Holiday happenings: Parades, tree lightings and more events this week

HISTORIC TRIANGLE – From illuminated Christmas parades to festive tree lightings, the first week of December is traditionally among the busiest of the year in the Historic Triangle.

Yorktown kicks off the holiday season with a weekend of special community events, including the annual Christmas Tree Lighting (Friday), Lighted Boat Parade (Saturday), Christmas Market on Main (Saturday and Sunday) and Cookies with Santa (Sunday).

Watermen’s Museum will host a family-friendly Viking Yuletide Celebration on Saturday and Sunday.

Colonial Williamsburg’s lineup of free holiday programming begins on Thursday with the Community Christmas Tree Lighting, an annual tradition that dates back to 1915.

The weekend brings A Celebration of the Yule Log on Friday and Grand Illumination on Saturday. Both events are scheduled to return again for the next two weekends.

Seasonal festivities in Williamsburg continue on Sunday with the 2024 Christmas Parade. The cherished tradition again returns in the early evening with illuminated floats. The theme of this year’s parade is “Believe.”

Additional highlights this week include the 6th Annual Toano Christmas Tree Lighting, the Gloucester Christmas & Holiday Parade, the NlightN Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and the 20th Anniversary of Ford’s Colony Model Railroad Show.

Several special performances will also take place this weekend, including SI Dance’s The Nutcracker and Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops.

Below is a comprehensive list of events taking place in and around the Historic Triangle this week.

Upcoming Events: Dec. 5 – 8

Visitors admire the Community Christmas Tree on Market Square
in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. (Image by Barbara Lombardi, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

Holiday

• Winter Revels at Pemberley | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | Become immersed in the halls of Mr. Darcy’s estate as preparations for another winter ball at Pemberley are underway. 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. 
• Community Christmas Tree Lighting | Courthouse Steps | Attend the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Colonial Williamsburg, co-sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg. Festivities begin in front of the Courthouse steps with a special reading of The Night Before Christmas. Weather permitting. Free. 5 – 5:30 pm.
• Artful Winter Evenings | Art Museums | Colonial Williamsburg | Take a guided tour through the galleries to discover decorated Christmas trees, create an ornament, attend a holiday performance in the Hennage Auditorium (separate ticket required) and enjoy warm winter treats during this special after-hours event. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 5 – 7 pm. 
• The Three Tenors | Hennage Auditorium | Celebrate the Christmas holidays with the sounds of traditional, spirituals, gospel and contemporary music. This concert features traditional carols and favorite Christmas tunes. Requires Art Museum admission and a program ticket ($20 for adults and children 6 and up, $10 for children under 6). 7 – 8 pm. 

Craft

• DIY Craft: Jane Austen | Art Museums | Colonial Williamsburg | Explore objects on exhibit through the works of Jane Austen and make an inspired bookmark to take home. Requires Art Museum admission and a $5 program ticket. 12:30 – 1:30 pm. 

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” | Williamsburg Library | This film series screens classic films for an adult audience. This week’s featured film is The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939, NR). 1hr 56 min. See the trailer here. 2 pm. 

• Holiday Clarinet Ensemble Concert | Bruton Parish Church | Attend a holiday concert presented by the Richmond Clarinet Choir, directed by Anne Coldiron. Open to the public. 8 – 9 pm. 

Friday, Dec. 6

Holiday

• On-Screen Captions: It’s a Wonderful Life | Kimball Theatre | Enjoy a showing of the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Captions will be displayed on the big screen for this select showing. Tickets are $8. 3:30 – 5:40 pm. 
• A Charles Dickens Christmas | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | This holiday show features readings from various Charles Dickens writings paired with Christmas carols of the Victorian era. Featuring Gabe Stone, Mark Nixon and David Gardner. Requires Art Museum or a Good Neighbor Pass plus a program ticket ($10 for adults and children 6 and up, $5 for children 5 and under). 4 – 5 pm.
• Festival of Trees | Main Street | Gloucester | This Gloucester Resource Council (GRC) will shine a light on Gloucester’s nonprofit organizations with the first Festival of Trees, featuring more than 20 nonprofit and government organizations. Businesses will participate by decorating trees or wreaths promoting the organization’s mission or services. There will be fun holiday activities for the whole family throughout the event. Free. 5 – 8 pm. 
• The Nutcracker | Crosswalk Church | Williamsburg | Enjoy a live performance of The Nutcracker featuring the talented local dancers of SI Dance. Show times are Friday, 12/6 at 7 pm and Saturday, 12/7 at 7 pm. For tickets, click here. 
• It’s a Wonderful Life | Kimball Theatre | Colonial Williamsburg | Enjoy a screening of the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life at the historic Kimball Theatre, which has been Williamsburg’s cinema since 1933. Tickets are $8. 7 – 9:10 pm.
• A Celebration of the Yule Log | Magazine Yard | Colonial Williamsburg The Yule log will be hauled by a wagon from Capitol Circle to Market Square where it will be added to a bonfire accompanied by holiday music, festivities, and the lighting of the cressets. This event will be held on Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Free. 6 – 7:30 p.m. 
• Christmas Tree Lighting | Riverwalk Landing | Yorktown | Attend Yorktown’s annual Christmas Tree lighting. The event begins at the Victory Monument at 6:30 pm with live music. A procession including the Fifes and Drums of York Town then makes its way to Riverwalk Landing for the lighting of a 24-foot tree. Stay for a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Free. 7:30 – 9 pm. 

Market

• Moon Market | Hilton Village | Newport News | Stroll the village and check out local artisans, listen to live music and grab a bite to eat. Free. 6 – 9 pm.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Holiday

• Toano Holiday Craft Bazaar & Vendor Fair | Toano Middle School | Shop for handcrafted items, local foods and gifts for the holiday season. More than 40 vendors will be present. There will also be Christmas mini photography sessions on site, raffles, and coffee and baked goods for sale. The TMS Choir will offer gift wrapping. Free. 9 am – 1 pm. 
• 63rd Annual Christmas Homes Tour in Colonial Williamsburg | West Duke of Gloucester Street | The Green Spring Garden Club will present a tour inside the homes of private Colonial Williamsburg residents. The homes will be decorated with floral designs and arrangements for the Christmas season. Tickets to tour all four houses are $40; single house tickets will be available on the 7th online or at the front door of the tour sites, houses and stable. 9 am – 5 pm.
• Phoebus Holiday Illumination & Market | Mellen Street | Hampton | Attend a joyous celebration of the season in historic Downtown Phoebus. This market will include handcrafted creations by over 50 local artisans, family-friendly entertainment and food trucks. Santa will be in town from 12 – 5 pm, and a tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 pm. Free. This event runs from 10 am – 6 pm. 
• Holly Dazzle Artisan Market | Williamsburg Premium Outlets | Attend a magical market featuring over 50 local vendors and crafters, hosted by Imperial Etiquette and the Williamsburg Premium Outlets. The event will include a DJ, food trucks and a visit from Santa. Free. 11 am – 4 pm. 
• Tea with Klara | Williamsburg Community Building | Williamsburg | Enjoy full afternoon tea featuring sweet treats, tea, crafts and dancing with Klara and her Nutcracker friends. Also included is a special reading of the Nutcracker story accompanied by a performance. Tickets are $22 – $28 and can be purchased here. 12 pm and 3 pm.
• Gloucester Christmas & Holiday Parade | Main Street | Gloucester | Attend a festive celebration that brings the community together. Enjoy holiday music and twinkling lights as creative floats make their way down Main Street. A tree lighting will follow. Free. 3 – 5 pm. 
• 6th Annual Toano Tree Lighting | 7889 Richmond Rd. | Toano | Toano’s annual tree lighting event returns on December 7. Enjoy music by Lane Rice from 3 – 5 pm, family-friendly activities including a campfire and s’mores, kids crafts and pony rides, a holiday bake sale, festive treats including hot cocoa and cider, food trucks, holiday shopping and a visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus. This event will be located on the Village Green where  Toano Open Air Market is held. Free admission. 3 – 7 pm (Rain date: Dec. 14, 4 – 7 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 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. 
• Grand Illumination | Colonial Williamsburg | Grand Illumination will take place Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Each evening includes seasonal music, the lighting of the cressets, and a procession led by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. Each Grand Illumination event culminates in firework demonstrations over the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol sponsored by the City of Williamsburg. Free. 5 – 7:30 pm.
• Hampton Holly Days Parade | Downtown Hampton | Celebrate the holiday season by attending the longest-running illuminated holiday parade on the Peninsula. This year’s theme is “Toys, Games & Candy Canes.” See the website for more information on viewing areas, parking and road closures. Free. 5 – 7 pm. 
• Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade | Yorktown Waterfront | This annual event has been a community tradition for over two decades and brings neighbors together to celebrate the season. Pre-parade festivities begin at 6 pm and include caroling around illuminated braziers, a musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town and complimentary hot cider. Guests are encouraged to bring flashlights. Free. 6 – 8 pm. 
• NlightN Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony | 701 Town Center Drive | Newport News | Ring in the holiday season with the official lighting of the City Center holiday tree. The event will feature festive music, carnival games, strolling entertainers, holiday decor, food vendors, an ice sculpting exhibition and crafts. The tree lighting will take place at 7 pm, and a drone show will conclude the night beginning at 8 pm. Free admission and free parking. Free. 5 – 8:15 pm. 
• CNU’s Holiday Happening | Ferguson Center for the Arts | Attend the annual Christopher Newport University Holiday Happening concert. Proceeds support music scholarships. A tree lighting, which is free and open to the public, will follow on CNU’s Great Lawn. Concert tickets are $10. 4 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.
• 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. 

Crafts

• Introduction to English Paper Piecing and Cathedral Window | Abram Frink Jr. Community Center | Williamsburg |Learn two different hand quilt piecing techniques during this hand sewing project. All supplies will be provided. Reservations are required; see the website for signup information. 9:45 am – 12 pm.
• Maker Saturday: Wreath Making | Abram Frink Jr. Community Center | Learn how to make shabby chic book page and rag wreaths using items you might have at home. All supplies are provided. For ages 5 and up.  10 am – 1 pm. 
• Holiday Youth Choral & Strings Concert | Bruton Parish Church | This holiday choral and strings concert features Soli Deo & Young Musicians of Virginia, directed by Karla Robinson & Sarah Umlauf. Open to the public. 8 – 9 pm. 

Nature

• Living Shoreline Trek | York River State Park | Williamsburg | Explore the living shoreline between the rip-rap and water’s edge at York River State Park. Included with park admission. 10 am – 12 pm. 
• Dabble in Discovery | York River State Park | Meet with a naturalist/ranger and discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in the park’s ecosystems. Included with park admission. 1 – 3 pm. 

Sunday, Dec. 8

Holiday

• Breakfast with Santa | Riverwalk Landing | Dine with St. Nicholas at Riverwalk Restaurant. The event includes a balloon artist, pictures with Santa and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” See the website for reservation details. 8:30 am.
• Cookies with Santa | York Hall | Bring your camera and capture memories during this family event. Kids and parents can share their wish lists, enjoy cookies and do some holiday shopping. Free. 1 – 4 pm. 
• Jolly Old St. Nicholas | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | Celebrate Santa and his friends as Gabe Stone and David Gardner share tunes and stories about the jolly old elf. Requires Art Museum Admission or a Good Neighbor Pass and a program ticket ($10 for adults and children 6 and up, $5 for children under 5). 1:30 – 2:30 pm. 
• ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Exhibit Kickoff | Stryker Center | Celebrate the opening of the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Exhibit with fun for the whole family. At 1 pm, Olaf the Snowman will host a wintery dance party with music and games, and starting at 2 pm, kids will have the opportunity to craft a snowman magnet. This exhibit is a collaboration between W&M Libraries and the WRL Gallery at Stryker Center. Free. 1 – 3 pm. 
• Holiday Lights Trolley Tour | 702 Town Center Drive | Explore Newport News’ best holiday light displays with Newport News Tourism’s holiday lights tour. This two-hour guided tour takes place from the comfort of a classic, heated trolley. Free. Ticket required. Sundays: Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 5 pm. 
• Williamsburg Christmas Parade | Begins on Richmond Rd. at Brooks St. | Williamsburg | Attend Williamsburg’s annual Christmas parade, a cherished tradition since 1965. This year’s theme is “Believe.” Spectators are invited to wear light-up accessories and attire to contribute to the dazzling atmosphere. The parade begins on Richmond Rd. at Brooks St., turns left onto Duke of Gloucester St., right on Henry St., left on Francis St. and ends at Nassau St. Free. 5 pm. 
• Christmas Concert with a Broadway Twist | King of Glory Lutheran Church | Enjoy a holiday concert featuring Tiffany Haas, who stars as Glinda the Good Witch in Broadway’s Wicked. Email school@kogva.org or stop by King of Glory to purchase tickets ($25 each). Light appetizers are included. 5:30 pm. 

Multi-Day

Holiday

• Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops | Kimball Theatre | Williamsburg | Celebrate the magic of the season at WSO’s annual Holiday Pops concert starring Broadway sensation Tiffany Haas, known for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked. This joyous celebration will put you and the whole family in the holiday spirit. The running time for this concert is approximately 55 minutes. Tickets are $38 for adults; $15 for children. Dec. 7 & 8, 1:30 & 3 pm daily. 
• Christmas Market on Main | Historic Main Street | Yorktown | Nearly 100 vendors line the  street selling everything from nautical paintings and handmade soaps to Christmas wreaths and jewelry at this popular annual event. There will be a performance by the Fifes and Drums, a visit from Santa and strolling entertainment throughout the day. Free. Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm and Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm
• Decorated Wreath Sales | Art Museums Parking | Don’t miss an opportunity to buy a Williamsburg-style wreath made by the designers who create the decorations that adorn Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area during the holiday season. Fresh greenery, dried materials and floral supplies will also be available. Weather permitting. 11 am – 6 pm. Dec. 5 (11 am – 6 pm), Dec. 6 (11 am – 7 pm), Dec. 7 (10 am – 7 pm) and Dec. 8 (11 am – 6 pm). 
• Side Car Santa | Merchants Square | Colonial Williamsburg | Side Car Santa will arrive in the Merchants Square area every weekend, Saturday and Sunday, until Christmas (weather permitting). He’ll arrive between 10 – 11 am and stay until 1 or 2 pm or until he runs out of toys. Bring a camera to snap a photo with Santa. Free.
• 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. 
• Viking Yuletide Celebration | Watermen’s Museum | Celebrate the season with a unique Maritime event at Watermen’s Museum. Observe a Victorian age reenactment and hear St. Nicholas contrast both eras’ contributions to today’s holiday celebrations. There will be games, crafts, shows and more. Free. Sat. Dec. 7 & Sun. Dec. 8, 10 am – 4 pm. 
• 20th Anniversary of Ford’s Colony Model Railroad Show | James City County Library & The Norge Depot | The engineers of the Ford’s Colony Model Railroad club return for their 20th year. Enjoy the trains and scenery at James City County Library. The Norge Depot will also be open, and there will be special door-to-door transportation by the Kiwanis. Free. Saturday, December 7: 10 am – 5 pm (includes a musical performance by Joe Duggan) and Sunday, December 8: 1 pm – 4:30 pm. 
• German Christmas Market | City Center at Oyster Point | Celebrate the season with an authentic German Market in honor of Newport News’ German Sister City of Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. There will be 25+ vendors, food trucks and handmade Gluhwein pottery mugs. Free admission. Friday – Saturday, Dec. 6 & 7, 3 – 9 pm. 
• NlightN Lights at the Fountain | City Center at Oyster Point | Newport News | Experience a strolling, state-of-the-art holiday light show featuring Timber the Talking Tree and falling snow. The animated show plays every half hour and incorporates a 50′ animated holiday tree and holiday soundtrack. Free admission and parking. Dec. 8 – Jan. 1, 5 – 9 pm. 
• 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. Free. Saturdays & Sundays, Dec. 7 – 8 and Dec. 14 – 15, noon – 3:30 pm. 
• Giving Tuesday Coat Drive | Walkabout Outfitter | 402 W Duke of Gloucester | Walkabout is collecting new and gently used winter coats for people in the community. Bring in a new or gently used coat to donate between 12/3 (Giving Tuesday) and 12/15. All donated coats will be dropped off to FISH, Inc. 
• 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. 
• Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea | Williamsburg Inn | Kick off your holiday season with Williamsburg Inn’s Holiday Tea, featuring the beautiful patterns of Churchill Tea China. Sip holiday-inspired tea and enjoy pastries, scones, sandwiches and more. French champagne and sparkling cider will also be available. See the website for reservation details. 2 – 3 pm. 

Future Events to Note

• An Enchanted Evening on Main Street | Historic Main Street | Yorktown | Dec. 13, 5 – 9 pm | Find the perfect unique gift while enjoying the magic of the season during this special evening event featuring local vendors. There will be live seasonal music; a Nativity scene with live animals; roasted chestnuts and hot cider; children’s activities; an ice carving demonstration; an outdoor movie and more. Free. 
• Flute Frenzy Festive Folk Holidays of the World | King of Glory Lutheran Church | Dec. 14, 12 – 4 pm | Celebrate International Holiday Traditions with Flute Frenzy! Youth and adult flute choirs will perform a variety of festive works from around the world. The program features familiar favorites plus exciting new flute choir arrangements of pieces you may not have heard before! Free admission; donations welcome. 
• Wreaths Across America: Wreath Laying Ceremony | Yorktown National Cemetery | Dec. 14, 12 – 2 pm | Honor and remember our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes. 
• Candlelight Christmas | American Revolution Museum | Yorktown | Dec. 14, 6 – 8 pm | Attend an evening of 18th-century Christmas cheer with a blend of modern traditions. Enjoy caroling and see how colonists and soldiers prepared for a holiday evening. Children will be able to meet Santa, make holiday crafts and decorate the lobby Christmas tree. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are $7 per adult, $10 for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and under. 
• “At Christmas be mery” | Historic Jamestowne | Dec. 14, 5:30 & 7:30 pm | Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Jamestown Island aglow with firelight during this Christmas celebration complete with costumed interpreters, a capella signers, a seasonal bonfire and caroling. Tickets are $25 and available online.
• Virginia Handbell Concert | Williamsburg Presbyterian Church |Dec. 15, 4 pm | Ring in the holiday season with a Christmas concert featuring the Virginia Handbell Consort. Free.