Christmastide in Virginia
Step back in time and embrace the spirit of the season at Christmastide in Virginia. This immersive event at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers a unique glimpse into 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions. Experience festive interpretive programs, caroling, and musical entertainment, and witness historical interpreters demonstrate period cooking and seasonal activities. Compare English Christmas customs with colonial observations and explore re-created historical settings.
What to Expect
Experience colonial holiday traditions at two historic sites.
Event Details
Duration
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Christmas Day)
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Food & Drink
Cafés available at both museums offering vegetarian and gluten-free options. Picnic areas available. Food and drink not allowed in galleries.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
History enthusiasts, families, couples
Vibe
Festive, educational, historical, immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low (indoor galleries available)
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Parking is free at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Dedicated areas for bus and RV parking are available.
- Accessibility: All areas of the museums, except on board the ships, are accessible to wheelchairs and scooters. Both museums have wheelchair-accessible restrooms, water fountains and automatic doorways. A limited number of scooters and wheelchairs are available for rent. Manual wheelchairs are free; electric mobility scooters are $15. Paths may vary in evenness. Elevators are available for second-floor access. Open-captioned films are shown daily. Sign-language interpreters are available with two weeks' advance notice. Trained service animals are welcome.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Purchase a value-priced combination ticket online for admission to both museums, offering seven days of unlimited access.
- Allow at least two to four hours per museum to fully experience the galleries, films, and outdoor living-history areas.
- Check the museum websites for specific daily schedules of interpretive programs, caroling, and musical entertainment.
- Consider visiting during weekdays to potentially avoid larger crowds, especially during the peak holiday season.
- Take advantage of the free parking available at both locations and plan your route using the provided directions and area map.
Special Events & Promotions
- Value-priced combination ticket available for both museums
- Free admission for local residents with proof of residency
- Free admission for military personnel and families on select holidays
- Museums for All program offers free admission for SNAP EBT cardholders
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for Christmastide in Virginia?
Both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from December 19-31, 2026, except for Christmas Day.
Is Christmastide in Virginia included with general museum admission?
Yes, Christmastide in Virginia is included with general museum admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Combination tickets are also available.
Can I bring my pet to the event?
No, pets are not allowed at either museum. However, trained service animals assisting visitors are welcome throughout the museums.
Are there dining options available during the event?
Yes, both museums have cafés with indoor and outdoor seating, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options. Picnic areas are also available.
How much time should I allocate for visiting?
It is recommended to allow a minimum of two hours per museum, with three to four hours suggested to fully experience all exhibits, films, and outdoor living-history areas.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.