Colonial Williamsburg Christmas

Colonial Williamsburg's seasonal programs range from an elegant wine dinner with Thomas Jefferson to breakfast with Santa Claus. Choose from live theatre for children or 18th-century performances on period instruments. Enjoy Christmas breakfast in a tavern or a full-blown New Year's Eve gala. Attend a seminar and learn the secrets of creating Williamsburg's signature decorations. Whatever your choice, you’ll remember a Colonial Williamsburg Christmas visit.

Enjoy a sampling of our holiday offerings:

The Grand Illumination

Williamsburg welcomes the Christmas season with a magnificent spectacle of candles, fireworks, and music. Performances are held on multiple stages in the Historic Area and continue after the fireworks, which are set off from three locations simultaneously.

December 7, 2008
Breakfast with the Chefs

Spend an entertaining and informative morning with Colonial Williamsburg cooking experts and enjoy a holiday breakfast and interactive demonstrations of traditional Yuletide dishes.

December 6 and 20, 2008

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Christmastide at Home

Join us for a walking journey back through time to experience Williamsburg Christmasses of the past.

November 29,
December 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19-21, 23-31, 2008;
Jan 1-3, 2009

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Thomas Jefferson Wine Dinner

Indulge in Mr. Jefferson’s favorite cuisine and international wines as he reflects on his travels throughout Europe.

November 29,
December 5, 19, 26, 2008

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Shields Tavern Holiday Feast

Mr. Shields invites you to experience a holiday feast you will soon not forget. Enjoy selections of regional holiday fare as you warm your spirits with a glass of your favorite ale. You may even be visited by your cook, a visiting delegate, or Mr. Shields himself.
December 6-7, 12-13, 19-31, 2008
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Christmas Breakfast at a Colonial Williamsburg Tavern

Wake up to a delicious treat served by costumed wait staff accompanied by colonial entertainment.

December 25, 2008

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An Evening of Dance at the Palace

Enjoy country dances, reels, and the minuet as you are transported back to an elegant time at the candlelit Governor’s Palace.

November 28,
December 4, 11,14, 18, 2008;
January 3, 7, 2009

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Yuletide Supper

A special evening of dining and holiday entertainment, featuring Christmas songs and stories between courses.

December 24, 2008

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Christmas Decorations Walking Tour

A guided look at Colonial Williamsburg’s picturesque buildings and streets, decked in their holiday splendor.

November 30 - December 31, 2008

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Community Christmas Tree Lighting

Gather at the Courthouse steps on Duke of Gloucester Street for the annual illumination of Williamsburg’s tree, and hear the story of our very first Christmas tree.

December 24, 2008 - free to the public

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