Celebrating Classic Traditions at Colonial Williamsburg Christmas

Celebrate the season in the Colonial Williamsburg way with a twelve-day Christmas celebration, just as the Virginia colonists did in colonial times. From balls, dancing, and feasting to the Epiphany on January 6, the holiday festivities continue. In the Historic Area, you can experience traditional music, the warm glow of cressets burning along the streets, and wreaths made from greenery and fruit.

Families who have made Christmas in the Historic Area a yearly tradition can be seen strolling Duke of Gloucester Street, sipping warm cider while taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season in a unique setting. This book delves into Williamsburg’s holiday traditions, both old and new, providing a comprehensive look at every aspect of Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg.

Music played a significant role in the holiday season, whether in church for worship or at a seasonal ball. Hymns and Christmas carols filled the air, while formal balls and family gatherings included dancing to the tunes of hired, volunteered, or enslaved musicians.

New traditions emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, such as illuminating evergreen trees with colored lights in the Historic Area. Outdoor trees were eventually replaced with candles in the windows of buildings, one candle per window, adding to the festive ambiance.

The decorations in the Historic Area have evolved over the years, with garlands and greens adorning buildings during Christmastide. Indoor decorating began in 1939, with fruit arrangements appearing in the Raleigh Tavern and Governor’s Palace a year later.

Beyond the formal events, eighteenth-century residents enjoyed games like blindman’s buff and indulged in feasts that featured extravagant menus and plenty of guests. Christmas in colonial Virginia was a time for lavish meals and festive gatherings, with tables laden with dishes that could make them groan under the weight.

Experience the holiday season in Colonial Williamsburg through the traditions, music, lights, decorations, family activities, and feasts that have been a part of the celebration since colonial times.

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