• Williamsburg Inn - Cars will be parked, and everyone will gather in the lobby to familiarize themselves with the 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 - Delight in 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 history of the Capitol will be discussed before turning to walk along the opposite side.
• Governor’s Palace - Passing the Palace Green on Duke of Gloucester, the Governor’s Palace will be in view. Visitors are welcome to explore the holiday decorations on the Palace after the tour if they wish to get closer.
• Merchants Square - The holiday journey will commence with a gathering in front of The Dog Street Pub on Merchant Square, offering a stunning view of the 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 5 pm may be darker, although there are lights 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 will conclude near the historic Bruton Parish Church, built in 1715, with a discussion of its history and Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin, who inspired the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. The ice skating rink and Merchant’s Square are nearby for travelers to enjoy refreshing treats and hot drinks as the tour concludes. Complimentary hot beverages are available before 7 pm if the ice skating rink shop is open.

• Guide will have 2 lamps for evening tours
• Guests may want to bring a flashlight/lantern
• Tea and coffee
• Snacks
• Parking pass for Colonial Williamsburg

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

This exclusive, private tour, designed for your group only, showcases Colonial Williamsburg’s Christmas traditions and the charming holiday decorations of our historic area. The tour offers insights into the materials, artisans, construction, and design of the wreaths and garlands that adorn 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 we admire the decorations before embarking on our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We will explore how holidays were celebrated in the 17th and 18th centuries in Virginia, including on plantations, in our capital cities, and during the Revolutionary War (e.g., Continental Army). Guests can enjoy holiday biscuits made by African descendants or traditional gingerbread cookies. If the tour is before 7 PM, hot beverages are available.

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