In partnership with

Good Morning, Williamsburg

This is The Early Burg, the local newsletter that makes you feel like Christmas morning every Thursday.

Local news, trivia, live music and 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🎄

• Changing School Districts 🚌

• Williamsburg’s Live Music List🎤

• And SO MUCH more!

Let’s get into it. 🏃

The Early Burg is Williamsburg’s #1 most read newsletter!

Put your product or service in front of thousands of Williamsburg locals, be seen & heard!

A Brief Message From This Week’s Sponsor: JKBX

Every click below helps us put money back into The Early Burg. We appreciate your help!!

Wall Street Can’t Hold a Note Like This

Streaming platforms pay billions in royalties.

JKBX (pronounced “Jukebox”) opens the door to invest in royalty shares of iconic songs, earning quarterly distributions tied to their performance.

This isn’t about fanfare—it’s about diversification. Music royalties offer a potential income stream tied to one thing people never stop doing: pressing play.

Build Your Portfolio with Music

Visit www.jkbx.com/legal/offering-circulars for important Reg A disclosures. This content is not investment advice, nor is it an offer of securities. All investments involve risk and may result in loss.

A message from your publishers: Good morning, Williamsburg! We don’t often take the time to write as ourselves, but we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for opening, reading, and engaging with our newsletter every Thursday morning. This has been a very rewarding experience for us and we hope it has helped you learn a little more about what’s going on in our community. We look forward to doing the same in 2025 and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays!

The Lowdown 📰🗞️📰🗞️

Major Redistricting a Possibility for Williamsburg-Area Schools 🚌🚌
The Williamsburg-James City County school division is considering a major redistricting to prepare for two new pre-kindergarten centers that will ease overcrowding in elementary schools by serving 500 pre-K students. The school board plans to hire a consultant to assess redistricting at all school levels, focusing on improving transportation efficiency and addressing attendance boundaries. Read the article 

Finding Comfort in Grief During the Holidays
Grieving during the holidays can feel isolating, but it’s important to honor your emotions and seek support from others who may understand. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can foster connection and create a space for mutual healing during a challenging season. Read the article 

Williamsburg’s State of the City: Achievements, Partnerships, and Vision for 2026
At the 10th annual Williamsburg State of the City address, Mayor Doug Pons highlighted recent achievements, including infrastructure projects and public initiatives, while unveiling plans for the city’s growth and upcoming 250th American Revolution commemoration in 2026. The presentation emphasized collaboration with Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary, as well as efforts to enhance housing, utilities, and community engagement. Read the article 

Saving Jamestown: $1.5M Secured for Flood Protection and Preservation
The Save Jamestown Campaign has secured $1.5 million in state funding, championed by Sen. Ryan McDougle, to combat flooding and climate challenges threatening the historic site. Combined with previous funding efforts, the campaign is advancing environmental studies and mitigation strategies to preserve Jamestown for future generations. Read the article 

William & Mary Football Stars Earn Prestigious FCS All-America Honors
Three William & Mary football players, Charles Grant, Jalen Jones, and Ty Gordon, earned FCS All-America honors for their standout performances this season, with Grant and Jones named to the first team and Gordon earning All-Freshman Team recognition. Grant, a top NFL Draft prospect, excelled as a left tackle, while Jones led the nation in passes defended, and Gordon made a significant impact on the defensive line as a transfer from Syracuse. Read the article 

Williamsburg Trivia 🧐🤓

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

🎄 Williamsburg Christmas Market | Bicentennial Park | Thu Dec 19 - Sun Dec 22
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

🎆🎆 Grand Illumination | Colonial Williamsburg | Sat Dec 21 | 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

🤶 Visit with Santa | Sat Dec 21st | 4-7pm
Join us for a magical afternoon with Santa! Capture festive holiday memories, enjoy holiday treats, and spread some holiday cheer. More information

🎄 Photos with Santa | Downtown Williamsburg | Fri Dec 19 - Dec 23 | 4pm - 6pm
Santa will be posing for photos and spreading holiday joy. Perfect for families and children alike, come enjoy the holiday magic of Williamsburg. More information

🎁 Free Christmas Community Love Event | American Legion Post 75 | Sat Dec 21 | 6:30pm
Join us for a free evening filled with festive cheer, hot cocoa, caroling, and more! Bring your family and friends to enjoy holiday spirit and community love. There will be plenty of activities for kids and adults alike, ensuring a night of joy for everyone. More information

🌟 Christmas at Hogwarts | Next to Shorty’s Dinner | Dec 16 -22 | 11am - 3pm
Experience the magic of Hogwarts with themed activities, wizarding delights, and festive fun for all ages. Costumes are encouraged, and fun awaits! More information

🌺 Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Luau | Copper Fox Distillery | Saturday Dec 21 | 3:30 - 7pm
Head over for a tropical holiday celebration with island vibes, live music, and festive fun. Sip on fruity drinks, dance to live music, and enjoy the laid-back island atmosphere. Wear your best Hawaiian attire and let the good times roll. More information

🖤 Yule and Krampus Market | Alewerks Brewing | Sat Dec 21 | 12 - 7pm
Head on over for the 2nd Annual Yule and Krampus Market, featuring family-friendly fun by day and a festive, darker twist as the evening unfolds. Bring the kids to meet Santa and get ready for the Costume Contest hosted by DJ Stutz, with categories like Best Ugly Christmas Sweater, Jolliest Outfit, and more! More information

🎄 Advent Adventure | Williamsburg Community Chapel | Fri Dec 20th | 5:30pm
Join us for Advent Adventure, where the Christmas story comes to life with food, games, and activities for the whole family. End the night celebrating hope, joy, peace, and love in the birth of Jesus. More information

🎶 Good Shot Judy – A Crooner’s Christmas | Kimball Theatre | Sun Dec 22 | 2 - 4pm
Enjoy live renditions of your favorite holiday classics in a cozy, intimate setting. It’s a perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season. More information

🎭 A Christmas Carol | The Williamsburg Players | Dec 19 - 22 | Various Times
Step into the world of Scrooge for a heartfelt theatrical performance of this timeless holiday classic. It’s a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit. 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! 😄 

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 19
50 🌡️ 37 | Mostly Sunny | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 5% | 💨 NNE 11 mph

Friday, Dec 20
48 🌡️ 33 | Mostly Cloudy | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 24% | 💨 NNW 6 mph

Saturday, Dec 21
42 🌡️ 24 | Partly Cloudy | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 4% | 💨 NNW 18 mph

Sunday, Dec 22
35 🌡️ 20 | Partly Cloudy | 🌦️ Chance of Rain: 0% | 💨 N 9 mph

Live Local Music 🎙️🎵🎷🎸

Show your support for local artists & businesses!

Thursday, Dec 19

• Frothy Moon Brewhouse | TNV | 5 - 8pm

• Two Drummers Smokehouse | Brandon Bower | 6:30-9pm

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

Friday, Dec 20

• Williamsburg Lodge | Billy Jo & Kate Daniel | 6 - 9pm

• Frothy Moon Brewhouse | Nathan Lienard | 6pm

• The Brass Tap | Felicia Hoyos | 7-10pm

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

Saturday, Dec 21

• Virginia Beer Company | Jon Smith Christmas Concert | 6-9pm

• Alewerks Brewing | Yule and Krampus Market | 12 - 7pm

Sunday, Dec 22

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

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

Thank You!

Thanks for reading The Early Burg today. If you found something useful, please share it with all your friends!