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Find fun family activities and events to fill your weekend. If you don't find the perfect fit below then visit our Daily Calendar for all the events! 

December 5 - 8 Highlights

Williamsburg Christmas Market - Behind the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg - Thursday, December 5 - Sunday, December 8

5th annual Williamsburg Christmas Market is fun for the entire family. With 40 chalets set up this is the perfect spot to get some unique holiday gifts. Enjoy live entertainment, adults can indulge in gluhwein (warm spiced wine) & craft beers, hot chocolate, Christmas music, firepit, & delicious market food. Kids will have fun too with a petting zoo and train ride. AND Santa will be there for photo ops - daily from 12 – 4pm! Admission is $5 and can be used during the season. THURSDAYS are free, 8 and under as well as students with ID’s are free. Additional information
Hours: 
Thursday & Sunday: 11am-6pm
Friday: 11am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-7pm

FREE Community Tree Lighting - Colonial Williamsburg - Thursday, December 5 at 5 pm

Event begins at the steps of the Colonial Courthouse at 102 W Duke of Gloucester St. This is free & open to the public.

Festivities begin at 5 pm in front of the Courthouse steps with a special reading of The Night Before Christmas. Hear the story of the first Christmas tree in Virginia. Sing classic Christmas carols...more info

Holiday classes at Tabitha Sewer Studio - Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 8!

Check out the kid and adult classes going on this Thursday through Sunday! 

Thursday, 5th at 5:15 pm: Santa's Elves Workshop - Age 5+, parents are welcome to stay and assist. With a wacky variety of recycled materials and festive holiday baubles, crafters will make a Reindeer with decorated antlers, Squishy Snow Gnomes and a cardboard Gingerbread House.

Saturday, 7th at 10 am & 11 am: Intro to Machine Part 1&2 - Prerequisites for all other classes at the studio. Your child will learn their way around a sewing machine.

Saturday, 7th at 2:30 pm: Holiday Open House - A team will be here to answer all your questions about classes, events, and how to get involved in a vibrant crafting community. Enjoy free mini-projects suitable for all ages. 

Sunday, 8th at 2:30 pm: Project Rescue Holiday Workshop - Bring a sewing project that needs a little guidance or a craft that feels stuck, expert staff will be on hand to provide personalized assistance and answer questions. More 

Big weekend of Fun at Tap N Roll!

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newbie looking to dive into the world of tabletop games, this is the place to be...

Thursday 5th: Magic Standard Showdown
Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Play
Pokémon League Play

Friday 6th: Friday Night Magic Drafts
Lorcana & Star Wars Drafts

Saturday 7th: One Piece 2nd Anniversary Pre-release Tournament!
Find Tap N Roll at the Toano Holiday Craft Bazaar & Vendor

Sunday 8th: Get ready for an epic HALO Flashpoint Day of Play! More info

Decorated Wreath Sales - Williamsburg Christmas Market - Thursday, December 5 - Sunday, December 8

Don't miss your chance to buy a Williamsburg-style wreath made by the designers who 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. See all dates & hours... More Info

⛸️Liberty Ice Pavilion in Merchants Square is Open Daily

Kick off the holiday season in Merchant Square! The ice rink is now open daily (hours vary). Refreshments including hot cider, coffee, and more will be available for purchase only steps away from the ice. Or make it an evening with dinner at one of the restaurants in Merchants Square just across the street. The season lasts till Feb 28, 2025 so consider a Season Pass!..More Info on skate rental, concession & hours
Hours this week:
Thursday & Sunday: 12 pm - 8 pm
Friday: 12 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 10 pm

Artful Winter Evenings - Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg - Thursday, December 5 at 5 pm

Holiday cheer meets artistic wonder with guided tours of galleries featuring Christmas trees inspired by surrounding artwork, a 16-foot Folk Art Christmas tree adorned with over 2,000 hand-crafted ornaments, holiday performances (separate ticket required), ornament crafting and warm winter treats. Stay for the concert featuring The Three Tenors at 7 pm . More info

Sip & Save - Carousel Children's Boutique - Thursday, December 5 from 5 - 7 pm

The Carousel Children's Boutique has the most wonderful children's holiday clothes! Enjoy refreshments as you pick up all the goodies to put under your tree and in your stockings. Receive 25% off one item during the event!...more info

A Charles Dickens Christmas - Hennage Auditorium - Friday, December 6 from 4 - 5 pm

A holiday show featuring readings from various Charles Dickens writings paired with Christmas carols of the Victorian era. The musicians will play 19th-century instruments, including the cornopean, cornet, violin, ophicleide, and more. Join in as you hear cherished stories and sing-alongs! Tickets and information

Busch Gardens Christmas Town - Open Daily!

It is officially the most wonderful time of the year as Busch Gardens Christmas Town is open! Sparkling lights, abundant decorations, festive foods, live seasonal music, unique shopping and of course roller coasters and rides. The spirit of the season comes alive! Need a ticket(s) be sure to check out our Busch Gardens discount page

Parents’ Night out – Holiday Figurines Pottery Class - Friday, December 6 from 6 - 8 pm

Sign the kids up for a festive and fun class where they will paint these cute Holiday Figurines to kick off the Christmas season! It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! Pizza, snacks, and drinks included. Spaces are limited. Registration info

Dewey Decibel Concerts: Bill Jenkins and the Virginia Mountain Boys - Friday, December 6 at 7:30 pm

Singer, song-writer, and cross-picking guitar virtuoso Bill Jenkins and his string band, the Virginia Mountain Boys, bring to life the authentic ballads, camp meeting songs, and early bluegrass favorites of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Tickets only $5 (Friends of WRL $4). More info

Celebration of the Yule Log - Colonial Williamsburg - Friday, December 6 from 6 - 7:30 pm

FREE & Open to the public! Follow the Yule Log, hauled by wagon, from Capitol Circle to Market Square. Enjoy music, festivity, lighting of the cressets, and the community of 18th-century and present-day Williamsburg as you make a wish and toss a sprig of greenery into the bonfire. This is the start to the first Grand Illumination Weekend of Events! More Info

Tree Lighting - Victory Monument & Riverwalk Landing Victory Monument Festivities begin at 6:30 pm on Friday, December 7

Festivities begin at 6:30 at the Victory Monument live music from local elementary school students, as well as a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. From there, the procession will make its way to Riverwalk Landing, where the tree lighting ceremony will begin. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to stay for a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be eager to hear all about those wish lists! Enjoy holiday music from the TRADOC Band, and be sure to stop by the Freight Shed to sign holiday cards for first responders and members of the U.S. military.. More Info

Williamsburg Farmers Market - Duke of Gloucester St. - Saturday, December 7 from 8 am - 12 pm

Start your morning right - head to Duke of Gloucester Street in the heart of Merchants Square and Colonial Williamsburg. Grab a coffee and shop over 30 vendors with produce, soap, baked goods, prepared foods, honey, and much more!  More Info

Toano Holiday Craft Bazaar & Vendor Fair - Toano Middle School - Saturday, December 7 from 9 am - 1 pm

Shop handcrafted items, local foods, and lots of gifts for the holiday season. Over 40 vendors, Christmas mini photography sessions on site, raffles, coffee and baked goods for sale. The Chorus will also be there offering gift wrapping. There will also be a ton of items up for raffle. More info

Christmas Market on the Main - Riverwalk Landing - Saturday & Sunday December 7 & 8 from 10 am - 3 pm

Searching for the perfect gift? You’re sure to find it at the Christmas Market on Main in Yorktown! This two-day (Dec. 7-8) event is one of the most anticipated, every holiday season.

Close to 100 vendors line the street selling everything from nautical paintings and handmade soaps to Christmas wreaths and more - PLUS Santa will be there and.... More Info

Ford’s Colony Model Railroad Show - James City County Library - Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8

All aboard! Celebrate the Ford’s Colony Model Railroad Club's incredible 20th year of bringing joy with their breathtaking miniature worlds! Don't miss out on the enchanting trains and stunning scenery at both the library and the Norge Depot. Plus, enjoy convenient door-to-door transport by the Kiwanis!! More info

Viking Yuletide Celebration - Watermen's Museum - Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8 from 10 am - 4 pm

Observe a Victorian age reenactment and hear St. Nicholas contrast both eras’ contributions to today’s holiday celebrations. The Museum will also be hosting games, crafts, shows, and more! More info

Holiday Tea with Klara - Williamsburg Community Building - Saturday, December 7 from 12 pm & 3 pm

Enjoy sweet treats, tea, crafts, and dancing with Klara and her Nutcracker friends. Also included is a special reading of The Nutcracker story accompanied by a performance. This sparkling event for ALL ages is a holiday tradition and sells out annually. More Info

🎅 FREE Photos with Santa in New Town - Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8 from 12 - 3:30 pm

We love this Santa!  And a big thank you to the Shops in New Town for creating a FREE Photos with Santa weekly event for families this Christmas Season!

Snap your own photo with Santa in his Workshop and have it instantly! Furry friends are also welcome. Santa will be waiting to hear wish lists and take pictures. The last weekend is Saturday & Sunday December 14-15...More info

Holiday Open House - Tabitha Sewer Studio - Saturday, December 7 from 2:30 - 5:30 pm

Everyone's Invited! Step into the heart of creativity at their Open House! Tabitha Sewer Studio is opening their doors to the community for a fun, hands-on day where you can explore all the exciting programs, activities, and clubs they offer! Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a curious beginner, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about what their studio offers and see their space in action. More info

Annual Holiday Party at Ryan Eure Designs - Saturday, December 7 from 3 - 7 pm

Enjoy live music, food, beer/wine, a jewelry sale and some talented artists to mingle with. This event is free and open to the public!  More Info

More Info

Live Music on the Social Terrace with Something Diff Duo - Saturday, December 7 from 5 - 8 pm

Let’s get social on Williamsburg’s most beautiful and spacious patio: The Social Terrace! This patio has comfortable seating, fire-pit's, and outdoor bar all over looking the golf course. It is located on the backside of the stunning Colonial Williamsburg Inn. A well kept local secret and a treat for the visitor to find. More info

Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade - Yorktown Waterfront - Saturday, December 7 from 6 - 8 pm

This annual event has been a community tradition for more than two decades. Watch as a fleet of decorated boats compete for Best in Show. Pre-parade festivities start at 6 pm and include caroling around illuminated braziers, a musical performance by The Fifes and Drums of York Town, and complimentary hot cider. At 7 p.m., the boats will make their way down the river in a dazzling show of lights. Families are encouraged to bring flashlights to assist in navigation around town at night. More info

Grand Illumination - Colonial Williamsburg - Friday, December 6 & Saturday, December 7

Fireworks Saturday Nights at 7 pm

Three Weekends: December 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21

The Celebration of the Yule Log on Friday night leads into a weekend of events. Each evening includes seasonal music, the lighting of the cressets, and a procession led by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. Each Grand Illumination event weekend culminates in firework demonstrations over the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol on the Saturday Night at 7 pm. More Info

More Info

Just Beyond Boundary Live - Precarious Beer Project - Saturday, December 7 at 9:30 pm

Just Beyond Boundary (JBB) is live this Saturday night at Precarious Beer Project - come unwind after a long week and enjoy a group that’s all about blending the best of two worlds: psychedelic and southern rock. With their mesmerizing sound, they’ll transport you to a whole new dimension, where swirling guitar solos and soulful vocals collide with the grit and groove of southern rock. Live music at Precarious is FREE and all ages! More Info

More Info

Breakfast with Santa - Riverwalk Restaurant - Sunday, December 8 from 8:30 - 10 am

Enjoy a delicious meal with St. Nicholas. A balloon artist will entertain children while kids get pictures with Santa. There will be other surprises throughout the breakfast, and Santa will read “The Night Before Christmas”. More info and reservations here.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas Exhibit Kickoff - Stryker Center - Sunday, December 8 from 1 - 3 pm

Celebrate the opening of the collaborative exhibit between W&M Libraries and the WRL Gallery at Stryker Center. Browse the exhibit and enjoy family activities, including a wintery dance party with Olaf the Snowman and craft a snowman magnet. More

Cookies with Santa (FREE) - York Hall - Sunday, December 8 from 1 - 4 pm

FREE and open to the public. Bring the kiddos and watch their faces light up as the meet Santa! Be sure to bring your cameras to snap a picture. Don't forget to stop by the Gallery at York Hall for some holiday shopping. More

Music: Jolly Old St. Nicholas at The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on Sunday, December 8 at 1:30pm

In this concert in the Hennage Auditorium, celebrate that jolly old elf and his friends. Discover worldwide traditions with Gabe Stone and David Gardner as they share tunes and stories about the star of the Christmas gift-giving season. $10 event ticket as well as Museum admission ticket or Good Neighbors pass is required. More info

Part of the Hennage Holiday Concert Series, the music of well-loved performers ushers in the season's spirit. 

More Info

Christmas Workshop & Parade Hospitality Tent - Williamsburg Presbyterian Church - Sunday, December 8 from 3:30 - 6:30 pm

The community is invited to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church for a Christmas craft workshop. ☕ Be sure to stop by the hospitality tent for hot chocolate, coffee, and treats before and during the Christmas parade! The courtyard is right on the parade route, and the perfect spot to keep the kiddos fueled for the fun ahead! More info

More Info

Christmas Concert with a Broadway Twist - Tiffany Haas - King of Glory - Sunday, December 8 at 5:30 pm

Christmas Concert with a Broadway Twist featuring Tiffany Haas star of Broadway's Wicked with guest performance by Susan Linnell. Tickets are $25 - include light appetizers. Program is a fundraiser for King of Glory School. More Info

Christmas Around the Campfire - Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center - Sunday, December 8 from 6 - 8 pm

“Christmas Around the Campfire” offers a peaceful break from the holiday rush. Featuring festive activities such as caroling, wagon rides, scripture readings, and a journey through the nativity story. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, and a cozy campfire gathering. Free and open to the public. More info

More Info

✨Shimmer & Shine Holiday Lights Driving Map in Williamsburg and Yorktown is Back!

We have compiled a list of homes that are a must see for holiday lights and decorations. We will be adding homes daily!  See the map, pictures of home and how to submit your home... more info

Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park - Open Nightly from 5:30 – 10 pm

Celebration in Lights, opens for its 32nd season on Thanksgiving night. 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. More info

Evening Programs this weekend in Colonial Williamsburg

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy evening programs! These are great experiences for locals and tourists alike! Haunted Williamsburg is the only ghost tour that goes inside the buildings. Cry Witch is a must see. Here are the ones going on this weekend: More Info

  • Haunted Williamsburg - Nightly at 7:30 & 8:30 pm
  • Revolutionary Points of View - Thurs at 7 pm
  • Cry Witch - Fri at 7:30 & 9 pm
  • To Hang a Pirate - Thurs & Sat at 7:30 & 9 pm

Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design Exhibition - Jamestown Settlement - Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Jamestown Settlement is showcasing the incredible work of two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. She has crafted unforgettable costumes for iconic films and TV shows like Roots, Amistad, Malcolm X, Selma, Do the Right Thing, and Black Panther. Come see over 60 of her original garments up close and get a behind-the-scenes... More Info

Where to find Santa!

It's our Annual Guide of Where to Find Santa in and around Williamsburg & Yorktown! He is at many different venues this year! More

Best Things to Do in and around Williamsburg in December

It is a wonderful (and busy) time of year! There are so many wonderful events in and around Williamsburg. Have fun and enjoy this special time with your family and friends! See the full list here.

How To Advertise Your Event

Upcoming Events

A Night in Bethlehem - King of Glory - Friday, December 13 from 6 - 8 pm

Come and explore the city of Bethlehem and learn about the ancient city at the time of Christ's birth featuring fun and activities for the entire family. PLUS The Teeny Tiny Farm will be there!  Get your $2 tickets

Yorktown Market Days Mistletoe Market - Riverwalk Landing - Saturday, December 14 from 9 am - 3 pm

Stroll Riverwalk Landing for chowders and soups; baked goods, including an assortment of cakes, breads, brownies, fudge, and cookies; jams, jellies, and honey; holiday wreaths; candles and soaps; and local seasonal art. March in the annual Toyland Parade at 1:30 p.m., and don’t forget to hop aboard the Riverwalk Landing Polar Express for a loop around the festivities! More info

Santa in the Country at Peace Hill Farm - Saturday, December 14 from 10 am - 2 pm

Ho, Ho, Ho...Santa is visiting Peace Hill Farm historic Great Barn. Visit Santa, enjoy cookies, and make ornaments in a relaxed, no pressure experience. Parents can take pictures! Only $10/child ($13/door). Leashed & vaccinated pets welcome!​ More info

Candle Light Christmas - American Revolution Museum at Yorktown - Saturday, December 14 from 6 - 8 pm

Enjoy festive crafts, stories, and a visit from Santa in the museum, then step back in time with 18th-century holiday traditions in the Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. End the evening with Christmas carols led by a living-history interpreter, sweet treats, and warm drinks under the glow of candlelight. More Info

iDance presents Christmas Dreams – December 14 & 15 - Get your tickets!

Christmas Dreams is a unique-to-Williamsburg show. Residents and visitors have made this a part of their  holiday traditions! It’s Christmas in Williamsburg, and Janie Sparkle wants just one thing this Christmas: for all her wishes to come true! When an unexpected and unfortunate incident occurs, only one thing stands between Janie and Christmas morning—an enchanted world where nothing is as it seems. More info

A Christmas Carol at Williamsburg Players - Select dates December 12- 22 - Get your tickets

This is a timeless tale of rebirth and redemption as a gumpy old miser is visited by three ghosts and his life choices all on Christmas eve. A traditional holiday classic for the entire family, guaranteed to fill you with the Christmas spirit and warm your heart. More info

Classes & Activities

Tap N Roll – Weekly Events at the Game Store

Join Tap N Roll this December for an unforgettable gaming experience. From casual leagues to competitive events, they’ve got something for everyone. Special Events This Month:

  • Magic the Gathering: 2 Slot RCQ Dec 7th
  • Union Arena Play & Tournaments – Starts Dec 3rd
  • HALO Flashpoint Day of Play - Dec 8th
  • Competitive Puzzle Tournament – Dec 14th
  • Pokémon Tournament – Dec 21st
  • Pokemon Tweens & Teens Meetup - Dec 22nd
  • more info

Holiday Inspired Classes for Adults & Kids at Paint on Pottery!

Paint on Pottery has a new location - still in High Street but around the corner (by 5 Guys) - and they have a host of new programs coming up including Vintage Christmas Tree Class on Tue., Dec. 10 - See all upcoming classes here 

Zoom Room Dog Training Classes & Playgroups

Do you have a puppy in need of training classes or maybe an older dog that needs to learn some new tricks? Zoom Room has many different levels of classes and certifications They also have playgroups organized by age and size of dogs. And they offer Therapy Dog/ CGC class for advanced pups continuing to train for advanced AKC titles in CGC and Therapy Dog.  Learn more and sign up!

Tabitha Sewer Studio - Holiday Inspired Classes

There are a bunch of upcoming classes with a holiday flare at Tabitha Sewer Studio - but we had to post a picture of their Dog Lovers Handmade Gift class that is coming up on Dec 9 & 16 More info

🤸‍♀️Register Now for Williamsburg Gymnastics Winter Classes!

Registration for winter classes is open. Pre-K, Recreational, and Tumbling classes for all ages and abilities. Classes begin in January, but don't delay some classes will fill up. Williamsburg Gymnastics has been providing quality gymnastics in Williamsburg for 50 years! Sign up!

Winter Tinkergarten - Outdoor Learn and Play Class - Signup!

Calling all little explorers and their grown-ups! This winter, embrace the magic of the season with Tinkergarten—a play-based learning adventure for kids in the great outdoors. Join this 9 week class now and get ready for a fun adventure! More info

News & Press Releases

Colonial Williamsburg announces it's 2024 Holiday Events in its Holiday Planner

Sit back, grab your favorite beverage, your calendar and get ready to plan your fun holiday events by checking out Colonial Williamsburg's Holiday Planner 2024! See it here

Deals & Special Offers

Special Offers & Discounts on Colonial Williamsburg Hotels

If you are coming to Colonial Williamsburg for the holiday season or if you have family and friends coming - direct them to this post - it has the latest deals and offers (ones including Christmas Town at Busch Gardens)  See all the offers

More Info

Discount tickets for attractions in Williamsburg & Yorktown

Looking for discounted tickets to your favorite spots in Williamsburg?  Here is our big list of discounts for locals and visitors!  See all the offers

More Info

How to get a Colonial Williamsburg Good Neighbor Pass and why it is a Great Deal!

Colonial Williamsburg’s Good Neighbor Pass – a local’s best deal to the historic area! The Colonial Williamsburg’s Good Neighbor Pass (GNP) will give you 365 days of access to the entire historic areas and discounts on shopping!

Who is eligible?* visit here for zip codes and details! 

Free Admission for Locals* to the Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

To show appreciation for their neighbors and to honor their commitment to the area, local residents receive free admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with proof of residency. Who is eligible?* visit here for zip codes and details! 

Jobs

Looking for a Job or Looking to Hire?

Our jobs page is busy!  Click here to see jobs available or list a job you need filled.  Search for a job for free.  List a job for $15.99 for one month! And you can list multiple job openings on one $15.99 job listing!  Visit here...

Learn More

Shopping!

Burg Shirts! Get your Burg Wear!

Unisex Tshirts that show your love of The Burg while being fashionable and oh, so soft! New Colors just in! Check out all options online. Shirt in photo is Heather Slate.

Shop

Daily Funny on Social Media

Do you see our Daily Funny posted at 6:45 a.m. daily? This is the most popular one from this past week!

We post a "Daily Funny" every morning at 6:45 am on our  Facebook,  Twitter  &  Instagram accounts. The funny above was the most popular one last week. Follow us and check in every morning for a laugh! Just click the social icons below and "follow"

Our Daily Calendar has great things to do - some online but more and more are now in person!

Check out our Daily Calendar and find fun things to do with you friends and family!  More Info

Learn More
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WilliamsburgFamilies

www.WilliamsburgFamilies.com

1313 Jamestown Road, Suite 105
Williamsburg VA 23185

Contact: Olivia@williamsburgfamilies.com

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