About this experience
Experience the magic of Colonial Williamsburg Christmas on one of our most popular private walking tours. Discover the beauty of Colonial Williamsburg's Christmastide as we stroll from the Williamsburg Inn along Duke of Gloucester Street, admiring spectacular holiday decorations, historic homes, and 18th-century architecture. Learn how handcrafted wreaths and garlands are created from fresh greenery, fruits, seed pods, oyster shells, feathers, and other natural materials, then judged in the Professional, Amateur, Trades, and Crafts divisions. Your knowledgeable local guide brings history to life with stories of Christmastide traditions celebrated by plantation owners, middling families, and military during the Revolutionary War. It's the perfect way to experience Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
Note: Traditional ginger cake is included. Tours before 7PM include a beverage. Grand Illuminations: first three Saturdays in December. Yule Log ceremonies: first three Fridays.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Parking is available in nearby lots using the Passport App
What is included
- Parking pass
- 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
- Guide will have 2 lamps for evening tours. However, guests may want to bring a flashlight/lantern
- Colonial ginger cakes or African holiday biscuits (no vegan options)
Not included
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
- Warm clothing including gloves and hat for colder weather.
- Tickets to Colonial Williamsburg
Itinerary and highlights
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Meeting and pickup information
- Meet in front of the Williamsburg Inn. Passport zone is 75760.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Best Williamsburg Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
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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