Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Christmas in Colonial Virginia

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Before Christmas

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Feasts and Parties

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Marriage and romance

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Slaves and free blacks

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Men, women, children, and gifts

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Christmas decorations

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Christmas in contemporary Williamsburg

The town of Williamsburg became the capital of colonial Virginia in 1699. In colonial times the town was the site of important political, social, and cultural events. When Richmond became the capital of Virginia in 1780, Williamsburg’s importance declined. In 1926 John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937), a wealthy philanthropist, decided to renovate or rebuild many of the town’s eighteenth-century buildings. The result was an historic zone of 120 colonial-style buildings that has become a major tourist attraction. Visitors during the CHRISTMAS SEASON can enjoy many elements of a colonial Christmas in Virginia, including accommodations furnished in the style of the eighteenth century, special concerts, colonial-style Christmas feasts, bonfires, fireworks, and tours of the Christmas decorations of the historic district.