A year-round guide to Williamsburg, Virginia’s festivals & seasonal events

From colonial traditions to summer concerts, discover Williamsburg’s signature events and how to plan your visit.

Edited by Kaitlyn Dreyling | December 4, 2025

Celebrate every season in Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg, Virginia is a city that celebrates every season with a distinctive blend of history, music, and festive traditions. Signature winter events like Grand Illumination and Busch Gardens Christmas Town bring fireworks and dazzling lights to life. Spring welcomes garden tours and artisan showcases, while summer pulses with outdoor concerts and July Fourth celebrations. Fall harvests and Halloween thrills add their own vibrant energy to the town. Whether you’re searching for things to do in Williamsburg this weekend or planning a holiday getaway, the city’s calendar is packed with family-friendly fun and cultural highlights.

Enjoy Williamsburg in every season

Winter holidays: Grand Illumination and Christmas Town

Williamsburg’s winter season sparkles with festive traditions. Grand Illumination transforms Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area with fireworks, candlelit streets, and live music. Families gather for the spectacle, which typically begins at dusk. Just a short drive away, Busch Gardens® Christmas Town™ runs from mid-November through early January, dazzling visitors with millions of lights, holiday shows, and themed treats. Ticketing is required, and evenings can be busy, so plan ahead. The Williamsburg Christmas Market, typically open weekends from late November through December, adds European flair with artisan stalls and seasonal treats. Local tree lightings and community events round out the holiday spirit.

For easy access to Busch Gardens and seasonal events, DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg welcomes guests with spacious guest rooms, an indoor pool, and entertainment for every member of the family.

Plan your stay

Spring heritage: Gardens & colonial traditions

Spring in Williamsburg is a celebration of renewal, with garden tours and colonial traditions taking center stage. During Virginia Garden Week, historic sites and lush landscapes open for guided walks. Note that photography is prohibited inside tour properties, and sometimes outside as well, so pay attention to signage. Colonial Williamsburg’s spring programs feature artisan demonstrations, outdoor exhibits, and family-friendly workshops. Merchants Square buzzes with seasonal dining and shopping, offering fresh flavors and local crafts. The weather is typically mild, making it perfect for exploring on foot or with strollers.

For a comfortable all-suite stay near Colonial Williamsburg, Embassy Suites by Hilton Williamsburg provides free made-to-order breakfast, evening receptions, and a central location close to garden tours and artisan events.

Explore this hotel

Summer music: Concerts and July Fourth celebrations

Summer in Williamsburg is filled with music and celebration. Williamsburg Live brings headline acts to the historic area, while the Merchants Square concert series runs from May through October, offering free outdoor performances for all ages on the first Friday of the month. July Fourth festivities include family-friendly programming, outdoor dining, and fireworks that light up the night sky. Evening strolls through Merchants Square reveal local flavors and live entertainment all summer long, but parking can fill quickly during events, so arrive early for the best spots.

For easy access to concerts and dining, Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg features modern guest rooms, on-site dining, and a whirlpool where you can relax after your busy day.

Plan your stay

Fall harvest: Festivals & Howl-O-Scream

Autumn in Williamsburg brings a lively mix of harvest festivals and Halloween thrills. The Harvest Festival in late September showcases local flavors, artisans and family-friendly activities like scarecrow stuffing. Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream®, held on select nights from September through October, is a late-night party featuring themed shows and scare zones designed for adults, including haunted houses and rollercoasters. For daytime family-focused fun, visit their Halloween Spooktacular event. Elsewhere in town, candlelit ghost walks and apple cider flights add to the seasonal atmosphere — find options through local tour providers and businesses. Ticketing varies by event, so check official calendars for details. For value and proximity to fall festivities, Hampton Inn & Suites Williamsburg-Richmond Rd. offers complimentary breakfast, spacious suites, and easy access to area attractions.

Learn more

Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.

Save up to 25% during The Hilton Sale

Whether you’re craving a cozy city break or the thrill of somewhere new, find the perfect holiday stay in top destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and more. Book November 5 through December 15, 2025.