Plan the Perfect 2025 Family Christmas in Williamsburg, VA
Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Williamsburg, VA Christmas with Kids
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.”
These stunning wreath decorations hang over the walkway near the entrance of Busch Gardens Williamsburg during their Christmas Town event.
What if this year, instead of just counting down the days to Christmas, your family could step into the holiday season with lantern-lit streets, carolers in colonial garb, and the comforting scent of hearth fires and hot cider filling the air?
Visit Williamsburg, Virginia, where the holiday spirit isn’t something you watch from afar. This isn’t your average holiday decorations and light show. It's a series of festive celebrations where history and holiday magic collide in the most unforgettable way.
From glowing candlelit processions and crackling bonfires to charming shops along Duke of Gloucester Street where you can actually find meaningful gifts, Williamsburg offers a magical winter wonderland that slows you down, grounds your family in the season, and gives your kids something that screen time just can't.
Whether you're sipping hot chocolate by a colonial tavern fire or watching your children whisper their wishes to Father Christmas as live music fills the streets. It's more than just a getaway. It's a holiday celebration that draws you together and reminds you what this season is really about.
Dress for Williamsburg, VA, Christmas December Weather
Williamsburg's December weather can be freezing, especially at night. By the end of our evening at Busch Gardens, we were glad we had dressed appropriately.
Pack warm layers, gloves, scarves, hats, and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan on visiting Colonial Williamsburg, be prepared to walk a lot. You’ll log a lot of steps, some of them on cobblestone streets.
Essential items to pack:
Warm layers, including sweaters or fleece
Hand warmers for cold days and evenings
A winter coat or heavy jacket
Comfortable walking shoes with good traction while visiting on wet days
There may be snow on the ground, so wear waterproof shoes.
Consider bringing blankets for strollers to keep young children warm.
Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.
Historic Williamsburg at Christmas with Kids
Wander down the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg and feel like you've stepped into a real-life snow globe. The historic area comes alive with 18th-century holiday traditions: natural pine garlands, glowing lanterns, and handcrafted wreaths made from fresh pine, fruits, and ribbon.
Kids will enjoy the festive atmosphere, where they can see costumed actors warming their hands by fire pits and joining in traditional carols. Stop by the Governor’s Palace and Capitol Building, both beautifully decorated for the season. For more history, head to the nearby Jamestown Settlement for a peek at how early settlers celebrated the season.
History has never been this fun-or this festive. Williamsburg is the perfect place to teach kids about early American holiday traditions. Through storytelling, hands-on crafts, and live demonstrations, little learners can discover how early colonists celebrated Christmas—without ever feeling like they’re in a classroom.
Insider Tip: Join a guided tour of Colonial Williamsburg or visit the art museums for fun exhibits that blend festive joy with educational takeaways.
Williamsburg Area Christmas Celebrations & Fireworks
The Historic Triangle knows how to celebrate the season in style, with grand illuminations, boat parades, and tree lighting ceremonies that bring entire communities together. These beloved traditions transform ordinary December evenings into spectacular celebrations you'll remember long after the holidays end.
Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday festivities begin at Victory Monument with live music. The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown will then lead a procession to Riverwalk Landing. Kids can even meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! The tradition marks the official start of the Christmas season in Yorktown.
When: December 5th, 2025, from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Grand Illumination Festivities
With fireworks over the Governor’s Palace, a yule log procession, and live music on every corner, this is Williamsburg's version of ringing in the season with an 18th-century flair!
When: December 6th, 13th, and 20th 2025
Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade
This free event features a water parade complete with illuminated braziers, caroling, and hot cider. Pre-parade festivities begin at 6 pm, and families are encouraged to bring flashlights. The free Yorktown Trolley will run from 5 to 9 pm to help with transportation for the event.
When: December 6th, 2025, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Insider Tip: Take advantage of the natural golden lighting at dusk for great photo ops.
Cookies with Santa
Every kid needs to visit with Santa! This event promises cookies and an opportunity to capture sweet memories of your child with Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. This event takes place at York Hall, located at 301 Main Street in Yorktown. This event is free!
When: December 7th, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
2025 Rockin' Retro Christmas Parade
Families love this annual holiday tradition that illuminates the streets of downtown Williamsburg. This year’s theme invites parade participants to display their favorite decade with festive decorations. From poodle skirts to disco balls, it’s sure to bring lots of smiles. Prepare for seasonal music and lots of holiday spirit. Arrive early to find your best viewing location for this free event. Last year, over 18,000 spectators attended.
When: December 7th, 2025, starting at 5:00 pm
Enchanted Evening on Main Street
This free event takes place on Historic Main Street in Yorktown. Families can enjoy a live nativity scene with animals, visit with Santa, and view an outdoor showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol while snowflakes fall. This is a great place to enjoy twinkling lights, ice sculptures, roving musicians, and maybe even try some roasted chestnuts and find one-of-a-kind artisan-crafted gifts.
When: December 12th, from 5 pm – 9 pm
Some of the beautiful decorations that take over Busch Gardens Williamsburg during their Christmas Town event.
Seasonal Hospitality at Local Restaurants & Hotels
We’ve done our best to feature the most popular kid-friendly events throughout the Williamsburg area, but there are so many other smaller events taking place all month.
Whether your family loves dinner theater, breakfast with Santa, or building gingerbread houses, it’s sure to be happening somewhere. Be sure to check the Williamsburg Events Calendar to find more ways to celebrate the season with your family this year.
Where to Stay During Williamsburg Christmas
After a long day exploring candlelit streets and watching fireworks over the Governor's Palace, you'll want a cozy home base where exhausted kids can collapse, and you can plan tomorrow's activities. Location matters! Staying within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg means you can duck back for naps and avoid the parking scramble during Grand Illumination nights.
We've stayed everywhere from the historic area (worth it for the location and colonial charm) to family suites on the edge of town (perfect when Christmas Town is your priority).
Our Advice: Book early! December fills up fast, especially the second and third weekends. The right hotel can make the difference between a stressful trip and a relaxing holiday memory. Book your hotel below for last-minute deals.
Williamsburg Area Christmas Markets & Shopping
The Christmas season transforms the Historic Triangle into a shopper's wonderland, with festive markets offering unique souvenirs, gifts, and holiday decorations. From handcrafted ornaments to artisanal treats, these charming venues let you experience the magic of the season while discovering treasures you simply can't find at the mall.
Williamsburg Christmas Market
If Santa built a village in Virginia, it would look like this! The Williamsburg Christmas Market, situated on Court Street near Bicentennial Park, evokes a sense of something out of a European fairy tale. We've been to some of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, including Strasbourg, France, and Williamsburg gives a similar vibe.
Wooden vendor chalets are filled with a unique assortment of gifts, including handmade ornaments, wooden toys, artisanal soaps, and locally made treats. Children can nibble on sugar cookies while parents shop for one-of-a-kind presents and decorations. The scent of roasting nuts, spiced cider, and gingerbread fills the air. It's the kind of place where you slow down, sip cocoa, and remember what the holidays are really about.
Entry is free for kids under 18 (those 15 and under require adult supervision).
Insider Tip: The train ride and petting zoo are included with your $5 admission ticket.
Williamsburg Merchant Square
Skip the mall this year and let your holiday shopping be part of the adventure. The lovely shops at Merchant Square offer gifts that tell a story: hand-stitched dolls, colonial-style toys, hand-dipped candles, and more.
Craft beers and festive foods are also on offer from local vendors. Even the most last-minute shopper can find something meaningful and magical. Along with shopping, you can enjoy the beautiful gingerbread houses and uniquely decorated trees on display at the shops throughout town.
Yorktown Christmas Markets
For small-town holiday charm with a waterfront view, Yorktown’s Christmas markets are the perfect blend of festive fun and local flavor.
The Christmas Market on Main (December 6–7, 2025) transforms the heart of town into a celebration of seasonal sights, sounds, and smells. Local vendors line the street with handcrafted gifts, coastal-themed ornaments, baked goods, and seasonal treats. Carolers and costumed characters add to the joyful spirit, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to break up the shopping.
Can’t make it that weekend? The Mistletoe Market (December 13, 2025) is your last chance to soak in the holiday magic before the season winds down. Sip hot cider or sample chowders as you stroll Riverwalk Landing, pick out last-minute gifts, and let the kids enjoy festive extras like the Toyland Parade and the Polar Express train ride.
Insider Tip: No matter where you're doing your shopping, let the kids pick out a one-of-a-kind ornament for your family tree. It’s a great way to remember the trip for decades to come.
The Christmas Mouse
This shop, located at 1991 Richmond Road, is a great place to find the perfect Christmas decor and ornaments for your home. The best part is that it is open year-round, so you can find that Christmas spirit no matter what time of the year your travels bring you to Williamsburg. We’ve visited many times over the years and still use the Christmas stocking holders we purchased there almost 20 years ago (when we’re back in the United States, anyway)!
Busch Gardens Christmas Town with Kids
For a truly unforgettable evening, head to Busch Gardens Christmas Town. While Busch Gardens is a major theme park, during this season, the rides take a back seat to the spirit of the holidays. This family-friendly holiday spectacular features over 10 million lights (yes, you read that right!) plus dazzling Christmas-themed musical performances and special seasonal treats.
There are photo ops with Santa Claus and other holiday characters, festive tunes, and kid-friendly rides and games. It’s the kind of place that leaves you with lasting memories (and very happy, sleepy kids by bedtime).
For many years, a trip to Busch Gardens Christmas Town was the way we kicked off our Christmas season. We would spend Thanksgiving weekend in Williamsburg, dining at Captain George's for our Thanksgiving feast and then heading to Busch Gardens the next day to get us all into the festive cheer of the season.
Colonial Williamsburg Comfort Food & Seasonal Treats
After all that merrymaking, you're bound to be hungry, and Williamsburg delivers! Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a complete Christmas feast in one of several candlelit historic taverns, Williamsburg knows how to serve holiday comfort food. (We've written an entire post on the top family-friendly breakfast spots in Williamsburg, VA.)
If you're looking for a special family-friendly restaurant that is guaranteed to satisfy the hearty appetites of your teens or provide a multitude of options for your picky toddler, we recommend Captain George's.
This all-you-can-eat buffet is open all year long, offering lots of delicious options, including the very popular snow crab legs. But, beginning in November and running through the New Year, their menu also includes turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It's one of our family's favorite holiday traditions when we’re in the U.S. during the holiday season!
Insider Tip: Be sure to try delicious market food, such as soft, warm sticky buns, gingerbread cookies, whoopie pies, and hot cider.
The Spirit of Christmas in Williamsburg, VA
What makes Williamsburg magical isn't just the holiday lights or the hot cocoa; it's the way the past and present come together to create something timeless.
Are you ready to plan your Colonial Christmas? What's stopping you? Whether you're enjoying Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, shopping for heirloom gifts in Colonial Williamsburg, or sipping cider beneath twinkling lights, Williamsburg is ready to deliver a magical holiday experience your family will never forget. Plan your visit now and unwrap the joy of a truly unforgettable Christmas.
Have questions? We can help! Drop them in the comments below.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Williamsburg Christmas
When does Christmas start in Williamsburg, VA?
Christmas celebrations in Williamsburg officially begin with the Grand Illumination on December 6th, 2025. However, many attractions like Busch Gardens Christmas Town open in mid-November, and holiday decorations appear throughout Colonial Williamsburg by late November. The season runs through early January, with the most festive activities concentrated in December.
Is Williamsburg Christmas worth it?
Yes, Williamsburg at Christmas is absolutely worth visiting, especially for families. Unlike typical holiday light displays, you'll experience authentic 18th-century traditions, multiple Christmas markets, spectacular fireworks, and immersive historical activities that educate while they entertain. Our family has returned numerous times over 20 years because the combination of history, holiday magic, and family-friendly events creates memories you simply can't replicate elsewhere.
How much does it cost to visit Williamsburg at Christmas?
Costs vary depending on your activities. Many events are completely free, including the Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting, Lighted Boat Parade, Cookies with Santa, and Enchanted Evening on Main Street. The Williamsburg Christmas Market charges $5 for adults (free for kids under 18). Busch Gardens Christmas Town requires theme park admission, typically $40–$80 per person, depending on dates. Colonial Williamsburg admission ranges from $45 to $65 for adults and $25 to $35 for children, though some holiday events are free.
What's the best day to visit Grand Illumination?
Grand Illumination occurs on three dates in 2025: December 6th, 13th, and 20th. Opening night (December 6th) tends to be the most crowded but also the most energetic and exciting. The second date (December 13th) typically offers smaller crowds while maintaining the festive atmosphere. The final date (December 20th) is closest to Christmas, but it can be busy with last-minute visitors. Arrive by 4 pm, regardless of which date you choose, as it is ideal for parking and staking out good viewing spots.
Can you do Williamsburg Christmas in one day?
You can experience highlights in one day, but we recommend at least 2–3 days to truly enjoy everything. A packed one-day itinerary might include Colonial Williamsburg decorations and shopping during the day, followed by either Grand Illumination or Busch Gardens Christmas Town in the evening. However, you'll miss the Yorktown events, multiple markets, and the chance to slow down and savor the experience, which is really what makes Williamsburg special during the holidays.
What are the must-do Christmas activities in Williamsburg for first-time visitors?
First-timers should prioritize: (1) Grand Illumination for the spectacular fireworks and 18th-century celebration, (2) Busch Gardens Christmas Town for the wow-factor lights and shows, (3) Williamsburg Christmas Market for unique gift shopping and European market vibes, and (4) walking Duke of Gloucester Street to see colonial holiday decorations and stop in historic shops. If time allows, add the Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade for waterfront magic.
Do you need reservations for Williamsburg Christmas events?
Most outdoor events, such as Grand Illumination, tree lightings, and boat parades, don't require reservations, but they're first-come, first-served. However, we strongly recommend reservations for colonial tavern dinners (book weeks in advance), and buying Busch Gardens Christmas Town tickets online in advance (cheaper and guarantees entry on busy days). General Colonial Williamsburg admission doesn't require advance purchase, but buying online saves time at the gate.
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