New Year’s Eve Williamsburg: Things to Do and Where to Celebrate

The city of Williamsburg, Virginia, is a paradise for history nerds, thrill seekers, and ghost hunters alike. New Year’s Williamsburg comes to life with events and attractions to ring in a fresh new start.  Follow along to learn everything you need to know about Williamsburg New Years Eve.

Clear your schedule and save your fingers the trouble of googling ‘New Year’s Eve events near me’. The Colonial Capital is overflowing with can’t miss New Year’s Eve Williamsburg VA events.

Live music performances, fireworks displays, and tasty treats are some of the best ways to celebrate in this haven of tri-cornered hats and Revolutionary War sagas and stories.
Follow along as we fill you in on the best ways to spend New Year’s in Williamsburg VA.

New Year’s Eve Williamsburg VA Events

Before we jump head first into how to spend your last night of the year, let’s explore some fun facts about Williamsburg VA:

• Did you know that Williamsburg VA was the original capital of Virginia state?
• Williamsburg was home to the nation’s first psychiatric hospital.
• Noted mogul and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller was responsible for funding the restoration of the town in 1926.
• Home to tons of ghostly lore, Williamsburg is known for one of the most notorious haunted houses in America – the Peyton Randolph house.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

Searching for “New Year’s Eve events near me” or perhaps you want to savor just a few more moments of Yuletide festivities. If your mind is occupied by visions of sugar plums and spritely Santas, you simply can’t pass up Busch Gardens.

Make your way to Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town and take part in one of the best things to do in Williamsburg VA in December. This dazzling holiday spectacle features fantastic live shows, more than 10 million twinkling lights, and delicious treats like deep-dish cookies and hot chocolate.

 

This is one of the most impressive Williamsburg VA Christmas events around. Keep the fun going when you spend New Year’s Eve here, too!

Of course, a few of your favorite Busch Gardens attractions will be open for one last thrill of the year! In addition, a special fireworks show at 9 p.m. is part of the Busch Gardens New Years Eve fun.

*For those who were looking to enjoy the cultural festivities of First Night Williamsburg, we regret to inform you that this event has been permanently canceled.

Bobby Blackhat New Year’s Eve Spectacular

Blues fans won’t be blue this New Year’s Eve! This soul-filled night of music will give you all the feels. As a vocalist, comedian, harmonica player, songwriter, and actor, Bobby “Blackhat” Walters is a man of many talents.

Needless to say, he knows how to put on a show with the help of his band. You’ll be tapping your toes throughout the entire performance!

Haunted Williamsburg

Looking for something unconventional to do this New Year’s Eve? A candlelit ghost tour is just the thing! Explore historic spaces with a costumed storyteller guide for a hair-raising experience like no other.

Where to See Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Williamsburg

If you’re looking to end your New Year’s Eve with a bang, look no further than Busch Gardens for a spectacular fireworks display! Keep the light in your eyes bright as you look forward to all that the new year will bring.

The fireworks shoot off at 9 p.m., so don’t be late!

Attractions Open on New Year’s Eve in Williamsburg

While you’re visiting the Colonial Capital, take advantage of the city’s attractions! Some are from antiquity, while others are more modern. Either way, there are plenty of things to do in Williamsburg, VA, in December for young and old alike.

Fill the last day of the year with fun! Check out these destinations on New Year’s Eve:

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Colonial Williamsburg: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• America’s Historic Triangle Pass: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Ghosts, Witches, and Pirates of Williamsburg Tour: 8 p.m.
• SeaQuest Lynchburg: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Jamestown Settlement: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Be sure to grab tickets and check for any schedule changes ahead of time! This New Year’s in Williamsburg, VA, will be one to remember.

The Best Williamsburg Eats on New Year’s Eve

If you’re a foodie, here’s the list you’ve been waiting for! Satisfy your appetite before the midnight countdown at one of our restaurant picks.

Related Post: Dine at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Taverns

Holidays like New Year’s Eve tend to draw in more diners than average. Check to see if you need reservations before visiting these top-notch spots! 

Here’s where to go if you’re craving…

A special New Year’s Eve pre-fixe dinner

Make a reservation at Williamsburg Inn sometime from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Steak and seafood

Get a table at Opus 9 and order up.

Pasta and pizza

Visit Giuseppe’s for the best slices around.

Seafood with a river view

The Riverwalk Restaurant offers delicious noms with a spectacular scene.

Just dessert

The Blackbird Bakery has you covered.

Where to Stay on New Year’s Eve in Williamsburg

After a full day of sightseeing and celebrating the new year, you’ll need to get some shut-eye. Book a Williamsburg hotel New Year’s Eve to do just that.

Your first night in Williamsburg is best spent on a fluffy comforter complete with ample pillows!

For the best deal on your trip, bundle attraction tickets with a hotel room! Here are our top hotel picks:

• The Historic Powhatan Resort is on 256 acres of pure woodland beauty, perfect for rejuvenation before the new year.
• Two well-kept, beautiful golf courses serve as the backdrop of Greensprings Vacation Resort, which offers amenities galore.
• The Wyndham Garden Williamsburg Busch Gardens Area is the perfect place to rest and relax after ringing in the new year and boasts a convenient distance from many attractions. 

Plan Your New Year’s Williamsburg Celebrations Today!

For a quaint New Year’s Eve best suited for those looking for a more relaxing way to spend the evening than partying all night long, Williamsburg, Virginia, is an excellent destination for the whole family.

If one of your resolutions for the upcoming year is to budget better, head to Tripster to get the best rates for your trip! 

Pro Tip: Check out our article about can’t-miss things to do in Williamsburg for fun facts about Williamsburg, VA, to prepare for your trip!

Which Williamsburg New Year’s Eve Activities Did We Miss?

Know of any other fun New Year’s Eve Williamsburg plans?

Leave a comment below and dish on your go-to New Years Eve Williamsburg VA events!