Merry Christmas, Williamsburg!

By far, one of the most beautiful Christmas sites in Virginia is Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg's creative decorations demonstrate ingenuity in as much as they are attractive. A walk through the colonial area (which does not require a visitor's pass) is an inexpensive delight that lasts long into the season, as Williamsburg marks Christmas through Epiphany (January 6). The tours offered by the Foundation help one to appreciate the "how" of the decorating--and encourage walks off the beaten path--and are valuable if time permits. If you have visitor's passes, visit the Rockefeller home sporting its 1950s Christmas decor, too!

Now, Christmas visits are also possible at gorgeous Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a real festival of Christmas lights in Christmas Town. The park, which is open in the late-day/evening seasonally, impressed us with a twinkling Peace on Earth display and a skycar ride over above thousands of holiday lights. Elijah enjoyed the Christmas on Sesame Street show, a perfect length for a toddler's attention span. We hit a small artic animal exhibit called Polar Pathway right before park close, resulting in sharply-reduced wait times and good "look time" for a young child. Know that Christmas Town is a time for taking in shows and decor more than rides.

If you go, know that you will also encounter outlet shopping in the Williamsburg area, adding to the holiday potential of such a trip. Merchants' Square in the colonial area boasts specialty store shopping including an upscale toy store and the Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, a great place to snack on samples and buy stocking stuffers. Additionally, there's excellent Christmas ornament shopping at Bassett's and Christmas Mouse. As frequent visitors to the area, we recommend eating at Food for Thought, a unique American restaurant, and Milano's, a quiet Italian place, both on Richmond Road. For lodging, try Colonial Williamsburg's Woodlands (nice walk to the historic area), the economical Governor's Inn (quick walk to Merchants' Square), or Embassy Suites Williamsburg (for a less-pricey suite-style room).

Relevant Links:
Colonial Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg