Williamsburg Christmas Market 2026 at Bicentennial Park

Colonial Williamsburg has been recreating 18th-century life for decades, and the Williamsburg Christmas Market layers seasonal shopping onto a town that already looks and feels like stepping back 250 years. The historic buildings draped in traditional greenery and candlelight provide a setting that no modern market venue can imitate.

Williamsburg Christmas Market 2026

Dates and Information

Status: Confirmed
Williamsburg dates: 27th November to 20th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Culture Fix

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Location: Court Street near Bicentennial Park.
Entrance: Via Henry Street and Nassau Street.
Opening times:
Thursday: 11am to 6pm.
Friday: 11am to 7pm.
Saturday: 10am to 7pm.
Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Admission: $5. Children are free. Thursdays are free.
Santa: Available for photos.
Activities: Train ride, petting zoo, live music, fire pits.
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.
Recommended tour: Festive walking tour.
Specialities: Gingerbread, hot cider, gluhwein, craft beer.
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 makes it easy to explore the city. Specifically, I recommend the Williamsburg Inn for a comfortable stay in a convenient location.

Planning a wider trip? See the full guide to the best Christmas markets in the USA.

Event Location

What to Expect

Located on Court Street, adjacent to Bicentennial Park and behind the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, the market features 40 wooden chalets that showcase a diverse range of goods. In addition to shopping, you can enjoy photo opportunities with Santa, live entertainment, gluhwein, craft beers, holiday music, and fire pits.

Local Specialties

• Gluhwein: Classic mulled wine that combines red wine with various spices like cinnamon, cloves and citrus.
• Craft Beers: Local breweries contribute to the market with their unique beers.
• Roasted Chestnuts: A staple in winter markets.
• Gingerbread Cookies: Another classic, gingerbread cookies are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
• Hot Chocolate: Expect creamy hot chocolate vendors at the market.
• 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: Stalls serve smoked sausages, grilled to perfection. These often come in a bun with a choice of condiments, such as mustard and sauerkraut.
• Pretzels: This German classic also makes an appearance. Usually offered with various dips.
• Seasonal Pastries: Alongside regular bakery items, look out for seasonal pastries that make a one-time appearance during the holiday season, ranging from fruit-filled tarts to nut-studded pies.
• Assorted Nuts: Often candied, spiced or chocolate-coated.
• Local Restaurants: Dishes from local restaurants are also on offer, allowing you to sample the regional cuisine.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Replicas: Miniature cannons, tricorn hats, and porcelain dolls dressed in period costumes are among the colonial replicas you’ll find.
• Quilts: Hand-stitched and highly detailed, local artisans make these quilts.
• Handcrafted Wooden Toys: Range from simple blocks to intricate puzzles.
• Holiday Ornaments: Themes often include colonial figures, local flora and fauna, and iconic landmarks of Williamsburg.
• Specialty Teas: These include blends renowned 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.
• Fine Chocolates: Handmade chocolates are always a popular choice.
• Antique Maps and Prints: For history buffs, some stalls sell antique maps and prints of Williamsburg and its surrounding areas.
• Cookbooks: Regional cookbooks offer a mix of traditional and modern recipes.

Sustainability Tips

• Accommodation: The region 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, 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 is an excellent, sustainable alternative to car travel. If you need to travel longer distances, consider using the local bus system, which provides comprehensive city coverage.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.