Colonial Williamsburg: Christmas Walking Tour

Visitors can experience the charm of Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday season on the Christmas Walking Tour. For just $25, they’ll join a knowledgeable guide dressed in colonial attire for a 2-hour stroll through the beautifully decorated streets. Along the way, they’ll learn about the first Christmas tree in America and discover the unique holiday practices of 18th-century Virginia’s colonists. With an impressive 4.7/5 rating, this engaging tour promises an educational and memorable journey into the festive traditions of the past. What secrets might the colonial streets reveal?

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Good To Know

A 2-hour guided walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg that focuses on 18th-century Virginia holiday traditions, including the first Christmas tree in America.
Priced at $25 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
Led by a knowledgeable guide in colonial attire who shares historical anecdotes and engages participants in the experience.
Opportunity to explore festively decorated streets, take photos of Christmas decorations, and learn about colonists’ holiday practices, including Masonic services.
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing recommended, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges due to extensive walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the festive atmosphere of 18th-century Virginia.

During this 2-hour guided walking tour, guests can explore the beautifully decorated streets and learn about the colonial traditions and practices that defined the holiday season centuries ago.

The tour is priced at $25 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment, allowing them to plan their visit with flexibility.

The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide dressed in colonial attire, providing an immersive and engaging experience.

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Tour Highlights

Visitors can explore festively decorated streets and learn about 18th-century Christmas celebrations during the Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Tour.

The tour highlights include:

Discovering the first Christmas tree in America and local traditions
Hearing stories about colonists’ holiday practices, including Masonic private holiday services
Snapping photos of colorful Christmas decorations

The guided experience features a live tour guide in colonial costume who shares historical anecdotes.

Past participants have highly rated the tour, with an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 14 reviews.

Guided Experience

A live tour guide in colonial costume leads the Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Tour, engaging participants with informative historical anecdotes.

The guide brings the 18th-century holiday traditions to life, sharing stories about colonists’ festive practices, including Masonic private services.

Visitors can explore the festively decorated streets and learn about the first Christmas tree in America.

The highly-rated tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to snap photos of the colorful decorations and gain a deeper understanding of colonial-era Christmas celebrations.

With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from previous participants, the guided tour offers an engaging and educational experience.

Meeting Information

According to the provided information, the Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Tour meeting point is in front of the Capitol Building, located at 430 E Duke of Gloucester St.

Parking is available at 460 Francis St East, costing $5 if arriving before 5:00 PM.

Guests are advised to follow the specific directions provided, as Google Maps may not accurately show the precise meeting location.

The meeting point is in front of the Capitol Building, 430 E Duke of Gloucester St.
Parking is available at 460 Francis St East for $5 if arriving before 5:00 PM.
Guests should follow the specific directions provided, as Google Maps may not show the accurate meeting point.

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Preparation and Accessibility

Though comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, the Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

The 2-hour guided walking tour covers the historic streets, allowing visitors to explore the festively decorated colonial buildings and learn about 18th-century holiday traditions. As the tour involves extensive walking, it may not be accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Gratuities for the knowledgeable guide, dressed in colonial costume, aren’t included but appreciated by participants.

There's plenty more to explore in Williamsburg Virginia

Exploring Festively Decorated Streets

The Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Tour allows visitors to enjoy the festively decorated streets of this historic town.

Colorful garlands, twinkling lights, and traditional 18th-century decorations adorn the buildings and pathways, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere.

Participants can:

Admire the town’s first Christmas tree, a symbol of the colonists’ celebration of the holiday.
Discover local traditions, such as the use of natural materials like evergreens and candles to create festive displays.
Snap photos of the charming scenes, capturing the essence of a colonial-era Christmas.

Discovering the First Christmas Tree in America

One of the highlights of the Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Tour is the discovery of the first Christmas tree in America.

Guests on the tour learn that the tradition of decorating evergreen trees during the holiday season originated in Germany and was later adopted by American colonists.

The guide points out the first recorded use of a Christmas tree in the United States, which occurred in Williamsburg in 1842.

Visitors can snap photos of this historical tree and learn about the local customs and practices that influenced the modern American Christmas celebration.

Hearing Stories About Colonists’ Holiday Practices

As guests embark on the Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to hear captivating stories about the holiday practices of 18th-century colonists.

The guide will share insights into:

The significance of Masonic private holiday services, which were an important tradition for the colonists.
How colonists celebrated Christmas with festive decorations and gatherings, offering a glimpse into their holiday traditions.
The role of religion and community in shaping the colonists’ Christmas observances, providing historical context.

These stories bring the past to life, immersing participants in the rich cultural heritage of colonial America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photos and videos are allowed during the tour. Guests are encouraged to capture the festive colonial decorations and holiday traditions shared by the informative guide throughout the 2-hour guided experience.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Walking Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is a guided walking experience, and bringing pets could disrupt the tour and be unsafe for other participants. Only service animals are permitted.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is only available in English. The website doesn’t mention any other language options for the guided colonial Christmas walking experience in Williamsburg. Visitors who don’t speak English may want to inquire about translation services or consider exploring the area independently.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions or requirements. It’s suitable for all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour experience is designed to be accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Can I Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Tour or Is Advance Booking Required?

Advance booking is required for the Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Walking Tour. Tickets cannot be purchased on the day of the tour. Reserving a spot in advance is necessary to secure your place on the guided experience.

The Sum Up

The Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Walking Tour provides a delightful and educational journey into the festive traditions of 18th-century Virginia. With its beautifully decorated streets, insights into the first Christmas tree in America, and stories about colonial holiday practices, the tour promises an engaging and memorable experience for visitors. At just $25 for a 2-hour guided exploration, it’s an affordable way to take in the charm of the colonial holiday season.

You can check availability for your dates here: