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 spectacular decorations and begin our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We'll discuss how holidays were celebrated in 18th Century Williamsburg, on Virginia's plantations and during the Revolutionary War. Gingerbread cookies are offered to guests.
Note: Grand Illuminations are the first, second and third Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks from the Governor’s Palace and Capitol). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December. Decorations are judged Monday after the first Grand Illumination and a second time two weeks later.
Note: Grand Illuminations are the first, second and third Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks from the Governor’s Palace and Capitol). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December. Decorations are judged Monday after the first Grand Illumination and a second time two weeks later.
Inclusions
- Snacks - 18th Century Gingersnaps (currently no vegan option) unique to Colonial Williamsburg
- Coffee and/or Tea - Optional hot chocolate, coffee or cider (if available as sometimes the products are sold out or unavailable).
- Guide will have 2 lamps for evening tours. However, guests may want to bring a flashlight/lantern
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Merchants Square, 134 N Henry St, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4138
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).
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, 201 W Duke of Gloucester St (Next to Palace Green), Williamsburg, VA 23185-4201
As we walk along the Duke of Gloucester and take in the amazing holiday decorations, we'll pass this historical church built in 1715 and discuss some of it's history and Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin who helped inspire the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Governor's Palace, Northern End of Palace Green Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building, W Duke of Gloucester St, Cool, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Our tour ends at the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building as we conclude our tour of the decorations on the Duke of Gloucester Street. We'll discuss some of the history of the Capitol and then turn and walk along the other side.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Colonial Williamsburg, 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4565
Enjoy a private guided tour 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.
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Merchants Square, 134 N Henry St, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4138
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).
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, 201 W Duke of Gloucester St (Next to Palace Green), Williamsburg, VA 23185-4201
As we walk along the Duke of Gloucester and take in the amazing holiday decorations, we'll pass this historical church built in 1715 and discuss some of it's history and Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin who helped inspire the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Governor's Palace, Northern End of Palace Green Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building, W Duke of Gloucester St, Cool, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Our tour ends at the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building as we conclude our tour of the decorations on the Duke of Gloucester Street. We'll discuss some of the history of the Capitol and then turn and walk along the other side.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Colonial Williamsburg, 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4565
Enjoy a private guided tour 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.
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- Parking is available in nearby lots using the Passport App
- This is an outdoor walking tour. All guides have COVID boosters including recent bivalent booster and flu vaccine.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Lou Ann P
January 2023
Our Williamsburg Christmas Decorations tour was one of the best tours we have ever been on. Bambi was so knowledgeable about our American history and the materials that are used in making wreaths and decorations! We would definitely go on a tour with her again!!
Our Williamsburg Christmas Decorations tour was one of the best tours we have ever been on. Bambi was so knowledgeable about our American history and the materials that are used in making wreaths and decorations! We would definitely go on a tour with her again!!Kevin_W
December 2022
Learning about colonial Williamsburg’s history around Christmas. Our tour guide (Bambi) was very knowledgeable about the history colonial Williamsburg. She also was very nice. I recommend this tour. I learned a lot in an hour and a half. Also she gave us some cookies that were out of this wor...
Learning about colonial Williamsburg’s history around Christmas. Our tour guide (Bambi) was very knowledgeable about the history colonial Williamsburg. She also was very nice. I recommend this tour. I learned a lot in an hour and a half. Also she gave us some cookies that were out of this world good. Thank you BambiCynthiaY103
December 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 informativ...
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
December 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 ho...
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
November 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 cl...
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.