The holiday season is filled with special community traditions in Historic Yorktown.

From modern celebrations like the tree lighting and Christmas Market on Main Street to period programming like “Christmastide in Virginia” and “Viking Yuletide”—there are special events taking place all December long.

Christmas Tree lighting

Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Riverwalk Landing along the Yorktown waterfront.

The fun begins with Yorktown’s 76th annual Tree Lighting. Guests will be entertained by the TRADOC Arsenal Brass Band at 6:30 p.m. followed by a performance from the Fifes and Drums of York Town at 7. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 7:30, immediately followed by a virtual message from Santa Claus. The Freight Shed is open from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the public to write holiday cards to military personnel and Santa. York County Tourism Development asks that during the event the public adheres to the COVID-19 guidelines by practicing social distancing and wearing masks.

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