HISTORIC TRIANGLE — It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and WYDaily has curated a list of local holiday events taking place this season for the community to enjoy.
Beginning Nov. 7, take a holiday walk through Merchants Square and read a festive seasonal story on the Holiday Story Trail. Pick up a map at the Williamsburg Library (or download the map here) and read the story Annie and the Wild Animals by Jan Brett, page by page, in the windows of participating shops and restaurants in the Merchants Square area. Available until the end of December.
On Nov. 17, the Colonial Williamsburg Ice Rink in Merchant Square will be returning for the season. The rink will be open until Feb. 27. Tickets are required and skate rentals will be available for an additional fee.
Heritage Humane Society’s Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Bruton Parish Hall in Downtown Williamsburg,
Yorktown Market Days Harvest Festival, Saturday, Nov. 18 is a pre-Thanksgiving cornucopia of fun! Shop for farm-fresh produce, seasonal treats, and unique holiday pieces from local artists.
The Colonial Singers of Williamsburg, a professional five-member acapella vocal ensemble that performs in 19th-century costumes, will be at Merchant Square in Downtown Williamsburg throughout the season starting Nov. 24.
Enjoy the 40-year tradition of 17th- and 18th-century foods during Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia during the weekend of Nov. 24 and 25 at both the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
Merchants Square Tree Lighting will take place on Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. on Duke of Gloucester Street, featuring caroling and an appearance by Father Christmas.
Broadway Dance Arts presents “It’s A Wonderful Life,” a performance to commence the celebration of the Christmas holiday season at the Kimball Theatre, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. Tickets required.
Various vendors, live entertainment, and food will be available at the Williamsburg Christmas Market. The market will open Nov. 24-26, Nov. 20-Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14-17, and Dec. 21-23. Times will vary depending on the day.
Riverwalk Landing Christmas Tree Lighting in Yorktown will take place on Friday, Dec. 1. Gather at York Hall by 6:30 p.m. for live music including a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. From there, the procession will make its way to Riverwalk Landing, where the tree-lighting ceremony will begin.
Free Photos with Santa will be available in New Town from Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 22-23.
Grand Illuminations will illuminate the night sky above the colonial capital in Colonial Williamsburg on Dec. 2, 9, and 16.
Yorktown Christmas Market on Main is a two-day event that includes vendors, music and more. Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3.
Watch as a fleet of decorated boats navigate around the York River and compete for best in show at the Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 2 at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 2, the annual Gloucester Christmas & Holiday Parade, starting at 3 p.m. with host more than 40 floats, bands, and community groups to Gloucester Main Street.
Williamsburg’s Jingle Bell Jubilee Christmas Parade begins at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 ushers in the holiday season with festive floats, live performances, and a special visit from Santa himself.
James City County Parks & Recreation is offering families a fun and free night of Santa Calling on Tuesday, Dec. 5 — your connection for “phone calls from Santa” for children ages 9 and younger and for those of all ages with disabilities living in James City County and Williamsburg. Register online.
Settler’s Market invites the community to its family-friendly “Holiday Glow” event on Thursday, December 7th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. his event is free and open to the public; no pre-registration is required.
Williamsburg Players present “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 7-17. Tickets required.
Enjoy an Enchanted Evening on Historic Main Street in Yorktown during this nighttime Christmas market on Friday, Dec. 8 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
“Christmas Dreams” presented by the Institute of Dance takes place Dec. 9 and 10 at the Kimball Theatre. Tickets required.
Yorktown Market Days Mistletoe Market from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.
Jamestown is hosting “At Christmas be Mery” a candlelit program that rings in the holidays with costumed interpreters, traditional music and a bonfire. Saturday, Dec. 9 at 5:30 and 7:30. Tickets are required.
Flannels and S’mores by the River hosted by Jamestown 4-H Educational Center takes place between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. A family-friendly holiday movie will be playing outdoors and indoors for your comfort and a food truck onsite. Cost is $20 per car, please reserve in advance.
Christmastide in Virginia Dec. 16-31 at Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Holiday fun is happening at both museums, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day.
Saturday, Dec. 16, Milk and Cookie with Santa at the Williamsburg Community Building. Tickets are required.
The JLHR Jingle Jog 1 Mile Family Fun Run & 5k Race, hosted by the Junior League of Hampton Roads, will take place on Dec. 16. Pre-registration is open on the website.
On Dec. 16, Good Shot Judy will be returning to the Kimball Theater with its show “A Crooner’s Christmas.”
Busch Garden’s Christmas Town has officially opened for the season. Christmas Town will run through Jan. 7 on select dates.
Did we miss a holiday event? Send us an email so we can add it to the list.
