Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg

Williamsburg, USA
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Duration1h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Have you ever wondered how our modern Christmas traditions began? Join us for a 1-hour walking tour through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, where your guide will reveal the colonial Christmas celebrations that shaped our current traditions. You'll also learn how the decorating style of Colonial Williamsburg influenced decorations across the nation.

Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entry to any buildings owned by Colonial Williamsburg. The tour takes place through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg and is subject to weather conditions. Please be prepared for various weather scenarios. Additionally, the advertised tour route may change based on activities in the Historic Area.

Please note that tours may be unavailable on certain days due to staff participating in other events. For more details about these programs, please visit our website.

What's included

  • Souvenir button
  • Gratuities

What to expect

  1. Bruton Parish Episcopal Church
    10m
    Our guide will explore the Church's role during Christmas, the colonists' attitudes towards the Christmastide season, and how they decorated for the holiday.
  2. George Wythe House
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    Our guide will explain a brief history of the house, the Colonial love of symmetry, how it is incorporated into modern Christmas decorations, and the origin of the decoration contest.
  3. St. George Tucker House
    10m · Admission ticket not included
    Our guide will provide a brief history of the house, discuss the decoration, and explain how our modern Christmas traditions began, including the first recorded Christmas tree in Virginia.
  4. 10m · Admission ticket not included
    Our guide will cover the history of the house, its decorations, and the differences between Christmas for the family and for the enslaved individuals.
  5. 10m · Admission ticket not included
    Our guide will discuss a brief history of the Ludwell-Paradise House, including its role in the restoration of the historic area, and its decorations.
  6. 10m · Admission ticket not included
    The guide will provide an overview of the building's history, explore the significance of taverns during colonial times, and describe the thematic decor.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Our tour guide will meet you on the corner of West Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Green beside Bruton Parish Church. If you want to use a GPS to find the location, please enter the following address into your device: 201 W. Duke of Gloucester Street.

End point

This tour will end in front of the historic Raleigh Tavern at 413 E. Duke of Gloucester Street.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$25.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Shades of Our Past · Booked through Viator
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