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Historic Jamestowne: On Saturday, Dec. 10 Jamestown Island is the backdrop for a truly unique opportunity to step 401 years back in time!
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Grand Illumination fireworks at the Governor’s Palace. Photo used courtesy the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
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Hosted by the Green Spring Garden Club, the 61st Annual Christmas Homes Tours will be offered on two Saturdays: Dec. 3 and Dec. 10.
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On Saturday, Dec. 3, locals and visitors alike will line Main Street Gloucester for the annual Gloucester Christmas & Holiday Parade.
In Williamsburg and its environs, residents and guests alike have a special place in their hearts for Christmas. There’s a reason people come from far and wide to experience the holidays here: the area boasts an abundant array of programming and events beginning shortly after Thanksgiving.
Below is a highlight reel of some of the locals’ favorite must-do activities and events.
Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination is truly one of the most spectacular events of the season, with people coming from far and wide to attend. Held in the Historic Area, the event is CW’s holiday gift to the community, so admission is free. This year, there will again be three weekends dedicated to the festivities. On Fridays Dec. 2, 9 and 16, enjoy a Yule Log Celebration, which starts at 6:00 p.m. On Saturdays Dec. 3, 10 and 17, Illumination Ceremonies begin at 5:00 p.m. when bells ring throughout the Historic Area and candles are ceremoniously lit in each window—one by one. At 7:00 p.m. sharp, the evening culminates with breathtaking fireworks displays. NOTE: Parking will be at a premium downtown all day, so Colonial Williamsburg recommends parking at the CW Regional Visitor Center and using the free shuttle to the Historic Area. Learn more about the Grand Illumination at colonialwilliamsburg.org/explore/special-event/grand-illumination.
The 61st Annual Christmas Homes Tour returns after a two-year hiatus. Hosted by the Green Spring Garden Club, the tours will be offered on two Saturdays: Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. According to Susan Dippre, co-chair of the Greenspring Christmas Homes Tour, these tours purposely coordinate with two of Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination weekends. Each tour will feature the Nelson-Galt House on Francis Street; on Dec. 3 and 10 there will be other Historic Area homes on tour. Tickets, which can be purchased online at greenspringgardenclub.org, are priced at $40 per weekend day (Saturday) or both weekends for $70. “Green Spring Garden Club members are very excited to share our love of Colonial Williamsburg properties and fill everyone with the spirit of Christmas,”
Dippre says. “Huzzah!” CultureFix VA returns this season with its European-style Christmas Market. The Market launches on Nov. 25 and runs every weekend through Dec. 21. Each Market will feature more than 30 vendor chalets—and well over 60 local, regional and national vendors over the duration of the market. This year’s location will be downtown Williamsburg at Bicentennial Park, which is located at 320 W. Court Street. There will be photo ops with Santa, live entertainment, glühwein (warm spiced wine), craft beers, Christmas music, firepits and delicious market food from local restaurants. Admission is free and parking will be available in Merchants Square parking lots as well as hourly street parking downtown. Learn more at culture-fix.org.
Williamsburgers (and visitors) love 2nd Sundays Holiday Festival and Pop-up Markets! 2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival runs over the course of many months but on Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, the festival rings in the holidays. Set in downtown Williamsburg at 401 N. Boundary Street, the holiday-themed artisan event will boast more than 120 artisans spanning six blocks. Featuring live music and food trucks, 2nd Sundays runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. The festival’s main stage will be set back from 401 N. Boundary, and extends to Talbots in Williamsburg’s Merchants Square.
According to Shirley Vermillion, founder of 2nd Sundays and LoveLight Placemaking, pop-up markets will feature more than 25 unique artisans along Prince George Street on the following Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas: Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, 2022. “Keep your holidays local and handmade this year,” Vermillion says. “We’ll have something for everyone on your list, from original artwork to stocking stuffers and teacher appreciation gifts.” Visit 2ndsundayswilliamsburg.com for more information.
A Special Evening at Historic Jamestowne: On Saturday, Dec. 10 Jamestown Island is the backdrop for a truly unique opportunity to step 401 years back in time! Bask in the glow of Jamestown by firelight as the island’s iconic church is illuminated and celebrations commence. There will be caroling around bonfires and other activities to celebrate the coming of the growing season and the rebirth of their world. The hallmark of the evening includes “At Christmas be Mery: A Special Evening at Historic Jamestowne,” which presents a special moment at Historic Jamestowne, offering insights into the origins of several traditions to show what Christmas of 1621 might have been like for the colonists at early Jamestown. Tickets must be purchased in advance. More information about the program, including exact times and ticket price, will be available in November at historicjamestowne.org.
At the other end of the Colonial Parkway, come experience the transformation of Historic Main Street in Yorktown as the town makes ready for its popular Christmas Market. Yorktown Christmas Market on Main Street is a two-day event that will take place Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Stroll and shop as nearly 100 artists and vendors set up their wares. Antique cars line the street while strolling musicians entertain and food trucks help patrons keep hunger at bay. Free to the public, this is one of the most anticipated Yorktown events every holiday season. Visit Yorktown’s calendar at the following website for details as they emerge: visityorktown.org/Calendar.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, locals and visitors alike will line Main Street Gloucester for the annual Gloucester Christmas & Holiday Parade. The parade begins at 3:00 p.m. and is followed by a tree lighting at 5:00 p.m. Come revel in the spirit as dozens of floats, bands and community groups will bring the holiday spirit to Main Street. Make sure to stay ’til the end to see a special guest! At 5:00 p.m. after the parade, the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree takes place on the Lawn of the Gloucester Museum of History. Learn more about this event at gloucesterva.info.
Even if you can’t make it to one of these holiday events, don’t worry—there are plenty of other happenings throughout and beyond the Yuletide season. Worship in an historic church. Enjoy the ambiance and a festive meal and libation at any of the area’s restaurants. Duke of Gloucester Street is always beautifully decorated, so be sure to take a stroll down there while you’re in town. There’s also ice skating (and hot chocolate!) at Liberty Ice Pavilion. Across the street from Merchants Square, the campus of William & Mary also provides a stunning backdrop for an afternoon walk.
Happy holidays!
For additional information about holiday events, go to colonialwilliamsburg.org.