Williamsburg Holiday Decorations Private Tour

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.

Meeting Point

Williamsburg Inn

136 Francis St E, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

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

What's included:

• Parking pass
• Guide will have 2 lamps for evening tours. However, guests may want to bring a flashlight/lantern
• Private certified guide familiar with holiday decoration rules and holiday celebrations

Not included:

• Warm clothing including gloves and hat for colder weather.
• Tickets to Colonial Williamsburg

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Williamsburg Inn

136 Francis St E, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

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

Colonial Williamsburg

101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, 23185-4565, Virginia

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

Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building

500 E Duke of Gloucester, Williamsburg, 23185, Virginia

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

Governor's Palace

300 Palace Green St, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, 23185, Virginia

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

Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square

134 N Henry St, Williamsburg, 23185-4138, Virginia

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

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

201 W Duke of Gloucester St, (Next to Palace Green), Williamsburg, 23185-4201, Virginia

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