40 things to do in the Historic Triangle this Thanksgiving week: Nov. 25 – Dec. 1

HISTORIC TRIANGLE – With Thanksgiving just around the corner, holiday traditions in the Historic Triangle are returning this week.

Colonial Williamsburg’s popular Annual Pie Sale will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Wednesday, Nov. 27 in the Taste Studio next to the Williamsburg Inn. A variety of signature pies and other assorted baked goods will be available.

Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia returns to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30.

Guests will observe cooking demonstrations and discover how food was gathered, preserved and prepared by early Virginians in the 17th and 18th centuries. 

Foods & Feasts is included with museum admission. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency. As part of the Museums for All program, recipients of SNAP food assistance benefits also receive free admission for up to four people per EBT card and identification.

The 5th Annual Williamsburg Christmas Market kicks off for the season on Nov. 29 and continues on select dates, Thursdays through Sundays, through Dec. 22.

The market features more than 40 vendor chalets, a variety of market foods, warm spiced wine and craft beers, seasonal entertainment, train rides, a petting zoo and more. 

This year, visitors attending the market on Fridays through Sundays will need to purchase a one-time admission pass, which costs $5 per person and is valid for the whole market season. Admission is free for everyone on Thursdays.

Celebration in Lights, Virginia’s first drive-through lights show, returns with new attractions. It runs from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day, 5:30 – 10 p.m.

The popular Gingerbread House Exhibit at the Williamsburg Lodge returns on Saturday, Nov. 30. The public is invited to stop by from 10 am to 1 pm to see this year’s enchanting gingerbread house, featuring 200 pounds of gingerbread, over 1,600 hand-placed bricks and 600+ fondant shingles and candy decorations. Free, festive children’s activities will be available, and Santa will stop by from 10 am to 11 am. 

Tree lightings will be held this weekend in Merchants Square and Port Warwick on Saturday, Nov. 30. Both events are free and open to the public. 

Museum Store Sunday returns on Dec. 1. Special holiday discounts will be available at several local museums, including Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum, the Mariners’ Museum, and the Virginia Living Museum.

See The Triangle’s full list of this week’s events below.

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Events this Week: Nov. 25 – Dec. 1

Monday, Nov. 25

Special Event

• Coffee with a Cop | 1607 Coffee Company | Williamsburg | This event provides a relaxed setting where the public can discuss various topics with law enforcement, including crime prevention, local concerns, safety education, and more. “We want to hear directly from our citizens and bridge the gap between our daily work and the needs of our community,” says Sgt. Kurt Dykstra, a supervisor within the Department’s Community Service Unit. 8 – 10 am.

Holiday Events

• Presentation: History of the Holidays Series | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | This program highlights a variety of topics highlighting the history of the holidays in Virginia. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 1:30 – 2:15 pm. 
• A Holiday Medley | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | This program features story, song and dance to tell the tale of winter in Williamsburg over its 250-year history. Requires Art Museum or a Good Neighbor Pass and a program ticket ($10 for adults and children 6 and over, $5 for children 5 and under). 4 – 5 pm. 

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Holiday Event

• Holiday Celebration of Dulcimers | Hennage Auditorium | Enjoy distinctive American melodies and festive holiday music played on an array of hammered dulcimers. Requires Art Museum admission and a program ticket ($10 for adults and youth 6 and up, $5 for children 5 and under). 4 – 5 pm. 

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “Treasure” | Williamsburg Library Theatre | This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays and features film experts and a discussion following the film. This week’s featured film is Treasure (R, 2014). See the trailer here. 1hr 51min. Begins at 2 pm. 

Teens

• Teen Gaming | Yorktown Library | Teens are invited to hang out and play Nintendo Switch, PS5, Wii, board games and card games on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. For grades 6 – 12. 5 – 7 pm. 

Wednesday, Nov. 27

Holiday Events

• A Soldier’s Christmas | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | Colonel James Innes returns victorious to Williamsburg for Christmas following the Revolutionary War, but he struggles to recover from the war and find peace with his past. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 11 – 11:45 am. 
• Folk Hymns for Thanksgiving | Hennage Auditorium | John Turner and Kelly Kennedy will play and sing lively tunes and songs to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass and a program ticket ($10 for adults and children 6 and up, $5 for children 5 and under). 4 – 5 pm.

Thursday, Nov. 28

Thanksgiving Day Events

•  2024 Blue Talon Bistro Turkey Trot | 420 Prince George St | Williamsburg | Don’t miss the 2024 Turkey Trot. The race features medals, t-shirts, a charity raffle and a post-race buffet. This year’s signature beneficiary is CDR – Child Development Resources. The Kid’s Fun Run 1 Mile Race will start at 8:00 with the main 5K starting at 8:45.
• Thanksgiving Proclamation | Charlton Stage | Colonial Williamsburg | President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 26, 1789, a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer,” following a resolution of Congress. Hear from President Washington on the 235th anniversary of this day of Thanksgiving. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 12 – 12:30 pm. 
• Thanksgiving at The Williamsburg Winery | 5800 Wessex Hundred | Williamsburg | Celebrate Thanksgiving with wine and a Thanksgiving buffet specially curated by the winery’s executive chef. Two seating times are available: 1 pm and 3:30 pm. 
• Thanksgiving Dinner at Colonial Williamsburg | Multiple Locations | Colonial Williamsburg will serve Thanksgiving dinner at the Regency Room, the Virginia Ballroom, King’s Arms Tavern, Shields Tavern, Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, Traditions and the Williamsburg Inn.

Friday, Nov. 29

Holiday Events

• A Charles Dickens Christmas | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | Enjoy a holiday show featuring readings from various Charles Dickens writings paired with Christmas carols of the Victorian era. Requires Art Museum Admission or a Good Neighbor Pass and a program ticket ($10 for adults and children 6 and up, $5 for children 5 and under). 4 – 5 pm. 
• Christmastide at the Courthouse | Courthouse | Colonial Williamsburg | Musicians Brian Forsman and Bill Weldon will perform dance tunes and songs of Christmastide. Open to the public. Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under. 9 – 10 pm. 

Saturday, Nov. 30

Holiday Events

• Breakfast with Santa | Grey Goose | Hampton | Children are invited to attend a fun-filled breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets ($20 for kids, $25 for adults) include breakfast, crafts, holiday singing and story time with Santa. Four dates are available: Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at 9 am. 
• Dressing the Holiday Bride | Milliner & Mantua-Maker | Mantua-makers and milliners will make a gown and other fineries during this special holiday program. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 9 am – 5 pm. 
• Williamsburg Lodge’s Magical Gingerbread House | Williamsburg Lodge | Don’t miss the Williamsburg Lodge Gingerbread House Exhibit 2024. Stop by on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 am to 1 pm to see this year’s enchanting gingerbread house featuring 200 pounds of gingerbread, over 1,600 hand-placed bricks and 600+ fondant shingles and candy decorations. Festive activities will be offered all day, and Santa will stop by from 10 – 11 am. Free.
• Drop-in Cardmaking | Williamsburg Library | Drop in to make a festive holiday card. Materials will be provided. 1 – 3 pm. 
• 2nd Annual Friendsgiving at Alewerks | Alewerks Brewing Company | Williamsburg | Attend a Friendsgiving celebration featuring delicious food, craft beer, live music and vendors. Kick off the holiday shopping season by supporting small businesses. 12 – 5 pm. 
• Merchants Square Tree Lighting | Merchants Square | Williamsburg | Kick off the holiday season with a festive tree lighting in Merchants Square. There will be performances by Period Music’s Fifes and Drums and the colonial Singers, a tree lighting and a special appearance by Santa. Free. 5 pm. 
• Holiday Tree Lighting | William Styron Square | Port Warwick | Attend the 2024 Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting! This event is free and open to the public. Bring the whole family. The event includes Dance Works dancers, a meet and greet and pictures with Santa, carriage rides, a puppet show of “The Night Before Christmas,” music by The Yorktown Chorale, The Commodore Chorus, Santa Brass and The Doorway Singers and more. Cider, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided while supplies last, and food trucks will be on site. Free. 5 – 8 pm.

Markets

• Williamsburg Farmers Market | Duke of Gloucester and P4 Parking Lot | Williamsburg | Shop from over 40 local vendors selling fresh seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, honey, cheese, cut flowers, handmade soaps and more. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Toano Open Air Market | 7891 Richmond Road | Toano | Shop for local products, seasonal items and artisan goods from a wide variety of vendors. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Hilton Village Farmers Market | Historic Hilton Village | Newport News | Local farmers, bakers, artisans and other vendors share their goods every Saturday at the year-round market in Historic Hilton Village. 9 am – 12:00 pm. 

Nature

• Stargazing | York River State Park | Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky. Equipment will be provided. This program is weather-dependent. Included with park admission. 5 – 8 pm. 

Music

• Holiday Organ Recital: Rebecca Davy | Bruton Parish | Enjoy the sounds of the season with this recital by Rebecca Davy, music director & organist at Bruton Parish Church. 8 – 9 pm. 

Sunday, Dec. 1

Holiday Events

• Museum Store Sunday | Multiple Locations | Museum Store Sunday offers a special shopping experience on the Sunday following Thanksgiving at more than 2,100 museum stores across the nation. Special discounts will be available at several local museums, including Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (20% off all in-store purchases) and the Mariners’ Museum (10% off all purchases). See the Museum Store Sunday website to search for participating museums. 
• Five Centuries of Holiday Music in Virginia | Hennage Auditorium | Join Henley Fork and special guest Lee Welch for a celebration of the music of the Christmas season from the time of Jamestown through the twentieth century. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass and a program ticket ($10 for adults and children 6 and up, $5 for children 5 and under). Two show times are available: 1:30 – 2:30 pm or 4 – 5 pm. 
• Settler’s Market Tree Lighting | Settler’s Market | Williamsburg | Attend a free, family-friendly tree lighting at Settler’s Market. There will be hot cocoa, treats, holiday music and carriage rides. Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots Williamsburg. 5 – 7 pm.

Kids

• Holiday Puppet Storytime | James City County Library | Kids are invited to sing and dance with puppets and enjoy books, flannel board stories and other activities. For ages 3+. Space is limited; reserve a ticket at the Youth Services desk starting 30 minutes before the program. 2 pm. 

Multi-Day

• Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia | Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | Explore centuries-old culinary practices and cooking techniques of early Virginia during this two-day event. At Jamestown Settlement, discover how food was gathered, preserved and prepared by Virginia’s English colonists and Powhatan Indians. At American Revolution Museum, interpreters will host cooking demonstrations in re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. Included with standard museum admission. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency. Nov. 29 & 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 5th Annual Williamsburg Christmas Market | 320 W Court Street | The 5th Annual Williamsburg Christmas Market returns on the following dates: Nov. 29 – Dec 1, Dec. 5 – 8, Dec. 12 – 15 and Dec. 19 – 22. Hours are Thursdays, 11 am – 6 pm; Fridays, 11 am – 7 pm; Saturdays, 10 am – 7 pm and Sundays, 11 am – 6 pm. There will be 40 vendor chalets, train rides, live entertainment, gluhwein (warm spiced wine), craft beers, Christmas music, photo ops with Santa, a petting zoo, fire pits and delicious market food. This year, visitors attending the market Fridays – Sundays must purchase a one-time admission pass, which costs $5 per person and is valid for the whole market season. Reserve tickets here to avoid having to wait in line. 
• Free Photos with Santa | New Town | Williamsburg | Stop by to snap free photos with Santa at Santa’s Workshop in New Town, located at 4915 Courthouse Street. Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, Dec. 7 – 8 and Dec. 14 – 15, noon – 3:30 pm. 
• Taste Studio Annual Pie Sale | Taste Studio | Colonial Williamsburg | Colonial Williamsburg’s annual Thanksgiving bake sale will be held on Nov. 26 & 27 in the Taste Studio next to the Williamsburg Inn. Choose from a variety of signature pies and other assorted baked goods. 11 am – 4 pm. 
• The Nutcracker | Ferguson Center for the Arts | Enjoy this sparkling classic featuring swirling snowflakes, the wondrous Land of Sweets, waltzing flowers and an enchanted Nutcracker. This production is presented by the Virginia Regional Ballet and the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start at $35. Nov. 20 (1 pm & 5 pm) and Dec. 1 (1:30 pm). 
• Celebration in Lights | Newport News Park | Virginia’s first drive-through holiday light show returns for its 32nd season with an array of new attractions, including a dazzling Tunnel of Lights, Snappy the Alligator, Underwater Fish Arches, vibrant 3D Trees, colorful peacocks and a Candy Arch. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. This year, admission on weeknights (Monday – Thursday) will be $15.00 per car and $20.00 per car during the weekend (Friday – Sunday). Tickets may be purchased in advance (good for any night of the week) for $12.00 at the Newport News Visitor Center located at the entrance of Newport News Park.
• Of Christmas Past | Governor’s Palace | After arriving in the colony, a British servant reflects on his life and the holiday traditions he left behind in his mother country. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass and a $5 program ticket. Dec. 1, 5, 6, 7 & 8. 10 – 10:45 am & 11:30 – 12:15 pm. 
• Ice Skating at Colonial Williamsburg | Liberty Ice Pavilion | Colonial Williamsburg’s Liberty Ice Pavilion opens for the season on Nov. 22 and will continue to operate through Feb. 31. Refreshments including hot cider and coffee will be available for purchase steps from the ice. Season passes and single-day tickets are available.
• Busch Gardens Christmas Town | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Busch Gardens Christmas Town returned for the 2024/2024 holiday season on Nov. 15 and runs on select dates through Jan. 5, 2025. See the website for additional information or to purchase tickets. 
• Lighting of the Cressets | Duke of Gloucester Street | Colonial Williamsburg | The 18th-century streets of Colonial Williamsburg will come to life with music during this special event. Free and open to the public. Nov. 29 – 30, 6 – 9 pm.