Warm Up the Winter
Planning a Visit in the Winter?
Despite our hot summers, Williamsburg is no stranger to the cold. Winter in Virginia often sees highs in the 30s, with temperatures dropping even further when the sun goes down.
Here are some tips and tricks that will help keep you warm during your visit.
Staying Safe
Safety is always our top priority. To safeguard the health and well-being of all staff and guests during periods of extreme cold, we follow strict cold weather protocols. Adequate winter clothing, structured breaks, and effective monitoring are critical to prevent illness or injury and ensure a safe working environment for our team.
Depending on the 'feels-like' temperature, specific outdoor programs, events, and experiences may be moved indoors, shortened, or canceled.
Tools for Your Visit
Events Calendar
Explore Up-to-date Programing.
Explore Historic Places
Find out what's open.
Know Before You Go
Everything you need to plan your trip.
Events Calendar
Using our Events Calendar, you can explore the events and programming for each day of your stay. Meet with Nation Builders, visit one of our Historic Trades, or catch a special event at the Courthouse. Whatever you're interested in, there's something for everyone at Colonial Williamsburg.
Visit the Art Museums
Wander through our two world-class Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. You’ll have plenty of room to enjoy the heated buildings and take in the collections and exhibitions we currently have on display. Want even more time in the Art Museums? Take in an afternoon program at the Hennage Auditorium. Take a break and indulge your appetite at the Museum Café. Our thoughtfully curated menu offers something for everyone.
Take a Trip through Time
Not all 301-acres of our museum are outside! Listen and learn from costumed interpreters about the 18th century in some of our most iconic sites, all while taking a bit of a break from the cold. Included in your admission, you’ll have access to sites like the Courthouse and the Capitol, which offer the 21st-century luxury of indoor heating, as well as trade shops and historic buildings that keep the hearth burning.
Winter Weather
Parking & Buses
Did you know that our bus service is free? Our buses run Monday through Saturday, 9:00AM until 9:00PM and Sunday, 9:00AM until 6:00PM and offer a warm place to sit and relax as you’re whisked away to your next location. Located throughout the Historic Area, our bus service connects the Art Museums, Merchants Square, the Visitors Center, our resort properties, and several additional stops at some of our more iconic sites like the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, and more.
Want to park closer? You can take advantage of our paid parking lots. Download the free Passport app prior to your visit to make parking easier.
Dine Inside
Treat yourself to an indoor dining experience! No trip to Colonial Williamsburg is complete without a meal in one of our historic taverns, featuring authentic colonial American dishes, in the heart of the Historic Area. Looking for something a bit more modern? Enjoy innovative cuisine throughout our resort properties or venture to Merchants Square.
Relax and Reset
When you stay at an official Colonial Williamsburg Resort hotel, not only will you have premier access to our Historic Area, but you can also unwind in ultimate tranquility at The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg. Enjoy soothing massages, facials, and holistic treatments.
Additionally, enjoy access to our indoor pool and hot tub, the perfect way to warm up after a day of exploring.
Warm Up at Merchants Square
Located just steps from the Historic Area, Merchants Square offers warm treats, heated shopping, and a plethora of indoor dining that will allow you to escape the cold. Enjoy a variety of hot beverages, sweet creations and other assorted winter treats. Shop for stylish winter fashions and accessories. Whether you’re looking for your next souvenir or just looking for a place for lunch, there’s no better place to warm up.
Winter Maintenance
Throughout the winter months, our Operations and Architectural Preservation teams take advantage of the slower season to conduct routine maintenance in and around our Historic Area. Their work helps ensure that Colonial Williamsburg is safe and able to be enjoyed for years to come.
While this work is conducted the Historic Area will remain open, and any affected programming will be updated in our events calendar.
More Information
For the most up-to-date information on daily programming, please visit our events calendar. In the event of inclement weather of any sort, any closures or delays will be posted on our website and social media accounts.
If you notice potentially hazardous conditions, including icy sidewalks or steps, please notify a Colonial Williamsburg employee.
