12 WILD Things to Do in Williamsburg at Night (Local Secrets!)

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Forget powdered wigs and history lessons. When the colonial reenactors clock out and the college crowd rolls in, Williamsburg flips the script. The taverns fill with live music, ghost tours creep through lamp-lit alleys, and those pristine colonial streets come alive with a totally different kind of revolution.

I’ll show you the best things to do in Williamsburg at night, from centuries-old pubs serving modern craft beer to spooky corners where George Washington definitely didn’t sleep. Leave the tourist trap tours for the day crowd – nighttime is when this town shows its true colors!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this evening ghost tour in Colonial Williamsburg! They guide you through historic haunted sites like the Peyton Randolph House, plus you’ll hear true tales of pirates, witch trials, and colonial executions. The costumed guides make dark history come alive after sunset. This ghost tour is absolutely a must-do on a Williamsburg itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in Williamsburg at Night (Updated 2025)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Williamsburg in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in this Southeast US spot after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Williamsburg at night!

1. Take a lantern-lit ghost tour through colonial streets

Ghost tours in Williamsburg run every single night, and honestly, they’re way better than I expected. Colonial Ghosts offers the most authentic experience, starting at 8 PM, 9 PM, and 10 PM nightly from Duke of Gloucester Street in front of the Kimball Theater. The regular tour runs about 60 minutes and costs around $25-30 per person, but you can upgrade to their extended tour for just $5 more to explore haunted spots at William & Mary.

I went on the 9 PM tour last month, and our guide Christine kept everyone totally engaged with stories that actually gave me chills. They take you through spots like the Peyton Randolph House and other genuinely haunted colonial buildings, not just random street corners. The guides use EMF readers and encourage you to take photos – I actually caught some weird green spots in my cemetery shots that weren’t visible to the naked eye.

The tours run rain or shine, so bring a jacket if it’s chilly. You’ll want to arrive 10-15 minutes early since they don’t wait for latecomers. Book online in advance because they do sell out, especially on weekends. Colonial Ghosts has consistently better reviews than the other ghost tour companies, and after experiencing it myself, I can see why.

2. Ride roller coasters after dark at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Williamsburg stays open until 9-10 PM during summer months, and the roller coasters hit completely different after sunset. Single-day tickets start around $35 online (way cheaper than gate prices), and if you’re planning multiple visits, the Fun Card at $99 gives you unlimited access through September.

I rode Griffon and Verbolten in the dark last summer, and the experience was incredible – you can’t see the drops coming, which makes everything more intense. The park transforms at night with string lights throughout the European villages, and they’ve got live music on select evenings during their Summer of Wonder event (running through July 31st).

The food situation is actually pretty solid too. During summer, active members get free beer, and everyone else can snag 50¢ beers from 11 AM to 7 PM at Willkommenhaus. They’ve also got fireworks every Saturday night through the summer, which you can see from anywhere in the park.

Pro tip: weekdays are way less crowded than weekends. Thursday and Wednesday are your best bets for shorter lines if you’re visiting in summer.

3. Join a food tour of historic taverns and modern restaurants

Food tours in Williamsburg are hit or miss, but I’ve found a couple that are actually worth your money. Taste of Williamsburg runs tours that hit about 7-8 local spots in a single afternoon, including everything from Blue Talon Bistro’s famous mac and cheese to fresh fudge at Wythe Candy Shop.

The Colonial Ghosts company also runs a solid food tour that costs around $60-75 per person and includes stops at places like Precarious Beer Hall for chorizo tacos and Amber Ox for their pimento cheese dip. I liked this one because the guide actually knew the history behind the food, not just random restaurant facts.

Taste of Williamsburg meets in Merchant’s Square and runs year-round, rain or shine. You’ll spend about 3 hours walking between spots, so wear comfortable shoes. The portions are designed for sampling, but I was definitely full by the end. Some tours struggle with organization – I’ve heard complaints about last-minute cancellations, so make sure you confirm the morning of your tour.

The best value is probably the evening pub crawl option that combines food with local beer tastings. Just don’t expect colonial-era recipes at every stop – most places serve modern food with some historical context thrown in.

4. Go stargazing at York River State Park

York River State Park is about 20 minutes from downtown Williamsburg, and it’s one of the best stargazing spots on the Virginia Peninsula. The park stays open until sunset (around 8 PM in summer), and there’s a $5 per car admission fee, though you can get an annual Virginia State Parks pass for $85 if you’re planning multiple visits.

I drove out there on a clear night last fall, and the difference from city lights was incredible. The Virginia Peninsula Stargazers sometimes host events here with telescopes, but you can also just bring a blanket and lie on the grass near the York River overlooks. The parking area near the visitor center gives you the darkest skies.

The park has about 6 miles of hiking trails if you want to walk to different viewing spots, but honestly the main picnic area works just fine. I saw the Milky Way clearly, which is impossible in Williamsburg. There are clean restrooms and a playground if you’re bringing kids.

Check the weather before you go – cloudy nights are obviously useless for stargazing. The best viewing is typically 1-2 hours after sunset when your eyes adjust. Bring bug spray in summer and a jacket year-round since it gets chilly near the water.

5. Listen to live music at Berret’s Seafood Restaurant

Berret’s has live music Thursday through Sunday on their outdoor stage, weather permitting, and the vibe is exactly what you want from a Williamsburg night out. They’ve been voted best seafood restaurant by locals for years, which should tell you something about the food quality.

I love their setup – you can eat inside in the converted gas station or grab a table outside under string lights with views of William & Mary campus. The outdoor area is first-come, first-served, so get there early if you want a good spot near the stage. Happy hour runs until 7 PM with $1 oysters, which is an incredible deal.

The music lineup includes local artists playing everything from acoustic sets to full bands. Thursday nights are “Steal the Pint” with different breweries featured, so you get to keep the glass. Their crab cakes are legitimately some of the best I’ve had on the East Coast – not too much filler, just good crab meat.

Parking can be tricky during peak times, but there’s a lot behind the restaurant with one hour free, or paid parking across the street for $2/hour (first two hours free). Reservations are only for indoor dining, so plan accordingly if you want to sit outside.

6. Walk through Merchant’s Square for shopping and dining

Merchant’s Square completely transforms after dark, with soft lighting on all the colonial-style buildings and way fewer tourists than you’ll find during the day. There are over 40 shops and restaurants packed into a few blocks, so you can easily spend an entire evening here.

I actually prefer Merchant’s Square at night because the crowds thin out and you can actually browse the shops without fighting through tour groups. The Cheese Shop stays open late and has an incredible wine selection – perfect for grabbing a bottle and some snacks for your hotel room. Aromas Cafe serves excellent coffee and light dinner if you want something casual.

The square hosts seasonal events like outdoor movie nights and live concerts, usually on weekends. During holidays, they go all out with decorations that look pretty magical when lit up. Street performers sometimes set up near the Kimball Theatre, which adds to the atmosphere.

Williamsburg Winery has a tasting room right on Duke of Gloucester Street that’s open until 8 PM on weekends, serving flights for about $15. It’s way more convenient than driving out to their main vineyard. The Peanut Shop is a local institution – their hand-cooked Virginia peanuts make great gifts, and you can watch them roasting in the window.

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7. Race go-karts and play arcade games at Go-Karts Plus

Go-Karts Plus has been running for over 25 years, and it’s still the best family fun center in Williamsburg. They’re open late March through October (call for exact hours), with four different go-kart tracks including a figure-8 course that gets pretty intense.

You’ve got two pricing options: all-day wristbands for $40 per person or “Play & Ride” cards that you can load with credits. I’d recommend the wristband if you’re planning to do multiple activities since mini golf alone costs $10 per person, and each major ride runs $7-10 per person. The wristband also includes bumper cars, blaster boats, and the DISK’O thrill ride.

The arcade is pretty standard ticket-based games, but they’ve got decent prizes if you’re into that. My kids spent about $20 in credits and came away with typical arcade prizes. The Python Kiddie Coaster is perfect for younger kids, and there’s a free toddler play area.

Local residents get a sweet deal – $25 wristbands from 5 PM to close if you show your driver’s license. The place gets busy on weekends, but weekday evenings are usually pretty chill. Free admission and parking, which is nice since a lot of family attractions charge just to get in the door.

8. Sip wine at Williamsburg Winery’s vineyard

Williamsburg Winery is about 10 minutes from downtown, and their evening atmosphere is honestly perfect for a date night or just unwinding with friends. They’re open until 8 PM on weekends, and their Gabriel Archer Tavern serves dinner if you want to make it a full evening.

I went for their Barrel Mates wine flight last month – four 2-oz pours for about $15, featuring wines aged in different barrel types. Their Governors’ White Riesling is surprisingly good, and the vineyard views at sunset are pretty spectacular. They’ve got outdoor seating where you can bring your wine and just chill.

They host live music events throughout the summer – check their website for the schedule since it changes monthly. Speedquizzing Trivia happens every Sunday at 2 PM in the tasting room, which is a fun way to spend an afternoon if you’re competitive. Winner gets Williamsburg Winery gift cards.

The Wedmore Place hotel is right on the property if you want to stay overnight, and they often have packages that include wine tastings and dinner. During Williamsburg Whiskey & Wine Weekend (June 27-29), they do special events and extended hours. Tours of the vineyard and production facility run regularly, but call ahead to confirm times.

9. Explore America’s first colony at Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement is open 9 AM to 5 PM daily with evening programs available by special booking. Regular admission is $17 for adults and $8 for kids 6-12, but locals from James City County, York County, and Williamsburg get free admission with ID.

The Director’s Series runs at 7 PM with special speakers – tickets are $10 per program or $50 for the entire series. These evening events are way more intimate than the daytime crowds, and you’ll actually learn stuff from experts rather than just walking around on your own.

I took the evening tour last spring, and seeing the recreated James Fort and Powhatan village without the usual school groups made it feel much more authentic. The historical interpreters really know their stuff and can answer detailed questions about colonial life. The replica ships Godspeed and Discovery are fascinating, though the Susan Constant is away for restoration.

The museum galleries are packed with actual artifacts from the archaeological site, including some pretty gruesome surgical tools and weapons. The 4D Bacon’s Rebellion theater is worth experiencing – it’s cheesy but informative. If you’re really into history, combine this with Historic Jamestowne where the actual excavation is happening. The combo ticket saves you money and gives you the full story.

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10. Catch a show at Kimball Theatre

Kimball Theatre has been Williamsburg’s cultural hub for 90 years, and they’ve got a surprisingly diverse lineup of performances. The venue holds 400 people in the main theater, making every show feel intimate and personal.

Opera in Williamsburg presents fully-staged productions with world-class singers – their next show is Lucia Di Lammermoor in September with performances Wednesday, Friday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:30 PM. William & Mary also hosts concerts, plays, and film screenings throughout the academic year.

I caught a William & Mary dance performance there last month, and the acoustics and sightlines are excellent from every seat. The theater is right in Merchant’s Square, so you can easily grab dinner before or drinks after the show. Box office opens one hour before showtime, and the house opens 30 minutes prior.

Parking is available in the Colonial Williamsburg lots near Merchant’s Square – just feed the meter or use the parking app. The theater books everything from classical music to contemporary performances, so check their calendar regularly. William & Mary students get discounted tickets for most shows, and many community events are free or very reasonably priced.

11. Stroll through Williamsburg Botanical Garden at twilight

Williamsburg Botanical Garden is free and open daily until sunset, tucked away in Freedom Park on Centerville Road. It’s only 2 acres, so don’t expect Brooklyn Botanic Garden, but it’s a peaceful spot that most tourists never find.

I love going there in the hour before sunset when the light filters through the native plants and you might spot local wildlife. The garden focuses on Virginia Coastal Plain species, so you’re seeing plants that actually belong here rather than exotic imports. Everything’s labeled with both common and scientific names, which is helpful if you’re trying to learn.

The Butterfly Garden and Monarch Way Station are especially pretty in summer, and there are several spots with benches where you can sit and decompress. The Pollinator Meadow attracts tons of birds and butterflies – I’ve seen everything from herons to tiny songbirds just in the 30 minutes I typically spend there.

It’s dog-friendly as long as you keep them leashed, and the paths are ADA-compliant. The garden hosts educational events throughout the year, including a Butterfly Festival in August. Free parking, free admission, and it’s genuinely peaceful – especially compared to the crowds at Colonial Williamsburg. Perfect if you need to reset between more touristy activities.

12. Watch historical reenactments in Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg‘s evening programs are where the real magic happens, when the day crowds disappear and the historic area feels authentic. Their Haunted Williamsburg tour is the only ghost tour that actually goes inside historic buildings, running select nights with costumed storytellers carrying lanterns.

I’ve done their candlelit walking programs multiple times, and the atmosphere with flickering lanterns on Duke of Gloucester Street is incredible. They do historical reenactments of court trials, debates, and colonial entertainment that feel way more immersive than the daytime demonstrations. The actors stay in character and really know their history.

Colonial Williamsburg requires separate tickets beyond regular admission for most evening programs – prices vary but expect to pay $15-25 per person. The Haunted Williamsburg tour runs about an hour and includes stories spanning from colonial times through the Civil War, all set in actual historic buildings rather than random street corners.

Their evening programs change seasonally, so check the events calendar before your visit. During holidays like Christmas, they go all out with special evening events and extended hours. The Historic Area pass includes most daytime activities, but you’ll need additional tickets for the premium evening experiences. It’s totally worth it though – seeing Williamsburg by candlelight is completely different from the daytime tourist experience.