Christmas In Williamsburg, VA
Visiting Williamsburg for the Holidays
Step back into time and celebrate the holiday season in Colonial Williamsburg. The holiday celebrations in Williamsburg take on the pace and tone of Colonial days, but that doesn't mean there's not plenty of fun and excitement to be enjoyed, such as Williamsburg's traditional Grand Illumination Celebration which ends with a spectacular fireworks display. The Grand Illumination is something visitors return to see again and again.
Williamsburg Hotels: See special offers.
To enjoy the total Colonial Christmas experience, be sure to make plans to enjoy a traditional meal at the Williamsburg Lodge or one of the taverns.
And while you're in the Williamsburg area you might want to pay a visit to see the special Christmas offerings at the Busch Gardens amusement park. They have lots of special holiday attractions and entertainment lined up for their Christmas Town Celebration.
And for a little background reading before your visit, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has a whole page of information about Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg including, history, decorations, dining and recipes.
Things to Do
The Grand Illumination
The Grand Illumination is the big annual holiday event in Colonial Williamsburg. There is musical entertainment on multiple stages during the early evening and then fireworks are fired from two locations - the Governor's Palace and the Capitol. The event is free and open to the public.
Williamsburg's Grand Illumination used to be held on one weekend in December, but the event now repeats on three consecutive December Saturdays, giving more people an opportunity to attend. The Grand Illumination dates for 2023 are December 2, 9, & 16.
Williamsburg Christmas Parade
The 2023 Williamsburg Christmas Parade is Sunday, December 3rd at 5:00pm.
Vist the parade website for details about the parade route.
Williamsburg Christmas Homes Tour
The 2023 Williamsburg Christmas Homes Tour will be held on Saturday, December 2nd. Visit four private homes in and around Colonial Williamsburg's Revolutionary City. The homes are beautifully decorated with holiday floral arrangements. Please visit the Homes Tour website for details and ticket information.
Tours
There are regular guided orientation walks, which are a great way to get an overview of what Colonial Williamsburg has to offer. Special walking tours are included throughout the holidays, including Chrismas decoration tours. And Tavern Ghost Walks are scheduled on a regular basis. See tours information.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Select days November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024.
Holiday lights, rides, and special holiday shows await you at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Each year, this popular amusement park goes all out for the holiday season with decorations, holiday shows, and special activities, plus many of the park's regular attractions and rides are still open for visitors to enjoy.
2023 Busch Gardens Christmas Town Ticket Information
Hotels
Williamsburg Inn - The best place to stay for the perfect holiday getaway. This historic hotel is beautiful and the service and amenities can't be beat. See Rates.
Williamsburg Lodge - Great location in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. You'll be able to park your car and leave it parked as you set out to do your exploring. See Rates.
Hotels closest to Colonial Williamsburg - Find the hotels with the best locations.