Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour

4.9
(22 reviews)

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1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

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)
Bottled water
Gratuities
Warm clothing including gloves and hat for colder weather.
Tickets to Colonial Williamsburg

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Williamsburg Inn, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel

Meet in front of the Williamsburg Inn. Passport zone is 75760.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Williamsburg Inn, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel

    We will park our cars and meet in the lobby to orient ourselves to the holiday decoration rules, plan our walking route, set up lights if dark and begin our holiday journey. Parking is included.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    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.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    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.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 4
    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.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    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).

    10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 6
    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.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free

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
Supplied by Best Williamsburg Tours

Tags

Christmas
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Walking Tours
Seasonal
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.9 Based on 22 22 reviews
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