Holiday Magic In Williamsburg: A Christmas To Remember

A Colonial Christmas: Discovering The Magic Of Williamsburg, Virginia

There’s something undeniably magical about Christmas in Williamsburg, Virginia. The cobblestone streets, flickering lanterns and centuries-old charm create a festive backdrop unlike anywhere else in the country. Our family’s recent trip was the perfect blend of history, holiday spirit and togetherness, with a little thrill-seeking sprinkled in. The breathtaking lights at Busch Gardens and cozy evenings at The Historic Powhatan Resort, a Hilton Vacation Club in Williamsburg transformed our holiday getaway into an experience we’ll treasure forever.

A Festival Of Lights And Holiday Thrills

If you’ve ever wanted to step into a real-life winter wonderland, Busch Gardens Christmas Town is it. The park glows with millions of twinkling lights that transform each village into a holiday dreamscape. Strolling beneath glittering archways, surrounded by carolers and the scent of warm cider, it felt like we’d walked into a snow globe come to life.

But the magic didn’t stop at the lights. One of the biggest surprises that Busch Gardens had for us was the crowd-free rides. With the park’s off-season serenity, we were able to hop on our favorite coasters again and again, often without waiting in line. Our daughters, Brianna and Leona, were in heaven. They indulged their love of thrill rides while we all laughed, screamed and savored the moments together. Between rides, we sampled some of the park’s holiday snacks. We enjoyed hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, freshly baked cinnamon pastries and plenty of delicious food in Germany that warmed our hands as much as our hearts.

By the time we watched the dazzling light show near the park’s central plaza, surrounded by millions of lights shimmering in sync with holiday music, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. And if you’re nervous about being outside in late December, don’t be! Especially if you’re from the north. While some locals found the 50-degree evenings too cool to be out, our Massachusetts blood had no problem enduring the early-autumn temps.

It’s no wonder why the Busch Gardens Festival of Lights has become one of the most beloved holiday attractions in the region.

Timeless Holiday Traditions

Just a short drive away, Colonial Williamsburg captures the spirit of Christmas past. Strolling through the historic district, we were met with the scent of pine garlands and the soft glow of candlelit windows. Each building is decorated in classic 18th-century style, with natural wreaths, fruits and handcrafted ribbons, each a gentle reminder of simpler times. We stopped to watch traditional carolers perform in costume and even chatted with interpreters about how Christmas was celebrated during America’s early days.

For our family, Colonial Williamsburg offered an unforgettable opportunity to blend holiday fun with a bit of education. Our girls appreciated it much more than they expected!

Exploring Jamestown And Yorktown

No trip to Williamsburg would be complete without a visit to Jamestown and Yorktown, the other two historic gems that round out Virginia’s famed Historic Triangle. Jamestown glimmers during the holidays with its candlelit tours and living history demonstrations, while Yorktown’s waterfront sparkles with festive lights and offers unique shopping experiences. Together, they form a perfect day-trip loop filled with learning, laughter and holiday charm.

Home for The Holidays At The Historic Powhatan Resort

At the end of each adventure-filled day, we returned to The Historic Powhatan Resort, and it truly felt like home. The spacious townhouses gave us plenty of room to stretch out, unwind and still enjoy all the comforts of the season. The luxury mattresses made it hard to get out of bed each morning, but the excitement of the day always won out.

One of our favorite moments of the entire trip came as we relaxed in the indoor pool and hot tubs while our holiday dinner finished cooking in the room. Surrounded by laughter and warmth, we realized how special it was to celebrate Christmas together in a place that felt both new and familiar. The resort gave us the best of both worlds: the freedom of travel and the comfort of home.

Our Williamsburg Christmas getaway was a perfect reminder that the holidays aren’t about where you are, but rather who you’re with and the memories you create together. Whether we were zipping through the night on roller coasters under a canopy of lights or simply sitting around the dinner table at the Historic Powhatan, our hearts were full.

Williamsburg, with its unique blend of history, hospitality and holiday magic, gave our family an unforgettable Christmas experience. It was a trip that we’ll be talking about for years to come.

Read “Cooling Off In The North Carolina Mountains: Our Summer Family Vacation” to learn about another charming destination for fun, adventure and exploration.