From the friendly storefronts along Main Street to the local restaurants and bakeries, Virginia’s small towns are scenic just about any time of year. But the holidays are when these places truly shine.

Visit Colonial Williamsburg this time of year, and you’ll find streetlights decorated with wreaths, candles in the windows, and carolers making their rounds. And that’s not all. Even the Busch Gardens theme park is transformed into a Christmas World, and the effect is nothing short of a winter wonderland.

Tess Dixon/flickr Williamsburg is well known for its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. But after Thanksgiving has passed, this town becomes a dazzling spectacle of all things Christmas.

Mobilus In Mobili/flickr

Scott Smith/flickr From the traditional streets of Colonial Williamsburg to the extravagant shows at Bush Garden’s Christmas Town, there’s all kinds of holiday magic to be explored.

Patrick Q/flickr With or without snow, Williamsburg lends itself to winter strolls, sight-seeing, and the perfect amount of chill in the air.

Kevin Follow/flickr

Alyson Hurt/flickr Of course, if you get too chilly you can always stop by one of the local taverns for a hot cup of soup and coffee. Photographed above is the traditional Virginia peanut soup at Chowning’s Tavern.

Colonial Williamsburg On Sunday, December 4th, the annual Grand Illumination takes place at various historical sites around town. Visitors marvel at the historic sites that come alive with Christmas lights. You might even hear a “huzzah!” or two as a parade of drums and other instruments parade through through town.

Ricky Brigante/flickr

Ricky Brigante/flickr If you’ve ever wondered what eight million Christmas lights look like, you’ll want to make a visit to the nearby Christmas Town exhibit. Set in the scenic Busch Gardens theme park, this beautiful showcase features Christmas characters, rides, figure skaters, productions, and, of course, peppermint fudge hot chocolate.

Ricky Brigante/flickr

Ricky Brigante/flickr Young visitors can dine with Rudolph and his friends at the holiday-themed restaurant known as Dasher’s Diner. There’s also an all-you-can eat dinner buffet featuring turkey, BBQ, sirloin, and more.

Ricky Brigante Follow/flickr

Sea World Parks A quick stroll through the theme park or any corner of town reveals that Williamsburg is Virginia’s very own winter wonderland. If you’ve yet to witness this magical transformation, it’s time to plan your trip there.

Click here for more information regarding the holiday schedule at Colonial Williamsburg. Have you visited this town during the winter season? Be sure to share your experience with us!

Tess Dixon/flickr

Williamsburg is well known for its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. But after Thanksgiving has passed, this town becomes a dazzling spectacle of all things Christmas.

Mobilus In Mobili/flickr

Scott Smith/flickr

From the traditional streets of Colonial Williamsburg to the extravagant shows at Bush Garden’s Christmas Town, there’s all kinds of holiday magic to be explored.

Patrick Q/flickr

With or without snow, Williamsburg lends itself to winter strolls, sight-seeing, and the perfect amount of chill in the air.

Kevin Follow/flickr

Alyson Hurt/flickr

Of course, if you get too chilly you can always stop by one of the local taverns for a hot cup of soup and coffee. Photographed above is the traditional Virginia peanut soup at Chowning’s Tavern.

Colonial Williamsburg

On Sunday, December 4th, the annual Grand Illumination takes place at various historical sites around town. Visitors marvel at the historic sites that come alive with Christmas lights. You might even hear a “huzzah!” or two as a parade of drums and other instruments parade through through town.

Ricky Brigante/flickr

If you’ve ever wondered what eight million Christmas lights look like, you’ll want to make a visit to the nearby Christmas Town exhibit. Set in the scenic Busch Gardens theme park, this beautiful showcase features Christmas characters, rides, figure skaters, productions, and, of course, peppermint fudge hot chocolate.

Young visitors can dine with Rudolph and his friends at the holiday-themed restaurant known as Dasher’s Diner. There’s also an all-you-can eat dinner buffet featuring turkey, BBQ, sirloin, and more.

Ricky Brigante Follow/flickr

Sea World Parks

A quick stroll through the theme park or any corner of town reveals that Williamsburg is Virginia’s very own winter wonderland. If you’ve yet to witness this magical transformation, it’s time to plan your trip there.

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