Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Winter Lantern Festival to bring seasonal light display, entertainment to Jamestown Settlement


Plus: 46 things to do around the Historic Triangle this week.
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Nov. 11, 2025

Winter Lantern Festival to bring seasonal light display, entertainment to Jamestown Settlement

The Winter Lantern Festival debuts at Jamestown Settlement this week. (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)

A new holiday event titled the Winter Lantern Festival is slated to kick off at Jamestown Settlement this week.


The vibrant display, which coincides with a new exhibition on Chinese Ming Porcelain in early Jamestown, will light up the grounds of the living history museum with about 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns.


Produced by Kaleido Entertainment, the event is designed to transform the night into a "magical journey of culture and imagination," according to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.


Guests will journey through an outdoor trail aglow with 6-to-30-foot lanterns inspired by traditional folklore. The experience lasts for about an hour.


Tickets are separate from museum admission and start at $18. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free. The Winter Lantern Festival runs Thursdays through Sundays through Jan. 4.


Other highlights this week include the annual Harvest Festival at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, the premiere of a new play, "Appertaining to Rebels" at American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, a presentation of "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Kimball Theatre and a concert by New West Guitars at Williamsburg Library Theatre.


A variety of Veterans Day ceremonies and events will be held throughout the Historic Triangle today. WAVY also compiled this guide to special Veterans Day deals valid in the Hampton Roads area.


Additional promotions for military members in our area include a free ice-cream sundae at Bruster's in Williamsburg and a free entree at Chicken Salad Chick on Nov. 11, while supplies last.


See below for our curated guide to things to do around the Historic 

Triangle, Nov. 11 - 16.

EVENTS THIS WEEK

 Each week, we scour event calendars from across the region and send readers a list of local events and activities worthy of their time. For additional event details, click on the bolded, hyperlinked titles.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

York County's annual Veterans Day ceremony at York Hall. (Photo courtesy of York County)

VETERANS DAY

  • Colonial Williamsburg Free Military Admission | The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will continue its tradition of honoring the military this Veterans Day by offering free admission to all active-duty military, reservists, veterans, retirees, National Guard members and their dependents on Nov. 11. Free, single day "Honoring Service to America" are available at all onsite ticket locations with proper ID. 9 am - 5 pm. 


  • National Parks Free Entrance Day | Colonial National Historical Park & Yorktown Battlefield | The National Park Service will waive admission fees for national parks on Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day. (Note: While NPS admission is waived at Colonial National Historical Park, a $15 Preservation Virginia admission fee applies for adults visiting Preservation Virginia resources at Historic Jamestowne, including the James Fort site and the Archaearium). 9 am - 5 pm.


  • Veterans Day at VLM | Virginia Living Museum | Active-duty military and veterans receive 50% off admission tickets at VLM on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. 9 am - 5 pm. 


  • Veterans Day Proclamation | Palace Green | Colonial Williamsburg | Attend a ceremony honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This tribute is presented in partnership with the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Weather permitting. Free and open to the public. 10 - 11 am. 


  • Historic Grace Church Veterans Day Service | Grace Church | Yorktown | Historic Grace Church, founded in 1697, will hold its annual Veterans Day prayer service on Nov. 11. A brief ceremony will follow in the courtyard, to include the playing of "taps" and a salute to the 113 known veterans buried in the Grace Cemetery, as well as all veterans who are no longer with us. Free and open to the public. 10 - 11 a.m. 


  • Veterans Day Ceremony | Virginia War Museum | This Veterans Day ceremony is led by American Legion Braxton-Perkins Post 25. Attendees will also receive free admission during the museum's operation hours. Free and open to the public. 11 am - 12 pm. 


  • Yorktown Veterans Day Ceremony | York Hall | Yorktown's annual Veterans Day program honors members of the American armed forces. The theme for 2025 is "Virginia's Medal of Honor Recipients." The ceremony highlights several of these remarkable individuals through stories and photographs. There will be a presentation of colors, tolling of the bell and the playing of "taps." Free and open to the public. 12 pm.


  • A Veterans Day Salute & Procession | Duke of Gloucester Street | This march and ceremony honoring features is led by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums and Military Programs staff. Mrs. Washington will present an address of gratitude. The procession begins at Capitol Circle and ends with a commemoration ceremony behind the Courthouse on Market Square. All veterans are encouraged to participate. Weather permitting. Free. 3:30 - 4:30 pm. 


MUSIC

  • Chamber Recital: W&M Gallery Players | Bruton Parish | Enjoy an inspiring candlelight Chamber Recital featuring the Gallery Players of William & Mary under the direction of Susan Via. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm. 


Wednesday, Nov. 12

HISTORY

  • Explore the Declaration of Independence | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | Explore the Declaration of Independence through objects on exhibit during this guided tour. Free and open to the public. 2 - 2:45 pm. 


Thursday, Nov. 13

SPECIAL EVENT

FILMS

  • Throwback Thursday: Pillow Talk | Williamsburg Library Theatre | The Throwback Thursday film series screens a variety of classic and contemporary movies for an adult audience. This week's feature is "Pillow Talk" (NR, 1959), a romantic comedy featuring Rock Hudson and Doris Day. Free. 2 - 4:30 pm. 


  • Celtic Film Series | Williamsburg Library Theatre | The Celtic Film Series runs on the 2nd Thursday of each month. The November feature is "The Last Rifleman" (2023). Starring Pierce Brosnan, the film tells the story of a man who - haunted by his wartime experiences - travels to France for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Free. 6 - 8 pm. 


  • Pocahontas Reframed Film Shorts | Hennage Auditorium | Richmond's acclaimed Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival will come to Williamsburg with a series of short films, written, directed and produced by Indigenous artists. This event features 9 films illuminating Native American life today and in the past. Free and open to the public. 6:30 - 8 pm.


WELLNESS

  • Tai Chi Pathway for Arthritis & Fall Prevention | James City County Recreation Center | Individuals with arthritis will learn to enhance their balance, flexibility and overall wellbeing. See the website to register. Free. 1 - 2 pm. 


DOWNSIZING

  • Downsizing Made Simple Series | Stryker Center | Learn how to sell and maximize the value of your home when downsizing. This workshop is geared toward seniors. Presented by The Memorie Group, this informative workshop features expert guidance and a supportive community. Free. 2 - 3 pm. 


KIDS

  • Swirls & Symphonies | Yorktown Library | Kids will unleash their creativity with fun crafts while listening to classical music. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Free. 4:15 - 5:15 pm. 


AUTHOR TALK

LIVE MUSIC

  • Cello & Organ Recital: Night Music | Bruton Parish Church | Attend a candlelit recital featuring Richmond-based cellist Juliana Solstis and Rebecca Davy, organist at Bruton Parish Church. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm. 


Friday, Nov. 14

The theatrical premier of "Appertaining to Rebels" will debut at American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on Nov. 14. (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)

SPECIAL EVENT

  • "Appertaining to Rebels:" The Proclamation Play | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | Using personal stories based on historical sources, this hour-long play explores how Lord Dunmore's proclamation to end slavery offered an unprecedented, and very dangerous, path to freedom. A discussion will follow. Tickets to this premiere are $25. Doors open at 6:30 pm. 


KIDS

  • Up, Up & Away Storytime | Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport | Children are invited to attend an all ages storytime at the Waltrip Williamsburg airport, located at 100 Marclay Drive. Free. 10 - 11:30 am. 


  • 4-H Scholars: Intro to 3D Printing | Stryker Center | This class covers the basics of 3D printing and is recommended for ages 8-14. Presented in partnership with James City County 4-H. Free. 12:30 - 3:30 pm. 


  • Kids Gingerbread House Workshop | James City County Recreation Center | Kids ages 6-12 will decorate their own gingerbread houses during this program. See the website to sign up. Hosted by the Williamsburg Chocolatier. $30. 5:30 - 7:30 pm. 


CRAFT

  • Adult Sewing: UFOs & Sewing Smorgasbord | James City County Library | Adults are invited to stop by and work on their UFO: UnFinished Object or select a project kit from the library's "Project Closet." Beginner sewers are welcome; supplies are provided. Free. 9 am - 12:30 pm. 


NATURE

  • Raptor Meet & Greet | Freedom Park | Meet local wildlife rehabbers and interact with rehabbed raptors, including owls, falcons or hawks. Attendees will learn how to help conserve their habitats. For all ages. Free. 6 - 7:30 pm.


WELLNESS

  • Journey through Sound (bath) Series | James City County Recreation Center | Learn how to create a space that will positively impact your nervous system, reduce stress, enhance your focus and improve the quality of your sleep. See the website to sign up. $15. 6 - 7:30 pm. 


DATE NIGHT

  • Pottery Date Night! | James City Recreation Center | Couples are invited to attend a messy, creative pottery date night in a clay studio. The cost is $65 per couple plus a $15 materials fee.


Saturday, Nov. 15

Hayrides will be offered during the Harvest Festival in Yorktown on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of York County)

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Yorktown Market Days: Harvest Festival | Riverwalk Landing | This autumn extravaganza features fall food and family fun. There will be a live animal show, petting zoo, inflatable ax throwing, a pie eating contest and hayrides. Holiday staples like turkey, cornbread and pumpkin pie will be available for sale, and local artisans will sell their holiday handiwork. Live music will be performed by Ralph Motley and the Last Minute Grass. Free. 9 am - 3 pm. 


GAMES

  • Pokémon Bingo | Tabb Library | Enjoy multiple rounds of Bingo focused on Pokémon and friends. There will be snacks and prizes. For ages 7 through adult. See the website to sign up. There will be two sessions: 10:15 - 11 am and 12 - 1 pm. 


NATURE

  • Fossil Frenzy | York River State Park | Discover relics of very old creatures while hiking to a fossil beach. Included with park admission. 10 am - 12 pm. 


KIDS

  • Handmade Cards | James City County Recreation Center | Children will make their own handmade greeting cards using a variety of materials. See the website to register. For ages 7-13. $15. 10 am - noon. 


  • Pokémon Movie and Crafts | Tabb Library | Kids and families are invited to attend a Pokémon movie screening and a themed craft. There will also be a table set up for swapping trading cards. No registration required. Designed for kids and accompanying adults. Free. 12:30 - 1:30 pm. 


TEENS

  • Pokémon Teen Craft | Tabb Library | Teens will design their own mini Pokémon terrarium inspired by their favorite characters. See the website to register. Free. 1:15 - 2:15 pm. 


CRAFT

  • Fall Garland Craft | James City County Library | Create a leafy felt fall garland to add to your collection of fall decorations. While supplies last. For ages 13 through adult. Free. 2 - 4 pm. 


LIVE MUSIC

  • Dewey Decibel Series: New West Guitars | Williamsburg Library | Enjoy a concert featuring New West Guitars, one of the premier jazz guitar ensembles in the world. Tickets are $5 (or $4 for Friends of WRL). 7:30 - 9:30 pm. 

  • Organ Recital: Dr. JanEl Will | Bruton Parish Church | Enjoy a recital of 18th-century music by Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm. 

MARKETS

  • Williamsburg Farmers Market | 345 W Duke of Gloucester St. | Shop from the finest Virginia-grown and Virginia-made produce, plants and products. This farmers market features over 40 vendors, live music and children's programming. Rain or shine. Free admission. 8 am - 12 pm. 


  • Toano Open Air Market | 7891 Richmond Road | Toano | Shop from various vendors selling their finest products. Located on the Village Green near Hohl. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm. 


  • Hilton Village Farmers Market | 10260 Warwick Blvd | Historic Hilton Village's weekly market on Main is held every Saturday, year-round. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm. 


Sunday, Nov. 16

NATURE

  • Fungi Fun | York River State Park | Learn about some of the mushrooms that are native to our area year-round during this immersive program. Included with park admission. 1 - 3 pm. 

KIDS

  • Sensory Movie: "Paddington in Peru" | James City County Library | Kids are invited to attend this special Paddington Bear film screening in a sensory-friendly environment. Geared toward those with special needs and young children. Free. 2 - 4 pm. 

Multi-Day

Lighting of the Cressets returns to Colonial Williamsburg this weekend. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle)

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Lighting of the Cressets | Colonial Williamsburg | Stop by Duke of Gloucester Street for this fan-favorite tradition. Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century streets will come alive with strolling musicians. Free and open to the public. 6 - 9 pm. 

  • Veterans Art Show at Yorktown Library | In honor of Veterans Day, the Yorktown Arts Foundation is presenting a special exhibit at the Yorktown Library. The exhibit showcases artwork created by active duty and military veterans living in the Peninsula and Tidewater region. Oct. 27 - Nov. 21.  Free


THEATRE

  • Rehearsal for Murder | 200 Hubbard Lane | The Williamsburg Players returns with Rehearsal for Murder, a thrilling theatrical mystery in which the theater becomes the set for the play. Tickets, available here, are $12 for students and children, $22 for adults. Oct. 31 - Nov. 16


This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading!

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