Thursday to Sunday • November 13 - January 4 • Jamestown Settlement
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 4, 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.
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.
The Winter Lantern Festival is truly a cultural bridge between East and West, bringing traditional Chinese culture to Williamsburg through various forms of art. We’re thrilled to kick off the holiday season at Jamestown Settlement with a spectacle of light, entertainment and a bit of history that the whole family can enjoy.
Yu Wang, Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Chief Artist, 10/14/2025
The Winter Lantern Festival multi-day evening event is among a rich calendar of special exhibition programs and events designed for locals, visitors, family and friends to connect with one another and the history of Jamestown during the holidays. Don't miss these other great opportunities to gather:
Fresh Views of the American Revolution
Now on Exhibit • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
In time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution, join us for the “Fresh Views of the American Revolution” special exhibition commemorating America’s 250th through contemporary voices. Discover new perspectives on the ideals and legacies of the American Revolution through the folk art of Oscar de Mejo created during the 1976 Bicentennial and through engaging community art programs. Learn more about this event.
Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown
November 15, 2025 – July 12, 2026 • Jamestown Settlement
The special exhibition explores compelling discoveries that connect the early years of the Jamestown colony and Asia. Featuring Chinese porcelain uncovered during excavations of 1607 James Fort on Jamestown Island and intact objects from global lenders, the exhibition examines who may have owned these evocative pieces, how they may have been acquired, and offers fresh insights into the social life of the early 17th-century Virginia elite. Learn more about this special exhibition.
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
November 28-29, 2025 • Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
This Thanksgiving holiday, join in a family tradition by digging 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. Learn more about this event.
Museum Store Sunday
November 30, 2025 • Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
On Museum Store Sunday save 20% on your entire purchase! In time for the holiday season, museum shops at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown join museum stores worldwide on Sunday, November 30, for Museum Store Sunday. Our museum shops are filled with inspiring and educational gifts for the holidays and beyond. Your purchase supports the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and its educational mission and programs. Learn more about this event.
Candlelight Christmas
December 13, 2025 • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Families and friends can delight in holidays of yesteryear with a blend of today's traditions. Meet Santa, make Christmas crafts and hear holiday stories in the warm, modern museum spaces dedicated to telling the revolutionary story of early Virginia. Learn more about this event.
Christmastide in Virginia
December 20-31, 2025 • Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Grab your family and friends and join in the revelry during Christmastide in Virginia. Glimpse 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions through festive interpretive programs, fancy cooking, caroling and musical entertainment. 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.
