Mark your calendars for these Community Events! The Gingerbread Open House, Tree Lighting in Merchants Square and Holiday Events are all happening on Saturday November 25, 2023
The Gingerbread Open House, Tree Lighting in Merchants Square and Holiday Shows are all happening on Saturday, November 25, 2023
It you want a great day to be in Colonial Williamsburg start at the Gingerbread Open House at the Williamsburg Lodge, grab lunch at one of the Taverns (Chowning’s Tavern is great for families) then head to Liberty Ice Rink for skating time (skating has a fee), shop in Merchants Square and then be at the Merchants Square Tree lighting tree lighting starts at 5 pm then head to the Williamsburg Inn to see it all a glow – it’s annual lighting was the night before on Friday, Nov 24 so it will be stunning! It will be the perfect way to start your Christmas Season! The Kimball Theater is reopening under Colonial Williamsburg so get ready for Bill and The Belles Christmas Show and some wonderful Holiday Movies too! Here is the run down on each event below! This is Thanksgiving Weekend in Williamsburg! (plus we added a few others not in the title because they are ongoing during this Season!)
Start your day at the Williamsburg Farmers Market
This weekly market features vendors with fresh baked items, floral decor, soaps, produce, meats, spices and so much more. This time of year you will find many items for your holiday meals! Free event to attend, it runs from 8 am to noon. Just walk down Duke of Gloucester Street and you will see it in the parking lot near the ice rink.
Get your tickets for the Christmas Decorations Walking Tour
Tour runs from 10 am to 11 am. This tour starts on Nov 25 and runs daily (except Tues and Thurs) until Dec 25) You will enjoy a guided look at Colonial Williamsburg’s picturesque building exteriors and streets decked out in holiday splendor. Discuss the materials and construction techniques of these traditional holiday decorations. If you love the way the Historic Area is decorate this is the tour for you! Learn more here and get your tickets!
Tour: Art Museums Overview Tour-Holiday Edition
Celebrate the holiday season at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on a 20-minute guided tour. This is part of your museum admission, or for CW Pass holders. It only happens from 3 pm to 3:30 pm but is a great way to learn about all the holiday decorations in the museum. More info
Annual Gingerbread Display and Open House at the Williamsburg Lodge
Saturday, November 25, 2023 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Lobby of the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection
Be the first to see the new 2023 gingerbread house display that their talented pastry team has designed in the lobby of the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection. This annual tradition also offers guests the opportunity to send their Santa letters and purchase delicious holiday treats from our bakeshop. Guests will be greeted by their amazing pastry chefs to answer any questions they may have about this year’s gingerbread village.
Performance: A Holiday Medley – Saturday, November 25 at 4:00 p.m.
A Holiday Medley brings together the warmth and joy of old and new holiday traditions. This program weaves together story, song, and dance to tell the tale of winter in Williamsburg over 250 years. Begin an evening of Colonial Williamsburg festivities at the Art Museums with a talented ensemble of musicians and actors for a merry experience that the whole family will enjoy. Visit here for tickets
Liberty Ice Pavilion Ice Rink
Liberty Ice Pavilion is open daily from November 17, 2023 through February 27, 2024, including holidays! 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. On Saturday Nov 25 it is open from 10 am to 10 pm. They have day passes, season passes and you can rent skates there. For pricing and season pass info visit here
Come to Merchants Square for the Annual Community Tree Lighting! Event is FREE & Open to Public Saturday Nov 25
Saturday, November 25 | 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Duke of Gloucester Street
Light Up Your Holiday Season
Come celebrate the holidays with a festive Colonial Williamsburg experience at our annual tree lighting ceremony. They will have a visit from Father Christmas himself. This is also Small Business Saturday in Merchants Square so come and shop locally! Enjoy being surrounded by the seasons as you shop, dine, and even ice skate. More information here
Lighting of the Cressets 6pm to 9 pm
Definitely stick around the Historic Area and either go back to the Rink (just keep your wrist band from earlier in the day) or grab dinner at Kings Tavern, Chowning’s or Campbell’s – maybe try a restaurant in Merchants Square. But whatever you do, you will get to enjoy it by cresset lighting! The Lighting of the Cressets will be from 6 pm to 9 pm and the streets will be lit with a 18th Century glow.
Bill and the Belles Christmas Concert – November 25 from 7 to 8:30 pm
Bill & the Belles, an Americana string band from Johnson City, TN, bring their signature harmonies and playful melodies to Williamsburg for an evening of vintage Holiday tunes, old-time country, and early rock n’ roll vibes. Show will be at the Kimball Theatre – more info and $18 tickets here
Evening Programs
Another great thing to do would be to catch one of the following evening program To Hang a Pirate, or Haunted Williamsburg – all are happening on Nov 25th. Did you know it was on Nov 22, 1718 that Blackbeard was killed off the coast of NC and 15 of his pirates were brought to Williamsburg to stand trial? To Hang a Pirate is the trial of his right hand man, Isreal Hand. It is a fascinating on hour show. Definitely a must see.
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