Happy Christmas in July! Daniel and I were reminiscing about last year’s Christmas the other day, and we realized we never shared last year’s holiday trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens with you. We are not big on presents, so our Christmas gifts to each other the last few years have been trips, like this one. We hope you enjoy a bit of festive spirit to help celebrate Christmas in July and inspire you to start planning your holiday adventure to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens’ Christmastown.
Exploring Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a quick three-hour drive from Raleigh, so Daniel and I took a half day from work and arrived in Colonial Williamsburg on Friday evening. We decided to stay at the historic Williamsburg Lodge due to its location and the ability to use our Marriott Hotel points. Situated in the heart of the historic district, the hotel blends Southern elegance with modern comforts for a homelike feel. We recommend this as a perfect place to stay and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. The staff is friendly, the fireplace and holiday decorations are enough to grow anyone’s heart three sizes, and not to mention, it is walking distance to the main attractions of Colonial Williamsburg, and a short drive to Busch Gardens.
Once we settled in, Daniel and I strolled over to Historic Colonial Williamsburg to admire the holiday wreaths that adorn every door in the historic town. On our walk to dinner at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, we stumbled upon festive demonstrations by costumed interpreters singing Christmas carols by a bonfire putting us into the holiday spirit. George Washington frequented Christiana Campbell’s Tavern for its delicious seafood in the 18th century, and just like our founding father, Daniel and I split a wonderful seafood meal–lobster bisque and seafood pye. The historic building, the costumed waitstaff, and the recipes from olden times made it easy to imagine the iconic founding fathers warming themselves by the fire and enjoying a meal while planning the future of the country.
Starting early the next morning, Daniel and I decided to stroll the cobblestone streets of Williamsburg admiring the beautifully crafted wreaths and garlands in the daylight. The scent of pine filled the air as we wandered through the quaint shops and historic buildings, marveling at the intricate decorations and immersive atmosphere. We even stumbled upon a farmer’s market near William and Mary University where we shopped for Christmas gifts and interacted with vendors, even trying some hard apple cider from a local orchard.
Holiday Magic at Busch Gardens
At noon, we extracted ourselves from the history of town to head over to Christmas Town. The park was transformed into a winter wonderland unlike any other. We were mesmerized by the dazzling displays and holiday-themed shows that brought the holiday season to life in vibrant detail. From thrilling roller coasters to charming holiday shows, there was something for everyone to enjoy. We very much enjoyed Irish Dancing in the Ireland section of the Park, the holiday rendition of “A Christmas Carol” titled “Scrooged,” and the wildlife interactions with eagles and wolves. As the day began to fade and give way to the night, millions of twinkling lights illuminated the park, casting a magical glow over the festive decorations and themed attractions. We took in a festive light show and then made our way back to the hotel to rest from our adventurous day.
Our journey to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens was a holiday adventure filled with warmth, wonder, and cherished memories. From the historic charm of Williamsburg to the festive magic of Busch Gardens, every moment was a testament to the beauty of the season and the joy of exploration. We hope this post inspires you to take a trip to a holiday wonderland this holiday season.