Colonial Williamsburg's seasonal programs range from an elegant wine dinner with Thomas Jefferson to tea with the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens. 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.
	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.
	Annual Christmas Homes Tour Presented by the Green Spring Garden Club Explore a tour of private residences in or near the Historic Area and see homes beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
	Thomas Jefferson Wine Dinner Indulge in Mr. Jefferson’s favorite cuisine and international wines as he reflects on his travels throughout Europe.
	Mr. Shields' Groaning Board 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.
	Christmas Breakfast at a Colonial Williamsburg Tavern Wake up to a delicious treat served by costumed wait staff accompanied by colonial entertainment.
	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.
	Yuletide Supper Welcome the arrival of Father Christmas and partake of seasonal cuisine, music, and entertainment.
	Toys! Learn about 18th-, 19th- and early 20th-century playthings, while creating a toy to take home during this drop-in art program.
	Christmas Decorations Walking Tour A guided look at Colonial Williamsburg’s picturesque buildings and streets, decked in their holiday splendor.
	Community Christmas Tree Lighting Gather at the stately spruce on Market Square on Christmas Eve for the annual illumination of Williamsburg’s tree, and hear the story of our very first Christmas tree.
	Decorating for a Williamsburg Christmas A member of our landscape staff will show you how fruit, fresh greens, and other natural materials are used to create Colonial Williamsburg’s beautiful Christmas decorations.