The Guided Colonial Christmas Tour in Williamsburg provides an immersive glimpse into the holiday traditions of 18th-century America. Visitors explore historic sites, uncover the cultural and religious significance of these landmarks, and receive a special memento. Led by a knowledgeable, costumed guide, the small-group experience offers a memorable journey into the past during the festive season. What secrets from colonial Christmases past might the tour reveal?
This experience made our article of We Rank The 4 Best Christmas Experiences & Tours In Williamsburg.
Key Points
- The guided tour offers insights into colonial America’s holiday traditions, with visits to historic sites like Bruton Parish Episcopal Church and the Capitol Building.
- The tour includes a Christmas candle for each guest and has a group size capped at 35 travelers, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
- The costumed guide shares stories of holiday traditions and decorations, enhancing the historical understanding of colonial Williamsburg.
- Visitors can explore the colonial architecture and history of Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, including its role during the American Revolution.
- The Capitol Building tour showcases the building’s Georgian architecture and its significance in the American Revolution, with traditional holiday touches.
Tour Overview
The Guided Colonial Christmas Tour in Williamsburg offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the holiday traditions of colonial America.
Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 22 reviews, the tour boasts a 91% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence.
Led by a costumed guide, the tour takes participants to key sites like Bruton Parish Episcopal Church and the Capitol Building, where they learn about colonial holiday customs and decorations.
Each guest receives a Christmas candle, and the group size is capped at 35 travelers.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Key Highlights of the Experience
As visitors embark on the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour, they’re treated to a captivating experience led by a costumed guide who shares stories of holiday traditions and decorations from colonial Williamsburg.
The tour takes guests to key historic sites, including the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church and the Capitol Building.
With a maximum of 35 travelers per tour, the intimate group size allows for an engaging and personalized experience.
Participants also receive a special Christmas candle as a memento of their journey through the colonial past.
Exploring Bruton Parish Episcopal Church
Why does the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church hold such significance on the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour? The church’s colonial architecture and rich history make it a key highlight.
Guests learn about the church’s role during the American Revolution and its connection to founding fathers like George Washington. The guide shares stories of holiday traditions and decorations observed in the church, transporting visitors back to the 18th century.
Visitors admire the historic building’s beautiful interior, including its iconic steeple and ornate altar. The Bruton Parish Episcopal Church provides a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of colonial Williamsburg during the Christmas season.
Visiting the Capitol Building
Travelers on the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour also visit the Capitol Building, a historic landmark that played a crucial role in the American Revolution.
The building’s Georgian architecture and manicured grounds transport visitors back in time. As the guide leads the group through the halls, they’ll learn about the building’s rich history and its significance in the fight for independence.
Guests marvel at the elegant décor and traditional holiday touches, which bring the colonial era to life. The Capitol Building’s grand stature and storied past make it a highlight of the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour in Williamsburg.
Costumed Guide’s Storytelling
The costumed guide’s captivating storytelling is the highlight of the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour.
Dressed in colonial-era attire, the guide transports guests back in time, sharing vivid tales of holiday traditions and decor. Their engaging performance brings the history to life, captivating travelers with anecdotes and insights.
Guests praise the guide’s extensive knowledge and ability to make the experience immersive and memorable.
Whether discussing the symbolism of Christmas candles or recounting colonial customs, the guide’s dynamic narration elevates the tour, offering a glimpse into Williamsburg’s storied past.
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Holiday Traditions and Decorations
As guests embark on the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour, they enjoy the holiday traditions and decorations that defined life in 18th-century Williamsburg. The costumed guide shares captivating stories of how colonists celebrated the season, from decking the halls with locally-sourced greenery to lighting candles that cast a warm glow. Visitors learn about the significance of these customs and their evolution over time. The experience offers a unique glimpse into the past, allowing participants to step back in time and imagine the sights, sounds, and spirit of a colonial Christmas.
Tradition | Decoration | Significance |
---|---|---|
Yule Log | Evergreen Boughs | Symbol of renewal |
Mistletoe | Kissing Ball | Fertility and good luck |
Wassail Bowl | Mulled Cider | Welcoming neighbors |
Nativity Scenes | Carved Figures | Celebrating the Nativity |
Christmas Tree | Candles and Ornaments | Bringing nature indoors |
Accessibility and Logistics
Wheelchair and stroller users can easily access the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour, as the experience is designed to be fully accessible.
The tour also welcomes service animals. Conveniently located near public transportation, the meeting point is at Blair Street & East Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. Plus, the tour operator offers a lowest price guarantee of $25.00 per person.
Guest Feedback and Experiences
Guests have provided largely positive feedback on the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour, with an overall rating of 4.6 based on 22 reviews. Common praise centered on the guide’s knowledge and engagement, with guests noting Tom as informative and entertaining. However, some visitors were disappointed by the lack of Christmas decorations, as the tour focuses more on general colonial history than holiday-specific content.
Key Points | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
---|---|---|
Guide Knowledge | Informative | – |
Guide Engagement | Entertaining | – |
Holiday Content | – | Lacked Christmas decorations |
Overall Experience | 4.6/5 rating | Some disappointment |
Recommendation | 91% traveler recommendation | – |
Sum Up
The Guided Colonial Christmas Tour in Williamsburg provides an immersive experience that transports visitors back to the holiday traditions of 18th-century America. With a knowledgeable costumed guide, guests explore historic landmarks, learn about cultural and religious significance, and receive a Christmas candle as a memento, creating a memorable journey into the past during the festive season.
📍 This experience made our list of the 4 best Christmas Experiences & Tours in Williamsburg
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