Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour

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.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   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.

2. 2

   Colonial Williamsburg

   45 min

   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.

3. 3

   Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building

   10 min

   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.

4. 4

   Governor's Palace

   5 min

   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. 5

   Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square

   10 min

   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).

6. 6

   Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

   10 min

   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.

• 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

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