• Williamsburg Inn - Cars will be parked, and the group will gather in the lobby to review holiday decoration guidelines, plan the walking route, set up lights if it’s dark, and embark on the holiday adventure. Parking is provided.
• Colonial Williamsburg - Experience a private guided tour along the Duke of Gloucester, exploring the exterior holiday decorations of Colonial Williamsburg’s buildings. Learn about the materials, construction techniques, judging categories, and participation types for these 18th Century decorations.
• Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building - At the end of Duke of Gloucester, the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building will be visible. The group will discuss the Capitol’s history before turning to walk along the opposite side.
• Governor’s Palace - Passing by the Palace Green on Duke of Gloucester, the Governor’s Palace will be in view. Visitors are welcome to approach the palace after the tour to admire the holiday decorations.
• Merchants Square - The holiday journey begins with a gathering in front of The Dog Street Pub on Merchant Square, offering a stunning view of local merchants’ decorations before proceeding along Duke of Gloucester Street towards The Capitol. The roundtrip from Merchants Square to The Capitol is slightly over 1 mile and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Note: This seasonal tour is available from November 25, 2022, through January 1, 2023. Please note that the later tour time of 5pm may be darker, although lights are present along the Duke of Gloucester. As this is a new offering, requests are being manually accepted until the booking system is updated (after which, confirmations will be automatic).

• Bruton Parish Episcopal Church - The tour concludes near the historic Bruton Parish Church, built in 1715, with a discussion on its history and Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin, who inspired the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. The nearby ice skating rink and Merchant’s Square offer travelers the chance to enjoy refreshing treats and hot drinks as the tour wraps up. Complimentary hot beverages are available before 7pm if the ice skating rink shop remains open.

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

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

This exclusive, private tour, designed solely for your group, showcases the Christmas traditions and charming holiday decorations of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area. The tour offers insights into the materials, artisans, construction, and design of the wreaths and garlands that embellish the exteriors of most 18th-century buildings, exhibits, and private homes, along with the various judging categories. The tour begins at The Williamsburg Inn, where participants can admire the decorations before embarking on a journey to the Duke of Gloucester. Discussions will cover how holidays were celebrated in the 17th and 18th centuries in Virginia, including on plantations, in the capital cities, and during the Revolutionary War (e.g., Continental Army). Guests can enjoy holiday biscuits made by African descendants or traditional gingerbread cookies. Hot beverages are available if the tour is before 7 PM.

Note: Grand Illuminations occur on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturdays of December, featuring fireworks at 7 PM. The Yule Log lightings take place on the first, second, and third Fridays of December.

• Parking is available in nearby lots using the Passport App

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