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Offered languages
- English
Have you ever wondered how our modern Christmas traditions began? Join us for a 1-hour walking tour through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, where your guide will reveal the colonial Christmas celebrations that shaped our current traditions. You'll also learn how the decorating style of Colonial Williamsburg influenced decorations across the nation.
Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entry to any buildings owned by Colonial Williamsburg. The tour takes place through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg and is subject to weather conditions. Please be prepared for various weather scenarios. Additionally, the advertised tour route may change based on activities in the Historic Area.
Please note that tours may be unavailable on certain days due to staff participating in other events. For more details about these programs, please visit our website.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our tour guide will meet you on the corner of West Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Green beside Bruton Parish Church. If you want to use a GPS to find the location, please enter the following address into your device: 201 W. Duke of Gloucester Street.
This tour will end in front of the historic Raleigh Tavern at 413 E. Duke of Gloucester Street.
Itinerary
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1Bruton Parish Episcopal Church
Our guide will explore the Church's role during Christmas, the colonists' attitudes towards the Christmastide season, and how they decorated for the holiday.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2George Wythe House
Our guide will explain a brief history of the house, the Colonial love of symmetry, how it is incorporated into modern Christmas decorations, and the origin of the decoration contest.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3
Our guide will provide a brief history of the house, discuss the decoration, and explain how our modern Christmas traditions began, including the first recorded Christmas tree in Virginia.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4Peyton Randolph House
Our guide will cover the history of the house, its decorations, and the differences between Christmas for the family and for the enslaved individuals.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
5
Our guide will discuss a brief history of the Ludwell-Paradise House, including its role in the restoration of the historic area, and its decorations.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
6Raleigh Tavern
The guide will provide an overview of the building's history, explore the significance of taverns during colonial times, and describe the thematic decor.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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