CW Planner

A Celebration of the Yule Log

Follow the Yule log, hauled by wagon, from the Capitol circle to Market Square, accompanied by music, festivity, and the community of 18th-century and present-day Williamsburg.

A Community Celebration of Music and Song

Each Saturday evening, highlighted ensembles from the Williamsburg community will fill the air with seasonal music throughout the Historic Area.

A Congressional Curriculum

Join James Madison for a crash course in government from some of history’s greatest philosophers and thinkers.

A Grand Display of Fireworks

Simultaneous 18th-century style pyrotechnics at the Governor’s Palace and Capitol Building.

A Grand Illumination Celebration on Palace Green

Featuring Goodwin & The Ghost: A Williamsburg Christmas Tale with author Bryan Austin concludes with a special appearance by Father Christmas and leads into the fireworks.

A Patriotic American

Elizabeth Braxton, wife of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, reflects on the changes, challenges, and consequences faced by her family during the Revolution.

A Soldier's Journey

Meet John Jarret Carter, a solider in Washington’s army and a barkeep in Williamsburg. The year is 1781 and Williamsburg stands on brink of invasion!

Acoustic Guitar Recital

Enjoy this recital by Louis Vangieri, from Williamsburg, Virginia as you experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful 300+ year old worship center.

Acting How To

Learn about the new acting style published in the 1753 edition of Aaron Hill's Essay on the Art of Acting. Then test out the styles for yourself!

Alcohol in 18th and 19th c. Virginia

Author Tara Nurin discusses both the common and unique ways alcohol production in colonial and pre-industrial Virginia was produced by women.

All Things are Possible

Robert Carter III discusses his inner struggles and new-found faith that will lead him to an extraordinary decision and an equally remarkable action.

American Indian Interpretation

Explore the diverse cultures of Native peoples striving to preserve their traditional way of life and learn about the roles they played in creating a new country.

American Indian Life Series

A different program each day will examine a specific aspect of American Indian history, society, and role in the American story.

An Infallible Guide to the Hidden Degrees of Fate

Based on the book of the same name, a woman named Madam Zuzah uses her mystical powers of divination to predict the fate of some of her audience members.

Arboretum Walk: Griffin Campus

Discover Colonial Williamsburg’s Arboretum and some of the native and exotic trees and woody shrubs that make up its collection, some of which are uncommon.

Art Stop

Drop by the Education Studio and create a work of art inspired by an object on exhibit.

At a Glance

Join us on a 20-minute guided tour and enjoy some Museum favorites at a glance.

Baroque Cello Recital

See this beautiful 300 year old worship center and enjoy this candlelight recital with Juliana Soltis, Internationally acclaimed Baroque Cellist.

Behind the Scenes at the Barn for Home Educators

Explore Colonial Williamsburg’s modern stable and carriage facilities to meet some of our animals and view the various vehicles owned and operated onsite.

Captives to Citizens

Discuss the 18th c. practice of captive taking, and subsequent adoption, in eastern woodland tribes – and the unique definitions of citizenship in these American Indian communities

Carriage Ride

Enjoy a leisurely ride through the Revolutionary City by horse-drawn carriage. Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of our unique city.

Donor Visit with a Nation Builder

Museum members and donors who contribute $250 or more annually to the Colonial Williamsburg Fund are invited to visit with a Nation Builder. Reservations strongly recommended.

Drawing the Line

Lord Dunmore, the last Royal Governor of Virginia, finalizes his proclamation issuing martial law and offering freedom to enslaved people owned by those rebelling against the king.

Fire a Flintlock Musket

Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms used during the Revolutionary War. Your own transportation is required.

Freedom's Paradox

Explore the paradox of the institution of slavery and the movement for independence in a 60 minute walking tour which begins and ends at the Randolph Yard.

From Freedom to Slavery

After making a free life for herself as an adopted Shawnee Indian, Methotaskee is brought back into slavery.

Ghost Walk Junior

Calling guests of all ages! Enjoy this 45-minute ghost tour of traditional spooky stories with a Colonial Williamsburg flavor. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Good Progress

Meet Mrs. Wager, teacher of the Williamsburg Bray School, as she debates the nature of her school with Elizabeth DeRosario, a free woman of color.

Haunted Williamsburg

Brave centuries of scares, from 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters!

Highland Jubilee

In this interpretive concert, the Jug Broke Theatre Co. plays the tunes, songs, and poetry of Scottish origin that would have been heard here in Williamsburg.

Historic Area Illumination Ceremonies

The lighting of candles along Duke of Gloucester Street continues with three simultaneous ceremonies at the Raleigh Tavern, George Wythe House, and Randolph House.

Historic Organ Recital - Rebecca Davy

Rebecca Davy, Music Director at Bruton Parish Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Home Ed Apprentice Experience

Through family-friendly activities, learn what it meant to be an apprentice in the 18th century.

Home Educator Basic Rudiments with Gowan Pamphlet

Come and learn the ABCs of basic education to children, and the young at heart, in post-war Williamsburg. Meet one of America's unsung nation builders, Gowan Pamphlet.

Home Educator Lessons in Survival with Edith Cumbo

Discover what family meant to those in the Black community, both free and enslaved, and how education was a means to survival.

Home Educators Private History Walking Tour

Your group's private guide will lead your family through town to learn more about what it was like to live in the 18th century.

In Defense of Our Liberty

Enlist in the Continental Army, become a recruit, and see what it was like to be a soldier in the 18th century.

Juvenilia

An aspiring young writer persuades her siblings and friend into performing a double bill of mystery and comedy for her father within the family parlor.

Ladies of Llangollen

In 1780, Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler eloped together. This musical romance gives life to the ladies’ own words, lovingly adapted from their diaries, letters, and poetry.

Lafayette and Kayewla: The Marquis and the Oneida

Join the Marquis de Lafayette, known as a friend of the Native Americans, in 1824 as he recounts his history with the Oneida Indians during his time in America.

Lighting of the Cressets

Join us on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night.

Meet the Gardener

Garden volunteers answer questions about growing flowers and vegetables in the Historic Area.

Military Activity

Come explore the Magazine Yard and discover how this military storehouse and Virginia's diverse peoples shaped an empire and defined a new nation.

Mother Goose's Riddle and Rhymes Tour for Home Educators

Explore Williamsburg using familiar riddles and rhymes along with bits and pieces like a stub of candle or a hank of wool.

Museum Murder Mystery: Curse of the Witch Bottle

With the help of crime scene clues and expert and suspect interviews, join the team to solve a fictitious murder.

My Story; My Voice

Witness a compelling story from the life of an 18th century person, and then hear from the actor interpreter as they share how they discover and bring to life a voice from the past

Nation Builders Discuss Myths

Discuss with our Nation Builders and the historians who portray them the myths about their 18th-century world.

Nation Builders Discuss the Institution of Slavery

Join two Nation Builders to discuss how they viewed the complicated tragedy that was the institution of slavery.

Please Stay Little Stranger

Follow Mrs. Rind as she examines the dangerous journey of childhood from her own life, newspaper articles, and the experiences of friends, neighbors, and their enslaved people.

Public Auction

Take part in an exciting auction! Bid on selected items from Colonial Williamsburg stores as well as exclusive items not available elsewhere.

Religion in Education with Patrick Henry: for Home Educators

Deliberate with Patrick Henry on the question of “freedom of religion” in the founding of our new nation.

Sam's War

Sam, a Black soldier, tells his heroic story of self-liberation, his encounters with the Shawnee, his supposed enemy, and those who enslaved him. Which army will he fight for?

Same Song Different Day

The Jug Broke Theatre Co. performs holiday songs from the 18th century as well as familiar modern-day songs.

Sentiments of American Women

This museum theatre program explores the connection between the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of 18th-century women and women of today.

Songs for Jane

Through story and song, many fictional scenarios are introduced as two sisters discuss how music might be a larger part of their performances in the future.

Student Activity Stations for Home Educators

Learn different aspects of the 18th century with our educational activity stations.

Talk of the Town Walking Tour

With an 18th-century Williamsburg resident as your walking tour guide, experience the events that changed both the people who lived here and the course of our nation’s history.

The Actors' Lament

See a new humorous interactive play, engaging you in a theatre company's intrigues and secrets. Will they open on time? Find out during this open-air evening theater experience!

The Dismal

Through poetry, melody, storytelling, and song, the Jug Broke Theatre Co. explores the conflicting perception of the Dismal Swamp.

The Frolic

The Jug Broke Theatre Co. captures the spontaneity and energy of multiple musicians who happen to be playing in the same space at the same time.

The Peddler's Opera

The Peddler’s Opera serves as a hilarious morality play to show the downfalls of profiting off a tragedy.

The Rise and Fall of the Peale Museum

Dr. Lee Dugatkin discusses how Charles Willson Peale created the most important and famous museum in 18th-century America by fusing natural history and art.

Veterans Day Proclamation Ceremony

Join Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, Virginia Military Garrison, and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation employees for this heartfelt tribute.

Veterans Day: A Military March Honoring America's Veterans

Join us this Veterans Day weekend for a march and ceremony honoring America's veterans.

Visit a Nation Builder

Step into the past with a Nation Builder and learn about their contribution to the founding of our nation.

Visit with the Bookbinder

Learn about the tools and techniques used by Bookbinders in 18th-century Williamsburg.

Voices of Their Hands

A walking tour discussing the lives of enslaved tradespeople. Hear from our historic tradespeople as they discuss their experiences interpreting skilled laborers and their work.

Walk through History with a Nation Builder

On this walking tour experience the 18th century community of Williamsburg and its echoes through time with one of our Nation Builders.

Washington's Birthnight

Through comedy and song, audiences become a part of Colonel James Innes’ struggle to fight for his right to party.

Washington's First Crucible of War

Experience the events surrounding George Washington's first war, the French and Indian War at Jumonville's Glen in 1754.

Weathervanes in Williamsburg

Weathervanes were a familiar sight in 18th-century Williamsburg. Talk with a blacksmith and discover the history, construction, and meaning of weathervanes.

What Made George Washington Tick

Professor Henriques explores George Washington's motivations.

Witchcraft in Colonial Virginia

Historian Carson Hudson discusses how colonial Virginians shared a common belief in the supernatural and the existence of witches with their northern neighbors.