Christmas Trees and Treasures, Ice Cream with Santa, Grand Illumination and more events this week

Once again, there will be a variety of holiday events happening all throughout the week.

On Tuesday, the William & Mary Accidentals will present a holiday concert at the Hennage Auditorium, Tabb Library will host a Holiday Present Wrapping Party and an elegant palace concert will be held at Colonial Williamsburg.

Several musical events are scheduled for Wednesday, including a Crystal Carol program at the Hennage Auditorium and a free acoustic Christmas concert at Williamsburg Library. The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg will also host a “Christmas Trees and Treasures” event during extended evening hours.

More special events will be held at Colonial Williamsburg on Friday, including the Palace Christmas Ball, Christmastide Music at the Courthouse and the final Celebration of the Yule Log event of the season.

On Saturday, Hilton Creamery in Newport News will host “Ice Cream with Santa,” a Christmas jazz concert will be held at Williamsburg Library and Colonial Williamsburg will kick off its third and final Grand Illumination for 2022.

A number of events will also span multiple days, including the Virginia Choral Society’s winter concert (Saturday & Sunday), Good Shot Judy’s “A Crooner’s Christmas” concert (Thursday-Sunday), “The Nutcracker” featuring the Virginia Regional Ballet and the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra (Saturday & Sunday), the Williamsburg Christmas Market and numerous other shows, including A Christmas Carolby the Williamsburg Players (Thursday-Sunday) and A Charlie Brown Christmasat the Smithfield Little Theatre(Friday-Sunday).

-Christin

Holiday Events

Monday, Dec. 12

• Pochettes for Christmas – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). Enjoy traditional and seasonal tunes performed by John Turner and David Gardner. The event will feature a variety of instruments made specifically for travel in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass plus a $10 program ticket. 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

• W&M Accidentals Holiday Concert – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). Get into the holiday spirit by attending the a capella performance featuring the William & Mary Accidentals. You’ll enjoy holiday classics and crowd favorites. Requires art museum admission plus a $5 program ticket. 4:30 – 5:15 pm.
• Holiday Present Wrapping Party – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Need a stress-free space to wrap presents? Tabb Library in Yorktown is hosting a Holiday Present Wrapping Party on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Wrap presents, sip cocoa and enjoy a Hallmark holiday movie. Limited supplies of wrapping paper and a DIY bow station will be available. There’s a cap of 3-4 small/medium presents per family (those with more presents/large presents are asked to bring their own wrapping paper to supplement). Drop-ins welcome; registration is recommended. 6:30 – 7:45 pm.
• Palace Concert – Governor’s Palace (Colonial Williamsburg). See the regal Palace of the royal governor come to life as the Governor’s Musick – Williamsburg’s early music ensemble – performs in an elegant evening of holiday chamber music. Not appropriate for children six and under. Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for children under 12. 7:00 – 8:00 pm or 8:30 – 10:00 pm.
• Holiday Choral Concert: Bruton Parish Choirs & Orchestra – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg) – Enjoy a holiday choral concert directed by Rebecca Davy, music director of Bruton Parish. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

• The LCV Project: An Acoustic Christmas – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). Enjoy this delightful holiday concert featuring the LCV Project with Louis C. Vangieri. The family-friendly show will include a blend of traditional carols and heartwarming songs of the season. Free admission. 11:00 am.
• Governor’s Musick at the Raleigh Tavern – Raleigh Tavern Apollo Room (Colonial Williamsburg). Historically, Christmas Day was just the beginning of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Hear the music that complemented those festivities and compare them to your own holiday traditions. This program requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass plus a free event ticket. Shows will be held at 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
• Crystal Carols – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). This popular Christmas concert features Dean Shostak with Lance Pedigo and Kelly Kennedy. You’ll hear unique sounds of holiday favorites played on glass instruments from around the world. 7:00 – 8:00 pm. $20 for ages 6 and older, $10 for under 6.
• Christmas Trees and Treasures – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). This special holiday event will take place during extended evening hours at the Art Museums. Enjoy live music, walk through the galleries to discover Christmas trees themed to artwork and a 16-foot Folk Art Christmas tree decorated with over 2,000 hand-crafted ornaments. Holiday treats and hot cocoa will be available in the museum’s cafe, and unique gifts can be found in the museum store. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass. 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

Thursday, Dec. 15

• Keeping the Home Fires Burning – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). Kelly Kennedy will share songs, recipes, stories and holiday traditions from women near and far. 4:30 pm. $10.
• Makerspace: Cross Stitch Snowflake Ornament – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn the basics of cross-stitch and create a beautiful snowflake ornament. For ages 13+. Spots are limited; see website for registration information. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
• Holiday Choral Concert Manassas Chorale – Bruton Parish Church (Bruton Parish Church). Enjoy the sounds of the season with this holiday concert featuring the Manassas Community Chorale from Northern Virginia, directed by Becky Verner. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Friday, Dec. 16

• A Charles Dickens Christmas – Attend this special holiday show featuring readings from a variety of Charles Dickens’ writings paired with Christmas carols of the Victorian era. Musicians will play historic instruments from the 19th century including cornopean, cornet, violin, ophicleide and more. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass plus an event ticket ($15 for adults and youth 12 and over, $10 for children). 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
• A Celebration of the Yule Log – Magazine Yard (Colonial Williamsburg). Watch the Yule log be hauled by wagon from Capitol Circle to Market Square, accompanied by music, festivity and the lighting of the cressets. Then, make a wish and throw a sprig of greenery into the bonfire. This event will be held Dec. 9 and 16. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
• Palace Christmas Ball – Governor’s Palace (Governor’s Palace). Dance and mingle with costumed guests and enjoy the sounds of the Governor’s Musick Ensemble at a grand ball hosted at the Governor’s Palace. Colonial attire is encouraged but not required. This event will be held at 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm. $25 for adults and $18 for children under 12.
• Holiday Handbell Concert – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a holiday handbell concert by the First Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir from Goldsboro, North Carolina under the direction of Chris Watkins. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.
• Christmastide Music at the Courthouse – Courthouse (Colonial Williamsburg). Enjoy the best songs and dance melodies of Christmastide and sing along to the carols enjoyed by our ancestors of holidays past. Musicians Brian Forsman and Bill Weldon will lead this concert. Tickets are $19 for adults; $12 for children 12 and under. 9:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday, Dec. 17

• The Grey Goose Breakfast with Santa – The Grey Goose (Hampton). Santa and Mrs. Claus will celebrate the holiday season with the Grey Goose. Tickets must be purchased in advance and includes breakfast, crafts and entertainment. $17 for kids; $22 for adults. 9:00 – 11:00 am.
• Ho Ho Ho at the Depot – Lee Hall Depot (Newport News). Experience the joys of the holiday season with train-themed decorations, crafts and model train displays. This event is included with regular admission. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
• Ice Cream with Santa – Hilton Creamery (Newport News). Bring the whole family to get some ice cream and have a photo taken with Santa. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
• The Longest Nights Presented by the Virginia Choral Society – Trinity Lutheran Church and Peebles Theatre (Newport News). Celebrate the holiday season with the Virginia Choral Society’s winter concert. This event will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newport News on Saturday, Dec. 17 (4:00 pm) and Peebles Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 18 (4:00 pm). Tickets can be purchased here and are $15 – $20 for adults; free for children under 9.
• Grand Illumination – Various Sites (Colonial Williamsburg). Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination has kicked off the start of the Holiday season in Williamsburg for over 85 years. This year’s event will feature musical performances across multiple stages throughout the Historic Area, and breathtaking fireworks displays will be held at the Capitol and the Palace. This event will be held Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Free and open to the public. 5:00 – 7:30 pm.
• Grand Illumination Dinner – Christiana Campbell’s Tavern and King’s Arms Tavern (Colonial Williamsburg). Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with dinner and 18th-century entertainment at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern or King’s Arms Tavern. See the website for available times and reservation details.
• Jae Sinnett Jazz Christmas – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). Enjoy a swingin’ jazz Christmas featuring timeless Christmas classics arranged for a jazz performance. Tickets are $5 ($4 for Friends of WRL). 7:30 pm.
• Holiday Concert featuring Tabernacle Baptist Church – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a holiday concert by the Tabernacle Baptist Church Choir & Handbells from Richmond, Virginia, directed by Judy Fiske. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Sunday, Dec. 18

• Handmade Holiday Market – Tradition Brewing (Newport News). Peninsula Markets and Tradition Brewing will host an intimate, indoor market with 10+ local artisans, live music and a food truck. Free general admission. 12:00 – 4:00 pm.
• Holiday Concert featuring Lana Puckett & Kim Person – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This festive holiday concert features the musical stylings of Lana Puckett and Kim Person, a duo well-known for their vocal harmonies. Light refreshments will be available. 3:00 – 4:30 pm.

Multi-Day

Music & Theatre

• “A Crooner’s Christmas” – Kimball Theatre (Williamsburg). See Good Shot Judy perform a variety of classic Christmas crooner hits from artists like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Michael Buble and more. They’ll be accompanied by their expanded Good Shot 20-piece orchestra. The show will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15 (7:30 pm), Friday, Dec 16 (7:30 pm), Saturday, Dec. 17 (2:00 pm and 8:00 pm) and Sunday, 12/18 (2:00 pm. Tickets are $38-$46 and can be purchased here.
• Virginia Regional Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” with the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). Enjoy three sparkling performances of this holiday class presented by the Virginia Regional Ballet with the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra! Show times are Saturday, Dec. 17 (1:00 pm and 5:00 pm) and Sunday, Dec. 18 (2:00 pm). Tickets are $33.50-$65 and can be purchased here.
• “A Christmas Carol” by the Virginia Theatre Machine – Williamsburg Christmas Market (Williamsburg). The Virginia Theatre Machine will be at the Williamsburg Christmas Markets performing A Christmas Carol on Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm both days. The performance features an outdoor stage, 2 actors and 10 puppets. The Christmas Market is held adjacent to Bicentennial Park behind the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Free.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas – Smithfield Little Theatre (Smithfield). This special holiday performance is based on Charles Schulz’s television classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Dec. 9-18, Friday (8:00 pm), Saturday (2:30 & 8:00 pm) and Sunday (2:30 pm).
• “A Christmas Carol” by the Williamsburg Players – James-York Playhouse (Williamsburg). Enjoy this traditional holiday classic presented by the Williamsburg Players. This show is great for the entire family. Runs on select dates, Dec. 9 – Dec. 18. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for students and military.
• Christmas Spectacular – The Wagsters Magic Theatre (Williamsburg). Catch a truly magical Christmas show this holiday season at The Wagsters Magic Theatre. This professional magic show features amazing illusions, dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy and much more – all wrapped up in a message about the true reason for the season. This is a great event for the whole family. This show will be held on select dates and times (with shows at 2 pm and 7 pm) and runs through New Years. Tickets are $14.95 – $29.95 and can be purchased here.

History

• Christmastide in Virginia – Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Experience a glimpse of 17th and 18th-century holiday traditions with festive interpretive programs, fancy cooking, caroling and musical entertainment. This special programming will be held 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, Dec. 18 – 31 (except Christmas Day). See additional details and a schedule of events here.
• Christmas Decorations Walking Tour – James Geddy House (Colonial Williamsburg). Enjoy a guided tour of Colonial Williamsburg’s picturesque streets and building exteriors decorated in holiday splendor. This tour is available on select dates throughout December. See the website for available times and dates or to purchase tickets.
• Talk of the Town: Christmastide – Lumber House Ticket Office (Colonial Williamsburg). Walk about the historic area and experience the spirit of the Christmastide season with an 18th-century resident as your guide. Your guide will share the news of the day and reflections on the holiday season. This tour is available on select dates throughout December. Spots are limited, and some dates are already sold out. See the website for available dates and times.
• Holiday Historic Home Tours – Historic Endview and Lee Hall Mansion (Newport News). Immerse yourself in historic holiday traditions by attending a Holiday Historic Home Tour at Historic Endview or Lee Hall Mansion. Included with regular admission. Dec. 1-31, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Thursdays-Saturdays only).

Kids & Families

• Free Photos with Santa – New Town (Williamsburg). Santa Claus is coming to New Town on select weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) in November and December in front of the Regal New Town cinema. Snap your own photos (and share them instantly) for free. This event will be held Dec. 17-18. Santa will be on site from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm both days.
• Santa’s Nature Reserve – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Visit Santa’s Nature Reserve in Newport News! Guests will follow Santa’s boardwalk trail into the woods amid the beauty and wonder of sparkling nature. The softly-lit wooded trail will lead you to StoryBook Village and a family Dinosaur Tail. There will also be hot chocolate, cookie decorating in the Reindeer Cookie Workshop and opportunities to take family pictures and share holiday wishes with Santa in the Goodson Living House. This event will be held Dec. 16-18 and 22-23. Tickets are $13.
• The Newport News Holiday Extravaganza – Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (Newport News). Attend this fun-filled, family-friendly evening of song and dance. The story follows two of Santa’s elves as they try to get back to the North Pole from Newport News. Shows will be held on Friday, Dec. 16 (7:00 pm) and Saturday, Dec. 17 (3:00 pm and 7:00 pm). Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
• Santa’s Toy Shop – Denbigh Community Center (Newport News). Santa’s helpers have transformed Denbigh Community Center into Santa’s Workshop, complete with festive holiday decor, colorful lights and a sleigh. There will be free activities inside, open to the public, including toy and ornament workshops, children’s gift-wrapping stations, holiday movies and a hot chocolate bar. Several special events will also take place there throughout the month. More more information, contact the Denbigh Community Center. Free. Dec. 3 – 30.
• The Santa Experience – 439 Prince George Street (Williamsburg). This event features photo sessions with beloved local “Santa,” Jim Hines, who has been known to thousands of families as the “Yankee Candle Santa” from his years at Williamsburg’s former Yankee Candle location. Sessions are signed up in advance and grouped in 30-minute increments (only 1-2 families are allowed in the studio at a time). Each ticket includes high-resolution digital copies of all photos taken during the session. Proceeds from this photo event will go to participating local nonprofit organizations. See the website for additional details or to reserve a ticket. Photo sessions will be available Nov. 25 – Dec. 23. Pet portraits are also available, and those needing a quieter experience can request a “Sensory Santa.” Follow Williamsburg Downtown’s Facebook page for updates and additional information.

Holiday Lights

• Celebration in Lights – Newport News Park (Newport News). Celebration in Lights features two miles of holiday light displays set against the backdrop of the beautiful woods and water at Newport News Park. It features over one million lights and runs nightly, Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. $12/car Monday-Thursday, $15/car Friday-Sunday. 5:30 – 10:00 pm.
• Christmas Town – Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). Christmas Town returns to Busch Gardens on select dates between Nov. 11, 2022, and Jan. 8, 2022. Enjoy one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America, along with holiday shows, festive food and drinks, unique holiday shopping and more. See the website for pricing information.
• Williamsburg Families Spectacular Lights Tour 2022 – Here’s an activity you can do any evening. Williamsburg Families is maintaining a list of the best Christmas light displays in Williamsburg and the surrounding region. See the map here. More houses will continue to be added as additional displays light up.
• Lights at the Fountain – City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News). This strolling, state-of-the-art holiday light show features falling snow. It plays every half hour and incorporates a 50′ animated holiday tree, 55 pixel-wrapped perimeter trees, a festive soundtrack and holiday decor. Free admission and free parking. 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
• ARTech Lights – Brooks Crossing (Newport News). This holiday event features a wide variety of festive tech-tivities, holiday-themed games, a silent disco, giveaways, a photo booth, a skating rink, kids’ activities, food vendors and an animated holiday tree. Free admission and free parking.

Art/Crafts

• DIY Holiday Decoration Workshop – Landscape Design Studio (Colonial Williamsburg). This workshop is a rare opportunity to learn tips from Colonial Williamsburg’s Landscape Design team, who makes the holiday decorations that are displayed in the Historic Area. Participants will create their own holiday arrangement in the “Williamsburg style.” All tools and materials will be provided. Dec. 17 & 18. 3:00 – 4:30 pm.
• ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Exhibit 2022 – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). William & Mary Libraries, in collaboration with the WRL Gallery at Stryker Center, presents this annual exhibit of the Nancy H. Marshall “A Visit from St. Nicholas” Collection. This year’s exhibition features colorful illustrations and activities of magical wintry nights through the celebration of Christmas Eve. This exhibit is open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, Nov. 21 – Jan. 5 (closed Nov. 24-25, Dec. 23-26 and Jan. 1-2).

Markets & Holiday Shopping

• Williamsburg Christmas Market – Court Street (Williamsburg). The Annual Williamsburg Christmas Market returns for a third season! There will be 32 vendors, photo ops with Santa, live entertainment, warm spiced wine and craft beers, Christmas music, fire pits and delicious food from local restaurants. The market will be held on the following dates: December 8-11 (Thurs-Sun) and December 15-21 (Thurs-Wed). See the website for hours and additional information. This market will be held on Court Street, adjacent to Bicentennial Park. This week, you can also catch free performances of A Christmas Carol by the Virginia Theatre Machine. Admission is free.
• Midtown Holiday Maker’s Market – Midtown Row (Williamsburg). These holiday-themed pop-up maker’s markets will feature carefully curated and specially selected artisans. This event, which is designed to be like a mini “2nd Sundays,” will be at held at Midtown Row on Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18. See a full list of artisans and musicians here. 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
• Loosely Knit Annual Holiday Sale – Grissom Library (Newport News). If you’re looking for the perfect handmade holiday gift, stop by the Loosely Knit Group’s Annual Holiday Sale through December 19th during library operating hours. Items for sale include crocheted and knitted shawls, sweaters, mittens, hats and scarves, baby and children’s clothing, ornaments, kitchen items and more. All proceeds benefit the Newport News Public Library Foundation to be used at the Grissom Library.

Outdoor

• Liberty Ice Pavilion – Colonial Williamsburg. The Liberty Ice Pavilion is officially open for the season! See a full schedule of the ice rink’s operating hours here. For information about one-day skating tickets, click here. Season passes are also available.

Charitable

• Holiday Pet Supply Drive – Seaford Veterinary Medical Center (Seaford). Seaford Vet is accepting donations of food, cat litter and other pet supplies for the Peninsula Pet Pantry for the holidays. Donations will be accepted December 1, 2022 – December 23, 2022.

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