Illuminate your holidays in Colonial Williamsburg
The most beautiful time of year has arrived in Colonial Williamsburg—the holiday season! Take the quick journey south this month to Virginia’s historic Tidewater region, one of the birthplaces of our nation, to experience a host of beautiful celebrations. Traditional Christmas décor will shine throughout the city’s thoroughfares, including charming Duke of Gloucester Street, making for one of the most picturesque wintertime destinations on the entire East Coast. Colonial Williamsburg is also home to exquisite lodging, including the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Williamsburg Inn.
December is filled with exciting and informative events at Colonial Williamsburg, especially when it comes to food and drink. And what better place to start than with the original epicurean president himself, Thomas Jefferson? At the elegant King’s Arms Tavern, Saturday evenings bring Thomas Jefferson Wine Dinners, where the focus is on the Founding Father’s love of fine vintages and culinary delicacies. Illuminated by flickering tapers in pewter candlestick holders, they will be memorable evenings, including the serving staff’s period garb.
At Taste Studio, Colonial Williamsburg’s demonstration kitchen, the next few weeks are highlighted by quaffable and edible revelry. On Friday, Dec. 8, the Holiday Cocktails: Shaken Not Stirred event incorporates hands-on mixology education with plenty of opportunities for sipping.The evenings of Thursday, Dec. 14 and Thursday, Dec. 28 will feature 6 locally crafted beers accompanied by gourmet dishes at Holiday Brews and Chews. And of course, the quintessential creamy beverage makes a show at ’Tis the Season for Eggnog. On Saturday, Dec. 9; Thursday, Dec. 13; and Saturday, Dec. 16, a trio of delectable recipes will be ladled into glasses, along with plenty of lore about the satisfying drink.
Saturdays are bright with Mrs. Campbell’s Holiday afternoons at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern. Set to melodious live harp music, savory bites, breads and sweets will fill the room with the spirit of the 18th century. Additional tea services will be offered Tuesday through Friday following Christmas Day.
Saturday mornings are celebrations, too, during December at the King’s Arms Tavern. Delicious and hearty holiday breakfast fare will accompany spirited conversation.
While quintessentially American, Colonial Williamsburg also celebrates ties to Great Britain, especially the legacy of Charles Dickens, the man who many say invented the modern notion of Christmas. Gerald Charles Dickens, the novelist’s greatgreat-grandson, will give a pair of one-man performances of “A Christmas Carol.” On December 12, join him for a Charles Dickens Tea, and December 13 for An Evening with Dickens, both in the iconic Williamsburg Inn, which will be filled with Yuletide lights, garlands, trees and more.
Another beloved Christmasthemed work of art is celebrated at Traditions restaurant on Christmas Eve’s with The Nutcracker Holiday Feast. The fantastic spread will include roast turkey, a seafood catch of the day and a host of salads and desserts. The evening frequently sells out, so advanced reservations are recommended.
Even more buffets and seated dinners will fill Christmas Day with holiday warmth, both in the morning and the evening:
Christmas breakfast at Shield’s Tavern
Christmas breakfast at King’s Arms Tavern
Christmas buffet dinner at Williamsburg Inn
Christmas buffet dinner at Sweet Tea & Barley
Christmas buffet dinner at Traditions
Christmas dinner Chowning’s Tavern
Christmas dinner at King’s Arm Tavern
Christmas dinner at Shields Tavern
Christmas dinner at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern
This cornucopia of lodging choices to match all tastes and budgets awaits. For luxurious experiences, the AAA Five Diamond Williamsburg Inn has been a mainstay of travelers for decades; the hotel was built by famed financier and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. Its accommodations include the deluxe John D. Rockefeller Jr. Suite, the regal Queen’s Suite inspired by Queen Elizabeth II, and the handsome Winston Churchill Suite. For a relaxing retreat, the refined Williamsburg Lodge, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, is adjacent to the full-service Spa of Colonial Williamsburg and its indoor pool. Other choices include the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites and the Governor’s Inn. For an authentic 18th-century experience, the Colonial Houses are meticulous recreations of period homes that feature fireplaces and canopy beds. All lodgings throughout Colonial Williamsburg are family-friendly.
To book reservations for Colonial Williamsburg’s December holiday events and for lodging, call (855)-231-7240, or visit colonialwilliamsburghotels.com.