The Commonwealth of Virginia is etched in history and heritage. Visiting here at any time of the year makes for a festive occasion, but when you plan to attend during the holiday season, you’re in for an even greater treat.
Lovers of Colonial history and early American Christmastide traditions in particular have no shortage of options to consider throughout the state. However, there are at least a handful that are often hailed as the highest on the holiday checklists of avid historians. These are the can’t-miss Colonial Christmas experiences to enjoy throughout Virginia.
Centuries of Christmas at Berkley Plantation
Every December through January 1, the historic Berkley Plantation hosts its annual Centuries of Christmas tours. Conducted daily by knowledgeable costumed guides, these tours allow you the exclusive opportunity to experience Berkeley’s 1726 Georgian mansion decked out in traditional early American fashion. Along the way, you will be told stories of Christmases at Berkeley through four centuries of history. Visit the website for details.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
This historic estate, once home to George Washington, is open daily, including on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Visiting the site around the holidays makes for an especially wonderful experience, with a host of festive features in addition to all their usual offerings.
Highlights include candlelight guided tours focused specifically on holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia, music, dancing, a Revolutionary War encampment, and getting to meet visiting holiday guest Aladdin the Camel. Other special events, available on select dates, include Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Afternoon Tea, and Christmas Illuminations. Learn more about these and all their different events on the website about all these events and others.
Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg
Spending Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is an absolute rite of passage. Even if you’ve visited a time or two before, this is the premium time to plan your visit. Festivities take place throughout December. Special seasonal offerings exclusive to this time of year include Christmas Decorations Walking Tours, their Grand Illumination event (the first two weekends), Wassailing in Williamsburg, and so much more. What’s more, their always-efficient and knowledgeable reenactors truly up their game in making you feel like you’ve transcended back in time to Christmas in the Colonies. Learn more about these events and all others by checking the website.
Christmastide in Virginia
It’s a twice-as-nice enticement to have two options for experiencing authentic Christmastide offerings in historic Virginia locations. Both the Jamestown Settlement as well as the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are offering this ongoing special event now through the end of the month. The program includes traditional music and entertaining, hands-on demos, costumed interpretations and reenactments, and answers to all your questions about early American Christmas celebrations from the 17th and 18th centuries. Both museums have their own offerings, making visiting both the ultimate must-do for historically enthusiastic fans. Click here for additional details on both events.
Monticello Holiday Evening Tours
As a rare opportunity and in light of the holiday season, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is offering a host of after-hours holiday tour options. It’s a chance to view the historic home in all its festive décor, appropriate to its intended timeline, and discover how those who lived here, enslaved and free, celebrated the holidays. Touring takes place between 5:15 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Reservations are required. Visit the website to learn more.
These are just a few examples of the myriad merriments to be had while exploring historic Virginia. Events are always subject to change, so be sure to check calendars and websites in advance before attending any of the events listed here. Also, be sure to scout around for new ones being added each year.