2012 HOLIDAY EVENTS The following special programs and events, unless noted, are free or included with the America’s Historic Triangle Pass. In addition to these, there are many holiday events and shopping options in the Williamsburg area. Yorktown Holiday Open House Weekend Historic Yorktown November 10-11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Soak up the ambiance of Historic Yorktown with special events, festive decorations, special sales, discounts, door prizes, strolling entertainment, and much more as you start or finish your holiday shopping. Hours of operation vary by business. Free. (757) 890-4490 Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia Jamestown Settlement November 22-24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore Virginia foodways of the 17th century during this three-day event beginning on Thanksgiving Day. Learn how food was gathered, preserved and prepared on land and at sea by Virginia’s English colonists and Powhatan Indians. Discover how Powhatan Indians preserved crops of corn, beans and squash for nourishment and relied on the seasonal bounty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, game, fish and waterfowl. Visitors can haul cargo out of a replica of one of the three ships that brought America’s first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607 to learn how the colony was provisioned. Historical interpreters process an entire pig into hams and bacon and demonstrate open-hearth cooking of pudding, pies and pottage. Food preparation is for demonstration purposes only. A combination ticket is available with the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution. (757) 253-4838 Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia Yorktown Victory Center November 22-24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore Virginia foodways of the 18th century during this three-day event beginning on Thanksgiving Day. Examine typical soldiers’ fare during the American Revolution and trace the bounty of a 1780s farm from field to kitchen. Examine how Continental Army soldiers turned meager rations of dried beans, salted meat and hard bread into nourishing soups and stews at an “earthen kitchen.” Visitors to the re-created 1780s farm can see a variety of dishes, including stews, pies, breads, pork roast and sausage, prepared daily using 18th- century cooking techniques and recipes, as well as remedies for indigestion. Food preparation is for demonstration purposes only. A combination ticket is available with Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia. (757) 253-4838 Hands-on History at the Powell House Colonial Williamsburg, Benjamin Powell House November 23-25, December 8-9, 15-16, 22-30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A visit to this original house gives everyone a chance to get their hands on history. Guests are invited to enjoy the rhythm of the day and the Powells at play. Learn about seasonality, chores, food diversions and more. 1-800-HISTORY Colonial Williamsburg’s Holiday Season Colonial Williamsburg’s Revolutionary City & Art Museums November 23, 2012-January 1, 2013 Special programs, dining, entertainment, hotel packages, events for children and more are waiting to enchant guests who come to enjoy a magical season they’ll not soon forget. 1-800-HISTORY 1 Fifes and Drums March Colonial Williamsburg, Duke of Gloucester Street, Capital to Palace Green November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 1 p.m.; November 23, 28, December 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 26 and 28, 5:30 p.m. Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, representing field musicians, march down Duke of Gloucester Street. (20 minutes) 1-800-HISTORY The Art-full Tree Colonial Williamsburg, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum November 28, December 5, 12, 19 and 26, 1:45 p.m.; November 30, December 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10:30 a.m. Tour the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art museum with the author of Colonial Williamsburg’s book, “The Art-full Tree.” See the folk art that inspired the handmade ornaments, view the 16-foot tree decorated with 1,000 ornaments, and create your own art-inspired ornament to take home. A separate ticket is required in addition to museum admission. 1-800-HISTORY Music for the Holidays (and Everyday) Colonial Williamsburg, Mary Stith House November 28, 30, December 5, 12, 14, 19 and 21, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. Virginians looked forward to the Christmas season as a time to set aside work and enjoy family, friends and good cheer. Music was often a part of those holiday gatherings, but also during times of “good fellowship” throughout the year. Enjoy music sung and played by members of The Governor’s Musick, Colonial Williamsburg’s resident early music ensemble. (25 minutes) 1-800-HISTORY Christmas Tree Lighting Historic Yorktown November 30, 7:30 p.m. A tradition that began in 1945 continues with the Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting. Evening highlights include 6:30 p.m. performances at the Yorktown Victory Monument, festive music at Riverwalk Landing, the procession of lights through the historic village, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. (757) 890-3500 Williamsburg Christmas Parade: “Lights, Camera, Christmas… Capturing the Season” City of Williamsburg, Duke of Gloucester Street and Richmond Road to William and Mary Hall December 1, 9 a.m. Festive and fun, Williamsburg’s Christmas Parade brings out the Christmas spirit like no other. People line the streets to take in a lively procession of musicians and military, decorated floats and fire trucks, antique cars and animals dressed in their holiday best, and, perhaps, even a glimpse of Santa Claus! Free. (757) 229-6511 A Colonial Christmas Jamestown Settlement December 1-31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A holiday film and special guided tours compare English Christmas customs of the period with how the season may have been observed in the difficult early years of America’s first permanent English colony. Holiday-themed tours guide visitors through outdoor interpretive areas to learn about the English colonists’ Christmas at sea in December 1606, the Powhatan Indian hospitality shown to Captain John Smith’s trading party in a 1608 winter storm, and the English tradition of the Lord of Misrule, “grand captain of all mischief,” who progressed through town with riddles and revelry during the Christmas holiday. In the re-created 1610-14 fort, decorated with greenery, visitors can see periodic appearances by the Lord of Misrule and demonstrations of holiday cooking and, December 26-31, enjoy 17th-century holiday musical entertainment. A combination ticket is available with the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution. (757) 253-4838 2 A Colonial Christmas Yorktown Victory Center December 1-31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historical interpreters share accounts of Christmas and winter in military encampments during the American Revolution and show holiday preparations on a re-created 1780s farm. Continental Army encampment visitors can learn about winter camp life and hear stories of Christmas during the war, assist the quartermaster in preparing military supplies and observe artillery demonstrations. Farm interpreters will decorate with greenery, dip candles, prepare special dishes on an open hearth and set a farmhouse table for a holiday feast and, December 26-31, present Christmas musical entertainment of the period. A combination ticket is available with Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia. (757) 253-4838 Williamsburg Old-Time Radio Hour Colonial Williamsburg’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum Hennage Auditorium December 1, 15, 22, 27 and 29, 10:30 a.m. Return to 1930s Williamsburg and attend a “live” radio broadcast. Step back in time before television and hear popular seasonal songs of the day along with holiday stories and see the wacky sound effects that will ignite your imagination throughout the performance. A separate ticket is required in addition to museum admission. 1-800-HISTORY Christmas Market on Main Historic Yorktown, Main Street December 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether you are searching for a holiday gift for family, friends, or as a treat to yourself, you’re sure to find it at the Christmas Market on Main. The market features arts and crafts, demonstrations, roasted chestnuts and hot cider, entertainment, and much more. Free. (757) 890-3500 Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade Historic Yorktown, Yorktown Waterfront December 1, 6 to 8 p.m. Festively decorated sail and power boats compete for “Best of Show.” The Yorktown waterfront is bedazzled with holiday sights and sounds, including a spectacular floating parade of lights, caroling around a roaring beach bonfire, musical performances and complimentary hot cider. Free. (757) 890-4970 Cookies with Santa Historic Yorktown, York Hall December 2, 1 to 4 p.m. Christmas is alive at York Hall where children and parents can visit with Santa Claus, enjoy some tasty treats, and shop for holiday gifts in The Gallery at York Hall. Cameras are encouraged. 301 Main Street. Free. (757) 890-4490 Grand Illumination Colonial Williamsburg’s Revolutionary City December 2. In the 18th century, illuminations – the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks – were held to celebrate major events such as the commemoration of the birthday of monarch, great military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Colonial Williamsburg carries on this tradition with Grand Illumination. The celebration begins in late afternoon with a variety of musical performances from multiple stages throughout the Revolutionary City and fireworks displays from three different locations – the Capitol, Magazine and Governor’s Palace – that make this event one not to be missed. After the fireworks, join the Fifes and Drums as they march down Duke of Gloucester Street. No ticket or reservation required. 1-800-HISTORY 3 Civil War Christmas Dulcimers Colonial Williamsburg’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum Hennage Auditorium December 3, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.