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Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour

Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour

Overview

This exclusive, private tour (only your group) highlights Colonial Williamsburg's Christmas traditions and picturesque holiday decorations of our historical area. This tour provides insight about the materials, crafts people, construction and design of the wreaths and garlands adorning the exterior of most 18th Century buildings, exhibits and private homes and different judging categories. We meet at The Williamsburg Inn to admire the decorations and begin our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We'll discuss how holidays were celebrated in 17th and 18th Centuries here in Virginia including plantations, our Capital cities and during the Revolutionary War (e.g., Continental Army). Holiday biscuits by African descendants or traditional gingerbread cookies are offered. If before 7PM, we offer hot beverages.

Note: Grand Illuminations are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December.

City: Williamsburg

Sat 14 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $125.00

Make a reservation

Sat 14 Jun

Starting at $125.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Parking pass

Guide will have 2 lamps for evening tours. However, guests may want to bring a flashlight/lantern

Optional hot chocolate, coffee or cider (if available as sometimes the products are sold out or unavailable if after 7pm).

Private certified guide familiar with holiday decoration rules and holiday celebrations

Colonial ginger cakes or African holiday biscuits (no vegan options)

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Parking is available in nearby lots using the Passport App

What To Expect

Colonial Williamsburg

Enjoy a private guided tour along the Duke of Gloucester of Colonial Williamsburg's exterior building holiday decorations and learn about the materials, construction techniques, categories for judging the decorations and types of participation for these 18th Century decorations.

Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building

At the end of Duke of Gloucester, we'll see the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building. We'll discuss some of the history of the Capitol and then turn and walk along the other side.

Governor's Palace

As we pass the Palace Green on Duke of Gloucester, we'll see the Governor's Palace. If visitors want to walk closer to the palace after the tour, they are welcome to go check out the holiday decorations on the Palace.

Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square

We'll begin our holiday journey with a meeting in front of The Dog Street Pub on Merchant Square and take in a breathtaking view of some of the decorations by our local merchants before making our journey along the Duke of Gloucester Street towards The Capitol. Roundtrip from Merchants Square to The Capitol is a little over 1 mile and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Note: this is a seasonal tour offered from November 25, 2022 through January 1, 2023. Keep in mind that the later tour time of 5pm may be darker although there are lights along the Duke of Gloucester. Because this is a new offering, we are manually accepting requests until our booking system catches up (thereafter, it will be automatic confirmation).

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

We will end our tour near historical Bruton Parish Church built in 1715 and discuss some of its history and Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin who helped inspire the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. The ice skating rink and Merchant's Square are close by for travelers to enjoy some refreshing treats and hot drinks as we conclude our tour. Hot beverages are offered at no charge before 7pm if the ice skating rink shop is still open.

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (21)

CynthiaY103

Dec 2022

The holiday decorations throughout Colonial Williamsburg are beautiful this time of year. They unique, creative, historic and whimsical. I've always wanted to know more about the lovely Christmas decorations and traditions and how the Colonists celebrated the holidays. Bambi's tour was informative, entertaining, and fun, and put the decorations and celebrations into context. she even provided samples of a yummy Colonial tea cake that African-Americans served to their families during the holidays.

Jon_Maurice_44

Dec 2022

I had taken a previous tour with Bambi which is why I took this tour. She is amazing and knows her history of the Colonial Williamsburg, the history of the decorations, she always has a smile on her face and her happiness and enthusiasm is infectious. She told us all about the decorations, the holidays, she had the correct stops, breaks and kept us going. She also has a breakfast tour at the Williamsburg Inn for foodies, if the weather is bad or if you don’t want to walk. This is a 5 star must do during the holidays.

Robert_W

Nov 2022

We've been visiting Colonial Williamsburg for the holidays for over 20 years, and this is the best holiday tour. Our guide, Bambi, provided extensive knowledge about the 18th Century celebrations, in-depth details about the fresh fruit, dried herbs, flowers and unusual whimsical items like the clay pipes, playing cards, 18th Century tools, dolls and more to make the wall plaques, Della Robbia wreaths, sprays and roping. We learned about the 4 categories of judging and the blue ribbons, green ribbon and yellow ribbon. She retold stories of the holiday seasons for the wealthy and enslaved (including an inspiration plantation slave story from Wilford Kale's book, the 12 days and many others). We felt the enthusiasm, giving and warmth of the season with a visit to the Williamsburg Inn and a small treasure of a gift - an African American tea cake.