Start planning your trip to experience fun, historical experiences, theme park attractions, deals, festivals, and more.
If your New Year’s resolution is to travel more, now’s the time to get started. Colonial Williamsburg Resorts has countless reasons to visit in 2022, and there’s no need to wait: Some of the best events and attractions start in January. Here are 22 compelling reasons—including exciting theme park openings, unique experiences, historic anniversaries, and more—to make good on that resolution soon.
Skate at Liberty Ice Rink in Merchants Square
Enjoy a family-friendly activity on the historic Duke of Gloucester St. Join us at the Liberty Ice Pavilion sponsored by Dominion Energy. Refreshments are available for purchase only steps away from the ice. Make it an evening with dinner at one of the 8 restaurants in Merchants Square just across the street. Liberty Ice Pavilion is open daily Now through February 27, 2022, including holidays! Learn More
Relax & restore yourself at our Forbes-Four spa & wellness center, The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg
It all begins in calm surroundings that exude classic elegance. Soak in our serene décor and enjoy thoughtful amenities designed to prepare you for rejuvenation. As a guest, you’ll be treated to premium amenities including robe, slippers, private locker, shower, and vanity products. Learn More
Play 45-holes of legendary golf, Golden Horseshoe Golf Club
Just as Colonial Williamsburg brings America’s history to life, The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club honors the classic traditions of the game—while still creating an entertaining challenge for today’s player. Learn More
Dine at one of our Historic Tavern
Experience 18th Century dining with a taste of classic, colonial dining with four different food experiences ranging from pub-style fare to George Washington’s favorite dining establishment. Learn More
Fire a Flintlock Musket
Get into the spirit of 1776 at the Colonial Williamsburg Musket Range. Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms commonly used during the Revolutionary War and learn about the history of the weapons.
Visit a Nation Builder
The story of America is full of hope and struggle. Step into the past with a Nation Builder and learn about their contribution to the founding of our nation as you engage with them and experience their world. Learn More
Travel Back in Time and Tour Historic Sites:
Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum. The Historic Area is a mile long and a half-mile wide, but not everything is open all the time, plus, some of our buildings are still private residences. So, look for the Grand Union Flag; it shows that a building or location is open to the public. You’ll need to show your physical or digital ticket, so have it ready and come on in. Some popular sites open in January include the Capital, Courthouse, R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse, and more. Learn More
Learn How Things Are Made, Our Talented Historic Trades
Discover craftsmanship in more than 20 trades, where modern-day practitioners use 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in — and eventually master — blacksmithing, woodworking, or gunsmithing, just to name a few. These world-renowned experts not only make goods and provide services to our Historic Area; they also consult and produce for other cultural institutions around the world. This January come explore the Carpenter’s Yard, Gunsmith Shop, Silversmith, Colonial Garden, Anderson Blacksmith Shop, and more. Learn More
Shop the official Colonial Williamsburg Retail Shops
See what shopping in the 18th-century was like in our Historic Area Shops located on East Duke of Gloucester Street. One-of-a-kind trade goods and other historical treasures are waiting to be discovered by YOU! Check out the following stores in the Historic Area: John Greenhow Store, Market House, Tarpley, Thompson & Company, William Pitt Store, and Prentis Store Learn More
Experience the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, two world-class museums in one location.
Open Daily. Newly expanded and updated Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, featuring more of the collection than ever. Discover folk art made by amateur artisans in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum to objects that are useful as well as beautiful in The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. Learn More
Enjoy over 43 shops and restaurants in Merchants Square
LOCATED ADJACENT TO COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG’S HISTORIC AREA Merchants Square is an 18th-century style retail village with over 40 shops and restaurants. Visitors and residents alike regularly experience the Square’s unique shopping, dining, and special events offerings in a setting of unrivaled beauty. Learn More
Celebrate Winter at the Winter Blues Jazz Fest
The four-day Winter Blues Jazz Fest is back for its 8th year! It will take place January 13-16, 2022. The overriding goal is to provide an enriching and entertaining weekend full of jazz and blues programs with options available to suit all tastes and budgets.
Carriage Rides
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the Historic Area by horse-drawn carriage. Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of our unique city, far removed from the bustle of modern-day streets. Learn More
Bassett Trace Nature Trail
Take a self-guided nature walk on this 1.4-mile trail exploring our woodlands, home to a collection of native plants and a birding “hotspot” with over 40 bird species that can be observed seasonally. Access trail entrance near the Griffin Hotel. Enjoy this trail and other outdoor adventures. Learn More
Cabaret & Cocktails, Anyone?
The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra brings RAGTIME, BLUES, AND ALL THAT JAZZ to the Williamsburg Lodge. Join us for one special night, Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 8:00 PM. Byron Stripling showcases ragtime masters Scott Joplin and Jelly Roll Morton plus blues legends B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Byron’s entertaining and humorous vignettes about the music and its creators, plus a finale that closes with an unforgettable toe-tapping jam session, has made this one of his signature shows. Learn More
Plan to visit Busch Gardens, January Winter Weekends
Whether you’re a kid, teen, or adult, fun is always in season. With thrilling coasters, family-friendly shows, world-class dining, and unique seasonal offerings, there’s something to do all year long. See park hours, map, and upcoming events. Learn More
Williamsburg, Virginia Tasting Trail
Follow the Williamsburg Tasting Trail to experience delicious and award-winning craft beers, local wines & meads, and distilled spirits in Williamsburg. 12 locations just minutes from the official Colonial Williamsburg hotels. Learn More
Relive the experience of America’s first permanent English colony, Visit Jamestown Settlement
Near the site of the original colony, Jamestown Settlement tells the story of 17th-century Virginia, from the arrival of English colonists in Jamestown in 1607 to the cultural encounters and events that planted the seeds of a new nation. The world of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony, comes to life through film, gallery exhibits, and outdoor living history. Open daily, except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Learn More
Take in the Revolution at Yorktown
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of the nation’s founding, from the twilight of the colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution and beyond. Exciting indoor galleries feature period artifacts, immersive environments, and films, including “The Siege of Yorktown,” with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects. Tour the battlefields and more. Open daily, except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Learn More
Williamsburg Premium Outlets
Over 120 stores including Adidas, Michael Kors, Kate Spade New York, The North Face, and Vineyard Vines. Conveniently located off Route 199 off of Richmond Road, the outdoor shopping destination serves the nearby Virginia areas of Williamsburg. Learn More
Family Fun in Williamsburg, Capital Trail
There are so many great places for bike riding in Williamsburg and the surrounding areas that it’s hard to know where to start. There are bike-friendly streets in Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, the scenic Colonial Parkway, and the tree-lined, plantation-lined Virginia Capital Trail connecting Jamestown to Richmond, just to name a few. Bike Rentals are available at a discount for CWResorts guests. Learn More about Bike Rentals. Learn More about the Capital Trail.
24th Annual Working Wood in the 18th Century
For an exploration of this city’s rich legacy of fine furniture, architectural woodwork, and craftsmanship plan to attend the Colonial Williamsburg Conference. Whether immigrant or native-born, deeply rooted in the community or transient, Black or White, enslaved or free, Williamsburg’s craftspeople responded to ever-changing British fashions with techniques that run the gamut from conventional to idiosyncratic. Learn More
Please note: The dates featured in this article may change; check the attraction and event websites for up-to-day information.
