Thanksgiving Day in Williamsburg

What’s your family’s Thanksgiving Day tradition? The beauty of this day is that we all do it a little differently! Some families get together at the same house each year to eat turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Others travel to meet each other halfway and feast on takeout, just so they can be together. Some may take this opportunity to spend time with those who have no family, or volunteer to help out at a homeless shelter.

What we’re trying to say is, there’s no single right way to do Thanksgiving, but there is something all holiday traditions have in common: love! Williamsburg is fill of opportunities to make new traditions or carry on with familiar ones—all in the spirit of being with the ones you love.

Here’s what’s happening in the ‘Burg this Thanksgiving Day—take your pick and put your own stamp on this special love-filled family day!

MUSIC

Turkeys, Tunes & Traditions
November 23

Hennage Auditorium, 3 p.m.

New this year, Stephen Christoff and Emmy Award-winning composer Wayne A. Hill get ready to delight audiences with tunes inspired by the history of American music!

Dance, Our Dearest Diversion 

November 23, 25, and various days throughout December

Capitol Hall of Burgesses, 7 p.m.

Regardless of your class in the 18th century, dancing was a huge part of social life. This is an incredible opportunity to hear modern-day dancers discuss and demonstrate different types of 18th-century dances, from country dances to formal minuets!

DINING

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Taverns

11 a.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Campbell’s, King’s Arms, Shields and Chowning’s taverns in Colonial Williamsburg are great spots to gather with friends and family for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy menus with all the classic Thanksgiving Day staples, from turkey to glazed yams to pumpkin pie! Make your reservations now—spots fill up quickly!

EVENTS

Foods and Feasts of Colonial Virginia

November 23-25

Jamestown is part of the Historic Triangle, and provides a rich history that is right around the corner from Colonial Williamsburg and King’s Creek Plantation. This year, Foods and Feasts will reveal the culinary techniques that English colonists brought to Virginia. Learn how people in the 17th and 18th centuries prepared and cooked for Thanksgiving (and how lucky we have it today!).

A Raleigh Christmas Party

November 23

7-10 p.m.

The Raleigh Tavern Bakery in Colonial Williamsburg is toasting the season on Thanksgiving Day with treats, a tour, raucous dancing and lively entertainment. Get your tickets here!

Now matter how you choose to spend this special holiday, may the day be filled with good food, good conversation and the good company of the ones you love most!