^{Credit: Kaleido Entertainment}

Taking inspiration from the “Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown” special exhibition, Jamestown Settlement presents a Winter Lantern Festival, on Thursday through Sunday evenings, 5 - 10 p.m., November 13, 2025 - January 11, 2026.

The Winter Lantern Festival, produced by Kaleido Entertainment, is illuminating Jamestown Settlement with a dazzling display of light for the whole family. Guests can wander among glowing Chinese lanterns, each handcrafted and illuminated with vibrant LEDs. Inspired by ancient folklore, these displays turn the night into a magical journey of culture and imagination.

The evening Winter Lantern Festival requires a separate ticket and is not included in Jamestown Settlement general admission.

Light up the season with family fun 

In time for the holiday season, visitors can explore a kaleidoscope of lanterns depicting Chinese myths, legends and zodiacs. Each artisan-crafted lantern is made of hand-painted silk cloth draped over a frame filled with glimmering lights. Ranging from 6- to 30-feet high, the lanterns feature a variety of figures and designs, including dragons, projecting a wonderland of light and color.

The spectacular lights display will be accompanied by live entertainment, including acrobatic performances, as well as refreshments and souvenirs.

Tickets start at $18 per person. Children under 2 are free.

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Join us for more seasonal events

Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
November 27-28
Jamestown Settlement • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Dig into the foodways of 17th- and 18th-century during Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia. Explore centuries-old culinary practices and cooking techniques of early Virginia.
Included with general admission.
Learn more about this event.

Museum Store Sunday
November 29
Jamestown Settlement • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

The museum shops join museum stores worldwide for Museum Store Sunday. Explore the unique treasures and holiday gifts that await you at our museum shops. Enjoy a 20% discount on your total in-store purchases that day.
Free to the public. No admission ticket required.
Learn more about this event.

Winter Family Day
December 12
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Explore winter holidays and traditions through crafts, activities and musical performances.
Included with general admission. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn more about this event.

Christmastide
December 19-31
Jamestown Settlement • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Glimpse 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions through festive interpretive programs, fancy cooking, caroling and musical entertainment.
Included with museum admission.
Learn more about this event.

About the Museums

Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Jamestown Settlement is located on State Route 31 near the Colonial Parkway in James City County, just southwest of Williamsburg and adjacent to Historic Jamestowne. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is located on Route 1020 in Yorktown, near Yorktown Battlefield and Historic Yorktown.

The museums allow visitors of all ages to enjoy extensive indoor gallery exhibits and outdoor living-history areas to connect with the stories of our shared history. Experience the holidays with a variety of tickets available online or in person. Plan your visit today.