Christmastide in Virginia
Visitors explore 17th- and 18th-century holiday customs across indoor museum galleries and outdoor living-history sites. At Jamestown Settlement, guests can observe fancy cooking and winter preservation techniques, hear seasonal stories at James Fort and Paspahegh Town, and watch appearances by the Lord of Misrule. At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, attendees can view flintlock musket demonstrations, explore an army encampment, and craft traditional holiday pomanders on the farm.
What to Expect
Experience 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions and living-history demonstrations.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Food & Drink
Interpreters demonstrate fancy cooking, festive recipes and open-hearth cooking.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and history enthusiasts
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Christmastide is included with museum admission; a value-priced combination ticket for both museums is available and offers seven days of unlimited admission when purchased online. Children age 5 and under are free. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, are admitted free with proof of residency. Parking is free at both museums. – Get tickets
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas Day.
- Parking: Parking is free at both museums.
Tips & Advice
- Allow two to four hours at each museum, and buy the combination ticket online if you want seven days to see both sites.
- Local residents of James City County, York County and Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, should bring proof of residency to get in free.
- Head to Jamestown Settlement's fort to catch the Lord of Misrule and his merry men, who appear there every day during Christmastide.
- Reserve a private tour in advance if your group has 14 people or fewer, because tours at both museums need a reservation.
- Stop by the museum shops for books, prints and hand-made items. You don't need museum admission to shop there.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Lord of Misrule and his merry men appear daily at Jamestown Settlement's fort.
- Make traditional clove-and-orange pomanders on the Yorktown farm.
- Free admission for residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, with proof of residency.
- Combination ticket for both museums with seven days of unlimited admission when bought online.
- Children age 5 and under get in free.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at Jamestown Settlement during Christmastide?
Interpreters tell seasonal stories, including the colonists' first Christmas at sea in 1606 and the Virginia Indian hospitality shown to Captain John Smith's trading party in a 1608 winter storm. James Fort's buildings are decorated with greenery and host fancy cooking demonstrations. Paspahegh Town shows winter food preservation and hunting, and the Lord of Misrule appears at the fort every day.
What is there to see at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown?
In the Continental Army encampment, you'll hear about winter in camp, see how soldiers cooked rations in an earthen kitchen and watch flintlock musket demonstrations throughout the day. On the Revolution-era farm, interpreters set a holiday table and cook period dishes over an open hearth, including figgy pudding. Visitors can also make clove-and-orange pomanders.
How long should we allow?
Allow two to four hours at each museum.
Can we visit both museums on one ticket?
Yes. A combination ticket covers both museums and gives you seven days of unlimited admission when you buy it online.
Are private tours available?
Yes. Both museums offer private tours for groups of 14 or fewer if you reserve ahead.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.