Christmas In Williamsburg, VA
Special Colonial Williamsburg & Busch Gardens Combo Package:
Buy a special 3 Visit Christmas Bounce Ticket, valid for admission to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Colonial Williamsburg for three consecutive days from the date of first visit between Nov. 17, 2018 - Jan. 5, 2019. See details.
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.
For more holiday events in this area of Virginia, including Yorktown, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach events, visit Hampton Roads Visitor's 2017 Christmas Events page.
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 three locations - the Palace, the Magazine, and the Capitol. The event is free and open to the public.
Williamsburg's Grand Illumination is held on the Sunday of the first full weekend in December.
The 2017 Grand Illumination date is Sunday, December 3rd.
Williamsburg Christmas Parade
The 2017 Williamsburg Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 2nd.
Williamsburg's annual Christmas parade begins at Richmond Road and Brooks Street at 8:00 a.m. on December 3rd, 2016. The parade route runs down Richmond Road to Duke of Gloucester Street and ends at Duke of Gloucester and North Henry Street.
Williamsburg Christmas Homes Tour
The 2017 Williamsburg Christmas Homes Tour will be held on Saturday, December 2nd. Visit six private homes in and around Colonial Williamsburg's Revolutionary City. The homes are beautifully decorated with holiday floral arrangements. There are several ways to purchase tickets, please visit the Homes Tour website for details.
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 24, 2017 - January 1, 2018.
Holiday lights, Mistletoe Marketplace, 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.
New Christmas Town additions for the 2017 season include a bigger and better located Santa's Workshop, Rudolph's Movie Experience, and a new Gift of Harmony a cappella show.
Christmas Town single-day tickets are on sale now and priced at $15 to $25 through November 6, 2017.
Busch Gardens single-day tickets are sold on a variable pricing basis. Tickets purchased at the gate are $49. Tickets purchased online in advance cost significantly less.
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.