10 Holiday Magical Places
Rated by 21 members
#5 of 10: Williamsburg, Virginia
The over 300 acres that comprise Colonial Williamsburg offer up an early American Christmas like no other in the United States. Stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street where every residence, every trade shop, every museum, and even Merchant Square are done up for the holidays with intricate, old-fashioned, and totally natural decorations made of white pine, fir, holly, magnolia, and dried fruit. A single white candle stands in every window. Colonial Williamsburg has a unique and old-fashioned, decidedly 18th century, holiday feeling and the overall effect will not only enchant your family but also teach your children about America of old.
Don't miss:
- Grand Illumination
1 Visitors Center Drive
Williamsburg, VA 23185
www.history.org
This signature event of the holiday season takes place the first Sunday in December and caps off with eye-widening fireworks that burst into color at three different locations. The celebration also includes a performance by Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, a band that impersonates the military field musicians who historically marched ahead of the troops. As they perform up and down the street, your kids may join the dozens of families in eagerly following them so as not to miss a beat.
- Kids' Holiday Weekends
November 29 & 30, 2008; December 13 & 14, 2008; December 20 & 21, 2008; December 27 & 28, 2008
www.history.org
Four weekend programs offered just for families include dressing up for the holidays, 18th century music and dance, storytelling, celebrating religious traditions, Christmas carols, and an introduction to British holiday traditions. - Ornament making at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
www.history.org/history/museums/abby_art.cfm
Every year this wonderful folk art museum hosts a Christmas tree ornament-making hands-on workshop, which is a time to learn about Colonial traditions, enjoy the museum, and take home a unique keepsake for your tree.
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