A Colonial Christmas
Walk through A Colonial Christmas to re-live the holiday season of long ago in all its wonder. Declare a road trip to enjoy the magic of the season.
Event information
Christmas fun includes food, traditions, and merriment. You will find all of that and more at A Colonial Christmas, which takes place at the Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg, Virginia. If you are a history buff and are eager to learn about life in a newly established colony, this holiday event is a must-do.
Gather the family ‘round and propose a trip to Williamsburg. Get ready to experience the holiday spirit in an authentic setting. Learn how Christmastide was celebrated and what foods were prepared as part of the lead up to the season.
The Jamestown Settlement sets the stage for re-enacting how things were done in America’s first permanent English colony. Add a visit to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown as part of your trip. In nearby Yorktown, the learning continues with interesting activities like the observation of open-hearth cooking as preparation for the Christmas feast.
Williamsburg had a big role in the events of the American Revolution. Sites like the Yorktown Battlefield and the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier are two must-see stops in the region. If you would like to put an outdoor spin on your vacation, bike the Virginia Capital Trail, or explore Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Chippokes Plantation State Park is a working farm and a great place to park your RV for a night or two.
Tickets
Choose a ticket that includes the American Revolution Museum along with A Colonial Christmas and pay under $30 for an adult pass. The same package for kids ages 6 to 12 is less than $15. Plan to attend both venues to get the entire picture of how colonists spent their days.
Explore A Colonial Christmas RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The James River provides a gorgeous backdrop as you approach the Jamestown Settlement, where A Colonial Christmas takes place. VA-31 is the highway that brings you toward this memorable destination from the east. Your route to the region may include I-95 or I-64.
Do note that traveling south of the James River directly requires a ferry. Most of the activities are between the James River and the York River in the community of Williamsburg. 511 Virginia offers a handy smartphone app that you can download. Your navigator can alert you to road closures and keep abreast of changes in the weather.
Parking areas
Parking is free for those enjoying the holiday festivities at the Jamestown Settlement. Arrive early to secure a spot large enough for your RV. It may be a good idea to check in with the visitors center upon arrival to get information on where best to leave your rig.
Public Transportation
Both Williamsburg and Yorktown have trolley services, which are fun and convenient for seeing local landmarks. The routes coincide with the bus transit service, too. Investigate this option as a stress-free way to get from one event to another. Williamsburg has various Christmas goings-on all over town that you won’t want to miss.
Where to stay
Onsite
Camping at A Colonial Christmas is not a possibility, but there are a few great camping areas nearby. Choose a KOA or a resort-like RV park and claim a spot with pull-through sites, laundry facilities, and spacious forested spaces accessible to a large RV. Gather the family ‘round and decide on the ideal location for your needs.
Nearby
Venture outside of Williamsburg to York River State Park. It is just minutes away from A Colonial Christmas, allowing for a short drive after a busy day. This year-round park is focused on the environment and the preservation of land for wildlife and plant life.
Owned by James City County, Chickahominy Riverfront Park is the ideal place for those who enjoy biking, kayaking, or fishing. Less than 10 miles north from some to the main sites downtown Williamsburg / Busch Gardens Area KOA offers a place to land your Airstream.
Getting around
Service animals are permitted in all areas of A Colonial Christmas, but there may be some buildings where wheelchair access is limited. Most of the venue is ADA-friendly, though, so bring along a friend or family member to ensure you see everything possible. Flat surfaces and smooth terrain are generally found.
What to pack
Clothing
Jeans and a long-sleeved shirt with a jacket should keep you warm and comfortable as you explore the venues where the colonial holiday displays and demonstrations take place. Bring along a hat and gloves for you and the kiddos, too. A small collapsible umbrella can be tucked into your backpack in the event rain rolls into the coastal region of Virginia.
Gear
To make the most of your Virginia vacation, stock your Class A with important necessities like toiletries, extra batteries, a portable radio, and thick blankets. Kitchen supplies for easy food preparation and even simpler clean up make for less time in the galley and more time enjoying holiday pursuits.
Health & Safety
The spreading of invasive bugs and insects is a concern in any state throughout North America. A strict rule of thumb is not to move firewood from place to place. Make a point of burning all of your wood so that another camper does not pack it up for transport somewhere else. Follow the fire regulations wherever you stay. Fire safety is an integral part of RVing responsibly.
Where to eat
Cooking
Before leaving home, go through the galley, and take inventory of your utensils and cookware. Make sure you have all you need for quick and stress-free meal preparations. Items to remember are a cutting board, sharp knife, serving dishes, and a fire griddle for delicious breakfast meals. Essentials for clean up are biodegradable soap and a scouring pad.
Restaurants
Sate a hearty appetite at any number of restaurants in Williamsburg. Dine on a steak in a gastropub, have a quick bite in a well-known chain eatery, or find a chair overlooking the York River and sip a coffee and sandwich. From quaint longtime establishments to up-and-coming foodie favorites, Williamsburg has just what you are looking for on cook’s night off.
Vendors
Shop 17th and 18th century-style gifts at the museum shops while at A Colonial Christmas. Souvenirs, games, educational toys, and books may find their way under your Christmas tree. Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown all have varied options for shopping, and the Williamsburg Premium Outlets are a can’t-miss destination.
Safety
Security
Many RVers make reservations before they set off on a road trip. Researching where you want to stay is key to ensuring that you stay in a campground where you feel safe and comfortable. Getting to your destination before dark, when possible, is the best scenario. When you choose your campsite, park your RV in such a way that others do not easily access your trailer and install a hitch lock on your trailer.
Weather
It’s wise to keep an eye on weather conditions no matter what time of year it is. When traveling in states where there is a chance of sleet, snow, or heavy rain, knowing the forecast is crucial. Have an itinerary that permits flexibility just in case you have to stay put an extra day or two due to inclement weather.
Medical
Medications should always be at the top of your packing list when prepping for your RV vacation. Ensure the medicine cabinet is stocked with a pain reliever, bandaids, antibiotic cream, gauze, and tape. Secure the cabinet so that curious little ones cannot access it. When entering a town, take note of where the pharmacy and emergency clinic are, just in case.
