Turn up the holiday cheer and set your Christmas playlist to Yorktown mode! This December, Historic Yorktown hits all the right notes with festive traditions, unforgettable experiences, and shopping that’ll sleigh your list. From sparkling lights to merry melodies and sweet treats, these events will have your heart humming with holiday spirit. Mark your calendars, cue up the carols, and get ready to make memories you’ll want to play on repeat for years to come!
Find The Greatest Gift of All at the Gallery at York Hall
Dec. 1-31 (closed Mondays and Christmas Day) | The Gallery at York Hall | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Tuesday-Saturday), 1 – 4 p.m. (Sunday) | FREE
The holiday magic shines at the Gallery at York Hall, where the walls are decked with breathtaking winter scenes by photographer Shirley Whitenack. Throughout December, admire these heartwarming outdoor images and shop one-of-a-kind treasures from more than 300 local artists — perfect for wrapping up your gift list with local flair. Enjoy live music on select dates to add a festive melody to your visit!
O Christmas Tree, You’re a Sight to See at Our Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 5 | Victory Monument & Riverwalk Landing | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | FREE
Kick off the most wonderful time of the year at Yorktown’s 80th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting! Gather by the Victory Monument at 6:30 p.m. to hear local elementary school children perform holiday favorites before parading down to Riverwalk Landing for the grand lighting of our dazzling 24-foot tree at 7:30 p.m. Hear holiday tunes before Santa and Mrs. Claus make their jolly entrance on York County’s very first fire truck! Plus, kids from 1 to 92 can pen letters to Santa and service members inside the warm and festive Yorktown Freight Shed.
All I Want for Christmas Is You at the Christmas Market on Main
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 6 & 7 | Historic Main Street | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Saturday) & 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday) | FREE
Find gifts that’ll make everyone jingle all the way! Nearly 100 vendors will line Main Street with handcrafted treasures — ornaments, soaps, wreaths, jewelry, and more — to help you wrap up your holiday shopping in style. The Town Crier will open the market Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by the stirring sounds of The Fifes and Drums of York Town. Santa will arrive in true Yorktown fashion — aboard a vintage fire truck — before greeting families throughout the day. Enjoy strolling musicians, colonial ornament making, roasted chestnuts (Saturday only), and a charming model train display.
A Sailor’s Christmas Awaits at the Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 6 | Yorktown Waterfront | 5 to 7:30 p.m. | FREE
Anchors aweigh for a sparkling night on the York River! Experience caroling around glowing braziers, story time, and live tunes by the Tomcats Dixieland Band and The Fifes and Drums of York Town. Sip on complimentary hot cider courtesy of the Boy Scouts of America as boats set sail at 7 p.m., lighting up the river in a dazzling holiday display that’ll make your spirits sail.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (for Dessert!)
Sunday, Dec. 7 | York Hall | 1 to 4 p.m. | FREE
Santa’s got a sweet tooth — and he’s saving room for cookies! Bring the kids to York Hall for Cookies with Santa and capture those picture-perfect smiles. As little ones nibble their treats, take a stroll through the Gallery at York Hall to shop one-of-a-kind local art that’s perfect for gifting (or keeping).
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! at An Enchanted Evening on Main Street
Friday, Dec. 12 | Historic Main Street | 5 to 9 p.m. | FREE
Baby, it’s cold outside — but you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy at this magical evening event! Watch as snowflakes drift through the air, admire live ice carvings, craft festive keepsakes, and visit with Santa. Enjoy a live nativity scene with animals, roving entertainment, roasted chestnuts, and an outdoor showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol. It’s the ultimate way to chill out this holiday season!
Santa Claus Is Back in Town (for Breakfast!)
Saturday, Dec. 13 | Riverwalk Restaurant | 8:30 a.m. | $
Santa swaps his sleigh for silverware during this cheerful breakfast at Riverwalk Restaurant. Relish in a hearty meal, holiday tunes, balloon artists, and festive activities. Don’t forget your camera for a photo with the big guy in red — it’s a morning your little elves won’t forget!
Mistletoe & Holly at Yorktown Market Days’ Mistletoe Market
Saturday, Dec. 13 | Riverwalk Landing | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | FREE
Pucker up — it’s time for some holly jolly fun! Stock up on festive foods, handmade gifts, and sweet treats at this merry market. Delight in Polar Express train rides, ice carving, face painting, balloon animals, and a performance by Centerstage Academy. Kids can make signs to display before marching in the Toyland Parade, led by The Fifes and Drums of York Town.
O Holy Night, the Lights Will Be Brightly Shining at Candlelight Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 13 | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | 6 to 8 p.m. | $
Step into history as the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown glows with holiday spirit. Meet Santa, craft keepsakes, and listen to heartwarming stories before strolling through the Continental Army encampment to see how soldiers celebrated Christmas by firelight.
Here We Come A-Wassailing at Christmastide in Virginia
Dec. 20–31 (except Christmas Day) | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $
Travel back in time to discover 17th- and 18th-century Christmas traditions through interpretive programs, cooking demos, and caroling. Explore the museum’s galleries and step into outdoor re-creations of early Virginia life. See how soldiers in the Continental Army kept the spirit alive with campfire cooking and flintlock musket demonstrations throughout the day.
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Tip: Hop on the ADA-accessible (and heated!) Yorktown Trolley for a festive ride around town. It’ll be jingling along during most of these holiday events!
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