Williamsburg, Virginia, transports visitors back in time with its Guided Colonial Christmas Tour. For just $25, guests can enjoy the 18th-century traditions of the holiday season. Led by knowledgeable, costumed guides, the tour explores iconic landmarks like Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, offering an intimate glimpse into colonial celebrations. With a maximum of 35 participants, the experience promises a memorable and engaging adventure. But to truly understand the significance of the Christmas candle and the Capitol Building’s role in these festivities, one must dive deeper into the tour’s captivating details.
Key Points
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The Guided Colonial Christmas Tour in Williamsburg offers an immersive historical experience showcasing 18th-century colonial holiday traditions and customs.
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The tour is priced at $25 per person, has a maximum of 35 travelers, and includes a complimentary cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the event.
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Participants receive a Christmas candle as a souvenir, and the tour explores iconic landmarks like Bruton Parish Episcopal Church and the Capitol Building.
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The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allows service animals, and is located near public transportation with wheelchair-friendly surfaces.
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The tour has a 91% traveler recommendation based on 22 reviews, with guides praised for their knowledge and engagement.
Tour Overview
The Guided Colonial Christmas Tour in Williamsburg offers visitors a chance to experience the festive traditions and decorations of the colonial era.
Priced from $25 per person, the 22-review tour with a 91% traveler recommendation accommodates a maximum of 35 travelers per outing.
Guests will receive a Christmas candle and enjoy a special holiday-themed experience showcasing past and present decorations, with highlights including the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church and Capitol Building.
The tour’s guided experience and complimentary cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the event add to the convenience and value for travelers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Williamsburg.
What to Expect on the Tour
Guests on the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour can expect an immersive historical experience that brings the holiday traditions of Williamsburg’s colonial past to life.
Costumed guides lead the way, handing out candles to participants as they explore iconic landmarks like Bruton Parish Episcopal Church and the Capitol Building.
The tour highlights how 18th-century colonists celebrated the season, from decking the halls with greenery to sharing festive customs.
Each guest receives a Christmas candle as a souvenir, adding to the authentic, seasonal atmosphere.
With knowledgeable guides and a focus on yuletide traditions, the tour offers a unique glimpse into colonial Williamsburg’s cherished holiday celebrations.
Meeting and Pickup Details
The meeting point for the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour is at the intersection of Blair Street and East Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg, Virginia 23185.
Guests should park at the Tavern Parking Lot, using the GPS coordinates 460 E. Francis Street.
The costumed guide will be waiting at the Capitol Building to greet the tour participants. The tour ends at the same meeting point.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
It’s also conveniently located near public transportation, with surfaces that are wheelchair-friendly.
Accessibility and Additional Information
The Guided Colonial Christmas Tour is wheelchair accessible and allows stroller access. Service animals are permitted on the tour.
The tour is located near public transportation, and the surfaces are wheelchair friendly. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
With a maximum of 35 travelers per tour, guests can expect an intimate and personalized experience as they explore the holiday traditions and decorations of colonial Williamsburg.
Whether you’re looking for an accessible option or simply want to learn about the festive history of the season, this tour offers a unique and inclusive opportunity.
Guest Reviews and Feedback
With a maximum of 35 travelers per tour, guests can expect an intimate and personalized experience as they explore the holiday traditions and decorations of colonial Williamsburg. Based on 22 reviews, the guided tour earns a 4.6 out of 5 rating, with 91% of travelers recommending the experience. Many praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, particularly Tom. However, some guests note a mismatch between the tour description and actual experience, with less focus on Christmas decorations than expected. The depth of historical content provided during the tour satisfies most visitors.
Feedback | Positive | Negative |
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Guides | Knowledgeable and engaging | – |
Tour Content | Depth of historical information | Less focus on Christmas decorations |
Overall Experience | Highly recommended | Mismatch with tour description |
Rating | 4.6 out of 5 | – |
Exploring Bruton Parish Episcopal Church
As guests make their way through the colonial streets of Williamsburg, Bruton Parish Episcopal Church stands as a testament to the enduring traditions of the region.
This historic church, dating back to the early 18th century, is a highlight of the guided tour. Visitors are captivated by the ornate architecture, including the classic steeple and stained-glass windows.
The guide shares the church’s rich history, explaining how it served as a hub for community gatherings and religious observances.
Guests are enchanted by the serene atmosphere and the sense of timelessness that permeates the space.
Discovering the Capitol Building
Why does the Capitol Building captivate visitors on the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour? This historic structure, once the center of Virginia’s colonial government, offers a glimpse into the past.
The costumed guide leads participants through the building, highlighting its architectural features and the role it played in shaping the nation’s history. Guests marvel at the intricate details, from the grand entrance to the ornate legislative chambers.
As they stand in the very halls where pivotal decisions were made, the Capitol Building comes alive, transporting them back to the colonial era and the Christmas traditions of that time.
The Significance of the Christmas Candle
The Christmas candle distributed to participants on the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour holds deep significance, as it symbolizes the enduring traditions and customs of the colonial era. During the 18th century, candles were an essential part of holiday festivities, providing both light and ambiance. The simple act of lighting a candle was imbued with symbolic meaning, representing hope, faith, and the warmth of community. Through this tangible connection to the past, the tour’s Christmas candle sparks the imagination, allowing visitors to momentarily step back in time and enjoy the authentic spirit of a colonial Christmas.
Significance of the Christmas Candle | ||
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Provided Light and Ambiance | Represented Hope, Faith, and Community | Connected Visitors to the Colonial Past |
Candles were essential for holiday celebrations in the 18th century | The act of lighting a candle held symbolic meaning | The Christmas candle allowed visitors to experience an authentic colonial tradition |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Buy Souvenirs During the Tour?
No, the tour does not include time for purchasing souvenirs. The focus is on the historical experience, with a guided exploration of the colonial setting and Christmas traditions. Guests can browse shops before or after the tour on their own.
Do I Need to Bring a Camera for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t require guests to bring a camera, but it’s recommended to capture the festive Colonial decorations and atmosphere. Taking photos can enhance the overall experience and provide lasting memories of the guided tour.
Is Food or Drink Provided During the Tour?
The tour does not include any food or drink. Guests are responsible for bringing their own refreshments as the experience focuses on guided sightseeing and learning about the colonial Christmas traditions and decorations in Williamsburg.
Can I Visit Other Attractions in Williamsburg After the Tour?
Guests can visit other attractions in Williamsburg after the tour, as it ends at the same meeting point where it began. The tour schedule allows for independent exploration of the historic town following the guided experience.
How Do I Dress for the Tour?
For the tour, visitors should dress comfortably and wear weather-appropriate clothing. While the experience takes place outdoors, the tour guide will provide candles to participants, so dressing in layers is recommended to stay warm during the holiday-themed walking tour.
Sum Up
The Guided Colonial Christmas Tour in Williamsburg offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors to explore the rich holiday traditions of the 18th century. With knowledgeable guides, iconic landmarks, and a special Christmas candle, this tour promises a memorable and engaging adventure. Whether you’re interested in history or simply seeking a festive holiday activity, this tour is an excellent choice for a memorable experience.
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