WILLIAMSBURG — Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are inviting the public to celebrate the holiday season with a blend of centuries-old traditions and special exhibits, events and shopping.
Whether a weekend getaway or family retreat, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation says there are affordable options to visit, from value-priced combination tickets for both museums, multi-day tickets with Williamsburg area attractions, to an annual pass for year-round experiences.
At Jamestown Settlement, visitors can discover America’s first permanent English colony, the cultures and traditions of the Virginia Indians, Europeans, and West Central Africans.
On the eve of America’s 250th anniversary, visitors can seize the revolutionary spirit at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to uncover stories of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
Upcoming programming and events include:
Nov. 28-29: Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
Long before microwaves, electric stoves and refrigerators, early Virginians prepared meals in clay pots and iron kettles and preserved food by smoking and salt curing. This Thanksgiving holiday, explore the culinary practices and cooking techniques of the 17th and 18th centuries. This event is included with museum admission.
November 30: Museum Store Sunday
Take a little history home and stock up on unique gifts on this one-day worldwide museum store event, offering a 20% discount on total in-store purchases. View the online holiday gift guide to explore museum shops offering unique finds and exclusive gifts, from museum reproductions, handmade items, Virginia spirits and folk art, books and more. Purchases support museums’ educational mission.
On Display: Fresh Views of the American Revolution, Special Exhibit
Discover new perspectives on the ideals and legacies of the American Revolution through the folk art of Oscar de Mejo created during the 1976 Bicentennial and through engaging community art at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. View more than a dozen original paintings of de Mejo’s work, including “The Declaration of Independence,” as well as professional and student art reflecting on the meaning of freedom.
Through Jul. 12, 2026: Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown, Special Exhibit
Presented in partnership with the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, this groundbreaking special exhibition explores compelling discoveries that connect the early years of the Jamestown colony and Asia. Featuring Chinese porcelain uncovered during excavations of 1607 James Fort at Historic Jamestown and intact objects from global lenders, the exhibition examines who may have owned these evocative pieces, how they may have been acquired, and offers fresh insights into the social life of the early 17th-century Virginia elite. Daytime exhibit also accompanied by a Winter Lantern Festival (separate admission).
Dec. 13: Candlelight Christmas
Enjoy an evening of 18th-century Christmas cheer with a blend of modern traditions at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, 6-8 p.m. Hear festive sounds of holidays past with music and caroling and see how soldiers and colonists may have prepared for a holiday evening. Children can meet Santa, make holiday crafts and decorate the lobby Christmas tree. Separate admission: $10 per child (ages 4-12), $7 per adult (ages 12+) and free for ages 3 and under.
Dec. 20-31: Christmastide in Virginia
Enjoy historical holiday fun with hands-on interpretive programs, cooking demonstrations and musical entertainment. At Jamestown Settlement, learn about the English tradition of the Lord of Misrule, “grand captain of all mischief,” at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Starting Dec. 24, enjoy festive music at both 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Jamestown Settlement. At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, enjoy the sounds of Christmas through traditional carols and music at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Event included with museum admission.
Tickets are available online or in person at either museum and can also be packaged with modern-day accommodations. For more information, call 757-253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org.
