Kick off 2025 with these Historic Triangle events

Here are some of the best things to do this week in the Historic Triangle – from New Year’s Eve celebrations to outdoor activities – from Dec. 31 to Jan. 5.

Tuesday, Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

• New Year’s Eve in the Park | Freedom Park | Spend time by the fire and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate in celebration of the upcoming New Year. A hot chocolate bar will be available with fun toppings and add-ins. While supplies last. Registration is not required. Free. 10 – 11:30 am.
• New Year’s Eve in the Park | Freedom Park | Spend time by the fire and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate in celebration of the upcoming New Year. A hot chocolate bar will be available with fun toppings and add-ins. While supplies last. Registration is not required. Free. 10 – 11:30 am. 
• Noon Year’s Eve Party | Buckroe Coffee Co | Hampton | Bring the whole family to this fun event featuring a countdown to noon, delicious coffee and food and kids activities. The winner of Buckroe Coffee’s Christmas tree decorating contest will also be announced. 11 am. 
• Bobby BlackHat Blues Spectacular | Kimball Theatre | Williamsburg | Bring in the New Year with a fun-filled Blues Spectacular featuring three of Virginia’s top bands: Bobby BlackHat Band, On The Verge and Fade to Blue. General Admission is $30; VIP tickets are also available. Tickets to this event were sold out at publishing time. 6:30 – 10 pm. 
• Culture Cafe’s Cowboy Disco New Year’s Eve Party | Culture Cafe | Ring in 2025 with DJ Daum, who will be spinning the hottest tracks for a disco-meets-western vibe. There will be snacks, party favors and a bubbly toast at midnight. Tickets are available here. 8 pm – 12 am.
• New Year’s Eve Dinner | Gabriel Archer Tavern | Celebrate the New Year at The Williamsburg Winery. Guests will enjoy a gourmet, 5-course meal with optional wine pairings. A New Year’s Eve party will follow next door at Wedmore Place’s Wiley Bar. See the website for reservation details. 5 – 8 pm. 
• Not-So New Year’s Eve Party | Frothy Moon Brewhouse | Celebrate the New Year with DJ Frothy Ford, then get home safe and early with Frothy Moon’s contribution to your Uber ride. 12 – 8 pm. 
• Good Shot Judy’s New Year’s Swingin’ Eve | Doubletree Williamsburg | Good Shot Judy returns for their fourth annual New Year’s eve party, which will be held in the renovated grand ballroom at Williamsburg Doubletree. Tickets include a plated dinner of your choice, a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, and GSJ’s New Year’s Show. Tickets are $125 (or $50 for party-only without dinner); special Doubletree room reservation rates are also available here. 7 pm – 12:30 am.
• Regency Room New Year’s Eve Gala Studio 54 | Williamsburg Inn | Enjoy a luxurious five-course dinner featuring beverages inspired by Studio 54. This event will feature live music and dancing, with performances by The Adrian Duke Project. Spots are limited; see the website for reservation details. For ages 21+. 8 pm. 
• Christmas Town & New Year’s Eve Celebration | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Ring in the New Year with a day and night of festive entertainment at Busch Gardens. Enjoy Christmas Town’s 10 million twinkling lights, holiday shows and specialty dining, and then view a celebratory fireworks show at 9 pm.
• Happy Hogmanay! A Scottish New Year’s Concert | Bruton Parish Church | Attend a Scottish New Year’s concert of music, story and dance presented by David Gardenr (fiddler), Eliza Gardner (Highland dancer) and Shelton Browder (storyteller). Free and open to the public; freewill donations are gratefully accepted. 8 – 9 pm. 
• New Year’s Eve Crab Pot Drop | Downtown Hampton | Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a night of excitement, entertainment and community fun. The event concludes with a lighted crab pot drop during the countdown to midnight. Free. 9 pm – midnight. 
• NYE at Precarious feat. The Dundies | Precarious Beer House | Williamsburg | Rock the year away with pop, emo and top 40 music by The Dundies. There will also be a “Dress Like Your Favorite Rockstar” costume contest, photo booth, drink specials and bar snacks. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. 9 pm – 1 am. 
• Last Night on the Town | Town Center Plaza | Virginia Beach | Ring in 2025 at Virginia Beach’s premier New Year’s Eve Event, developed by the Central Business District Association. This family-friendly event features music by Hunter Hayes with special guests Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos and DJ Mista Cham. Children’s activities will be available from 7 – 9 pm. Free and open to the public. VIP tickets are also available. This event runs from 7 pm – 12:15 am. 
• More NYE: 13NewsNow published this list of additional New Year’s Eve events in Hampton Roads, while Axios Richmond published this guide to New Year’s Eve events in the Richmond area.

Holiday

• To Decorate a Christmas Tree | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | Learn about the history of the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Christmas Tree. This program is presented by Christina Westenberger, co-author of The Art-Full Tree: Ornaments to Make Inspired by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 1:30 – 2:15 pm.

• Breaking Up Christmas | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | In Appalachia, Christmas celebrations closed on Jan. 6 with a “breaking up Christmas” celebration filled with music and dancing. Barry Trott and Brian Forsman bring this tradition back to life with dance tunes and songs that create a musical portrait of Virginia from the days of English country dances to the rise of country music in the Appalachian hills. 

Kids & Families

• Make a Snowflake | Williamsburg Library | Decorate a wooden snowflake with winter sparkles. 1 pm. 

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “Dame Maggie Smith Tribute Month” | Williamsburg Library | 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 Ladies in Lavender (2004, PG-13), featuring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. See a trailer here. 1hr 44 min. Free. 2 pm.

Get Home Safely on New Year’s Eve

Drive Safe Hampton Roads is offering free or discounted Lyft rides on New Year’s Eve through its 757 Sober Ride program. On Dec. 31 at 10 pm, the organization will post a code valid for $15 off one Lyft ride home. Rides are valid within the Peninsula or Southside coverage areas between 10 pm to 4 am. For more information or to view the website where the discount will be posted, click here. 

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Wednesday, Jan. 1 | New Year’s Day

Special Events

• Free admission: Virginia State Parks | Multiple Locations | Virginia State Park locations throughout the Commonwealth, including York River State Park in Williamsburg, will provide free admission and parking on Jan. 1. (the admission fee at Natural Bridge still applies). The first 100 visitors to each park will receive a commemorative bumper sticker. All 43 parks will also host First Day Hikes, an initiative of America’s State Parks.
• New Year Day Race at Freedom Park | Freedom Park | Kick off the New Year with a 1M, 5K, 10K, 15K, or half marathon race at Freedom Park. All runners must register on RunSignUp. Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts. See the website for more information. $25-$65. 8:30 am.
• New Year on the York | York River State Park | Williamsburg | Kick off 2025 with one of two great hikes at York River State Park. Both begin at 10 am from the amphitheater. Hike options include a two-mile journey to the living shoreline with a grand view of the York River (ability-inclusive; an all-terrain wheelchair is available for reservation) or a four-mile adventure to the Pamunkey Trail featuring sights of the river from a secluded viewing platform. Free. The parking fee will be waived on Jan. 1. 
• Fitness Open House | James City County Recreation Center | Get ready for the new year with a fitness open house featuring meet & greets with fitness instructors, free mini fitness classes, Sentara health screenings and raffle prizes. For all ages. Free. 9 – 11 am. 
• Of Christmas Past | Governor’s Palace | Colonial Williamsburg | 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. 10:00 – 10:45 am & 11:30 – 12:15 pm. 

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Thursday, Jan. 2

History

• Pop-Up Archaeology! | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | Enjoy a special pop-up archaeology exhibit in the museum. Archaeologists will be available to talk to guests and show off recently unearthed finds from their ongoing excavations. 2 – 4 pm.

Puzzles

• Lunchtime Puzzling | Stryker Center | Enjoy a casual afternoon of problem-solving and camaraderie alongside other adults in a relaxed setting. For ages 18+. 11 am – 1 pm.

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Lawrence of Arabia” | Williamsburg Library Theatre | This week’s featured film is Lawrence of Arabia (1962, PG), featuring Peter O’Toole. The film tells the story of a British soldier who was able to unite Arab tribes and lead them against the Turkish Army during WWI. 3hrs 47min. Free. 1 pm.

Kids

• Make a Spoon Puppet | Williamsburg Library | Make a colorful, creative puppet out of a wooden spoon. Recommended for ages 4+. 1 – 3 pm.

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Friday, Jan. 3

Special Event

• Moon Market at Hilton Village | Hilton Village Main Street | Newport News | Stroll the village and check out local artisans, grab a bite from Indulges Oktoberfest menu and listen to live music while enjoying a seasonal treat from Hilton Village Creamery. Free. 6 – 9 pm

Seasonal

• The Art-full Tree | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | Discover the Folk Art Tree at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, then make your way to the Goode Education Studio to create an ornament to take home. 2 – 4 pm.

Nature

• Roaming Ranger | York River State Park | Meet with a naturalist/ranger and discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in York River State Park’s ecosystems. Included with standard park admission. 11 am – 12 pm.

English Language Learners

• ELL Book Group | Williamsburg Library | Advanced English Language Learners are invited to attend the ELL Book Group, which will meet on the first Friday of every month from January to May to discuss the young adult novel The Girl Who Drank the Moon. For ages 16+. Registration is required; see the website for details.

Tweens & Teens

• Tween Game Lounge | James City County Library | Kids ages 9-12 are invited to drop in for board games and Nintendo Switch video games. 1 – 3 pm.
• Teen After Hours | Tabb Library | Attend a trivia night featuring prizes and snacks. Topics will include popular books, TV series, music and more. For grades 6 – 12. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Craft

• Card Creations for All Occasions | Williamsburg Library | Enjoy an afternoon of creative cardmaking. No registration required; while supplies last. 4 – 5:30 pm.

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Saturday, Jan. 4

Special Events

• Organ, Violin, & Trumpet Twelfth Night Recital | Bruton Parish Church | Celebrate Twelfth Night with organists Carina Brackin & Norman Elton, violinist Mary Dart Jackson, and trumpeter Mark Nixon. This concert is sponsored by the American Guild of Organists, Tidewater Chapter, as part of their Organ Swell Series. Free and open to the public; freewill donations are gratefully accepted. 8 – 9 pm.

Seasonal

• The Art-full Tree | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | Discover the Folk Art Tree at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, then make your way to the Goode Education Studio to create an ornament to take home. 2 – 4 pm.

Nature

• Fossil Frenzy Hike | York River State Park | Discover relics of very old creatures while hiking to a fossil shoreline. Included with standard 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 standard park admission. 1 – 3 pm.

Craft

• Hemming, Mending & UFO Clinic | Abram Frink Jr. Community Center | If you’re stumped by how to mend or hem clothing garments, bring the garments along with needed supplies for coaching on how to approach your specific task. UFOs – UnFinished (sewing) Objects are also welcome. Space is limited; see the website for reservation details. 9:45 am – noon.

History

• Governor’s Musick in the Wythe Parlor | George Wythe House | Visit the Wythe House parlor and watch as one or more members of the Governor’s Musick ensemble play or sing examples of popular 18th-century music. 12 – 3 pm.

Wellness

• Introduction to Meditation | James City County Library | Bunkie Righter of Brighter Yoga Therapy will host a series of meditation workshops to help you pick up this healthy habit in the new year. Begins Jan. 4, 1:30 pm.

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Sunday, Jan. 5

Special Events

• Colonial Williamsburg Wedding Open House | Explore the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection during this Wedding Open House. A $12 ticket includes samples of hors d’oeuvres and bar service selections and tours (which begin every 30 minutes) of wedding spaces. Attendees will also be able to meet with CW’s talented team of wedding experts. 1 – 4 pm.
• Snowy Owl 10 Mile | York River State Park | Don’t miss the Snowy Owl 10 mile. This race will take place on a combination of trails in York River State Park and benefits AWAR (Alliance of Wild Animal Rehabilitators and Educators). Individuals from AWARE will be onsite with owls and fun educational information. The race has a 4 hour cutoff to allow for a hiking option. 9 am.

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Multi-Day

Holiday

• Christmas Decorations Walking Tour | James Geddy House | Attend a guided tour focused on the beautifully decorated building exteriors and streets of Colonial Williamsburg. The tour guide will discuss the materials and construction techniques of these decorations. Tickets are $15 each. Dec. 30 – 31, 10:30 – 11:30 am & 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
• A Christmas Remembered | Charlton Stage | Colonial Williamsburg | Join in a conversation with a Nation Builder as they reflect upon Christmas memories and share their hopes for the coming year. Weather permitting. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. Dec. 30 – 31, 11 – 11:30 am. 
• Talk of the Town Christmastide | Lumber House Ticket Office | Colonial Williamsburg | Stroll through historic Williamsburg and experience the Christmastide season through the eyes of an 18th-century resident. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass and a $15 program ticket. Dec. 30 – Jan. 1, 10:30 – 11:15 am. 
• A Joyful Heart | In front of Raleigh Tavern | Colonial Williamsburg | In this holiday street theatre performance, witness how the free and enslaved pursue freedom and find joy in the Christmastide season. Weather permitting. Free and open to the public. Dec. 30 – Jan. 1, 1:30 – 2 pm. 
• ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas | Stryker Center | Williamsburg | Celebrate one of the most famous pieces of Christmas literature with this special exhibit, presented by William & Mary in partnership with the WRL Gallery at the Stryker Center. Runs Nov. 25 – Jan. 3, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. (Closed December 24-25 and January 1.) Free.
• Celebration in Lights | Newport News Park | Celebration in Lights has returned for its 32nd season and will run nightly, 5:30 – 10 pm through New Year’s Day. Guests will travel through the seasons and end up at their favorite time of year along this picturesque, two-mile display. Admission on weeknights (Monday – Thursday) is $15 per car. Weekend admission (Friday – Saturday) is $20 per car. Tickets may be purchased in advance, good for any night of the week, for $12 at the Newport News Visitor Center located at the entrance of Newport News Park. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the gate. Nov. 28 – Jan. 1.
• 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. Dec. 8 – Jan. 1, 5:00 – 9:00 pm. 
• Busch Gardens Christmas Town | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Busch Gardens Christmas Town runs on select dates through Jan. 5, 2025. Admission prices vary by date. See the website for additional information or to purchase tickets. 
• Ice Skating at Colonial Williamsburg | Liberty Ice Pavilion | Colonial Williamsburg’s Liberty Ice Pavilion will continue to operate through Feb. 28. Refreshments including hot cider and coffee will be available for purchase steps from the ice. Season passes and single-day tickets are available.
• Winter Wonderland Dessert Camp | James City County Recreation Center | Kids are invited to enjoy some holiday fun at morning (9 am – noon) and afternoon (1 – 4 pm) camps hosted by JCC Parks & Rec. Participants will make winter-themed desserts and treats. Camps will be held Dec. 30 – 31 and Jan. 2 – 3. Each camp costs $75. Click here to register. 

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Future Events to Note

• Williamsburg Farmers Market: Winter Markets | Merchants Square | The Williamsburg Farmers Market will host a series of winter markets on Saturdays, Jan. 11 – Feb. 22 from 9 am – noon. Guests will find fresh local produce, artisan goods and cozy winter vibes.
• Cabin Fever Concert with Skylark | Freight Shed | Escape the winter doldrums with York County’s Cabin Fever Concert Series. The series kicks off on Jan. 16 with Skylark. This jazz band provides sophisticated, funky grooves featuring songs you know with new, modern arrangements, along with your favorite classics. Space is limited for this first-come-first-serve event. Free. 6:30 – 8:30 pm.