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Sunday, December 14, 2025

Williamsburg area Christmas dining guide: Where to book a reservation or order ahead

Dec. 14, 2025

Good afternoon, Historic Triangle!

An arctic blast of bitterly cold temperatures is on the way this evening into Monday.

Dangerously cold windchills in the single digits are expected throughout the region, according to Forecaster Derrah Getter of WTKR News 3.

"Monday morning will be one of the coldest we've experienced all year. Temperatures will be in the 20s out the door, but it will feel like the single digits," Getter said.

Highs on Monday will only reach the mid-30s but will feel like the 20s.

Windchill values will dip into the single digits throughout Hampton Roads on Sunday night. (Photo by Derrah Getter/WTKR)

Temperatures will gradually warm up as the week continues. Highs will return to the mid-50s by Wednesday.

Now to the news.

-Christin

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Williamsburg area Christmas dining guide: Where to book a reservation or order ahead

18th-century style holiday dining. (Image by Brian Newson, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

While many local businesses are reducing their hours for the holidays, some Historic Triangle restaurants will be open on Christmas Day.

Other establishments are offering order-ahead specials for those who need a break from cooking but still plan to eat at home.

This special edition newsletter features our reader-requested holiday dining guide for 2025.

Did I miss any? Email me at christin@thetriangle.news. This list will continue to be updated on our website.

Order-Ahead Holiday Specials

The Bake Shop in Williamsburg is offering an assortment of order-ahead baked goods for the holidays this year. (Photo courtesy of The Bake Shop)

Second Street Bistro

140 2nd Street in Williamsburg | 757-220-2286 | secondst.com

If you're short on time this holiday season or need a break from cooking, Second Street Bistro has you covered with their Christmas To-Go Feast.

Main offerings include Virginia ham, roasted turkey breast or prime rib. All packages include a selection of four sides, cranberry compote, herb-seasoned dinner rolls and a freshly baked pecan or apple pie.

Online ordering is currently available through Sunday, Dec. 21. Pickups are on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The restaurant is closed on Christmas Day.

For additional information or to order by phone, contact the Williamsburg restaurant at 757-220-2286 or the Newport News location at 757-234-4448.

The Bake Shop

204 Armistead Avenue in Williamsburg | 757-808-7056 | baketheburg.com

A variety of holiday breads and desserts are available for pre-order through The Bake Shop this year.

Options include croissants (plain, flavored or "loaded" with toppings like cranberry orange mousse); holiday Danishes, seasonally-inspired muffins, scones and cronuts; rolls and buns.

Black forest cheesecakes and yule logs, designed to serve six people, are also available. The Bake Shop's full holiday bread and dessert menu is available here.

The bakery is also offering Christmas Cookie Kits featuring 12 large cookies and all decorating essentials.

Orders must be placed online by Friday, Dec. 19, at 3 p.m. Pickups are on Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cracker Barrel

200 Bypass Road in Williamsburg | 757-220-3384 | crackerbarrel.com

Heat-and-serve holiday packages focused on classic American comfort foods are available at Cracker Barrel this holiday season. The Williamsburg location is locally owned and operated.

Main entree options include ham or prime rib. A variety of sides, such as cornbread dressing, macaroni and cheese and cranberry relish, are also included.

Those looking for a breakfast-only selection can order a hearty French toast bake that feeds 4-6 people.

Specialty pies are available for pre-order for $14.49 through Dec. 24 only. Options include a cinnamon roll pie, apple streusel pie, pecan pie and chocolate pecan pie.

Colonial Williamsburg Pie & Bake Sale

310 S. England Street in Williamsburg | colonialwilliamsburg.org

Colonial Williamsburg's Annual Pie & Bake sale is returning for the 2025 holiday season, but all orders must be placed in advance this year.

Offerings include classic favorites - like pumpkin and pecan pie - as well as decadent apple-cranberry streusel, chocolate cream and rum cream pies. Ginger cookies are also available.

The deadline to order is Saturday, Dec. 20, at 5 p.m. Pickups will take place on Dec. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Williamsburg Lodge Conference Center's Arrival Hall. Orders can be placed online.

Moody's Kitchen & Catering

7129 Merrimac Trail in Williamsburg | 757-229-1195 | moodys-kitchen.com

Moody's is offering an aged prime rib holiday package available for Christmas Eve pre-order.

The special features a slow roasted prime rib entree with au jus, green beans and herb butter. The meal includes a soup or salad and choice of potatoes. Dessert options include a peppermint white chocolate crème brûlée, gingerbread bread pudding or lemon pound cake. All packages are priced per person.

For more information or to view the full menu, click here. Holiday feasts can also be reserved over the phone.

County Gill

1215 George Washington Memorial Highway in Yorktown | 757-591-0600 | countygrill.com

Holiday meal packages designed to feed five to ten people are available at County Grill, located in Yorktown and Hampton.

Standard options include two meats, with options like smoked turkey breast and spiral smoked ham, and two sides. Deluxe packages include three meats and three sides.

Popular options include smoked turkey breast or smoked spiral ham, sold by the pound.

Larger catering packages are available for events. Call for details.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

The Williamsburg Inn and reflecting pool illuminated for the holiday season. (Photo credit: Jerry McCoy for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

Amiraj Modern Indian

204 Monticello Avenue in Williamsburg | 757-565-3200 | amiraj.com

Located in Midtown Row, Amiraj is open on Christmas Day as well as Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The restaurant's diverse menu includes a wide variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as an extensive wine list. Carry-out is available in addition to dining in. Call for reservations.

Fat Tuna

1433 Richmond Road in Williamsburg | 757-903-2811 | fattunagrill.com

In addition to serving customers on Christmas Day, Fat Tuna will be open on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The Richmond Road restaurant has not yet published details about its Christmas Day offerings, but a special menu is typically available for the holiday. Stay tuned to Fat Tuna's Facebook page for updates or call for additional information.

Masala Craft

5223 Monticello Ave, Ste- E in Williamsburg | 757-808-7045 | masalacraftva.com

Masala Craft, a popular locally-owned Indian restaurant, will be open on Christmas Day. Hours may be limited for the holiday. The restaurant does not accept reservations. Call for details.

Olde Towne Pizza & Pasta

5540 Olde Towne Road in Williamsburg | 757-253-7846 | ot-pizza.com

Visit Olde Towne at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets for Italian classics or pizza on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Call for reservations.

Peking Restaurant

120 Waller Mill Road in Williamsburg | 757-229-2288 | peking-va.com

Offering Chinese, Thai, Mongolian barbecue and sushi, Peking Restaurant has been serving the Williamsburg area for more than 35 years. The restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Call to make a reservation.

Waypoint Grill

1480 Quarterpath Road in Williamsburg | 757-220-2228 | waypointgrill.com

Waypoint focuses on local flavors, American fare and seafood sourced from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The restaurant is open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

A prix fixe menu featuring an appetizer; entree such as baked halibut, New York strip or pappardelle pasta; and a seasonal dessert will be available on Christmas Day. Call for reservations.

Colonial Williamsburg Restaurants

Several Colonial Williamsburg restaurants will be open on Christmas Day. Because of their popularity during the holiday season, many time slots are already booked, and early reservations are strongly recommended.

Below is a list of Colonial Williamsburg holiday dining options that still had reservation availability as of publishing time.

Williamsburg Inn

Christmas Day Dinner

Williamsburg Inn will host an elegant, four-course prix fixe holiday feast on Christmas Day. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings are available. Pre-paid reservations are required.

For reservations, call 1-844-714-3205 or book online.

Williamsburg Lodge

Christmas Dinner

Attend a Christmas morning brunch featuring a holiday roast, seasonal dishes, artisan cheeses and desserts. Children under 3 are free. The brunch will be served from 10 am to 2 pm. Reservations are available here.

Traditions at Williamsburg Lodge is offering a festive Christmas buffet featuring seasonal soups, winter salads and holiday entrees including herb roasted turkey, prime rib and roasted vegetable gnocchi. For reservations, call 1-855-318-5030 or book online.

The Lodge will also host a Gingerbread Holiday Dinner, featuring a full buffet, on Friday, Dec. 19 and Dec. 26.

Note: Our full list of restaurants open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day will be published later this week.

LAST CHANCE: We're giving away a pair of free tickets to the upcoming VOCES8 holiday concert in Williamsburg!

VOCES8. (Photo courtesy of the Virginia Arts Festival)

Presented by Virginia Arts Festival, this Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble presents a centuries-spanning repertoire of joyful holiday music. The concert will take place at St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg on Wednesday, December 17, at 7:30 pm.

The critically acclaimed group of eight vocalists has performed around the world to rave reviews. They have lent their signature sound to music of all kinds, from a collaboration with Paul Simon to performances with internationally-renowned orchestras.

"This is one of the most exalting, moving, glorious sounds I've ever experienced, and Saint Bede in Williamsburg will lend its own beauty to the occasion," said Virginia Arts Festival Perry Artistic Director Robert W. Cross.

Tickets are provided courtesy of our friends at the Virginia Arts Festival. To enter to win, simply reply to this email or send a message to christin@thetriangle.news, and let us know why you'd like to attend the show.

We've extended the deadline: Enter to win by Monday, Dec. 15, at 9 a.m.

The winner will be notified by email.

For additional information about the concert, click here.

NEWS TO KNOW

James City County moves forward with government center construction

A rendering of the proposed James City County Government Center. (Photo courtesy of James City County)

James City County is forging ahead with plans to build its new government center despite a recent legal challenge.

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted to spend $46 million on the next phase of construction, which includes installing plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems, purchasing steel building materials and laying concrete.

An additional $1.7 million was allocated to contractor Henderson/Gilbane to oversee the work.

The $179 million construction project is pressing on in the face of a lawsuit filed last month by a group of seven James City County citizens. Represented by local attorney Christopher Woodfin, a local election law specialist, the group argues the county should be required to allow a referendum on the new center before proceeding with construction.

While a judge denied a request to halt construction on the center until a county-wide referendum can be held, a hearing for the case is scheduled for Jan. 13.

The site, which is set to be built near the James City County Recreation Center on Longhill Road, is also expected to include a 25,000-square-foot annex for a Williamsburg Regional Library location. A final price for the project is not expected to be revealed until next year.

Former James City County police officer will not serve jail time for shooting superior officer

Jason Rusk. (Photo courtesy of Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail)

A former James City County police officer will not serve any jail time in connection to the 2023 shooting of a fellow officer.

Michael Trenton Rusk, 27, was charged with maliciously wounding his superior officer, Christopher Gibson, in a shooting while the two were off-duty on Jan. 25, 2023.

Gibson, who was 38 at the time, was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries after the incident.

During a hearing at the Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court on Monday, prosecutors withdrew the shooting charge against Rusk. Instead, he was found guilty of a lesser unlawful wounding charge. He was sentenced to three years with all time suspended, according to the Commonwealth's online case information system.

Rusk filed a $5.5 million federal lawsuit in 2024 against James City County and the police department, alleging that he had faced a hostile work environment. He said Gibson made sexual advances toward him and had sexually assaulted him on the night the shooting occurred.

Rusk told WAVY News that while he is grateful he had avoided jail time, he believes Gibson should "absolutely be behind bars" for sexually assaulting him.

"I've never, ever pulled the trigger until I absolutely had to," Rusk said.

CRIME REWIND

The suspect in a Wells Fargo bank robbery in James City County. (Photo courtesy of the James City County Police Department)

Police seek man involved in James City County bank robbery: Police are searching for a man in connection with a robbery reported at the Wells Fargo bank on Monticello Ave. in James City County. The incident happened on Saturday morning around 9:13 a.m., according to police. The unidentified male entered the bank with a firearm, demanded money and then fled on foot with an undisclosed sum of cash. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a white, middle-aged male, approximately 5'8" tall, weighing approximately 230 lbs. He was last seen wearing a gray jacket, gray t-shirt, jeans and a black ballcap. (JCCPD)

Teens arrested in connection to James City Co. weapons investigation: Four James City County teenagers ranging in age from 16 to 19 have been charged with possession of a firearm that was equipped with a machine gun conversion device. The younger two teens, ages 16 and 17, are also charged with possession of a firearm by a minor. The two minors are being held at the Merrimac juvenile detention facility, while the 18 and 19-year-olds were taken to Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. (13News Now)

York Co. schools placed on 'secure' status after false threat: Two York County schools, Yorktown Middle and York River Academy, were placed on "secure" status after a threat was issued on Thursday, according to the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office. A deputy investigation determined the threat to be false. (WAVY)

This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading!

📰 Sign up to receive The Triangle's weekly newsletters here.

🖥️ Visit The Triangle's website to read previous articles.

📧 Want to reach out? Email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email.

Sent to: godlyman@alexanderofyork.com

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The Triangle, P.O. Box 7004, Williamsburg, VA 23188, United States

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Local commonwealth's attorneys team up with United Way to launch seasonal giving initiative for residents in need

Dec. 6, 2025

Good morning, Historic Triangle!

A chilly December weekend is on tap for us following yesterday's snowfall.

Saturday will bring cloudy skies with highs in the mid-40s, according to Chief Meteorologist David Aldrich of WTKR News 3.

Partly cloudy conditions will persist on Sunday, but temperatures will be milder, reaching near 50 in the afternoon.

Meteorologist David Aldrich's 7-day forecast. (Photo via WTKR)

Highs will dip into the 40s on Monday and Tuesday. Overnight and morning lows will hover in the 20s and 30s throughout much of the week.

Now to the news.

-Christin

We want to bring even more essential local news to our readers in 2026. By donating to our year-end campaign, you can play a vital role in the future of our community.

Every dollar makes an impact.

Donate to The Triangle

Local commonwealth's attorneys team up with United Way to launch seasonal giving initiative for residents in need

A donation bin for 'A Way Home.' (Photo courtesy of Charvalla West, United Way of the Virginia Peninsula)

The United Way of the Virginia Peninsula has partnered with local commonwealth's attorneys to create a new seasonal giving initiative - and they're hoping residents will step up to help.

Called "A Way Home," the program provides support for people on the Peninsula facing housing insecurity, domestic violence or emergency transitions.

Krystyn Reid, York-Poquoson's commonwealth attorney, launched the project in collaboration with Charvalla West, CEO of the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.

Commonwealth's attorneys Nate Green of Williamsburg-James City County, Howard Gwynn of Newport News and Anton Bell of Hampton have also joined.

Reid said the concept was inspired by her early work as a prosecutor supporting domestic violence victims and vulnerable families.

"When a household is on the edge of eviction or crisis, even small gaps in basic items can make it harder to stay anchored," Reid told The Triangle. "United Way of the Virginia Peninsula has become such a force for good in stabilizing families across our region, and I wanted our office to support their effort in a meaningful way."

The initiative naturally fits in with the efforts Reid and her colleagues are striving to achieve within the community.

Commonwealth's attorneys are expected to promote justice, which happens not only through prosecution but also "prevention, compassion and helping families stay safe" during difficult times, Reid said.

At the center of A Way Home is a donation drive, which kicked off on Dec. 1 and runs through Jan. 1.

A variety of essential new items are requested, including blankets, towels, small sets of kitchen items, hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Donations of children's comfort items are also needed, including coloring books and small toys.

Organizers are hopeful residents will "shop with compassion" throughout the holiday season, keeping in mind the challenges faced by fellow community members.

Program recipients will be identified by United Way through its community partners and direct case management, ensuring the items go where they are needed.

"These essentials can make a real difference for a family working to maintain housing or rebuild after a crisis," Reid said. "It is a simple way for our community to support neighbors who are trying to stay on their feet."

For United Way, the holiday season has already been off to a busy start. A total of 285 children across the Peninsula will wake up to gifts under their tree on Christmas morning following this year's Angel Tree drive, which wrapped up last week.

The annual drive - made possible through the United Way's partnership with the Salvation Army Peninsula and Williamsburg commands, along with the Gloucester Satellite office - aims to fulfill the Christmas wishes of local children whose families are facing financial hardship.

Wish list items are written on tags and placed at designated Angel tree locations. Community members can then select a tag, purchase the suggested gifts and return them to be distributed to the children's families before Christmas.

Volunteers collected toys for 285 children across the Peninsula as part of this year's Angel Tree program. (Photo courtesy of Charvalla West, United Way of the Virginia Peninsula)

United Way has also been hosting a community-wide food drive, established in response to the government furloughs and SNAP benefit delays last month.

More than 10,000 pounds of food were collected across 51 donation bins hosted by local businesses and organizations. Some sites are still accepting donations, according to West.

Want to help? Donations of new, unwrapped items for A Way Home can be dropped off at the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, 101 York Crossing Road in Yorktown, Mondays through Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Jan. 1.

A donation bin is also available at Reid's office, located at 300 Ballard Street in Yorktown, on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents or businesses interested in further supporting the project can also inquire about hosting a donation bin by calling United Way directly at (757) 229-2222 or e-mailing info@uwvp.org.

Reid emphasized that the list of suggested essentials for the project offers "a strong starting point," but any new household essentials would be appreciated.

For more information, visit uwvp.org.

Judge denies request to pause work on James City County government center

A rendering of the proposed James City County government center. (Photo courtesy of James City County)

A judge declined to issue an injunction last Wednesday that would have paused construction on James City County's controversial new government complex.

Seven county residents initiated a lawsuit against County Administrator Scott Stevens and the Board of Supervisors earlier this month, arguing that the $178 million financing request for the center should require a referendum.

The citizens are represented by Christopher Woodfin, a county resident and attorney who specializes in election law.

The county broke ground on the 180,000-square-foot facility earlier this month near the existing county recreation center on Longhill Road. The new building is expected to replace the existing government complex on Mounts Bay Road. It will also include a Williamsburg Regional Library annex.

Adam Kinsman, James City County's attorney, has filed a motion for the case to be dismissed.

According to court documents Kinsman submitted to The Triangle, the county's request for the case's dismissal is based on a technicality.

Any legal effort to contest the Board of Supervisors' vote needs to be filed within 30 days of that vote, Kinsman is arguing. The final vote regarding the government center took place on Oct. 8. The lawsuit was filed on Nov. 12.

Woodfin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

What's next: The ruling, issued by judge Jan Brodie, means construction by contractor Henderson-Gilbane will proceed, at least for now. A follow-up hearing for the case has been scheduled for Jan. 13.

Curbside recycling is returning to York County, but residents need to take action

A TFC recycling container. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle)

Curbside recycling will finally return to York County during the week of January 5, but residents who want to receive the service will need to act quickly.

Recycling bins from TFC - the previous contractor - need to be replaced with bins from the new contractor before curbside collections can begin.

The county will be picking up TFC-branded recycling canisters and replacing them with new, York County bins during the week of Monday, Dec. 8.

All county residents who have recycling bins with a TFC logo must place their bin at the curb by 7 a.m. on Dec. 8. The cans should be kept at the curb all week long, as pickup may take place any time between Monday and Friday, according to a county news release.

No trash or recyclables should be placed in the TFC bins. Residents who already use a York County recycling bin without a TFC logo will not receive a replacement and do not need to take action.

County Administrator Mark Bellamy said the shift back to providing curbside recycling marks important progress after a monthslong halt of the program, which began after the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA) abruptly terminated its contract with TFC in September.

"We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation as we transition back to curbside recycling," Bellamy said. "This is a big step forward in our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship."

York County is the last of the impacted Peninsula localities to finalize a recycling solution amid the fallout between VPPSA and TFC.

A new pickup schedule will be shared with residents before service resumes, according to the county. For additional information and updates, visit the county's website.

Free holiday parking now available at Prince George Street Parking Garage

The Prince George Street Parking Garage in the City of Williamsburg. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle)

The City of Williamsburg is once again adjusting parking rates for the Prince George Street Parking Garage, located at 230 N. Henry Street, for the holiday season.

Through New Year's Day, Jan. 1, parking will be free for the first four hours of the day. A rate of $1 per hour kicks in after four hours.

The garage consists of 362 parking spaces and two charging locations for electric vehicles. Parking overnight is not permitted.

Daily and hourly parking in the garage is paid for and managed through the Passport app or the first-floor kiosk of the parking garage. Monthly, six-month and annual passes are also available.

IN THE HEADLINES

One year after Williamsburg outlets fire, neighbors still don't know what's next (WTKR)

Virginia lost 10% of community pharmacies over 5 years, study finds (Daily Press)

Teacher pay, union recognition high on new WJCC school board member's to-do list (Williamsburg Watch)

A Gloucester teen is warning others about safety following a fiery Thanksgiving accident. (WAVY)

Suspect identified in deadly Patrick Henry Mall shooting (13News Now)

Virginia ABC launches new campaign with drunk racoon (WRIC)

Christmas trees might be more expensive this year, but growers say high supply will stave off huge hikes (WHRO)

EVENTS THIS WEEK

The holiday season has arrived, and there's so much happening throughout the Historic Triangle. Check out upcoming local events on our community calendar and stay tuned to our Facebook page for exclusive additional coverage.

This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading!

📰 Sign up to receive The Triangle's weekly newsletters here.

🖥️ Visit our website to read previous articles.

📧 Want to reach out? Email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email.

The Triangle exists thanks to generous donations from our readers.

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