg. As the lanterns light your way, costumed interpreters will share stories of colonial Christmas traditions and local lore. The soft glow of the lanterns, combined with the quiet beauty of the historic district at night, creates a magical atmosphere that your family won’t soon forget.

Travel Tips for Families

• Book Early: Williamsburg is a popular Christmas destination, so make sure to reserve tickets for events like Grand Illumination, Busch Gardens Christmas Town, and lantern tours in advance.
• Pack Layers: Williamsburg can get quite chilly in December, especially during evening events, so pack warm clothing and layers to keep everyone comfortable.
• Stay in a Family-Friendly Hotel: Many Williamsburg hotels offer holiday-themed packages, which may include perks like free shuttle service to Busch Gardens or tickets to Colonial Williamsburg events. I highly recommend staying as close to the historic area as possible. 
• There are a wide variety of local restaurants both within the Downtown Williamsburg and just a short drive outside of it. A few of our favorites are Precarious Beer Project (beer, tacos, and arcade games), DoG Street Pub, and Food for Thought. 

With its blend of history, entertainment, and festive charm, Williamsburg offers the perfect family-friendly destination for a Christmas season getaway. You will all be sure to have a great time with this variety of things to do in Williamsburg. From sparkling light displays at Busch Gardens to cozy colonial taverns, this itinerary ensures your family will have a holiday season filled with joy, adventure and a little bit of Christmas magic!