Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Walking Tour: Holiday Decorations

A mile-long walk through 18th-century holiday traditions and handcrafted wreaths

A private 90-minute walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg's Christmas decorations along Duke of Gloucester Street, led by a local guide who explains the handcrafted materials and judging categories. The route covers just over a mile from Merchant Square to the Capitol and back, passing the Governor's Palace and ending near Bruton Parish Church. Parking, ginger cake, and hot beverages (before 7pm) are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Colonial Williamsburg45m
2. Governor's Palace5m
3. Bruton Parish Episcopal Church10m

Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Walking Tour

• Meet in lobby and orient
• Private tour along Duke of Gloucester
• See Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building
• View Governor's Palace decorations
• Start tour at Dog Street Pub
• End near Bruton Parish Church

The experience

The tour covers a little over a mile roundtrip from Merchant Square to the Capitol along Duke of Gloucester Street, and the route is wheelchair and stroller accessible. You'll walk past the Governor's Palace and see how Colonial Williamsburg's holiday decorations are made from fresh greenery, fruits, seed pods, oyster shells, feathers and other natural materials, then learn how they're judged in the Professional, Amateur, Trades, and Crafts divisions. Your guide brings the season to life with stories of how plantation owners, middling families, and military personnel celebrated Christmastide during the Revolutionary War era.

The walk ends near Bruton Parish Church, built in 1715, where your guide shares its history and the role Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin played in Colonial Williamsburg's restoration. The ice skating rink and Merchant's Square are nearby if you want to linger over hot drinks and treats after the tour concludes. For evening departures, the guide carries two lamps to light the route, though you're welcome to bring a flashlight or lantern if you prefer.

Parking is included and handled through the Passport App at nearby lots. Tours run from late November through early January, with special evening events: Grand Illuminations happen the first three Saturdays in December, and Yule Log ceremonies take place the first three Fridays. If your tour departs before 7pm and the merchant square shop is open, hot chocolate, coffee or cider comes at no extra charge.

What’s included

• Parking pass at a nearby lot.
• private certified guide in English.
• ginger cake or African holiday biscuits.
• hot chocolate, coffee or cider if your tour departs before 7pm and the shop is open.
• two lamps for evening tours so the guide can light the route.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day, 9 start times, from US$ 125 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday and Friday: 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00 and 18:30Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 08:00, 09:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00 and 18:30Wednesday: 09:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 16:00 and 17:00Last departure this season: 1 Jan 2027Another time? ›

GroupPrivate4 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Best Williamsburg Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this private tour if you want to pause and ask your guide about the handcrafted wreaths and 18th-century holiday traditions without a group's schedule constraining you.

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Top questions

What exactly are the holiday decorations made from at Colonial Williamsburg?

The decorations use fresh greenery, fruits, seed pods, oyster shells, feathers and other natural materials, all handcrafted and entered into judging categories: Professional, Amateur, Trades, and Crafts divisions.

How long is the walking route and is it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?

The roundtrip from Merchant Square to the Capitol is a little over a mile and is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.

What happens at the end of the tour near Bruton Parish Church?

Your guide discusses the church's history, built in 1715, and explains Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin's role in inspiring Colonial Williamsburg's restoration. The ice skating rink and Merchant's Square are steps away for refreshments.

Are hot beverages really included, or is that only sometimes available?

Hot chocolate, coffee or cider are included at no charge if your tour departs before 7pm and the merchant square shop is still open. Availability depends on shop hours and stock that day.

What should I bring for an evening tour in December?

The guide carries two lamps to light the route, but you may want to bring your own flashlight or lantern. The later 5pm departure time means darker conditions, though Duke of Gloucester Street has lights along it.

When do the special holiday events like Grand Illuminations happen?

Grand Illuminations occur the first three Saturdays in December, and Yule Log ceremonies take place the first three Fridays during the tour season.