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Good Morning, Williamsburg

This is The Early Burg, the local newsletter as spectacular as Williamsburg’s Yule Log Celebration.

Local news, trivia, live music & events, and more in just a few minutes! We do all the digging so you don’t have to. By locals for locals.

In today’s Early Burg:

• HO, HO, wHOle Bunch of Holiday Events🎄

• Community Updates 🏛️

• Williamsburg’s Live Music List🎤

• And SO MUCH more!

Let’s get into it. 🏃

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The Lowdown 📰🗞️📰🗞️

‼️You’re Invited! City of Williamsburg to Host State of the City Event During One Williamsburg Holiday Reception
- The City of Williamsburg invites the public to the One Williamsburg Holiday Reception, which will feature the State of the City Address, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in the Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary St.
- The holiday reception offers hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer. The pre-taped State of the City address will begin at 6:10 p.m. The event is open to the public.
- The State of the City Address will also stream online at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 on the City’s Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as air on Cox Cable’s WMSBGTV-48.
- Will include information on the City’s 2025-2026 Goals, Initiatives, and Outcomes (GIOs), two-year strategic plan, feedback received from resident surveys, six Future Festival events, and more!
Find out More

Kingsmill Residents Express Growing Concern Over Expansion that will Affect Historic Site
The owners and developers of Kingsmill Resort, have submitted a conceptual plan for 32 new homes to be built adjacent to Francis Thacker Road in a space currently used as the Kingsmill Recreational Soccer Park, explained Paul Holt, JCC Community Development Director. A growing opposition to a proposed expansion in Kingsmill prompted James City County (JCC) to host a community meeting. Find out More 

Williamsburg & James City County Continue Joint School Contract Discussions
Williamsburg and James City County officials are continuing to work on a new agreement that will allow the joint school division to remain as one. Read the article 

New Warhill High School Gymnasium to Double as Emergency Shelter and Community Space
When not being used for athletics, the new space can transform into a testing center, performance space, community event venue, or emergency shelter, when needed. Read the article 

Free Holiday Parking: Prince George Parking Garage🚗🚗
Best time of the year. Through New Years, the first four hours of parking is FREE in the Prince George garage. Read the article 

Williamsburg Trivia 🧐🤓

What to do? 🤔🤔 (local events for all ages)

🎄 Williamsburg Christmas Market | Bicentennial Park | Thu Dec 12 - Sun Dec 15
The Williamsburg Christmas Market will be located in downtown Williamsburg on Court Street (Adjacent to Bicentennial Park/Behind the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg). There will be 40 vendor chalets, as well as photo ops with Santa *set times, train rides, live entertainment, gluhwein (warm spiced wine), craft beers, Christmas music, fire pits, & delicious market food from local restaurants. More information

🎄🚗 Celebration in Lights | Newport News Park | Nightly 5:30-10pm
In its 32nd season, Virginia’s first holiday drive-through light show features a stunning array of new attractions! Runs through New Year’s Day. This year, admission on weeknights (Monday – Thursday) will be $15.00 per car and $20.00 per car during the weekend (Friday – Sunday). Additionally, tickets may be purchased in advance (good for any night of the week) for $12.00 at the Newport News Visitor Center located at the entrance of Newport News Park. Cash and credit cards accepted at the gate. More information

❄️ 3D Ornament Making and/or Decorate a Wooden Ornament | Williamsburg Regional Library | Thu Dec 12 | 6:30pm
- 3D Printing for ages 13+, no registration required. Learn about 3D printing and design a decorative holiday ornament More information
- Decorate a Wooden Ornament: Get in the holiday spirit by decorating a wooden ornament to take home. Ages 10+, no registration required. While supplies last. More information

🎄🧑‍🎄 An Enchanted Evening on Main Street | Yorktown Historic Main Street | Fri Dec 13 | 5-9pm
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season amid the twinkling lights, festive music, and nostalgic aromas of roasting chestnuts and hot cider. Find the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for relative or something perfect just for yourself. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform, as well. Wrap up your shopping while enjoying all the enchantment Historic Yorktown has to offer – at night! The Yorktown Trolley will be running from 5 to 9:30 p.m. during this event. More information

🐟🐠 Battle on the James (Fishing Tournament) | Chickahominy River Front Park | Sat Dec 14 | 8am-4pm
EastCoastBigBlueHunterz Coffee Can Catfish Tournament! $25 Entry Fee. No better way to spend a weekend than out on the water reeling in the big ones. More information

🎅 Free Photos with Santa | New Town | Sat Dec 14 | 12-3:30pm
Santa Claus is coming to New Town! Snap your own photos with the man himself! More information

🎆🎆 Grand Illumination | Colonial Williamsburg | Sat Dec 14 | 5-7pm
Note from your Early Burg Publishers: The Grand Illumination is AMAZING. Best firework show in the nation, even better than Disney. Yeah, we said that.

In the colonial era, it was customary to illuminate public buildings to honor significant events, such as commemorating the reigning sovereign's birth or a military victory. Today, we follow this grand tradition on three consecutive Saturdays in December to celebrate the Yuletide season. Throughout the Historic Area, Colonial Williamsburg musicians, performers, and community ensembles entertain holiday merrymakers with the pomp and pageantry of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums festive songs, storytelling, puppetry, the lighting of cressets, and more. The celebration culminates with two simultaneous 18th-century-style fireworks displays at the Capitol and Governor's Palace. Fireworks begin at 7 p.m. More information

🌟 Holly Dazzle Artisan Market | Williamsburg Premium Outlets | Sun Dec 15 | 11am-4pm
Visit the Williamsburg Premium Outlets for a magical market with over 100 local artisans and crafters. DJ Nonya, food trucks, and Santa will all be there too. More information

🎨 2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival | Colonial Williamsburg | Sun Dec 15 | 11am-4pm
Note the date change! 2nd Sunday to occur this weekend, Sun Dec 15th! Stroll the streets of Downtown Williamsburg and take in unique arts, handcrafts and live music in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. From face painting & craft projects for kids & adults to fine, folk & contemporary artwork & handcrafts, local authors with books appropriate for all ages, food and dessert trucks, a beer (& cider, seltzer & wine) garden, live music & performances for all musical palates, there’s something to be enjoyed by all. More information

🎅 Christmas Town | Busch Gardens | Select Dates Nov 15 - Jan 5
Marvel at over ten million lights, heartwarming shows, and thrilling rides during Busch Gardens' Christmas Town. Enjoy Santa's Fireside Feast and create lasting holiday memories! More information

Did we miss anything? Is there something you’d like to see more of? Let us know by replying to this email. We are always looking for ways to improve! 😄 

Williamsburg Photo of the Week 📷📷

Have a great shot you’d like to share? Reply to this email with a picture you would like featured! If we love it, we will share it!

Williamsburg Weather ☀️⛅⛈️❄️

Thursday, Dec 12
50 🌡️ 29 | Sunny | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 3% | 💨 W 13 mph

Friday, Dec 13
52 🌡️ 32 | Mostly Cloudy | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 4% | 💨 NE 3 mph

Saturday, Dec 14
46 🌡️ 35 | Mostly Sunny | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 4% | 💨 NE 8 mph

Sunday, Dec 15
54 🌡️ 45 | Cloudy | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 24% | 💨 ENE 9 mph

Live Local Music 🎙️🎵🎷🎸

Show your support for local artists & businesses!

Thursday, Dec 12

• Cowboy Cactus | Johnny St Claire | 5-7:30pm

• Two Drummers Smokehouse | Cody Christian | 6:30-9pm

• The Brass Tap | Open Mic Night with Nadia Koz | 7-10pm (Occurs weekly)

Friday, Dec 13

• Strangeways Brewing | Joshua Stone | 6-9pm

• The Brass Tap | Olde Virginia Company | 7-10pm

• Cowboy Cactus | 70 South | 8-11pm

• Highway Pizza | Karaoke | 7-10pm (recurs weekly)

Saturday, Dec 14

• Corner Pocket | Nathan Lienard | 7-10pm

• Virginia Beer Company | Lovecats Holiday Spectacular | 6-9pm

• Jolene’s Bar & Grill | E3 Band | 7:30-11pm

• Cowboy Cactus | The Clue | 8-11pm

• Precarious Beer Project | Double Down | 9:30pm-12:30am

Sunday, Dec 1

• Opus 9 Steakhouse | Harris Simon Duo Piano & Jazz Brunch | 11am-2pm (Recurs weekly)

• Frothy Moon Brewhouse | Acoustic Open Mic | 11am-1pm

• Bistro 1699 | Felicia Hoyos | 6:30-8:30pm

Thank You!

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