Ring in 2026 with these New Year’s events across the Historic Triangle
From festive family-friendly events to parties lasting late into the night, a variety of New Year’s Eve celebrations will be held throughout the Historic Triangle this year.
Here are some of the ways to ring in 2026 across the region.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve
Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Discover the holiday traditions of early Virginia during the final day of this year’s Christmastide in Virginia program. The event takes place at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and is included with museum admission. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.
At Jamestown Settlement, historical interpreters will convey seasonal stories, including the English colonists’ first Christmas at sea in December 1606 and the Virginia Indian hospitality shown to Captain John Smith’s trading party during a winter storm in 1608. Winter activities from food preservation to cooking will also be demonstrated. Nationally recognized Scottish fiddler David Gardner will present live music at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
At American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, historical interpreters will discuss 18th-century holiday traditions with those of today. Visitors will be able to see demonstrations of holiday activities typical of the period and participate in making traditional pomanders featuring cloves and oranges. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Freedom Park | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Gather friends or family and stop by Freedom Park to enjoy a hot chocolate bar with toppings, an outdoor fire and a park-wide scavenger hunt. Cocoa is available while supplies last. Registration is not required. All ages. Free. 10 – 11:30 am.
Virginia Living Museum | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Kids and families are invited to welcome 2026 with multiple glowing countdowns, games, crafts and dancing. Sensory-friendly options will be available. This event is included with museum admission or membership. Party packs will be available for purchase while supplies last. 10 am – 2 pm.
Billsburg Brewery | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Avoid the crowds with an earlier New Year’s celebration at Billsburg. The brewery is hosting a daytime event featuring live music, the release of a new winter cocktail, a Waterfront Grill food truck, a noon countdown and cheers to 2026.
Christmastide with Governor’s Musick
Hennage Auditorium | Dec. 31 | 1:30 – 2:15 pm
Join members of the Governor’s Musick as they embark upon a musical journey through the Christmastide season. Discover how Williamsburg celebrated the holidays, or holy-days, and compare these early traditions to your own. This program requires art museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 1:30 – 2:15 pm.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg | 2 – 10 p.m.
Celebrate the New Year with a day of fun at Busch Gardens Christmas Town followed by a fireworks display at night. Christmas Town features over 10 million lights, holiday shows, specialty dining and 25 rides and coasters. Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. This event is included with admission to Christmas Town.
Wassails to Hoedowns: 400 Years of Holiday Music
Hennage Auditorium at Colonial Williamsburg | 4 p.m.
Musical group Henley Fork and special guest Lee Welch will present a celebration of music heard throughout the Christmas season from the time of Jamestown through the 20th century. Carols, wassails and dance music take center stage on this musical tour of Virginia’s holiday traditions. Tickets are $10 for adults and children ages 6+ and $5 for children ages 5 and under.
Wolph presents: Winterland at the Kimball
Kimball Theatre | 7:45 p.m.
Williamsburg’s own Wolph will ring in the New Year with an intimate acoustic session followed by two electric sets leading into midnight. Concessions will be available at the theater during the show. Tickets are $33.85. Doors open at 7. Music begins at 7:45 pm.
Precarious Beer Project | 9:30 p.m.
Say goodbye to 2025 with a New Year’s Eve party featuring live music by The Dundies, a group that performs pop, emo and top 40s hits. The event will also feature a “Dress Like Your Favorite Rockstar” costume contest, photobooth, drink specials and bar snacks. 21+ strongly encourage. 18+ accepted with valid ID. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Happy Hogmanay! A Scottish New Year’s Concert
Bruton Parish Church | 8 – 9 p.m.
Join fiddler David Gardner, Highland dancer Eliza Gardner and storyteller Shelton Browder for a Scottish New Year’s concert of music, story and dance. This event is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Good Shot Judy’s Fifth Annual New Year’s Swingin’ Eve
The Williamsburg Lodge | 9 p.m.
Good Shot Judy’s popular New Year’s Swingin’ Eve will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge this year. Dinner tickets to this event are sold out, but “party only” tickets are still available. The tickets include event entry after 9 p.m., the full New Year’s concert and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be a cash bar, a dance floor and late night snacks available for purchase. Tickets are $60 each.
Good Shot Judy’s Fifth Annual New Year’s Swingin’ Eve
The Williamsburg Lodge | 9 p.m.
Good Shot Judy’s popular New Year’s Swingin’ Eve will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge this year. Dinner tickets to this event are sold out, but “party only” tickets are still available. The tickets include event entry after 9 p.m., the full New Year’s concert and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be a cash bar, a dance floor and late night snacks available for purchase. Tickets are $60 each.
Queens Way in Hampton | 8:30 – midnight
Downtown Hampton will host a night of entertainment and community fun on New Year’s Eve. The night will conclude with the beloved crab pot drop tradition at midnight, ringing in the New Year.
Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
York River State Park | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Start the new year immersed in nature. York River State Park will offer two different hikes on Jan. 1: A four-and-a-half mile journey to the once great Majestic Oak Tree that dates back to the War of Independence or a two-mile hike through the newly introduced Hognose Trail Overlook, featuring stunning views of the York River. Included with park admission.
Multi-Day: Dec. 31 & Jan. 1
Newport New Park | Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
This popular drive-through light show features two miles of holiday scenes created with more than one million lights. This year’s display includes twinkling polar bears and penguins, snowmen, light tunnels and falling snow. Tickets are $15 per car (Monday through Thursday) or $12 if purchased in advance.
City Center at Oyster Point | Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 | 5 – 9 p.m.
Nightly light shows will be held at City Center at Oyster Point on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The experience features a customed soundtrack and holiday lights and decorations designed around the five-acre fountain plaza. New in 2025, the synchronized light show features 15 minutes of animated holiday shows on a 50-foot tree, playing every half hour. Visitors can also walk through a new 100-foot immersive tunnel of light.
Christmas Decorations Walking Tour
James Geddy House | Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 | 10:30 & 2:30 pm
Enjoy a guided tour featuring the picturesque buildings and streets of Colonial Williamsburg decorated for the holidays. Learn about the materials and techniques used in the decorations. Tickets are $15.
Jamestown Settlement | Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 (and select dates through Jan. 11) | 5 – 10 p.m.
Stroll through Jamestown Settlement while enjoying a unique Asian-inspired light display. This family-friendly event features handcrafted lanterns inspired by ancient folklore. Local vendors will offer food and drinks on site. Tickets are $18 – $24 and are available here.
In front of the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse | Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 | 12 – 12:45 pm
Celebrate the Christmastide season with holiday tales, music and carols. Free & open to the public.
Ice Skating at the Liberty Ice Pavilion
Colonial Williamsburg | Dec. 31 (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.) and Jan. 1 (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.) and daily with varied hours through Feb. 28
Celebrate the New Year with ice skating at Colonial Williamsburg. Refreshments, including hot cider, coffee and baked treats, will be available for purchase steps away from the ice. See the operating schedule here. Regular daily rates are $16 for adults, $14 for youth ages 3 – 12. Skate rentals are $6. The rink will remain open daily through the end of February.
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