About this experience
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.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Souvenir button
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Our guide will explore the Church's role during Christmas, the colonists' attitudes towards the Christmastide season, and how they decorated for the holiday.
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.
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.
Our guide will cover the history of the house, its decorations, and the differences between Christmas for the family and for the enslaved individuals.
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.
The guide will provide an overview of the building's history, explore the significance of taverns during colonial times, and describe the thematic decor.
Meeting and pickup information
- 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.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Shades of Our Past
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
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