Experience the magic of Colonial Williamsburg’s Christmas decorations on a private walking tour. Learn about the history and craftsmanship behind the wreaths and garlands adorning the 18th Century buildings. Discover how holidays were celebrated in the past and indulge in gingerbread cookies. Don’t miss the Grand Illuminations and Yule Log lightings!
Experience the magic of Colonial Williamsburg’s Christmas decorations on a private walking tour. Learn about the history and craftsmanship behind the wreaths and garlands adorning the 18th Century buildings. Discover how holidays were celebrated in the past and indulge in gingerbread cookies. Don’t miss the Grand Illuminations and Yule Log lightings!
- 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…
- 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
- 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
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
- Warm clothing including gloves and hat for colder weather.
- Tickets to Colonial Williamsburg
Experience the enchantment of a Colonial Williamsburg Christmas on one of the most sought-after private walking tours. Explore the charm of Colonial Williamsburg’s Christmastide as the tour meanders from the Williamsburg Inn down Duke of Gloucester Street, taking in the stunning holiday decorations, historic residences, and 18th-century architecture….
Experience the enchantment of a Colonial Williamsburg Christmas on one of the most sought-after private walking tours. Explore the charm of Colonial Williamsburg’s Christmastide as the tour meanders from the Williamsburg Inn down Duke of Gloucester Street, taking in the stunning holiday decorations, historic residences, and 18th-century architecture. Discover the art of crafting wreaths and garlands from fresh greenery, fruits, seed pods, oyster shells, feathers, and other natural elements, which are then judged in the Professional, Amateur, Trades, and Crafts categories. The knowledgeable local guide brings history to life with tales of Christmastide traditions celebrated by plantation owners, middling families, and military personnel during the Revolutionary War. It’s an ideal way to enjoy Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
Note: Traditional ginger cake is provided. Tours before 7 PM include a beverage. Grand Illuminations occur on the first three Saturdays in December. Yule Log ceremonies take place on the first three Fridays.
- Parking is available in nearby lots using the Passport App
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.