Williamsburg: Holiday decorations walk with guide & treats

Summary

Step into Williamsburg’s holiday glow with a private guided stroll

You’ll wander through Colonial Williamsburg with a local guide, tasting ginger cakes or African holiday biscuits as you admire hand-crafted holiday decorations on historic buildings. Learn quirky details about wreath-making contests and old Virginia traditions, then warm up with hot cider near Bruton Parish Church — moments you’ll remember long after the lights fade.

What’s the experience like?

You hear it before you see it — the soft crunch of gravel under boots as we meet outside the Williamsburg Inn, everyone bundled up and cheeks already pink from the cold. Our guide, Ms. Carter, waves us over, her scarf almost as bright as the wreaths hanging on every door. She hands out little ginger cakes (still warm, somehow) and tells us how these recipes go back centuries — I swear I could taste cloves and something smoky in mine. The air smells like pine needles and wood smoke, which just feels right here.

We set off down Duke of Gloucester Street, lamps flickering in our hands since dusk comes early this time of year. Ms. Carter points out how each garland is made — apples, oyster shells, dried oranges — nothing plastic or flashy. She laughs when I ask if people get competitive about their wreaths (“Oh yes! There are categories for everything.”). At one point she stops to show us a doorway decorated by local craftspeople; I run my fingers along the dried magnolia leaves and they’re rougher than I expected. Somewhere nearby someone’s playing carols on a tinny speaker — not exactly 18th century but it fits.

By the time we reach Bruton Parish Church, my toes are numb but I don’t really mind. The church bells ring out and Ms. Carter tells us about Reverend Goodwin and how he basically saved Colonial Williamsburg from falling apart last century. There’s an ice skating rink nearby where kids are shrieking and slipping around — we grab hot cider (included if you’re quick) and stand watching for a while. It’s not perfect; sometimes you get a whiff of horse from the carriages or your lamp flickers out, but honestly that just makes it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Colonial Williamsburg Holiday Walk

• Meet at lobby and plan route
• Tour Duke of Gloucester holiday decorations
• Visit Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building
• See Governor's Palace decorations
• Begin at Dog Street Pub, walk to Capitol
• End near Bruton Parish Church, discuss history

Top questions

Is this Colonial Williamsburg holiday tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the walking route is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Are snacks or drinks included during the tour?

Yes, ginger cakes or African biscuits are offered; hot drinks are included before 7pm if available.

Where does the tour start?

The group meets at the Williamsburg Inn lobby to begin the tour.

How long is the walking route for this day trip?

The roundtrip walk from Merchants Square to The Capitol is just over 1 mile.

Is parking provided for this Colonial Williamsburg Christmas tour?

Yes, parking is included with your booking.

Can infants or small children join this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers.

What happens if we book an evening tour after 5pm?

The later tours may be darker; lamps are provided but guests can bring their own flashlight if they wish.

What’s included

Your experience includes parking at a nearby lot, a private certified guide familiar with Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday decoration rules and traditions, use of two lamps for evening walks (though you can bring your own), plus ginger cakes or African holiday biscuits to snack on along the way. Hot chocolate, coffee or cider is offered before 7pm if available at the rink shop.