Windows of Holidays Past in Merchants Square

Step back in time this season with Windows of Holidays Past in Merchants Square November 20 – New Year’s Day.

Experience a nostalgic journey through Williamsburg’s holiday celebrations from the 1940s to the 1970s, reimagined for today. Featuring archival images and stories provided by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, this special display pairs historic holiday scenes with modern interpretations showcased in shop windows throughout Merchants Square.

Guests are invited to stroll through the Square, discover each tribute, and enjoy a glimpse into the timeless spirit of Williamsburg’s holidays—where cherished memories of the past meet the creativity of the present.

Colonial Williamsburg’s Holiday Traditions through the Decades
Free Community Event presented by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library

Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 4 p.m.
The Kimball Theatre, Merchants Square

Join staff from the Rockefeller Library to learn about the history of holiday traditions at Colonial Williamsburg, including Grand Illumination, the Yule Log Ceremony, the Groaning Board, Public Times, holiday decorations, and other beloved customs.