CW Planner

12 Days and Night Before Christmas

Experience the unique spirit of Christmas as people from the past bring two classic Christmas stories to life.

A 19th-Century Williamsburg Christmas

The Colonial Singers share stories and songs centered around the Civil War, Williamsburg, Charles Dickens, and the Tucker family Christmas tree.

A Celebration of the Yule Log

Follow the Yule log, hauled by wagon, from the Capitol circle to Market Square, accompanied by music, festivity, and the community of 18th-century and present-day Williamsburg.

A Christmas Peaceable Kingdom

Join Kelly Kennedy as she shares the meaning of the season through joyous tunes and stories of all creatures great and small.

A Christmas Remembered

Join a Nation Builder as they share memories of Christmastide and hopes for the coming year.

A Christmas Remembered - Alexander Hamilton

A Nation Builder shares memories of Christmastide.

A Christmas Remembered - George Washington

A Nation Builder shares memories of Christmastide.

A Christmas Remembered - James Madison

A Nation Builder shares memories of Christmastide.

A Christmas Remembered - Martha Washington

A Nation Builder shares memories of Christmastide.

A Christmas Remembered- Edith Cumbo

A Nation Builder shares memories of Christmastide

A Christmas Remembered- Thomas Jefferson

A Nation Builder shares memories of Christmastide.

A Community Celebration of Music and Song

Each Saturday evening, highlighted ensembles from the Williamsburg community will fill the air with seasonal music throughout the Historic Area.

A Determined Spirit

When Charlotte, an enslaved woman on the Mount Vernon estate, is beaten twice, she takes her case to Mrs. Washington to find justice.

A Fugitive Christmas

Join two fugitive soldiers on New Year's Day in 1776 as they celebrate Christmastide while recovering from their wounds in a military hospital.

A Grand Display of Fireworks

Simultaneous 18th-century style pyrotechnics at the Governor’s Palace and Capitol Building.

A Grand Illumination Celebration on Palace Green

Featuring Goodwin & The Ghost: A Williamsburg Christmas Tale with author Bryan Austin concludes with a special appearance by Father Christmas and leads into the fireworks.

A Patriotic American

Elizabeth Braxton, wife of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, reflects on the changes, challenges, and consequences faced by her family during the Revolution.

A Season Full of Holidays

Timothy Seaman and Thomas Abernethy celebrate the many holidays from Thanksgiving to Epiphany with delightful and moving musical selections.

A Soldier's Journey

Meet John Jarret Carter, a solider in Washington’s army and a barkeep in Williamsburg. The year is 1781 and Williamsburg stands on brink of invasion!

Acoustic Guitar Recital

Enjoy this recital by Louis Vangieri, from Williamsburg, Virginia as you experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful 300+ year old worship center.

African American Contributions at the Governor's Palace

Learn about the contributions of free and enslaved African-Americans during your visit to the Palace. Tours every 20-30 minutes.

All Things are Possible

Robert Carter III discusses his inner struggles and new-found faith that will lead him to an extraordinary decision and an equally remarkable action.

American Indian Interpretation

Explore the diverse cultures of Native peoples striving to preserve their traditional way of life and learn about the roles they played in creating a new country.

Armoury Activity Stations for Home Educators

Enhance your visit with our educational activity stations. Explore Anderson’s armoury compound and learn about the demands that war placed on Williamsburg’s industry.

At a Glance

Join us on a 20-minute guided tour and enjoy some Museum favorites at a glance.

Behind the Scenes at the Barn for Home Educators

Explore Colonial Williamsburg’s modern stable and carriage facilities to meet some of our animals and view the various vehicles owned and operated onsite.

Bits and Bridles

Get a behind-the-scenes look at our modern stables, learn more about our carriages, and get up close and personal with some of our animals.

Brasstastic Holidays!

Eastern Virginia Brass presents holiday favorites and traditional carols arranged especially for brass quintet.

CW Lights

Explore our family-friendly evening experience in the Governor's Palace Gardens. This magical glow event will transform our world-class gardens.

Change is Coming with G. Pamphlet and G. Mason

Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved Baptist preacher, asks George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, how this new document will change his world.

Christmas Day Dinner Rockefeller Room

Enjoy a 3-Course Pre-Fixe Christmas Menu at the Williamsburg Inn's Rockefeller, Terrace and Goodwin Room with family and friends.

Christmas Day Regency Room Williamsburg Inn

Enjoy a festive Christmas Day Meal in the Regency Room of the Williamsburg Inn. Pre-Paid Reservations Required:

Christmas Decorations Walking Tour

Enjoy a one-hour walking tour for a closer look at the Colonial Williamsburg decorations and a discussion of holiday traditions, past and present.

Christmas Dinner King's Arms Tavern

Enjoy a traditional holiday fare, choose your starter, entrée and dessert while relaxing to 18th century music.

Christmas Eve Dinner Rockefeller Room

Enjoy Christmas Eve at the Williamsburg Inn's Rockefeller, Terrace, and Goodwin Room with family and friends. Our 3-course menu. Pre-paid dining event, Reservations Required.

Christmas Organ Recital

December 28- Dr. Ross Ellison, Organist from Millersville University December 30 -David Billings, Director of Music & Organist at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church

Christmas Trees and Museum Treasures

Discover themed trees, including our 16-foot Folk Art tree, hunt for objects representing the 12 Days of Christmas, purchase treats in our Café and gifts in the Museum Store.

Christmas and the Constitution

Join Madison and Hamilton in the throes of writing the Federalist Papers to support the constitution over a hectic holiday season, as they balance public and personal duty.

Christmastide Music at the Courthouse

Join musicians Brian Forsman & Bill Weldon for the best dance tunes and songs of Christmastide.

Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Join us for our annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, co-sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg.

Cry Witch

Question witnesses, weigh evidence, and determine the guilt or innocence of "the Virginia Witch." Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion.

Dances with Dwarves: A Celtic Celebration

Join Poisoned Dwarf for a Christmas Season concert of energetic Celtic music that will have your feet tapping and hearts dancing.

Decorated Wreath Sales

Guests can purchase a beautifully decorated wreath or centerpiece in the Colonial Williamsburg style.

Decorating the Private Homes

Join us for our 29th annual, fun-filled celebration of the decorating efforts of the employees who live in Colonial Williamsburg's restored private residences.

Dressing for Her Day of Days

The Holiday season was a favorite time for weddings in the 18th century. The Milliners will discuss wedding traditions and stitch a bridal ensemble in three days.

Family, Feasts, Friends and Festivity

Join long-time friends and Williamsburg musicians Kelly Kennedy and Dean Shostak as they share fun family songs and stories from many holiday traditions world-wide.

Father Christmas Strolling the Square

Meet with Father Christmas as he takes an afternoon stroll through Merchants Square.

Fiddling Around the Christmas Tree

Join John Turner, David Gardner, and Cliff Williams for an hour of rousing dance tunes, stories, and songs of the season.

Fiddling Away the Holidays

Master fiddler John Turner returns for this Colonial Williamsburg Christmas tradition of reveling in the lighter side of the holiday season.

Fife & Drum Performance in Merchants Square

Enjoy a holiday Fife & Drum performance in Merchants Square.

Fire a Flintlock Musket

Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms used during the Revolutionary War. Your own transportation is required.

First Impressions

Martha Washington and Sally Cary Fairfax have always maintained a deep and abiding friendship. How will they continue their connection over distance, time, and politics?

Five Centuries of Holiday Music in Virginia

Join Henley Fork for a musical tour of Virginia's holiday traditions and music from the time of Jamestown through the 20th century.

Four Centuries of Virginia Christmases

Share the fun of celebrating 400 years of Christmas through song, poetry, and stories with Kelly Kennedy, David Gardner, Cliff Williams, and Doug Austin.

Freedom's Paradox

Explore the paradox of the institution of slavery and the movement for independence in a 60 minute walking tour which begins and ends at the Randolph Yard.

Ghost Walk Junior

Calling guests of all ages! Enjoy this 45-minute ghost tour of traditional spooky stories with a Colonial Williamsburg flavor. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Good Progress

Meet Mrs. Wager, teacher of the Williamsburg Bray School, as she debates the nature of her school with Elizabeth DeRosario, a free woman of color.

Grand Illumination Dinner King's Arms Tavern

Join us for a 3-course holiday meal all while being serenaded by tavern music. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 1-844-714-3205.

Handbell & Choral Concert

The Tabernacle Baptist Church Choir & Handbells from Richmond, Virginia under the direction of Judy Fiske give a concert in this beautiful 300 year old worship center.

Handbell & Organ Concert

Enjoy this concert presented by the Bruton Parish Tarpley Ringers directed by Rebecca Davy and accompanied by JanEl Will on the organ.

Haunted Williamsburg

Brave centuries of scares, from 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters!

Historic Area Illumination Ceremonies

The lighting of candles along Duke of Gloucester Street continues with three simultaneous ceremonies at the Raleigh Tavern, George Wythe House, and Randolph House.

Historic Organ Recital - Norman Elton

Norman Elton, organist at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital - Rebecca Davy

Rebecca Davy, Music Director at Bruton Parish Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital - Sarah Bland

Sarah Bland, organist at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital with Thomas Marshall

Enjoy this Historic Organ Recital in the Wren Chapel at the College of William & Mary performed by Thomas Marshall, organist at Williamsburg United Methodist Church.

Hogmanay! Hogmanay!

Join John Turner and Kelly Kennedy as they usher in the new year with traditional Scottish tunes and songs, including the annually popular Hogmanay Song.

Holiday Choral Concert - Manassas Chorale

Enjoy the blend of voices as the Manassas Chorale from Manassas, Virginia, directed by Becky Verner presents a Holiday Concert.

Holiday Choral Concert - New Dominion Choraliers

Enjoy a holiday concert by the New Dominion Choraliers Community Choir from Prince William County, Virginia, directed by Katherine Nelson-Tracey.

Holiday Choral Concert - One Accord Choir

Enjoy the blended voices of One Accord Choir from First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, directed by Philip Mitchell, as they present a holiday concert.

Holiday Choral Concert- Bach's Magnificat

Enjoy this holiday recital of Johann Sebastian Bach's Magnificat, performed by Bruton Parish Choirs & Orchestra and directed by Rebecca Davy.

Holiday Decoration Workshop

Create a festive Holiday centerpiece in a mug to carry home with you in this workshop led by Colonial Williamsburg's landscape design team.

Home Educators Private History Walking Tour

Your group's private guide will lead your family through town to learn more about what it was like to live in the 18th century.

Joy in the Morning

Gather with members of the enslaved community to experience a music-filled message of hope.

Judith and Daniel

Judith and Daniel, an enslaved couple, anxiously await their reunion after a year apart. Learn the tragic story resulting in their separation.

Ladies of Llangollen

In 1780, Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler eloped together. This musical romance gives life to the ladies’ own words, lovingly adapted from their diaries, letters, and poetry.

Lighting of the Cressets

Join us on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night.

Live Holiday Music in Merchants Square

Enjoy Fife & Drum performances, carolers, and strolling musicians as they fill Merchants Square with music.

Loquacious Lucy and the Christmas Box

In this musical play, an enslaved child named Lucy receives a doll for her Christmas Box and her mother and father must help her understand what it means.

Loquacious Lucy, Queen for a Day

When Lucy, a loquacious enslaved child, learns that her friend has been sold, her father must teach her hard lessons about slavery and instill in her the pride of her ancestors.

Lucinda and the Lottery

Based on a story from The Christmas Frolick (1775), Lucinda, a charming young heiress, devises a stratagem to test whose love is true.

Measure of a Man's Worth

While conversing with Major James Innes, Benjamin, an enslaved carriage driver, gradually learns what the revolution has in store for enslaved men and women in Williamsburg.

Merriment and Measles

Join the Washingtons on the eve of Twelfth Night in 1760, as they reflect on the past year and their hopes for the future in the midst of a measles outbreak.

Midwinter Stories

Celebrate American Indian life and culture through stories and traditions.

Military Activity

Come explore the Magazine Yard and discover how this military storehouse and Virginia's diverse peoples shaped an empire and defined a new nation.

Mother Goose's Riddle and Rhymes Tour for Home Educators

Explore Benjamin Powell's property using familiar riddles and rhymes, along with items like a stub of candle or a hank of wool. Where did we get the wool? Baa! Baa!

Music and Mischief

Join the Jug Broke Theatre Co. as they perform holiday stories and music from the 18th century.

Music for a Back Porch Virginia Holiday

Join musical historians Carson Hudson and Arden Clark for an old time holiday get-together.

Nation Builders Discuss Family and Celebrations

Join two Nation Builders to discuss how they celebrated occasions with friends and family, and speak with the historians who portray them for context on their 18th-century world.

Nation Builders Discuss the Institution of Slavery

Join two Nation Builders to discuss how they viewed the complicated tragedy that was the institution of slavery.

Nation Builders Discuss the Rights of Women

Join two Nation Builders to discuss how they viewed and debated the rights of women.

New Years Eve Dinner Rockefeller Room

Enjoy New Year's Eve at the Williamsburg Inn's Rockefeller, Terrace, and Goodwin Room with family and friends. Pre-Paid Reservations Required

Nine Lessons & Carols

Get ready for the New Year with Lessons and Carols by the Bruton Parish Choirs directed by Rebecca Davy and accompanied by JanEl Will on Organ.

Now Christmas Comes!

Ring in the holidays with Brian Forsman and Bill Weldon as they trace the roots of seasonal tunes and popular carols to the music that our ancestors enjoyed.

Of Christmas Past

A British servant, newly arrived in the colony with his master, reflects on the holiday traditions he has left behind in the mother country.

Organ Recital- Rachel Schulz

Rachel Schulz, Music & Worship Coordinator at Indian Heights United Methodist Church in Lenexa, Kansas, presents a recital on organ in this elegant 300-year-old worship space.

Palace Activity Stations for Home Educators

Enhance your visit with our educational activity stations. Step into our gardens and participate in an interactive spotlight on different aspects of the 18th century.

Palace Concert

Colonial Williamsburg's early music ensemble, the Governor's Musick, offers an elegant evening of holiday chamber music.

Photos with Santa Claus in Merchants Square

Snag photos with Santa in a gingerbread house setting. Look for Santa on the 2nd floor at 345 Duke of Gloucester Street in Merchants Square.

Pop-Up Archaeology!

Drop in to the Art Museums for a special pop-up exhibition of artifacts from the Custis Square, First Baptist Church, and Powder Magazine archaeology sites!

Popular Science: An 18th Century Science Lecture for Home Educators

Step into the shoes of 18th-century students to learn what is on the cutting edge of enlightenment science.

Private Family Tour

Your group's private guide will lead your family through town to learn more about what it was like to live in the 18th century.

Profound Joy

Timothy Seaman celebrates the wonder of winter, Christmas and Hanukkah on extended-range hammered dulcimer, with songs full of joy, hope and peace .

Public Auction

Take part in an exciting auction! Bid on selected items from Colonial Williamsburg stores as well as exclusive items not available elsewhere.

Revolutionary Points of View

Step back in time to the eve of the American Revolution, and there are just as many opinions about war and independence as we hear about politics and religion today.

Rum and Highland Tales

Join master storytellers Donna Wolf and Shel Browder as they share tales told by Highlanders of the 18th century.

Sam's War

Sam, a Black soldier, tells his heroic story of self-liberation, his encounters with the Shawnee, his supposed enemy, and those who enslaved him. Which army will he fight for?

Same Space, Different Place

Meet Rachel Whitaker, recently widowed tavern owner and her enslaved servant, Milly to discover how the Christmastide season is different for these two mothers.

Santa through the Ages

Cultures change over time and so has Santa. Enjoy meeting Santas from various eras and discover how he has changed over time.

She Had on When She Went Away

Explore the material culture and lives of self-liberated Black women in the 18th century and the society they inhabited.

Silent Night

From the Revolutionary War to Vietnam, travel through time as women in various wartime roles struggle to experience a silent night in the midst of the sounds of war.

Slavery and the Law

On your visit to the Capitol, discover how enslaved African Americans interacted with and were impacted by the law. Tours every 20-30 minutes.

Succordia's Prayer

As she mourns the passing of her beloved, Succordia, an enslaved woman in the twilight of her life, tells us her story of love and faith that transcends her enslaved status.

Suites for the Holidays

Timothy Seaman, Ann Robinson, and Robert Wadsworth share medleys of familiar tunes with distinct Christmas themes on hammered dulcimers, Celtic harp, guitars, and more!

Talk of the Town: Christmastide

Walk through town with a resident of 18th century Williamsburg as they share reflections on the holiday season.

Teach them Diligently

Journey with Ann Wager, a lifelong teacher in Colonial Virginia, as she experiences what it takes to run the Williamsburg Bray School.

The Art-Full Tree

On a guided holiday tour explore the galleries and gaze at the Art Museum's huge decorated tree, and create your own art-inspired ornament to take home.

The Doctrine of Representation

Meet Hannah Corbin & her brother Richard Henry Lee as they explore the future of voting rights and the meaning of representation.

The Magic of Christmas

This new holiday show features mesmerizing magic and a live band of strings, brass, reeds, and drums providing the sounds of the season from medieval through modern favorites.

The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret

Join Mrs. Washington in December of 1799 as she comes to terms with the General’s Last Will and Testament, and hear from George Washington on his evolution on slavery.

The Widow's Masquerade

With support from her fellow soldiers, Hannah Snell became the first woman to receive a pension from the British government. Approximately 20 minutes.

To Hang a Pirate

Join with us in a trial of a member of the crew of Blackbeard the pirate that actually occurred in Williamsburg in 1719. Hear the evidence and make a judgment!

Tradespeople in the Galleries

Visit with the joiner, harpsichord-makers, cabinetmakers, silversmiths, tailors, engravers, or wigmakers in the Art Museums.

Visit a Nation Builder

Step into the past with a Nation Builder and learn about their contribution to the founding of our nation.

Visit a Nation Builder- Ann Wager

Step into the past with Ann Wager, Educator of free and enslaved children.

Visit a Nation Builder- Edith Cumbo

Step into the past with Edith Cumbo, Free Black Sister, Mother, Fighter, Founder.

Visit a Nation Builder- General George Washington

Step into the past with George Washington, Father of the Country.

Visit a Nation Builder- George Wythe

Step into the past with George Wythe, teacher, lawyer, judge, and revolutionary.

Visit a Nation Builder- Patrick Henry

Step into the past with Patrick Henry, the Revolution's Son of Thunder.

Visit a Nation Builder- Reverend Gowan Pamphlet

Step into the past with Gowan Pamphlet, Revolutionary Black Baptist Preacher.

Visit a Nation Builder- Thomas Jefferson

Step into the past with Thomas Jefferson, The Rebellious Philosophe.

Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea

Celebrate the season with a festive holiday tea in the elegance of the Williamsburg Inn. Sample the Inn's special holiday blend and enjoy cookies and pastries.

Williamsburg Lodge Christmas Day Meal

Gather for a festive feast at the Williamsburg Lodge this Christmas!

Wine Dinner at King's Arms with George Washington

Dine with George Washington as he reflects on his world travels. Open seating; no private tables. Must be 21 or older. $165 per person. Reservations required.

Winter in the Valley

Join the Waterman family for delightful Christmas songs and family stories from the 18th century as we welcome you into our music-making home during our favorite season!

Women and the Law tours

Uncover the stories of women who engaged with the highest levels of colonial law and government as victims and active participants—even criminals.

Youth Choral & Strings Concert

Enjoy this choral and strings concert by Soli Deo & Young Musicians of Virginia, directed by Karla Robinson & Sarah Umlauf.