Best things to do in November in Williamsburg 2024
Best things to do in November in Williamsburg, Yorktown and surrounding towns – November 2024
If you love the fall you will love being in Williamsburg in November. With the leaves changing and the air becoming crisp but not cold – it is the perfect time of year to walk the streets of Colonial Williamsburg or head on over to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens and start stoking your holiday spirit! The outdoor ice rink Liberty Pavilion opens, tree lightings and evening programs keep the lights on and folks wandering the Historic Area. Maritime Markets in Yorktown will keep you kids wide eyed watching for pirates while you can get a holiday shopping done! And don’t forget the photos with Santa! Keep checking back – we add events to this list during the month!
Special Event: Lighting of the Cressets
November 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 24, 25
Colonial Williamsburg
Head to historic Duke of Gloucester Street for the Lighting of the Cressets as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night with music. Stay and catch and evening program, dinner or a drink with friends. More info
Williamsburg Players presentsChitty Chitty Bang Bang
Select dates November 1 – 17
Williamsburg Players
Based on the 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s beloved children’s book, the stage musical of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a family-friendly blockbuster that audiences find “truly scrumptious.” Get tickets More info
Vintage Market
Saturday, November 2 from 9 am – 3 pm
McReynolds Athletic Complex (MAC) Yorktown
If you enjoy restoring old furniture, shopping for vintage clothing and jewelry or filling your home with one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces—you don’t want to miss this popular fall event! York County’s popular Vintage Market. Browse the complex to search for farm antiques, old children’s books, vinyl records, vintage tools and unique home décor. More info
Fall Festival at Peace Hill Farm
Saturday, November 2 from 10 am – 4 pm
A full day of local vendors and artisans, food, drinks, farm animals, live music, yard games (giant Jenga, chess, and four-in a row, plus corn hole toss and more)! All little ones are welcome to play in the giant sandbox! Parents, bring your kids and sit around the fire while they play. Or challenge your teenagers to a contest! Free admission to all! More info
Visit Williamsburg Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm
The Williamsburg Farmers Market is in beautiful downtown Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area. Produce, Meat, and Baked Good vendors along with Flowers, Coffee and more. You can shop and then grab lunch at one of the many eateries in town. MORE
The Bodacious Bazaar
Friday & Saturday, November 8 & 9, 10am–7pm & Sunday, November 10, 10am–5pm
Hampton Convention Center
This is Virginia’s largest shopping EXTRAVAGANZA! Packed with vendors wall to wall from all over the country. Get ready to shop for all your holiday gifts!! More info here
Yorktown Market Days Maritime Festival
Saturday, November 9 & Sunday, November 10 from 9 am – 3 pm
Yorktown Riverwalk Landing
In addition to the amazing farmer market vendors this annual themed market will feature a pirate encampment, sea shanties, a history fair, kids’ crafts and face painting, work boats, blacksmiths and colonial reenactments. See the day’s schedule and don’t miss it!
The Virginia Cat Festival
November 9 & 10
Kimball Theatre on Saturday and Williamsburg Lodge on Sunday
A celebration of all things cats. For cat people. This is a two day event featuring keynote speaker Jackson Galaxy, film screenings, live comedy, workshop, vendors, games & activities. More information on the schedule and tickets.
2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival
November 10 from 11 am to 4 pm
Stroll the streets of Downtown Williamsburg and take in unique handcrafts from more than 175+ artisans, live music, performing arts and food trucks in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. There’s something to be enjoyed by all! ADMISSION IS FREE. MORE
Veterans Day Events – Williamsburg & Yorktown
Monday, November 11
There are several events going on for Veterans Day. We have a Veteran’s Day post with the entire list of events because there are too many for this post. See all the Veterans Day events here.
Afternoon Tea at the Williamsburg Inn
November 14 – 16 from 2 – 3 pm
Spend the afternoon with your family and friends indulging in the fine Afternoon Tea with a fall-inspired menu. Enjoy handmade scones, tea sandwiches, pastries, and more with a signature tea from the Chef Collaboration with The Tea and Spice Exchange. Make reservations online.
William & Mary Theatre Presents: Fun Home
November 14 – 17 at Phi Betta Kappa Memorial Hall
From Concord Theatricals: “When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.” Tickets
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Select dates from November 15 through January 5
It is the most wonderful time of the year as Busch Gardens® Christmas Town™ returns to celebrate 15 years of festive fun. Family-friendly classics such as Santa’s Workshop, the Christmas Town Express and ‘Twas that Night ice skating show cover the park in holiday cheer. Indulge in seasonal sweet treats like flavored hot chocolates and deep-dish cookies, exclusive to Christmas Town. Holiday shopping and special photo opportunities complete the festive holiday tradition for friends and families.
The annual Christmas Town celebration transforms Busch Gardens Williamsburg into one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America. It is a local and tourist favorite events. Busch Gardens is already running single day ticket promotions (see Busch Gardens ticket discounts here) and they have Fun Cards for those who like to go more than once during the season. This event combines rides, food, live theater, music and LIGHTS. It is a great place to see Santa and world class ice skating. It is kind of…AMAZING.
Harvest Market at the Yorktown Market Days – extended Fall Fun Market
November 16: Harvest Festival (9 am – 3 pm)
Riverwalk Landing – 331 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690
It’s a pre-Thanksgiving cornucopia of fun! Shop for turkeys, pecan pies, and cranberry sauce. Take home unique holiday pieces from local artists for serving your family meals. More than 50 vendors participate in this special November market. Bring the family family–kids young and old will enjoy this autumn extravaganza, which features a live animal show, petting zoo, balloon art, inflatable axe throwing, hay rides, and a pie eating contest. Learn more
Liberty Ice Pavilion
Open daily beginning Friday November 22
It really starts to feel like the holidays when the Liberty Ice Pavilion ice rink opens in Colonial Williamsburg. Ice skate with your family on Duke of Gloucester Street at the outdoor Liberty Ice Pavilion! Refreshments including hot cider, coffee, and more will be available for purchase only steps away from the ice. Or make it an evening with dinner at one of the restaurants in Merchants Square just across the street. Hours and additional information here
The Williamsburg Symphony presents “The Magic of John Williams”
November 22 at 7 pm
Williamsburg Community Chapel
The captivating concert celebrates the music of legendary composer John Williams, who has created some of the most memorable and beloved soundtracks in cinematic history. From the heroic themes of “Star Wars” to the enchanting melodies of “Harry Potter,” the concert showcases the wide range of musical styles that have made John Williams the world’s most performed living composer. With the stirring sounds of a live orchestra, the concert is an unforgettable experience for fans of film music and orchestral magic. Plus, an “Instrument Petting Zoo” will be in the lobby starting at 6 pm. Tickets
Heritage Humane Society Holiday Bazaar
November 23 from 9 am to 3 pm at Bruton Parish Hall
The Annual Holiday Bazaar raises funds for homeless pets at Heritage Humane Society. Shop for everyone on your holiday shopping list (furry and human)! Hand-Crafted Fabric Creations & Gifts, Homemade Baked Goods, Gift Baskets for Pets & People, Critter Corner, Jewelry, Holiday Decorations, Kids Corner (with books, games, stuffed animals, & more!), and Raffles! Gourmet Soup for Pre-Purchase Online Only! Learn more here.
“The Nutcracker Suite” presented by the Concert Ballet of Virginia
November 23 at 11 am and 1 pm
Williamsburg Library
A holiday tradition returns to the Library. The Concert Ballet of Virginia, the state’s oldest continually operating ballet company, presents The Nutcracker Suite. The bright, colorful costumes and exciting enthusiastic performances by dancers from throughout Virginia are sure to delight children of all ages. More info
The Annual Blue Talon Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
November 28
This is an annual run/walk that is the run before the feast…it is family friendly, with families dressing up in turkey hats and coming to have a great time. The run goes into the Colonial Williamsburg historic area – which makes for an absolutely beautiful experience. Get your race 5k or your 1 Mile Fun Run entry soon as they do have limited spots this year! Race Registration here.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Colonial Williamsburg
Thursday, November 28
Looking for a special family tradition? Colonial Williamsburg serves Thanksgiving dinner for your family like no one else at five different locations this year. From the fine dining experience to the family holiday traditional meal – your family will love it.
- Sweet Tea & Barley Thanksgiving Dinner
- Regency Room Thanksgiving Grand Buffet
- Shields Tavern: 2024 Thanksgiving
- Kings Arm’s Tavern Thanksgiving Day Meal
- Christiana Campbell’s Tavern Thanksgiving Dinner
- Williamsburg Lodge’s Traditions Restaurant Thanksgiving Day Buffet
- Williamsburg Inn Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Celebration in Lights
Opens Daily November 28
5:30 pm – 10 pm
Newport News Celebration in Lights Celebration in Lights is in its 32nd season. Virginia’s first holiday drive-through light show features a stunning array of two-miles of holiday lights, including a dazzling Tunnel of Lights, Snappy the Alligator, Underwater Fish Arches, and vibrant 3D Trees. The addition of colorful peacocks and a whimsical Candy Arch adds even more charm. More info
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
November 29 & 30
Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
This Thanksgiving holiday, dig into the foodways of 17th- and 18th-century America during Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia. Explore centuries-old culinary practices and cooking techniques of early Virginia during a two-day event. At the Jamestown Settlement, “discover how food was gathered, preserved and prepared on land and at sea by Virginia’s English colonists and Powhatan Indians”. At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, “explore how Continental Army soldiers earned their rations and witness the bounty of produce and proteins fresh from the fields transformed into stews, pies and breads”. Remember locals get in to both museums for free (see if you live in the local area) More info
Colonial Williamsburg Open House with Gingerbread House Reveal!
November 30 from 10 am – 1 pm
Williamsburg Lodge
Get ready to be dazzled by the Williamsburg Lodge Gingerbread House Exhibit 2024! Colonial Williamsburg unveil this year’s enchanting gingerbread house, expertly crafted with 200 pounds of gingerbread and over 1,600 hand-placed bricks. The display shines with 600+ fondant shingles and sweet candy decorations.
Enjoy free all-day festive activities like cookie decorating, writing letters to Santa, and sipping hot chocolate. Plus, Santa Claus himself will be visiting from 10 AM to 11 AM to spread holiday cheer! Don’t miss out! Don’t pass up this chance to kick off your holiday season with us!
Merchants Square Annual Community Tree Lighting
November 30 from 5 – 5:30 pm
Duke of Gloucester Street
Light Up Your Holiday Season! A festive Merchants Square tradition in downtown Williamsburg, the lighting of the Merchants Square tree! Featuring caroling and an appearance by Father Christmas! Event is FREE! More information here
FREE Photos with Santa – New Town
Saturdays & Sundays November 30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15 from 12:00 – 3:30pm
Santa’s Workshop at 4915 Courthouse Street, located to the right of Regal New Town
Snap your own photos and share instantly! Head down to New Town to get some holiday shopping and while you are there bring the kids to get (FREE) photos with Santa happening each weekend leading up to Christmas! New Town’s FB page for updates!
Holidays in Colonial Williamsburg
November & December
Colonial Williamsburg has announced its Holiday Planner and you literally can visit everyday and experience something different. There are evenings with lighted cressets, special holiday music, Strolling Father Christmas – so many events! See all the holiday events planned at Colonial Williamsburg here.
Daily Events in Williamsburg for November
Make sure to visit our daily site calendar. We add events all the time and be patient. The calendar may take a few seconds to appear as there are so many events on each day. Great news is once it loads you can visit any date without it taking time to reload. Here is our Daily Calendar link.
Author
