When to Go

Fall and spring are the most pleasant times to go to the Historic Triangle. Winters can be chilly and summers in Virginia are damp and hot. Remember that many of the attractions involve walking from building to building or touring battlegrounds. If you go in summer, plan to tour in the morning and evening, reserving the hottest part of the midday for air-conditioned museums or water activities.

Festivals

Grand Illuminations. During December's Grand Illuminations in Williamsburg, Virginia, 18th-century entertainment is performed on several outdoor stages; fireworks and gunshots are also part of the festivities. The historic area stays open during the celebration. Williamsburg, Virginia, 23185. 888/965--7254; www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com.

Military Through the Ages. In March, Military Through the Ages in Jamestown, Virginia, uses authentic weapons in a series of reenactments of battles from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Rte. 359, Virginia, 23185. 757/253–4838; www.historyisfun.org.

100 Miles of Lights. Every fall, this area (which probably contains more than 100 miles) lights up with millions of Christmas lights. Some parts are walk-throughs, some drive-throughs. Hampton has 4 miles of drivable lights set to music you can listen to on your radio. Williamsburg lights up Colonial town and ends the night with fireworks. A favorite place is the Boardwalk at Virginia Beach–-drive on the boardwalk for miles of lights. Virginia. 888/493--7386; 100milesoflights.com.

Virginia Thanksgiving Festival. The Virginia Thanksgiving Festival, at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia, reenacts the original Thanksgiving of December 4, 1619, with performances of period music and the participation of costumed colonists and Native Americans. The reenact occurs on the first Sunday in November. 12602 Harrison Landing, Charles City, Virginia, 23030. 804/829–6018; www.berkeleyplantation.com.

Yorktown Day. Observances in Yorktown, Virginia, celebrate the Colonial victory in the American War of Independence annually on October 19 with 18th-century tactical demonstrations, patriotic exercises, and a wreath-laying ceremony. Colonial Pkwy., Yorktown, Virginia, 23690. 757/898–2410; www.nps.gov/colo.