Williamsburg Christmas Market 2024 at Bicentennial Park

Williamsburg, Virginia, is rich in American history, making it an intriguing place for visitors year-round. The Williamsburg Christmas Market adds an extra layer of charm to this already appealing destination.

In this guide, I’ll provide all the essential details for your 2024 visit, including unconfirmed dates, opening times, locations and what to look out for in terms of local specialties.

Williamsburg Christmas Market 2024

The blend of European village atmosphere and local culture sets apart the Christmas market in Williamsburg.

Located on Court Street, adjacent to Bicentennial Park and behind the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, the market features 32 wooden chalets showcasing an array of goods.

In addition to shopping, you can enjoy photo opportunities with Santa, live entertainment, gluhwein, craft beers, Christmas music, and fire pits.

Local restaurants also provide a variety of market food, making for a comprehensive holiday experience.

Dates and Information

Williamsburg Christmas Market dates: Select days from 24th November to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Open as follows (unconfirmed):
24th to 26th November.
29th November to 2nd December.
6th to 9th December.
13th December to 23rd December.

Location: Bicentennial Park.
Opening times: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Santa: Yes, Santa is available for photos.
Ice skating: No, but you can skate nearby at Liberty Ice Pavilion.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Local artisan crafts; unique colonial atmosphere; festive food indulgence; enchanting carriage rides; quintessentially Williamsburg Christmas spirit.
Recommended tour: Christmas walking tour.
Specialities: Spiced gingerbread; hot cider; roasted chestnuts; colonial-inspired recipes; traditional Virginia ham.
Where to stay: Williamsburg Inn is a highly-rated hotel in the area.

Visitor Accommodation

If you’re visiting Williamsburg, consider staying near Bicentennial Park. The well-connected area allows you to explore the city fairly easily.

Specifically, I recommend the Williamsburg Inn for a comfortable stay in a convenient location.

Event Location

Christmas in Williamsburg

Christmas in Williamsburg is noted for its historical backdrop, where modern celebrations intersect with historic traditions.

Local Specialties

Gluhwein: The event classic mulled wine like you’d expect to find in traditional Christmas locations liek Germany. It is a seasonal special that combines red wine with various spices like cinnamon, cloves and citrus. It’s a favourite for keeping warm while exploring the market.

Craft Beers: Local breweries contribute to the market with their unique beers. Ranging from light to dark, these are excellent for both a casual drink and deeper exploration into American craft beer culture.

Roasted Chestnuts: A staple in winter markets, vendors roast chestnuts. They fill the air with their nutty aroma and offer a warm, simple snack.

Gingerbread Cookies: Another classic, gingerbread cookies are available in various shapes and sizes. Often adorned with festive decorations, they make for both a tasty treat and a sweet gift.

Hot Chocolate: Expect creamy hot chocolate vendors at the market. They serve it traditionally, and it’s perfect for children or those who prefer non-alcoholic hot drinks.

Apple Cider: An American classic, the apple cider here is often served hot. It’s made from freshly pressed apples and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Smoked Sausages: Producers stalls serve smoked sausages, grilled to perfection. These often come in a bun with a choice of condiments like mustard and sauerkraut.

Pretzels: This German classic also makes an appearance. Usually offered with various dips.

Seasonal Pastries: Alongside the regular bakery items, look out for seasonal pastries that make a one-time appearance for Christmas. These range from fruit-filled tarts to nut-studded pies.

Assorted Nuts: Various stalls have a selection of nuts, often candied, spiced or chocolate coated. They’re convenient for munching while you wander around the market.

Local Restaurants: Dishes from local restaurants are also on offer, allowing you to sample the regional cuisine. It’s a good way to try various foods without committing to an entire restaurant visit.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

Colonial Replicas: Miniature cannons, tricorn hats, and porcelain dolls dressed in period costumes are among the colonial replicas you’ll find. Vendors focus on accuracy and often provide information about the historical significance of each item. Great for history enthusiasts.

Quilts: Hand-stitched and highly detailed, local artisans make these quilts. They often feature intricate designs and natural materials, making them both a practical and beautiful gift.

Handcrafted Wooden Toys: Traditional wooden toys are available, often carved by local makers. They range from simple blocks to intricate puzzles and make for enduring, meaningful gifts for children.

Holiday Ornaments: Ornaments here range from the traditional to the locally inspired. Themes often include colonial figures, local flora and fauna, and iconic Williamsburg landmarks.

Specialty Teas: A nod to the colonial past, vendors offer specialty teas. They include blends known for their historical significance as well as modern infusions.

Spices and Herbs: In small jars or sachets, local spices and herbs make for practical stocking fillers. They’re ideal for anyone looking to add some flavour to their kitchen.

Fine Chocolates: Handmade chocolates are always welcom. In Williamsburg, they come in assorted boxes or individually, allowing you to sample or gift a variety of flavours.

Antique Maps and Prints: For the history buff, some stalls sell antique maps and prints of Williamsburg and its environs. They offer a tangible connection to the past, often complete with historical annotations.

Cookbooks: Regional cookbooks offer an array of traditional and modern recipes. Authored by local chefs or culinary historians, they make an excellent gift for the food enthusiast in your life.

Visit Williamsburg is an invaluable tool for navigating Williamsburg, as it provides a wealth of information for visitors, including tips, events, and detailed local insights to help enhance your stay.

Sustainability Tips

Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Williamsburg at Christmas.

Accommodation: Williamsburg is home to many eco-friendly hotels that use renewable energy sources. By staying at these places, you’re actively supporting the shift towards cleaner energy solutions.

Food Waste: When visiting the markets and local events and restaurants, consider ordering smaller portions to ensure you can finish your meal.

Ethical Consumption: By purchasing locally made products, like the colonial handicrafts or Williamsburg soaps and candles, you’re supporting the local economy and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.

Sustainable Diets: Try the vegetarian options at the food stalls. Dishes like Virginia Peanut Soup and roasted chestnuts are not only delicious but also require fewer resources to produce than meat-based options.

Sustainable Transport: Williamsburg is a compact and pedestrian-friendly city. Exploring on foot or by bike are excellent sustainable alternatives to car travel. If you need to travel longer distances, consider using the local bus system, which provides comprehensive city coverage.

If you want to leave a review of Williamsburg, VA Xmas Market or what you think of the decorations, comment below.

—

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Williamsburg, VA, United States. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.