Take In the season
WE HAVE IT ALL
Howl-O-Scream
Sept 5th – Nov 2nd
Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® returns this fall, taking over the entire park with five haunted houses, six terror-tories™, four sinister shows and more. Unsuspecting horrors await their victims at every turn. Plus, guests can test their thrill threshold with 10 world-class coasters at night, offering a completely different ride experience.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Nov 15th – Jan 5th
The holidays shine brightest as Busch Gardens Christmas Town celebrates 15 years, on select dates from November 15 through January 5. The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park is once again transformed with over ten million twinkling lights, one of the largest light displays in North America.
Rockin Retro Christmas Parade
Dec 7th 5Pm
It’s time to rock and rewind the clock this holiday season! The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) is thrilled to announce “Rockin Retro Christmas” as the theme for its highly anticipated 2025 Christmas Parade. This beloved annual tradition, which brings together the community in a dazzling display of holiday spirit, will illuminate the streets of Williamsburg on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM.
Grand Illuminations
Dec 6, 13, and 20th
We invite guests to join us as we illuminate the night sky above our beautiful colonial capital. In the 18th century, illuminations — the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks — celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Begin the special day by checking out the unique decorations throughout the Historic Area. Then, enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout our streets and fireworks displays from the Capitol and the Palace.
Winter Blues Jazz Fest
Jan 16-19th, 2026
Williamsburg’s beloved Winter Blues Jazz Fest is back for its 12th year, promising an unforgettable weekend of live jazz, blues, and community celebration. Taking place January 16-19, 2026, this four-day festival brings together some of the most talented musicians in the industry while creating a vibrant and immersive experience for attendees of all ages.
Invitational Car Show
Sept 14th
17th Annual Williamsburg Invitational Car Show Returns September 14 – Featuring Four-Passenger Convertibles, taking place Saturday, September 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along historic Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg.
This year’s theme showcases 50 outstanding examples of four-passenger convertibles — foreign and domestic — from the 1900s through the 2020s. This unique collection celebrates over a century of open-air motoring and timeless design.
Harvest Festival
Sept 20th
Join us for this fun, fall annual tradition which draws families back year after year! Exciting FREE kids’ activities including face painting, hayrides, arts and crafts, inflatables, live bluegrass music, and more! And don’t miss our scarecrow stuffing attraction, SCARECROW ROW ($) back by popular demand. First-come, first-served while supplies last. Local merchandise ($), food ($) and community vendors will also be on site. All Ages! $10/vehicle.
Bush Gardens Bier Fest Brews & BBQ
Aug 1st – Sept 1st
Toast to summer’s end at the Busch Gardens® Bier Fest Brews & BBQ, Virginia’s largest craft beer & BBQ festival. Treat yourself to over 80 craft brews & cocktails from 60 breweries, including 39 local Virginia favorites, and indulge in 38 specialty BBQ dishes across the park.
Bush Gardens Mardi Gras
Fridays – Sundays + Presidents’ Day, Jan. 30 – Mar. 8
Let the good times roll with food, cocktails, entertainment and live music – Mardi Gras style!
Yorktown Market Days-Valentine’s Day Winter Market
Love will be in the air at our Valentine’s Day Winter Market at Riverwalk Landing!
Shop your favorite vendors and artists that sell locally grown, produced, and uniquely crafted products. Pick up flowers, artwork, desserts, and other sweet treats that your special someone is sure to adore.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Bush Gardens
March 13 – 17
The festivity continues as Irish spirit, luck and celebration fill Killarney village.
Wine and Food Festival at Bush Gardens
April 24 – June 22
Embark on a culinary adventure from cork to fork with over 150 international flavors as you indulge at Food & Wine Festival locations. From Virginia to Africa, the festival will take guests on a savory, sweet and scrumptious trip across the globe.