CW Planner

A Marion Christmas

Join us for "A Marion Christmas: There Is No Rose of Such Virtue." Presented by Sarah Taylor, Lauren Clay, Claudia Kessel, Brian Blair, and JanEl Will.

Campbell's Tavern Valentine's Day Dinner

Entice your love with a candlelit dinner for two at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern.

Campbell's Tavern Washington's Birthday Dinner

Join us as we celebrate George Washington’s Birthday at his favorite Tavern in Williamsburg.

Chamber Concert - York River Concert Band

Come to this beautiful 18th-century worship center and enjoy a candlelit concert by the York River Concert Band from Hampton Roads directed by Jeff Haney.

Christiana Campbell's Christmas Dinner

Celebrate Christmas with a chef-curated dinner at Campbell’s Tavern.

Christiana Campbell's Grand Illumination

Come celebrate the start of the holiday season with a dinner at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern before or after the Grand Illumination fireworks.

Christmas Clarinet Ensemble Concert

Enjoy a holiday concert presented by the Richmond Clarinet Choir, directed by Anne Coldiron.

Christmas Organ Recital & Carol Sing

See this elegant 300-year-old worship space and enjoy a Christmas organ recital and carol sing presented by Rebecca Davy, Music Director at Bruton Parish Church.

Christmas Organ Recital - John Palmer

John Palmer, organist from Nashville, Tennessee presents a Christmas organ recital in this 300-year-old worship center.

Conversation: Meet a Nation Builder

Find a Nation Builder, a significant figure of 18th-century Williamsburg, around the Palace Green for some informal conversation.

Conversation: Meet a Person of the Past

Find people of the past near the William Pitt Store for some informal conversation or activity.

DIY Craft: Quilting

Discover the story of Rita Mae Pettway, quilter, and enjoy a mini quilting project.

Decorating the Private Homes

Join us for our 31st annual, fun-filled celebration of the decorating skills of the employees who live in Colonial Williamsburg's restored private residences.

Evening Program: Capitol Concert

Celebrate the joys of holiday music with this 18th-century concert by the Governor's Musick Ensemble.

Evening Program: Christmastide at the Courthouse

Join musicians Brian Forsman & Bill Weldon for the best dance tunes and songs of Christmastide.

Evening Program: Cry Witch

Question witnesses, weigh evidence, and determine the guilt or innocence of "the Virginia Witch." Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion.

Evening Program: Haunted Williamsburg

Brave centuries of scares, from 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters!

Evening Program: Palace Concert

Colonial Williamsburg's early music ensemble, the Governor's Musick, offers an elegant evening of holiday chamber music.

Evening Program: Revolutionary Points of View

Step back in time to the eve of the American Revolution, and there are just as many opinions about war and independence as we hear about politics and religion today.

Evening Program: To Hang a Pirate

Join with us in a trial of a member of the crew of Blackbeard the pirate that actually occurred in Williamsburg in 1719. Hear the evidence and make a judgment!

Event: A Big Band Christmas

Swing your way into the holidays with the great big band sound of the Williamsburg Classic Swing Orchestra in their 14th annual performance.

Event: A Crooner's Christmas

Good Shot Judy pays tribute to the Classic Christmas Crooner Hits!

Event: A Hard Day's Night

Over two "typical" days in the life of The Beatles, the boys struggle to keep themselves and Paul McCartney's mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live TV show.

Event: A Kilted Christmas with Eireann's Call

A delightful holiday journey through Celtic lands and traditions.

Event: Bobby BlackHat Blues Spectacular

Join Bobby BlackHat on New Year’s Eve for an evening of Toe Tappin’, Finger Poppin’, Hip Shakin’ Blues!

Event: Christmas Dreams – Institute for Dance

It's Christmas in Williamsburg, and Janie Sparkle wants just one thing this Christmas: for all her wishes to come true! Join iDance for this local holiday tradition.

Event: Crystal Carols

Dean Shostak returns to the Kimball Theatre with his popular holiday show on glass armonica, glass violin, and crystal handbells. Featured on PBS, CNN, and The History Channel.

Event: Holiday Pops - Williamsburg Symphony

Ring in the season with The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Michael Butterman, featuring tenor John Riesen. Tickets at www.williamsburgsymphony.org.

Event: It's a Wonderful Life

Enjoy this holiday classic from the golden age of Hollywood, first distributed by John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s film distribution and production company, RKO Pictures.

Event: White Christmas

A successful song-and-dance team becomes romantically involved with a sister act and teams up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.

Event: Williamsburg Old Time Radio Hour

Travel back in time to the golden age of radio with unique stories about Williamsburg during the Colonial Restoration. Enjoy live music, sound effects and holiday nostalgia!

Hands-On: Fire a Flintlock Musket

Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms used during the Revolutionary War.

Hands-On: Shoulder Your Firelocks!

Engage in a military drill, learning the tactics and drills of the 18th-century soldier.

Hands-on: Daily Life

Participate in the daily activities of an 18th-century family at the Geddy House.

Happy Hogmanay! A Scottish New Year's Concert

Happy Hogmanay! Enjoy a Scottish New Year's concert of music, story, and dance presented by David Gardner, Eliza Gardner, and Shelton Browder.

Historic Organ Recital - Norman Elton

Norman Elton, organist at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital - Rebecca Davy

Rebecca Davy, Music Director at Bruton Parish Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital - Sarah Bland

Sarah Bland, organist at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital with Thomas Marshall

Enjoy this Historic Organ Recital in the Wren Chapel at the College of William & Mary performed by Thomas Marshall, organist at Williamsburg United Methodist Church.

Holiday Choral Concert - Manassas Chorale

Enjoy the blend of voices as the Manassas Chorale from Northern Virginia, directed by Becky Verner presents a Holiday Concert.

Holiday Choral Concert - New Dominion Choraliers

Enjoy a holiday concert by the New Dominion Choraliers Community Choir from Prince William County, Virginia, directed by Katherine Nelson-Tracey.

Holiday Choral Concert - One Accord Choir

Enjoy the blended voices of One Accord Choir from First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, directed by Philip Mitchell, as they present a holiday concert.

Holiday Choral Concert: Bruton Parish Choirs & Orchestra

Join us as the Bruton Parish Choirs & Orchestra, directed by Rebecca Davy, present a holiday choral concert.

Holiday Concert - Tabernacle Baptist Church

Celebrate the holiday season with a concert by the Tabernacle Baptist Church Choir from Richmond, Virginia, directed by Judy Fiske.

Holiday Golden Smoke To-Go

A Christmas Day meal prepared by the Golden Horseshoe Clubhouse. Available for pick up December 23 and 24 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Holiday Handbell & Organ Concert

Enjoy this concert presented by the Bruton Parish Tarpley Ringers directed by Rebecca Davy and accompanied by JanEl Will on the organ.

Holiday Handbell Concert

Enjoy the sound of handbells in a concert by the First Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir from Goldsboro, North Carolina under the direction of Chris Watkins.

Holiday Youth Choral & Strings Concert

Enjoy this holiday choral and strings concert by Soli Deo & Young Musicians of Virginia, directed by Karla Robinson & Sarah Umlauf.

Horticulture Workshop: Candle Centerpiece

In this hands-on class, Colonial Williamsburg's landscape designers will show you how to make a candle centerpiece to take home and enjoy.

Horticulture Workshop: Fresh Fruit Decorations

In this hands-on class, Colonial Williamsburg's landscape designers will show you how to make a decorative apple candle and fragrant orange pomander to take home.

Horticulture Workshop: Small Centerpiece

Following a demonstration by a Colonial Williamsburg landscape designer, participants will create their own "Williamsburg Style" arrangement in a holiday mug to take home.

Horticulture Workshop: Wreath Decorating

Take home your own "Williamsburg Style" wreath that you decorate yourself after learning the tricks of the trade from the landscape design team who decorate the Historic Area.

King's Arms Tavern Christmas Dinner

Enjoy traditional holiday fare while relaxing to 18th-century music by candlelight.

King's Arms Tavern Grand Illumination Dinner

Join us for a three-course holiday meal while serenaded by tavern music.

King's Arms Wine Dinner with a Nation Builder

Dine in the company of a Nation Builder on a delightful combination of their favorite fare and international wines.

Museum Discoveries: The Art-full Tree

Explore the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg and discover the Folk Art Christmas Tree, then make your way to the Goode Education Studio and create an ornament to take home.

Music: A Charles Dickens Christmas

Gabe Stone, Mark Nixon, and David Gardner present a holiday show featuring readings from various Charles Dickens' writings paired with Victorian Christmas carols.

Music: American Folk Hymns for Christmas

Join Kelly Kennedy and John Turner as they invite you to sing and shout along in this engaging program that explores music from the pulpit to the prairie.

Music: Brass Ensemble

In this concert, the brass ensemble's bold and festive tunes kick off the season on December 3 and give a lively send-off into 2024 on December 31.

Music: Breaking Up Christmas

Dance tunes and songs that create a musical portrait of Virginia from the days of English country dances to the rise of country music in the Appalachian hills and hollows.

Music: Christmas Music through the Ages

In this concert, Timothy Seaman revels and rejoices with reverence on hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, flutes and whistles, and more.

Music: Fife & Drum

Watch and listen to the Fifes and Drums as they demonstrate the music and drill of various military ceremonies from an 18th-century soldier's working day.

Music: Fife & Drum March

The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, representing military field musicians, march from the Capitol to the Palace Green.

Music: For the Holidays!

Enjoy the celebration of the Christmas holidays with the sounds of traditional, spirituals, gospel, and contemporary music.

Music: Four Centuries of Virginia's Holiday Music

Join Henley Fork and special guest Lee Welch for a celebration of the music of the Christmas season from the time of Jamestown through the twentieth century.

Music: Governor's Musick at the Art Museums

Join members of the Governor’s Musick for musical entertainments enjoyed during Christmastide in the 18th century.

Music: Green Grow'th the Holly

Join Lynn and Barry Trott to enjoy music for the winter season from the late 16th through the 17th centuries on the lute, cittern, viols, hurdy-gurdy, recorders, violin, and voice.

Music: Hogmanay! The Scotsman’s Greatest Day!

Join John Turner and Kelly Kennedy as they joyfully celebrate the Scottish New Year with traditional songs, tunes, toasts, traditions, and Caledonian nonsense!

Music: Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Celebrate that jolly old elf and discover worldwide traditions with Gabe Stone and David Gardner through tunes and stories about the star of the Christmas gift-giving season.

Music: Now Christmas Comes

In this concert, join Bill Weldon to celebrate the music from Christmastides Past.

Music: Nowell Sing We Clear

Join Lynn and Barry Trott in this concert to sing along with favorite English and American carols from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Music: One Street Over

Join One Street Over, a four-piece traditional Irish band that combines the sounds of flute, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, cello, banjo, and bodhran into foot-tapping melodies.

Music: Phillis Wheatley and the Music of Freedom

Join the Governor’s Musick in a musical exploration of the paradox of freedom as seen through the poetry of Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved person and well-known poet.

Music: Profound Joy

In this concert, Timothy Seaman celebrates the wonder of the holiday season with early American and worldwide melodies and new compositions.

Music: The Art of Fifing & Drumming

Join the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums as they demonstrate the many musical tasks and ceremonies that occurred throughout a revolutionary soldier's day.

Music: The Colonial Christmas Jukebox

In this concert, ring in the holidays with Brian Forsman and Bill Weldon as they play and sing the popular tunes and seasonal carols of Christmastides past.

Music: Wassail, Wassail All Over the Town

In this concert, join Lee Welch and Barry Trott for traditional tunes and tales that celebrate winter and the spirit of the colonial holiday season.

Music: William and Mary Early Music Ensemble

In this concert, join William and Mary's Early American Music Ensemble to enjoy tunes of the Christmastide seasons of old.

Nine Lessons & Carols

Get ready for the New Year with Lessons and Carols by the Bruton Parish Choirs directed by Rebecca Davy and accompanied by JanEl Will on Organ.

On Screen Captions: A Hard Day's Night

Captions will be displayed on the big screen for this select showing of "A Hard Day's Night."

On Screen Captions: White Christmas

Captions will be displayed on the big screen for this select showing of "White Christmas."

On-Screen Captions: It's a Wonderful Life

Captions will be displayed on the big screen for this select showing of "It's a Wonderful Life."

Performance: A Christmas Remembered

Join a Nation Builder as they share memories of Christmastide and hopes for the coming year.

Performance: A Holiday Medley

A Holiday Medley brings the warmth and joy of holiday traditions, telling the tale of winter in Williamsburg over 250 years.

Performance: A Patriotic American

Elizabeth Braxton, wife of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, reflects on the changes, challenges, and consequences faced by her family during the Revolution.

Performance: A Soldier's Christmas

Colonel James Innes returns home from the War filled with the haunting voices of his fallen comrades. Will he be able to recover from the War and find peace this Christmas?

Performance: A Taste of Freedom

This performance tells the story of Americus Weston’s journey to freedom during the Civil War, developed to commemorate Juneteenth.

Performance: All Things Are Possible

Robert Carter III discusses his inner struggles and new-found faith that will lead him to an extraordinary decision and an equally remarkable action.

Performance: Entertainments at the Play House

Jug Broke Theatre Co. members discuss and demonstrate the 18th-century theatre world as it pertains to Williamsburg, both past and present.

Performance: God is My Rock

Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved man and popular local preacher, offers his perspective on slavery, religion, and freedom.

Performance: Measure of a Man's Worth

While conversing with Major James Innes, Benjamin, an enslaved carriage driver, gradually learns what the revolution has in store for enslaved men and women in Williamsburg.

Performance: Merriment and Measles

Join the Washingtons on the eve of Twelfth Night in 1760 as they reflect on the past year and their hopes for the future in the midst of a measles outbreak at Mount Vernon.

Performance: My Dear Madam

Mrs. Washington reflects on her life in the public eye and how her friendship with Mrs. Adams has shaped the role of the president’s lady.

Performance: My Story; My Voice

Witness a compelling story from the life of an 18th-century person, then hear from the actor interpreter as they share how they discover and bring to life a voice from the past.

Performance: Nation Builders Discuss the Tea Party

Join two Nation Builders as they discuss the events of the Tea Party in Boston and the impacts it had throughout the colonies.

Performance: Of Christmas Past

A British servant, newly arrived in the colony, reflects on the holiday traditions he has left behind in the mother country.

Performance: Street Theater

The Williamsburg community comes to life in this street theatre experience exploring the daily lives of ordinary people during extraordinary times.

Performance: To Purchase a Likely Man

Join Colonel and Mrs. Washington as they discuss the intricacies and complexities of purchasing a pair of enslaved brothers.

Performance: Visit a Nation Builder

Step into the past with a Nation Builder. Through stories, discussion, and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges they faced.

Performance: Visit with Colonel George Washington

Step into the past with George Washington, Colonel of the Virginia Regiment. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with General George Washington

Step into the past with George Washington, father of the country. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with James Armistead Lafayette

Step into the past with James Armistead Lafayette, Enslaved Revolutionary Spy.

Performance: Visit with Martha Washington

Step into the past with Martha Washington, our Nation’s first First Lady. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges she faced.

Performance: Visit with Patrick Henry

Step into the past with Patrick Henry, the Revolution’s son of thunder. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with Reverend Gowan Pamphlet

Step into the past with Gowan Pamphlet, revolutionary Black Baptist preacher. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with Thomas Jefferson

Step into the past with Thomas Jefferson, The Rebellious Philosophe.

Presentation: CW's Holiday Decorations

Join Colonial Williamsburg's landscape staff for a presentation about CW's famed Holiday decorations. You'll gain firsthand insight into the making and history of these adornments.

Presentation: Midwinter Stories

Celebrate American Indian life and culture through stories and traditions.

Presentation: Musket Demonstration

Military Programs staff will demonstrate the loading and firing of the musket. Experience the sounds and smells a soldier experienced during the Revolution.

Presentation: Order in the Court

After a short exploration of the Courthouse and its surroundings, participate in a local court session where lives, liberties, and property are contested.

Presentation: The Folk Art Christmas Tree

Join Christina Westenberger and Jan Gilliam, the authors of The Art-full Tree, for a presentation and demonstration that will guide you to create art inspired by the originals.

Presentation: The Necessity of Order in Battle

Witness a demonstration of tactics that are crucial to success in combat.

Presentation: Winter Tales of Jefferson's Library

Join Lee Dugatkin, author, to imagine Jefferson in his library on a few chilly winter eves and discover how his sortie into his library had scientific and political consequences.

Public Auction

Take part in an exciting auction! Bid on selected items from Colonial Williamsburg stores as well as exclusive items not available elsewhere.

Rockefeller Room Feast of the Seven Fishes

The Chefs of the Williamsburg Inn’s beloved Rockefeller Room bring a special nine-course interpretation of the Feast of Seven Fishes to celebrate Christmas Eve.

Rockefeller Room New Year's Eve Celebration

Bring in the New Year with the incredible staff of the Williamsburg Inn's Rockefeller Room.

Rockefeller Room New Years Eve Early Dinner

Join us for an early dining experience with a delicious three-course menu featuring fabulous items from the beloved Rockefeller Room menu.

Songs of Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season with a candlelight concert. Enjoy "Songs of Christmas" presented by The Voice Studio of Chris Mooney and organist Rebecca Davy.

Special Event: A Celebration of the Yule Log

Follow the Yule log, hauled by wagon, from Capitol Circle to Market Square, accompanied by music, festivity, and the community of 18th-century and present-day Williamsburg.

Special Event: Artful Winter Evenings

Celebrate the holidays in this magical after-hours event at the Art Museums.

Special Event: Clothing for the Indian Boys

Visit the Tailors as they recreate the clothing worn by the students of the Brafferton Indian School.

Special Event: Community Christmas Tree Lighting

Join us for our annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, co-sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. in front of the Courthouse.

Special Event: Decorated Wreath Sales

Visitors can buy Williamsburg-style decorations made by the designers that decorate the Historic Area at the Christmas Market the first two weekends in December.

Special Event: Firing of the Christmas Guns

In the 18th century, guns were customarily fired in salute to the Christmas season. Join us on Duke of Gloucester Street for a re-creation of this event.

Special Event: Grand Illumination

Enjoy musical performances, Lighting of the Cressets, storytelling on Palace Green, and fireworks displays from the Capitol and Palace. Fireworks begin at 7:00 p.m.

Special Event: Holiday Handbell Concert

Enjoy the ethereal sounds of holiday music played by combined Handbell ensembles from Bruton Parish and First Baptist Church.

Special Event: Lighting of the Cressets

Join us on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night.

Special Event: Millinery for the Holiday Bride

Discover the world of 18th-century bridal wear as our milliners make cloaks, hats, mitts, muffs, trims for gowns, and other fineries worn on the happiest “day of days.”

Special Event: Pop-Up Archaeology!

Stop by the Art Museums for a special pop-up exhibition of recent finds from Custis Square, along with artifacts from some of Colonial Williamsburg’s most iconic sites.

Special Event: Salute to the Presidents

The pageantry of fifes & drums, cannon, and remarks from Colonial Williamsburg Nation Builders salute our nation’s Presidents on Market Square.

Special Event: The Gonzales Sisters

Usher in the holiday season with the musical stylings of the Gonzales Sisters, classical cellist and violinist.

Special Event: The Magic of Christmas

This holiday show features mesmerizing magic by renowned stage magician William the Conjuror and a live band of strings, brass, reeds, and drums providing the sounds of the season.

Special Event: The William and Mary Accidentals

Enjoy a cappella arrangements of holiday standards and crowd favorites that the W&M Accidentals love to share with the Williamsburg Community, on and off campus.

Special Event: Williamsburg Symphony

The Williamsburg Symphony's brass quartet heralds in the spirit of the season.

Tour: Art Museums Overview

Join us on a 20-minute guided tour and enjoy some museum favorites.

Tour: Art Museums Overview Tour-Holiday Edition

Celebrate the holiday season at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on a 20-minute guided tour.

Tour: Black Artists and Artisans

Tour the museum galleries, including the “I Made This” exhibition, to explore decorative and folk art made by Black American artists and artisans.

Tour: Christmas Decorations

Enjoy a one-hour walking tour for a closer look at the Colonial Williamsburg decorations and a discussion of holiday traditions, past and present.

Tour: Freedom's Paradox

Explore the paradox of the institution of slavery and the movement for independence in a 60-minute walking tour that begins and ends at the Randolph Yard.

Tour: Stables Behind-The-Scenes

Get a behind-the-scenes look at our modern stables and learn more about our carriages.

Tour: Talk of the Town Christmastide

With an 18th-century resident as your guide, walk about Williamsburg and experience the Christmastide season through their eyes.

Traditions Christmas Dinner

Celebrate Christmas at Traditions in the Williamsburg Lodge with a seasonal culinary dish or prix fixe menu.

Traditions Christmas Eve

Join us in Traditions for our Annual Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet.

Traditions Grand Illumination Dinner

Join us in Traditions at the Williamsburg Lodge for our Grand Illumination dinner.

Traditions Nutcracker Buffet

Join us for our Nutcracker Buffet in Traditions Restaurant at the Williamsburg Lodge.

Traditions Seafood Feast

Join us each week for our sensational Friday Night Seafood Feast, an evening buffet highlighted by various delicious sea fare with seasonal sides.

Williamsburg Inn Christmas Day Feast

Savor your Christmas with a long-standing tradition of well-crafted offerings from the kitchen of the Williamsburg Inn.

Williamsburg Inn Christmas Eve Brunch

Bring in the holiday cheer with our seasonally-inspired brunch menu.

Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea

Begin your holiday season with the newly reimagined Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea, featuring the beautiful patterns of Churchill Tea China.

Williamsburg Inn New Year's Day Breakfast

Start the new year with a hearty breakfast, including our signature wellness options.

Williamsburg Inn New Year's Eve Brunch

Start the celebration early with our New Year's Eve-inspired brunch.

Williamsburg Lodge Christmas Day Meal

Gather for a festive feast at the Williamsburg Lodge this Christmas!