Town Crier Articles

 

There is much to do and see around our humble little hamlet this time of year; too much to just list one holiday getaway. Below find a sample of Christmas-related events, some well familiar to you, some maybe not so much.

 

Busch Gardens – Christmas Town: The light count is up to more than 10 million for this annual local attraction. That’s one of the largest holiday displays in North America. We attend every year and thoroughly enjoy the holiday shows and the Christmas Town Express. We’re not coaster people, but for those who are more than 20 rides will be open, including the new Pantheon. Christmas Town runs through January 8. There are many options for ticket purchase, so for more information visit this website: https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/.

 

Santa at Busch Gardens

 

Garden of Lights – Norfolk Botanical Gardens: Walk the Garden Aglow is open from 5-9 p.m. until January 1. Park the car and stroll through the Gardens. Walk in, around, and under holiday decorations. There are several different ticket prices available depending on what night you go. The Gardens are located at 6700 Azalea Garden Road, right next to Norfolk International Airport. For complete information visit this website: https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/dominion-energy-garden-lights/.

 

Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin: Staying in Norfolk, for the third straight year the battleship is decked out for the holidays, this time with more than one million lights. It’s hard to describe the magnificence of this ship, other than to say you must see it to believe it. Open until January 1, the Grinch and Santa Claus will be on hand to greet the kiddies (or grandkids). General admission tickets to Winterfest are $18.50, but prices vary depending on the date you visit. For more info, visit this website: https://www.winterfestonthewisconsin.com/.

 

A Real Colonial Christmas in Smithfield: Jump on this opportunity quickly, as the event runs on December 3 and 4. Events are held at the Manor House at Windsor Castle. The 1750 Courthouse. Historic Christ Episcopal Church will be featured as well. Smithfield has become known throughout the region as a must-visit destination for the holidays, say the organizers. See for yourself. Tickets are $20 and for more information, visit this website: https://www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/event/colonial-christmas-in-smithfield/513.

 

Mistletoe Market – Yorktown: This free event takes place on December 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown. Browse the market for chowders and soups; an assortment of cakes, breads, brownies, fudge, cookies; jams, jellies, and honey; holiday wreaths; candles and soaps; and local seasonal art! March in the annual Toyland Parade, and don't forget to hop aboard the Riverwalk Landing Polar Express for a loop around the festivities.

 

Yorktown, VA

 

River Realm Holidays – Kilmarnock, Urbanna: My quick, unofficial count showed at least seven events related to the holidays, from parades to fashion shows to caroling to open houses along the Chesapeake Wine Trail. For more information as to when and where, visit this website: https://www.virginiasriverrealm.com/spend-holidays-virginias-river-realm/