YORKTOWN — Historic Yorktown is filled with community traditions, and it all kicks off the first weekend of December.
The weekend begins with Yorktown’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Victory Monument & Riverwalk Landing on Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m., with the Tree Lighting at 7:30 p.m.
According to the county, this community tradition dates back to 1945, when Rev. Claud G. Barkley, Pastor of Yorktown Baptist Church, and staff from the County Clerk’s office decorated a cedar tree that stood at the corner of Main and Ballard Streets. Thanks to the York County Historical Committee, the tradition continues today with a 24-foot artificial Tannenbaum tower tree placed at Riverwalk Landing.
This year, the public is invited to gather at the Victory Monument by 6:30 p.m. for live music from local elementary school students and a performance by The Fifes and Drums of York Town. From there, the procession will make its way to Riverwalk Landing, where the official tree lighting will begin.
The county said parents and grandparents should plan to stay for a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The evening features festive holiday tunes, and stop by the Yorktown Freight Shed to sign holiday cards for community service members.
On Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., nearly 100 vendors will line the street for Christmas Market on Main, selling everything from jewelry and handmade soaps to ornaments, wreaths, and other merry must-haves and stocking stuffers. The Town Crier will ring in the market at 10 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a performance from The Fifes and Drums of York Town to officially open the festivities.
Santa Claus will ride in on York County’s first fire truck and will be available for photos on Main Street. Visitors can enjoy kids’ crafts, strolling musicians, and classic cars throughout the weekend, plus an ice carving demonstration in front of York Hall on Sunday. The Custom House and Kitchen will also be open during select hours on both days.
The county said the Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Dec. 6 at Yorktown Waterfront. Pre-parade festivities begin at 5 p.m. and include live performances by the Tomcats Dixieland Band, The Fifes and Drums of York Town and strolling carolers. Warm up with a complimentary cup of hot cider, courtesy of the Boy Scouts, and enjoy story time by the river. At 7 p.m., the boats set sail down the York River. Families are encouraged to bring flashlights to safely navigate around town as they enjoy the show. The event is sponsored by the Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade Committee.
The annual Cookies with Santa event takes place on Dec. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Gallery at York Hall. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring cameras — and wish lists — for photos with Santa. Explore the Gallery, filled with one-of-a-kind art and handcrafted items by hundreds of local artists.
Additionally, Historic Yorktown’s many shops and restaurants will be offering pre-made gift baskets, gift certificates and other unique stocking stuffer ideas. Be sure to follow Visit Yorktown on Facebook for the annual Holiday Gift Guide that takes you inside the museums, galleries and local businesses.
The Yorktown Trolley will be decked out for the season and running from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. The Trolley is heated, ADA-accessible, and offers complimentary transportation to several convenient stops, including the County Administration Building, Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, Watermen’s Museum and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
