Our family has been traveling to Williamsburg for a winter weekend getaway for the past five years now. Believe it or not but the perfect time of year to visit this colonial town is November through December. Traveling to Williamsburg during the holidays brings to life the classic charm of a Colonial Christmas. I invite you to walk through this magical journey of our vacation so you can see that a trip to Williamsburg guarantees taking home memories to cherish for a lifetime.
ATTRACTIONS
Christmas Town
The big highlight of our trip is always returning to Christmas Town each year. Visiting Christmas town is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. From entertaining shows to amusing rides, and festive dining to lights displays there is something for kids of all ages (from 1 to 92) to do. Busch Gardens has decked it’s halls in holiday style by hosting its annual Christmas Town in the park’s quaint European villages. Each country is decorated in its traditional style…With over eight million lights you are sure to be dazzled and amazed. All the shows are family friendly and entertaining. You won’t want to miss “Gloria” a joyous retelling of the first Christmas or warming up at Das Festhaus to see the upbeat musical “Deck the Halls” while feasting on a scrumptious holiday meal. Coming to Christmas Town is what our family looks forward to all year. The boys love riding on a real steam train that takes you on a ride around the entire theme park and stops at holiday themed stations like Jingle Junction, Caribous Crossing and Holiday Hills. My husband’s favorite is taking an intimate ride on the Sky Line to enjoy the spectacular lights from above. Of course I like being reminded of the meaning of the season by watching the heart warming and miraculous show Gloria. Don’t worry if you didn’t make it this year there is always next year to attend Christmas Town or visit Busch Gardens during the summer…It’s the cleanest, most family friendly theme park I have ever been to! Love Busch Gardens!!! For more information on The Playful Parents tips and insider view of Christmas Town visit: (coming soon..promise!)
Information:
Christmas Town- Busch Gardens
1 Busch Gardens Blvd
Williamsburg, VA 23185
https://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg/christmastown
Colonial Williamsburg
The Christmas season comes to life with the sounds, smells and tastes of a Colonial Christmas. The beating drums, trilling fifes, firework displays and interactive characters take you back in time to celebrate the holidays the old fashion way. To stay on budget we usually walk around outside and admire the traditional Christmas decorations of wreaths and swags. We stop to hear the fife and drum that parade up and down the streets and enjoy a meal at one of the colonial restaurants. Our favorite places to eat are Chowning’s and Kings Arms. It doesn’t require a pass to do the activities I mentioned. However, you can purchase admission that includes access to historic buildings, shows and additional attractions.
Information:
Colonial Williamsburg
101 Visitor Center Dr
Williamsburg, VA 32185
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/
Yankee Candle Village
Another tradition of ours is to visit the Yankee Candle Village for hours of free entertainment. Everyone in our family loves touring around this unique and interactive village. Who would have thought that a shopping center could be both fun and entertaining? It’s fun to stroll through the holiday park that is decorated from floor to ceiling with lights and ornaments, a model train and Christmas displays. I think one of the boy’s favorite things to do is watch the Clock Tower open every hour to see original animated figures come to life for a show. The toy shop has tones of interactive toys out on display to play with such as; rocks, lego’s and sand tray. In the candle store you will find the Wax Works, where you can make a wax mold of your hand, create a jar candle or even dip a candle critter for a small fee. One of my favorite things to do is indulge in the tasty treats. Satisfy your salty or sweet side with free samples of homemade Fudge or fresh popped popcorn. We were addicted at the first bite and had to take treats for the road!
Information:
Yankee Candle Village
2200 Richmond Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185
DINING
Breakfast- Daily Donut
As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Our favorite breakfast spot is at the Daily Donut. Nothing beats a freshly baked donut and hot coffee. The donuts here are amazing but so is there breakfast menu that is made from scratch and only uses the best ingredients. Your tastes buds are sure to be in heaven. This wouldn’t be a Playful Parent favorite if it wasn’t also lots of fun. The owners made sure there is plenty to keep little ones entertained by creating a giant chalk wall that kids can color away on.
Information
1425 Richmond Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Lunch- Fire House Subs
Our first experience with Fire House Subs was in Williamsburg and I am over the moon that there is now one open in Southern Maryland. Fire House Subs is a great place to stop for lunch; the subs are fresh and made quick. Kids will enjoy this spot too; they are sure to love the fire house décor. Not to mention that the kids meals additionally come with a fountain drink, dessert and a kid-sized fire hat!
Information
1430 Richmond Rd #1105
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Dinner- Food For Thought
Food for thought is the number one place we always make sure we stop for dinner while in Williamsburg. The décor is super fun with inspiring biographical images of inventors, scientists and social leaders pictured on the walls. Quotes and games are included to make your dining experience entertaining and thought provoking. The menu is fresh and tasty, paying special attention to guests with food sensitivities and allergies. I have cinnamon allergy and was blown away by their precaution and extra care to ensure my dietary needs. The menu is always changing as the food is made fresh to order. I highly recommend ordering the macaroni and cheese for the kids and stealing a few bites because it is the best I have ever had. The pasta choices are always my go to while the hubby is pleased with the meat and potato options.
Information
1647 Richmond Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
http://foodforthoughtrestaurant.com/
LODGING
Marriott
I could go on and on about why Marriott is the best hotel choice, it’s not hard to see why they are America’s favorite family friendly hotel. For starters you get to rack up rewards that can equal free stays. Who doesn’t want to save money or even go on free vacations…Am I right!?! Saving money isn’t the only reason to stay with Marriott though, for The Playful Parent it’s about keeping up with high standards of cleanliness, hospitality and being family friendly. We have stayed at both the Williamsburg Fairfield Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott while vacation in Williamsburg and have always been pleased. I love that the sister hotel’s the Fairfield and Residence Inn are located in the same parking lot, in one of the most convenient areas in town. Both these properties are walking distance to shopping and dining. As a Marriott guest you have access to both hotels amenities which include indoor and outdoor pools. One of things I like best about the rooms are you can get a suite for a low price. Nothing beats putting the little ones to sleep in the room, shutting the door and then enjoying some quiet time in the suite that includes a separate living room, kitchen and eat-in dining area. Free complimentary continental breakfast is another perk! Not to mention the hotel also offers weekly free meals and activities. For more information on The Playful Parents tips and insider view of the Residence Inn by Marriott visit: (coming soon)
Information
Residence Inn by Marriott
1648 Richmond Rd,
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 941-2000
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
1402 Richmond Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 645-3600
***The Playful Parent does not receive payment to write articles, all information and opinions shared are written by The Playful Parent. Discounts and complimentary admission is always a plus but not a requirement. I enjoy writing articles about my families experiences so that parents feel encouraged to get out and try something new with their kids.***
3 Pingback