Through the Seasons
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Colonial Seasons
There’s something new for everyone to explore each season at Colonial Williamsburg. As a living, breathing city, the sights, sounds, and yes, even smells of the colonial capital transform with each season change. Whether your adventure is set in the historic charm of the holidays, coziness of winter, full bloom of spring, buzz of summer, or vibrance of fall, you’re sure to share something historic as you discover history brought to life. Click through the seasons below to plan your visit.
Winter
Visit tradespeople in their shops, explore the historic area, discover something new at Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, shop our signature stores, and enjoy comfort food at the Taverns!
President's Weekend
Take advantage of the long weekend to visit the place where it all began. Before they were presidents, Virginians George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were shaped by their experiences in Williamsburg.
Black History Month
Join us in February for Black History Month as we shine an even brighter light on our year-round African American programming. Discover these American stories of resilience and explore the lives of those that lived, loved, and strove to create a better future.
Women's History Month
Women played important, and at times, unexpected, roles in Colonial Williamsburg. Their contributions advanced the shaping of the nation. Join us each March for special programming as we celebrate and examine the experiences, lives, and relationships of these women.
Spring
This spring we answer the age-old question of what to do in Williamsburg. There’s something for the whole family! Explore our 18th-century city and meet people who bring history to life. Enjoy our beautiful spring gardens and see our newborn baby lambs. Take in a tour at our expanded world-class Art Museums. Feast on delicious meals, take a Haunted Williamsburg ghost tour, then unwind at one of our official Colonial Williamsburg hotels.
Join Us This Spring
Rare Breeds
The Coach & Livestock team acquires, husbands, and preserves rare breeds that were common in the 18th century but now are threatened or endangered. Each spring, visitors enjoy the joys of lambing season, gathering around pasture fences to see young Leicester Longwool lambs romp and rest.
Women's History Month
Women played important, and at times, unexpected, roles in Colonial Williamsburg. Their contributions advanced the shaping of the nation. Join us each March for special programming as we celebrate and examine the experiences, lives, and relationships of these women.
Arboretum & Gardens
More than 30 carefully maintained gardens dot our 301 acre living history museum. From flowering backyard pleasure gardens to our grand Governor’s Palace Gardens and Grounds, these gardens can offer insight into the ways the colonists and lived and worked as a community.
Drummer's Call
Join us for this annual showcase of 18th-century military music. Visiting corps from around the country join our own Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums for days of performances throughout the Historic Area. Learn more about military field music and explore the important roles played by fifers and drummers.
Memorial Day
Join us over Memorial Day Weekend to explore America’s founding ideals and honor the men and women who died defending them.
Summer
Share something historic at the world’s largest living history museum, bringing the 18th-century colonial capital of Virginia to life. Your admission ticket grants you access to historic sites as well as visits with historic tradespeople and staged performances throughout the day. Add a stay at one of our official hotels and a few colonial-inspired meals for the perfect summer getaway.
Celebrate Civic Season with Us
Fourth of July
There's no better place to celebrate our nation's birth than on historic Duke of Gloucester Street.
Fall
Get away this fall and savor the radiance of autumn in the colonial capital. Our expansive arboretum, bursting with striking fall colors, is the perfect backdrop for celebrating craftsmanship with our world-renowned tradespeople, taking a romantic carriage ride, or exploring 301 acres of living history with your family. Plus, visit the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg to discover more on display than ever before.
Experience the Brilliant Colors of History
Constitution Day
Join us for in-depth discussions, and the best of Colonial Williamsburg’s historical interpretation, bringing the history of America’s governing document to life.
Veteran's Day
Celebrate with special events including a commemorative march and ceremony honoring America's veterans over Veterans Day weekend
American Indian Heritage Month
American Indians, Native Americans, and/or Indigenous peoples were a regular and frequent presence in 18th-century Williamsburg. Join us in November for special programing exploring these American Indian nations and their role in our collective story then and now.
Holidays
Here you’ll find enduring traditions, charming decorations, and a season that still warms the heart. One visit and you’ll quickly see why our guests come from near and far to enjoy the festivities while making memories that last a lifetime.
There’s no place like Colonial Williamsburg for the holidays.
Visit this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving week is full of festive events for the whole family. Enjoy our charming historic holiday decorations adorning the colonial capital and share our seasonal traditions and new special programs with your nearest and dearest.
Grand Illumination
Join us as we illuminate the night sky above our beautiful colonial capital. In the 18th century, illuminations — the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks — celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor.
