Month-long events
Experience centuries-old holiday traditions at Jamestown Settlement during A Colonial Christmas. Visitors will learn about Jamestown colony’s early years as well as the English colonists’ Christmas at sea in December 1606 and the Powhatan Indian hospitality shown to Captain John Smith’s trading party in 1608 during a winter storm. There will be special festivities from Dec. 23-31 featuring period musical entertainment and appearances at Jamestown Settlement by the Lord of Misrule. A Jamestown Settlement holiday film and interpretive programs compare and contrast English Christmas customs of the period with how the season may have been observed in the difficult early years of the Jamestown colony.
Christmas shines brightest at Busch Gardens® Christmas Town ™ in Williamsburg, Virginia. The world’s most beautiful theme park shines brightest with over eight million Christmas lights, making it the largest light display in North America. Take the family to visit and enjoy festive food and drink, holiday shopping and heart-warming shows make the spirit of the season come alive. New this year is Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland in the Holiday Hills area as well as the addition of Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Tempesto. Christmas Town is open select dates Dec. 2-4 and daily from Dec. 9-Jan. 2.
Head to New Town this holiday season for all of your shopping needs and to see Santa! Visit Santaland located across from Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Dec. 18. Parents will receive a free coupon book to some of your favorite shops in New Town!
Special activities
Need a Christmas tree? Enjoy a tree grown in James City County! MillFarm Christmas Tree & Berry Farm is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for tree cutting. MillFarm offers White Pine, Caroline Sapphire, Leyland Cypress and Blue Spruce varieties. Cost varies by size. There are also pre-cut Frasier Firs available. The farm takes cash or check.
Panda Productions and New Town Williamsburg presents Caroloke & Cocoa on the Civic Green (gazebo) at the end of Main Street by Opus 9 Steakhouse on Saturday, Dec. 3. Activities include caroling and karaoke, the annual tree lighting in New Town Williamsburg and free hot cocoa at the create-your-own-cocoa station. There will be prizes for the karaoke contests!
Schedule
- 5:15 p.m. - Kids Caroling/Karaoke Contest
- 5:45 p.m. - Family Karaoke Contest
- 6 p.m. - Tree Lighting
- 6:15 p.m. - Adult Karaoke Contest
Join Santa Claus and support the York River State Park at Jingle Bark in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 10 from noon until 3 p.m. Walkers will receive a set of "jingle bells." Dogs will receive a special treat. Enter your pooch in the holiday hat/outfit contest. Coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies will be provided. Donations of pet food and supplies will be accepted. Park is $4.
Attend “At Christmas Be Mery,” a special evening event at Historic Jamestowne on Saturday, Dec. 10. This event will be offered at two times: 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sir George Yeardley, Virginia’s Governor in 1620, invites you to an early-Virginia Christmas celebration complete with a seasonal bonfire, caroling, and firing of the Christmas guns! Join this special program offering insights into early-English Christmas traditions. After a brief introduction to what the Jamestown settlers expected during their Christmastide, the Captain of the Guard will escort the “new arrivals” along a cresset-lit path to the Memorial Church. Governor Yeardley will then offer a welcome before inviting everyone to sing carols. Afterwards go outside to herald in the season by a bonfire with remembrances of “Yule times” past, dancing, and the firing of the Christmas guns! Tickets, which are $18 each, are limited and must be bought in advance.
94.9 The Point & the Williamsburg Winery presents Uncorked and Unplugged - Holiday Edition. This event is live from the Williamsburg Winery and brought to you by Goodman & Sons Jewelers! Featuring Point artists Johnnyswim, Joshua Radin and We the Kings! Call it an acoustic Christmas brought to you by Virginia's premier wine and food destination, Williamsburg Winery and by Goodman & Sons Jewelers! Hang with us under the mistletoe Sunday, Dec. 18 from 4-7 p.m. Limited tickets are available. General ticket price is $40 and includes admission, a souvenir wine glass and one wine pour. Seating is not provided, standing room only. VIP package is $150 and includes two (2) admission tickets, two (2) souvenir wine glasses and one wine pour per person. Table seating near stage with wine and food service including a charcuterie board for two is included as well as two (2) passes with exclusive access to artist meet and greets in the Williamsburg Winery's barrel cellar.
Christmas Dining
Café Provençal will be open from 12-3:30 p.m. on Dec. 25. Price of menu per person is $65 exclusive of taxes and gratuity. Our extensive wine and beverage list will be available. Reservations require a credit card upon booking. For reservations, please call 757-941-0317.
Menu
- First Course: Butternut Squash Bisque Heirloom Carrot, Sage Marshmallow, Savory Granola
- Second Course: Roasted Beet Sunchoke Puree, Beet Purée, Apple, Champagne Vinaigrette, Chèvre Mousse, Petite Greens
- Third Course: Wagyu Beef Medallion Pommes Dauphinois, Brussels Sprouts, Pecan, Lobster Butter
- Dessert: Pumpkin Cake Hot Chocolate, Caffe-Cepe Cremeux, Tahini Feuillitine