There’s something particularly special about Christmas in Yorktown. The historic streets, waterfront views, and community traditions come together to create a charming holiday atmosphere that feels warm, cheerful, and quietly magical. Whether you’re planning a festive getaway or visiting loved ones for the season, December is full of joyful celebrations, and Yorktown Beach Hotel places you right in the heart of it all.
Below is a look at some of our favorite Yorktown Christmas events, from beloved local traditions to lively seasonal festivals.
Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting
December 5th
Kick off the season with Yorktown’s cherished Christmas Tree Lighting, a tradition dating back to 1945. The evening begins at Victory Monument at 6:30 p.m. with live music, including a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. From there, a cheerful procession makes its way to Riverwalk Landing, where the spectacular 24-foot tree is illuminated for the season.
Later on, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on Yorktown’s first fire truck to greet families. Whether you have children or not, this moment is sure to capture the heart of the holiday and set the festive mood for the days and weeks to come.
Christmas Market on Main
December 6th & 7th
Full of traditional charm, the old-school, German-style Christmas Market on Main is a must-visit for those staying in Yorktown over the festive period. This two-day event transforms Main Street with artisan vendors, handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, live music, and festive decorations. It’s the perfect place to browse meaningful, local gifts while taking in the holiday spirit.
Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade
December 7th
The Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade is truly the highlight of the season. As dusk settles over the river, the shoreline begins to glow with boats trimmed in twinkling lights, slowly making their way across the water in a festive procession. The reflections ripple and shimmer, giving the whole harbor a soft, enchanting glow that feels unmistakably like Christmas.
And the best part? Yorktown Beach Hotel is right on the waterfront, meaning our guests have a front-row seat. There’s no need to navigate crowds or parking; simply step outside, wrap up warm, and enjoy the parade at your own pace. Many of our guests bring a blanket and a hot drink and settle in to watch the lights drift across the water.
It’s joyful, relaxed, and wonderfully local, creating a moment that captures what Christmas in Yorktown is all about.
And to make the evening even more special, Yorktown Beach Hotel hosts it’s annual balcony decorating competition, during the parade. Guests join in the festivities by trimming their balconies with lights and holiday decorations to match the glowing boats below. As the vessels pass and honk in celebration, the entire waterfront comes alive in shared holiday spirit. It’s a cheerful tradition that guests look forward to each year, complete with a small prize for the best-decorated balcony and plenty of festive fun right from your own private view of the parade.
Enchanted Evening on Main Street
December 12th
For a festive evening out, an Enchanted Evening on Main Street brings seasonal magic to Yorktown after dark. Families can enjoy trolley rides, crafts, artisan shops, Santa visits, and even an ice carving demonstration. It’s a lovely way to experience the charm of historic Yorktown lit up for the season.
Christmastide in Virginia
December 20–31 (Closed Christmas Day)
For a look into the holidays of centuries past, Christmastide in Virginia offers a fascinating glimpse into 17th- and 18th-century seasonal traditions. Through immersive exhibitions, historical interpreters share stories of wintertime life in early Virginia, from festive gatherings to preparing holiday meals at open-hearth fires. Visitors can learn about how soldiers spent Christmas during the Revolutionary War, or discover a Revolution-era farm decorated with greenery, offering insights into how holiday customs have evolved. Guests can even take part in making traditional clove-and-orange pomanders. It’s a thoughtful, memorable experience for history lovers, families, and anyone curious about the roots of the holiday season in this region.
Williamsburg Grand Illuminations
Every Saturday in December
Just a short drive away, Williamsburg celebrates the season with its iconic Grand Illuminations, held every Saturday in December. The Historic Area is dressed in its finest greenery and handmade decorations, with flickering candles in the windows and wreaths on every door. Throughout the day, you’ll find festive musical performances, carolers, and lively street entertainment that bring colonial holiday traditions to life.
As evening falls, the celebration builds to a grand finale: fireworks launched from both the Capitol and the Palace, lighting up the sky above the cobblestone streets. It’s a festive, historic, and genuinely memorable way to spend a December evening.
And after the excitement, it’s lovely to return to the quieter, cozier pace of Yorktown, where the river and boardwalk feel peaceful and inviting at night. The perfect pairing for a full holiday weekend.
Stay at Yorktown Beach Hotel This Holiday Season
Yorktown Beach Hotel remains open throughout Christmas, making it a warm and welcoming home base for seasonal travel, whether you're visiting family in the area or planning a holiday getaway.
As an independent, family-run hotel, we take pride in offering genuine hospitality and comfort. Expect a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where guests feel both warmly welcomed and free to spend the holidays in their own way. Our comfortable rooms will be the ideal place to unwind after festive days out; somewhere to curl up with a book, sip a warm drink, or simply enjoy a quiet moment overlooking the water.
Wake up to river views, stroll to Yorktown’s most festive events, and return to a space that feels like home without the bustle of big corporate hotels.
Book your stay at Yorktown Beach Hotel and experience Christmas in Yorktown at your own pace: cozy, cheerful, and close to everything.