Top 14 Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA in December

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia is packed with history and gorgeous 18th-century architecture, which makes it an especially magical place to visit during the holiday season in December.

From theme parks and historic sites to museums, waterfront celebrations, and holiday markets, there’s something for everyone in and around Williamsburg throughout December.

Below are some of the best things to do in Williamsburg, VA in December 2025, including many of the top Christmas events and seasonal attractions to help you plan a memorable Colonial Christmas getaway.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

What:

Busch Gardens Williamsburg transforms into “Christmas Town,” with more than 10 million lights, holiday shows, festive food, visits with Santa, and family-friendly rides. It’s one of the largest and most spectacular Christmas light displays in North America and a can’t-miss December attraction near Williamsburg.

When:
Select dates from November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026

Tickets:
Christmas Town is a separately ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased through the Christmas Town page. Admission is included with eligible Busch Gardens Memberships.

Liberty Ice Pavilion

What:

The Liberty Ice Pavilion is a charming outdoor ice skating rink set right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg on Duke of Gloucester Street. Enjoy skating under the lights with historic buildings as your backdrop, then warm up with hot cider, coffee, and other treats nearby in Merchants Square.

When:
November 21, 2025 to February 28, 2026 (open daily, including holidays)

Tickets:
You can purchase Liberty Ice Pavilion tickets online.

Christmas Market on Main

What:

Yorktown’s Christmas Market on Main brings together more than 100 vendors selling arts and crafts, holiday décor, wreaths, treats, and gifts. The festivities also include live music, performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town, visits from Santa, and plenty of small-town holiday charm.

When:
Weekend of December 6–7, 2025 (two-day market, with the main market and activities on December 7, 2025)

Tickets:
Free admission. No ticket is required.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

What:

Yorktown’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is a long-running tradition that begins at the Victory Monument and continues down to Riverwalk Landing. Enjoy holiday music, a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus as the towering tree is lit for the season.

When:
Friday, December 5, 2025 starting at 6:30 pm

Tickets:
Free admission. No ticket is required.

Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

What:

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg host special holiday-themed programs throughout November and December, including decorated trees, musical performances, seasonal talks, and more. A towering centerpiece tree decorated with thousands of ornaments makes a perfect backdrop for photos, and evening programs add extra holiday sparkle.

When:
Special events run throughout November and December 2025. For specific dates and times, check the Art Museums events calendar.

Tickets:
Museum admission tickets can be purchased through the Colonial Williamsburg ticket page.

Jamestown Settlement – Christmastide in Virginia

What:

During Christmastide in Virginia, Jamestown Settlement explores how English colonists and Indigenous peoples marked the season in the 17th century. Costumed interpreters, holiday decorations, historical demonstrations, and music bring early Virginia’s winter traditions to life.

When:
December 20–31, 2025 (closed on December 25)

Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased through the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation website.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – Christmastide in Virginia

What:

At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Christmastide in Virginia focuses on how soldiers and civilians experienced winter and the holiday season during the Revolutionary War. Outdoor demonstrations, period cooking, and interpretive programs show daily life in military camps and on the farm.

When:
December 20–31, 2025 (closed on December 25)

Tickets:
Tickets are available via the Christmastide in Virginia event page.

Yorktown Mistletoe Market and Toyland Parade

What:

The Yorktown Mistletoe Market is a festive end-of-season Yorktown Market Days event featuring local vendors with holiday foods, baked goods, wreaths, artisan crafts, and more. The afternoon Toyland Parade, led by Santa and the Fifes and Drums of York Town, adds extra fun for families.

When:
Saturday, December 13, 2025

Tickets:
Free admission. No ticket is required.

Virginia Living Museum – Winter Nature Nights

What:

The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News showcases Virginia’s native wildlife year-round, with indoor and outdoor exhibits, an aviary, dinosaur trail, and planetarium. In December, Winter Nature Nights transforms the outdoor trail into a glowing holiday walk with lights, displays, festive treats, and family activities.

When:
December 19–23, 2025, 5:30 pm – 8:15 pm

Tickets:
Museum and event tickets can be purchased through the Virginia Living Museum website.

Yule Log Celebration

What:

The Yule Log Celebration is a beloved Colonial Williamsburg tradition. Follow the Yule Log by wagon from Capitol Circle to Market Square, enjoy music, storytelling, the lighting of the cressets, and join the community in tossing greenery into the bonfire for good luck.

When:
Friday evenings, December 5, 12, and 19, 2025 – 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Tickets:
Free admission. No ticket is required.

Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg

What:

Grand Illumination is one of Colonial Williamsburg’s signature holiday events, inspired by historic “illumination” celebrations. Each Saturday features fireworks launched over the Historic Area, seasonal music, cresset lighting, and special programming throughout the afternoon and evening.

When:
Saturdays, December 6, 13, and 20, 2025
(Holiday programming generally begins around 5:00 pm, with fireworks in the evening.)

Tickets:
Grand Illumination programs are included with Colonial Williamsburg admission; some premium experiences may require separate tickets. See the Grand Illumination event page for details.

Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade

What:

The Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade is a waterfront favorite, featuring boats decked out in dazzling holiday lights cruising along the York River. Before the parade, enjoy music, caroling, and hot cider along the Yorktown waterfront as part of the evening’s festivities.

When:
Saturday, December 6, 2025

Tickets:
Free admission. No ticket is required.

The Bizarre Bazaar – Christmas Collection

What:

The Bizarre Bazaar’s Christmas Collection at Richmond Raceway brings together hundreds of exhibitors with handmade crafts, specialty foods, décor, clothing, and unique gifts. It’s a huge indoor holiday market and a fun day trip option from Williamsburg.

When:
December 4–7, 2025

Tickets:
Tickets and event details are available on The Bizarre Bazaar website.

Shopping at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets

What:

Williamsburg Premium Outlets offer more than 130 stores, including many popular clothing, accessory, and specialty brands—perfect for finishing up your holiday shopping or hunting for deals.

When:
Open year-round. Check the store hours before your visit.

Tickets:
Free admission. No ticket is required.