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

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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!

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

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Williamsburg Christmas Market, tree lightings and more events this week

Nov. 25, 2025

Williamsburg Christmas Market, tree lightings and more events this week

The Williamsburg Christmas Market returns on Nov. 28. (Photo courtesy of CultureFix)

The Historic Triangle is set to ring in the holiday season with a variety of festive events this week.

Thanksgiving Day will kick off with the Blue Talon Bistro Turkey Trot, followed by Colonial Williamsburg's Thanksgiving Proclamation.

Heading into the weekend, the annual Foods and Feasts of Colonial Virginia will return to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement.

Guests will be able to explore centuries-old culinary practices and cooking techniques of early Virginia. The event is included with museum admission, which is free for residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg with proof of residency.

The Williamsburg Christmas Market will return just in time for Black Friday, offering shoppers an opportunity to find unique gifts while supporting local and regional businesses.

Presented by CultureFix and the City of Williamsburg, the European-style market features 40 vendor chalets set to the backdrop of cheerful Christmas music and glowing firepits.

The family-friendly market - which runs Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 28 through Dec. 21 - includes live entertainment, photo ops with Santa and train rides. Market food, gluhwein (warm spiced wine) and craft beers will be available for purchase.

There is a one-time admission fee of $5 per person for adults attending on Fridays through Sundays. Each entrant will receive a card that can be used for all additional visits. Admission is free on Thursdays, and there is no charge for guests 18 or under or students with IDs.

The holiday festivities continue on Saturday with tree lighting ceremonies in Merchants Square and Port Warwick.

Several local museums - including Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown - will offer special discounts as part of Museum Store Sunday on Nov. 30.

Additional highlights this week include the debut of a new Wassailing in Williamsburg program at Colonial Williamsburg, free photos with Santa at New Town and the return of Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park.

This will be our last newsletter this week due to the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

See below for our curated guide to things to do around the Historic Triangle, Nov. 25 - 30.

Correction: Last week, our article on the new "Finding the Dragon" exhibition at Jamestown Settlement highlighted a rare Ming porcelain bottle and stated that only 44 of the kind have ever existed worldwide. In fact, only three bottles of the kind have ever existed worldwide, one of which is owned by King Charles III. An updated version of the story is available here.

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Each week, we scour event calendars from across the region and send readers a list of local events and activities worthy of their time. For additional event details, click on the bolded, hyperlinked titles.

Tuesday, Nov. 25

FILM

Art House Café: "My Life as a Turkey" | Williamsburg Library Theatre | This film series brings an art house film flavor to your Tuesdays and features a post-film discussion. This week's feature is "My Life as a Turkey" (2011, G). This documentary follows naturalist Joe Hutto as he spends 18 months raising wild turkeys. Free. 2 - 4:30 pm.

HOLIDAY EVENT

Folk Hymns for Thanksgiving | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | Part of the Hennage Holiday Concert Series, this concert features Harvest Home anthems, hymns of gratitude and lively songs to observe Thanksgiving. Presented by John Turner and Kelly Kennedy. Tickets are $10 for adults and youth 6 and over, $5 for children 5 and under. 4 - 5 pm.

Wednesday, Nov. 26

HOLIDAY EVENT

Jane Austen's Songbook | Hennage Auditorium | Kelly Kennedy presents a fun and festive holiday performance featuring songs, stories and carols from Jane Austen's World. Tickets are $10 for adults and youth 6-12, $5 for children 0-5.

Thursday, Nov. 27

The Turkey Trot, presented by Blue Talon Bistro, returns to the heart of Williamsburg's historic area on Thanksgiving Day. (Photo courtesy of Blue Talon Bisto)

THANKSGIVING DAY 🦃

Turkey Trot | Blue Talon Bistro | Kick off your Thanksgiving holiday by getting a healthy dose of exercise at this family-friendly, stroller-friendly event-- or simply watch the runners as they participate. The race begins at 8:30 am and the Kid's One Mile Fun Run starts at 8 am. Children will be greeted at the finish line by Santa & Mrs. Claus, and the 5K runners will be led by the Fife & Drums.

Thanksgiving Proclamation | Thanksgiving Proclamation | Hennage Auditorium | Hear a special proclamation from President Washington on the 236th anniversary of Thanksgiving, which was officially established as a day of "public thanksgiving and prayer" on Nov. 26, 1789. Free & open to the public. 11 - 11:45 am.

Friday, Nov. 28

HOLIDAY EVENTS

History of the Holidays Series | Hennage Auditorium | This holiday series focuses on a variety of topics related to the history of the holidays in Virginia. The Nov. 28 program features a presentation by Rebecca Godzik titled "Twelve Days of Fashions for the Christmastide Bride." Free & open to the public. 1:30 -2:15 pm.

Lighting of the Cressets | Colonial Williamsburg | Nov. 28 & 29 | Head to Duke of Gloucester Street for the Lighting of the Cressets: a fan-favorite tradition. Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century streets will come to life at night with strolling musicians. Free. 6 - 9 pm.

Saturday, Nov. 29

The annual Merchants Square tree lighting will be held on Nov. 29. (Photo courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Small Business Saturday at Merchants Square | Merchants Square | Williamsburg | Celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts from the shops at Merchants Square. See the website for a list of specials.

Photos with Santa | 4915 Courthouse Street | Santa Claus is coming to New Town on select dates. Stop by Santa's Workshop to the right of Regal New Town, Nov. 29 - 30 and Dec. 6 - 7, 13 - 14 and 20 - 21, from noon to 3:30 pm. Free.

Merchants Square Tree Lighting | Merchants Square | Kick off the holiday season with the annual Merchants Square Tree Lighting. Enjoy holiday music from the Colonial Singers and Period Music's Fifes and Drums. A tree lighting and appearance by Father Christmas will conclude the evening. Free. 5 pm.

A Charles Dickens Christmas | Hennage Auditorium | Enjoy readings from various Charles Dickens writings paired with Christmas carols of the Victorian era. Tickets are $10 for adults and youth 12 and over, $5 for children 5 and under. 4 pm.

Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting | 3100 William Styron Square | Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a tree lighting at Port Warwick. This family-friendly, community event will include live holiday music by local choral groups, train rides, holiday balloons and games, face paintings and a meet and greet with Santa. Cookies and cider will be available while supplies last, and food trucks will be on site. Free. 5 - 8 pm.

Lighting of the Cressets | Colonial Williamsburg | Nov. 28 & 29 | Head to Duke of Gloucester Street for the Lighting of the Cressets: a fan-favorite tradition. Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century streets will come to life at night with strolling musicians. Free. 6 - 9 pm.

KIDS

Turkey Tales! | Newport News Park: Discovery Center | Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Newport News Park while attending this educational program all about turkeys. Free. 11 am & 2 pm.

NATURE

Photo Walk | York River State Park | Learn how to take beautiful photographs of local landscapes during this guided walk with an interpretive ranger. Included with standard admission. 1 - 3 pm.

LIVE MUSIC

Organ Recital: Dr. JanEl Will | Bruton Parish Church | Enjoy a recital of 18th-century music by Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish Church. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm.

MARKETS

Williamsburg Farmers Market | 345 W Duke of Gloucester St. | Shop from the finest Virginia-grown and Virginia-made produce, plants and products. This farmers market features over 40 vendors, live music and children's programming. Rain or shine. Free admission. 8 am - 12 pm.

Toano Open Air Market | 7891 Richmond Road | Toano | Shop from various vendors selling their finest products. Located on the Village Green near Hohl. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm.

Hilton Village Farmers Market | 10260 Warwick Blvd | Historic Hilton Village's weekly market on Main is held every Saturday, year-round. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm.

Sunday, Nov. 30

"Storytime with Santa" returns to Mariners' Museum on Nov. 30. (Photo courtesy of the Mariners' Museum and Park)

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Storytime with Santa | The Mariners' Museum and Park | Children and their families are invited to attend a meet-and-greet with Santa featuring hot chocolate or cider, cookies and coloring activities. The price is $1 per person. Children 3 years and under are free. 9 am & 11:30 am. This event will also be held on Dec. 6 & 13.

Music and Dance of a Scottish Yuletide | Hennage Auditorium | Celebrate the holiday season with festive music and dances of a Scottish Christmas featuring Fiddler David Gardner and Highland Dancer Eliza Gardner. Tickets are $10 for adults and youth 6 and over, $5 for children under 5.

Museum Store Sunday | Support local museums - including Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Virginia Living Museum and Mariners' Museum and Park - on Museum Store Sunday on Nov. 30.

CRAFT

Sit & Stitch | James City County Library | This program provides a space for knitters, crocheters and hand-stitchers to meet and stitch along with others. No registration needed. Free. 1 - 2:30 pm.

Multi-Day

An interpreter presents a cooking demonstration during Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia. (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)

SEASONAL EVENTS

Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | Nov. 28 & 29 | Explore centuries-old culinary practices and cooking techniques of early Virginia. Living-history interpreters will prepare a variety of 18th-century dishes. Included with museum admission. Admission is free for residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg with proof of residency. 9 am - 5 pm.

Williamsburg Christmas Market | Downtown Williamsburg | Thurs - Sun., Nov. 28 - Dec. 21 | This European-inspired Christmas market features 40 vendor chalets, daily photo ops with Santa, train rides, live entertainment, a petting zoo and Christmas music. Market food, gluhwein (warm spiced wine) and craft beers will also be available. There is a one-time $5 entrance fee for admission for adults 18+ on Fridays-Sundays. Guests will receive a card to use for all future visits. Admission is free on Thursdays. See the website for hours.

Photos with Santa | 4915 Courthouse Street | Santa Claus is coming to New Town on select dates, and children are invited to have their photo taken with him. He'll be at Santa's Workshop to the right of Regal New Town, Nov. 29 - 30 and Dec. 6 - 7, 13 - 14 and 20 - 21, from noon to 3:30 pm. Free.

Wassailing in Williamsburg | In front of the Courthouse | Colonial Williamsburg | Daily, Nov. 24 - 30 | Celebrate the Christmastide season with holiday tales, music and carols. Free & open to the public. 12 - 12:45 pm.

Ice Skating at the Liberty Ice Pavilion | Colonial Williamsburg | Outdoor ice-skating returns to historic Duke of Gloucester Street for the season on Nov. 21. Refreshments, including hot cider, coffee and baked treats, will be available for purchase steps away from the ice. See the operating schedule here. Regular daily rates are $16 for adults, $14 for youth age 3 - 12. Skate rentals are $6. Season ice passes are also available.

Art Museums Overview: Holiday Edition | Art Museums | Colonial Williamsburg | Daily, except Christmas Day, Nov. 24 - Dec. 31 | Enjoy the holiday season with a 30-minute guided tour of the Art Museums at Colonial Williamsburg. Free & open to the public. 10:30 - 11 am & 11:30 am - 12 pm.

Winter Lantern Festival | Jamestown Settlement | Enjoy a dazzling display of light while strolling through Jamestown Settlement. This family-friendly event features handcrafted lanterns inspired by ancient folklore. Local vendors will offer food and drinks on site. Tickets are $18 - $24 and are available here.

Christmas Town | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Christmas cheer returns to Busch Gardens Nov. 14 - Jan. 4. Enjoy more than 10 million twinkling lights, holiday shows, classic traditions like Christmas Town Express, seasonal shopping, photo ops with Santa and theme park rides and attractions. See the website to purchase tickets.

Celebration in Lights | Newport News Park | Celebrate the return of Virginia's original holiday drive-through light show. Enjoy two miles of cheerful holiday scenes created with over one million twinkling lights. Daily, Nov. 27 - Jan. 1. 5:30 - 10 pm. Tickets are $15 per car Monday - Thursday, $20 per car Friday - Sunday. Advance purchase tickets are $12 and good for any night.

Toys for Tots at The Mariners' | The Mariners' Museum and Park | The annual toy drive at Mariners' Museum has returned for the holiday season. The museum will be a Toys for Tots drop-off location through Sunday, Nov. 30. Toys can be dropped off in the Main Lobby. The museum is open daily from 9 am - 5 pm. Additional Hampton Roads drop-off locations are listed here.

Winter Whimsey | Hampton Carousel | Celebrate winter with holiday music, festively decorated horses and a free candy cane with each visit. Admission is free. Rides are $1. Open daily except Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, 11 am - 8 pm.

ART

Holland Wentz Etheridge and Jim Dees: Learning from Teaching | Williamsburg Library | Two local art instructors will reflect on the influence their students have had on their art. Available in the Theatre Gallery during the library's regular operating hours, Nov. 29 - Dec. 12.

FUTURE EVENTS TO NOTE

Christmas Tree Lighting | Riverwalk Landing | Dec. 5 | The holiday season begins in Yorktown with the annual tree lighting. This event features holiday music, a meeting from Mrs. Claus and the lighting of a spectacular 24-foot tree. Free. 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade | 331 Water Street | Dec. 6 | Attend an annual community tradition featuring caroling, complimentary hot cider from the Boy Scouts of America and a lighted boat parade along the Yorktown Waterfront. Free. 5 - 7:30 pm.

Williamsburg Christmas Parade | Downtown Williamsburg | Dec. 7 | The 2025 Williamsburg Christmas Parade is themed "Rockin Retro Christmas." This beloved annual parade brings the community together with a cheerful display of holiday spirit. Free. 5 pm.

Flute Frenzy Presents Season of Peace | King of Glory Lutheran Church | Dec. 14 | Flute Frenzy's adult and youth choirs will present an afternoon of holiday favorites and beloved melodies celebrating peace, brought to life by the whole family of flutes - from piccolo to contrabass. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted. 2:30 pm.

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

The Triangle exists thanks to the support of our generous readers.

Support Our Work

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

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

📧 To reach out, email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email.