Virginia Thanksgiving Festival

On the first Sunday in November, step back in history as the Virginia Thanksgiving Festival commemorates America’s First Thanksgiving with a historic celebration reminiscent of Colonial Virginia. This annual tradition dates back to December 4, 1619 when Captain John Woodlief and his crew of 35 men landed on the shores of the James River at what was to become Berkeley Plantation.
Festival activities for the entire family begin at 11:00 a.m. and include a parade, colonial period re-enactors, musicians, magicians, and a shadow box performance of the first Thanksgiving. The Chickahominy Tribal Dancers perform as well as the Itinerant Band and Colonial Singers of Williamsburg. Families participate in games, dancing, demonstrations, and crafts. Vendors showcase their food, arts, crafts and jewelry. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the event. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.