WILLIAMSBURG — The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg will host Artful Winter Evenings each Thursday in December starting at 5 p.m.
The community is invited to celebrate the holidays with this after-hours event where guided tours take place through the galleries showcasing Christmas trees decorated to match the themes of surrounding artwork, the opportunity to create an ornament or decorate cookies, and attend a holiday performance in the Hennage Auditorium.
“The Christmas Market is right along Court Street, in our shared space, so Thursdays would be a great night for people to shop the market and then come over to the Art Museums and enjoy our festive activities,” said Hennage Auditorium Manager Michelle Smith.
“The museum is all decked out!” exclaimed Smith, who explained that the Art Museums pride itself on not just embracing the holiday season but, providing programs all year, “I really like the community-driven aspect of what we do at the Art Museums. There is something for everyone. You could come back each week — if you wanted — to get a new experience or see a new concert.”
Except for the concert performances, Artful Winter Evenings are included in the admission or with a Good Neighbor Pass.
Every Thursday, at 7 p.m., a different musical act will take the stage at the Hennage Auditorium, located in the Art Museums, and requires a separate ticket (adults $20/children $10).
- Starting Dec. 5, The Three Tenors will kick off the series with the sounds of traditional, spirituals, gospel and contemporary music.
- The Williamsburg Symphony‘s brass quintet heralds the spirit of the season on Dec. 12.
- Enjoy the ethereal sounds of holiday music played by combined handbell ensembles from Bruton Parish Church and First Baptist Church on Dec. 19 during the Holiday Handbell Concert.
- The Gonzales Sisters, a classical cellist and violinist, end the series on Dec. 26.
In addition to the Artful Winter Evenings, The Hennage Auditorium has a calendar full of holiday programs throughout December that include A Charles Dickens Christmas which will feature readings from various Charles Dickens writings paired with Christmas carols of the Victorian era and Holiday Medley that includes an ensemble of musicians and actors.
“I don’t know if ‘hidden gem’ is the right way to explain us but, we are. We are a wealth of riches here at the Art Museums. There is really compelling programs that connect both to our collections and into the history of our area. We not only entertain but teach you a little bit and make the collection relevant to you and your life,” explained Smith.
Visit The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg for programming and ticket information.
