Overview

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 spectacular decorations and begin our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We'll discuss how holidays were celebrated in 18th Century Williamsburg, on Virginia's plantations and during the Revolutionary War. Gingerbread cookies are offered to guests.

Note: Grand Illuminations are the first, second and third Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks from the Governor’s Palace and Capitol). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December. Decorations are judged Monday after the first Grand Illumination and a second time two weeks later.

Description

Stop At: Merchants Square, 134 N Henry St, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

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).

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, 201 W Duke of Gloucester St, (Next to Palace Green), Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

As we walk along the Duke of Gloucester and take in the amazing holiday decorations, we'll pass this historical church built in 1715 and discuss some of it's history and Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin who helped inspire the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Governor's Palace, Northern End of Palace Green, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, 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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building, W Duke of Gloucester St,, Cool, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Our tour ends at the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building as we conclude our tour of the decorations on the Duke of Gloucester Street. We'll discuss some of the history of the Capitol and then turn and walk along the other side.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: Colonial Williamsburg, 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Enjoy a private guided tour 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.