In 1619, after a stormy voyage across the Atlantic, the Good Ship Margaret landed at Berkeley Hundred with thirty-six men aboard. In accordance with the instructions given in the charter by the Virginia Company, these settlers observed the first official English Thanksgiving in the New World. Join us at Berkeley Plantation on November 2, 2025, as we celebrate this historic event with the Virginia Thanksgiving Festival.
Advance tickets are $20 (+3.18 fee) per car and includes activities and entertainment for the entire family. Tickets are also available at the gate for $25 per car.
At 11:00 a.m. the festivities begin with a parade led by the Williamsburg Pipes and Drum. Families take part in colonial games, dancing, crafts, petting zoo, and demonstrations. Jonathon Austin will entertain families with his juggling and magic show. The Chickahominy Tribal Dancers perform as well as the Colonial Singers of Williamsburg and Itinerant Band. The re-enactment of the landing, moderated by Bill Bevins, begins at 3:00 p.m. followed by the traditional Native American friendship dance which concludes the day.
Food, house tours, arts, crafts, and jewelry are available for purchase.
For more information visit: www.virginiathanksgivingfestival.net
