News Summary
Colonial Williamsburg is embracing the festive season with an annual wreath contest, showcasing traditional decorations made from colonial-era materials. Doris Bixler won the professional category for her intricate wreath design, using grapevines and historical elements like flat biscuits. The contest features various creative wreaths that embody the area’s rich history. The decorations can be refreshed throughout the season, maintaining their charm for visitors. Alongside the contest, Colonial Williamsburg offers holiday dining experiences and special events leading up to New Year’s Eve, making it a key destination for seasonal celebration.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia is celebrating its holiday season with an annual wreath contest hosted by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. This popular event showcases traditional Christmas decorations made from materials that were available during colonial times. Visitors can admire these festive creations displayed on historic doors throughout the area from the week after Thanksgiving until January 1.
Doris Bixler has been awarded the top prize in the professional category for her intricate wreath design. The materials she utilized reflect the 18th-century aesthetic and include grapevines, dried flowers, bags of tea, coffee, sugar, and a unique nod to history with six flat biscuits known as tack, a traditional food from the era. This year’s contest highlighted a range of creativity among the wreath submissions.
Other noteworthy entries featured designs adorned with dried fruit and elegant embroidery, while one wreath included a model ship, showcasing the maritime history of the region. Another creation was a combination of wheat, dried flowers, and oyster shells, bringing together elements of nature and history in a single piece.
The wreathes are not only decorative but also come alive with seasonal spirit; Bixler and other wreath makers may choose to refresh their decorations throughout the holiday season to keep them vibrant and appealing for visitors. This practice allows the festive displays to maintain their charm and freshness as they adorn the historic buildings.
Colonial Williamsburg is recognized for its commitment to period-style decorations, making it one of the best destinations in the United States to celebrate Christmas. The area offers visitors a rich historical experience that intertwines the past with holiday traditions. Alongside the wreath contest, Colonial Williamsburg hosts a variety of traditional holiday events, including diverse dining options and festive activities leading up to New Year’s Eve.
Throughout the Christmas period, visitors can enjoy a range of dining experiences, which are specially curated for the holidays. These include prix fixe meals, holiday brunches, and themed buffets designed to celebrate traditional colonial fare. The dining options reflect the culinary heritage of the time, offering a taste of history and festive cheer.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, Colonial Williamsburg prepares to host special events at the Williamsburg Inn. Guests can look forward to a five-course dinner featuring seasonal dishes, live music, and themed entertainment, making for a memorable transition into the new year.
This annual wreath contest and the accompanying festive activities play a significant role in fostering community engagement and attracting visitors to Colonial Williamsburg, where the holiday spirit is celebrated with creativity and history. The region’s rich narrative is brought to life through these activities, offering an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists alike.
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Additional Resources
- Garden & Gun: Stunning Christmas Wreaths of Colonial Williamsburg
- Wikipedia: Colonial Williamsburg
- Williamsburg Families: Where to Dine in Colonial Williamsburg for Christmas & New Year
- Google Search: Colonial Williamsburg Christmas events
- Daily Press: Tis the Season in Greater Williamsburg
- Google Scholar: Colonial Williamsburg holiday events
- Williamsburg Families: Colonial Williamsburg Holiday Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Colonial Williamsburg
- WY Daily: CultureFix Preparing for 5th Annual Williamsburg Christmas Market
- Google News: Williamsburg Christmas market
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
