Through the Seasons

The season of renewal is the perfect time to explore the place where a new nation began. Watch as farmers use a fusion of indigenous, African, and European planting techniques to grow food for their community. See milliners, dressmakers, cobblers and tailors create clothes just as they would have been worn in the time of the Revolution. Wonder at the rich gardens of the Governor’s Palace, breathe in the fresh air, and feel your fascination with America’s founding burst into new life.

What better season than summer to explore the city whose ideas helped lead to Independence Day? See Nation Builders like Patrick Henry speak out against the tyranny of the Crown. Speak with Native Americans navigating shifting political and cultural dynamics. Cool off with a stroll through our art museums, where you can find both finery and folk art, along with fascinating insights into the traditions of different cultures. When night falls, contemplate their incredible achievements as fireworks burst over the Governor’s Palace.

Be inspired not just by the radiant fall colors, but by the incredible true stories of the people who lived, struggled, and dreamed during the time of America’s founding. Witness the opening of the Bray School—the first school for Black children in America, only recently rediscovered. Take a carriage ride through the same streets where George Washington walked with Martha in the days of their courtship. Watch the Lighting of the Cressets, casting the streets in a golden glow. And savor an authentic 18th century meal in a historic tavern, rich with the flavor of the fall harvest.

Colonial Williamsburg welcomed one of the first Christmas Tree in America. Today, it welcomes holiday enthusiasts like no other city anywhere, as candles shine through historic windows, garlands drape across doorways, and Madrigals fill the air with 18th century holiday songs. Yet our holiday experience goes deeper, exploring the traditions of enslaved Virginians and examining the complex role indigenous people played in the community. Come experience a holiday you’ll want to unwrap again and again.

There’s no place like Colonial Williamsburg for the holidays.

Colonial Williamsburg takes on a serene beauty in the winter months, perfect for those seeking a deeper look into life in the time of our nation’s founding. Talk one-on-one with Nation Builders like Gowan Pamphlet, the enslaved tavern worker who, in secret, preached messages of equality to African American and ultimately founded Williamsburg’s First Baptist Church. Explore in-depth exhibits at our art museums showcasing the handiwork of artisans from different cultures. And chase the chill away with a meal before a roaring fire in one of our taverns.