Williamsburg transforms into a holiday wonderland every December, offering a unique blend of historical charm and festive cheer. The colonial streets come alive with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and stories from the past that make Christmas in Williamsburg truly special. Among the many experiences, we particularly love the Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour for its personalized approach and in-depth look at colonial holiday traditions. It’s perfect if you’re a history buff who wants a deep dive into 18th-century Christmas decor and customs. For those who want a lively, storytelling experience, the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour with its costumed guides and charming history lessons is an excellent choice. And if you’re intrigued by how Christmas traditions evolved through wartime, the Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour WWII Character Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the wartime holiday spirit. To explore Christmas traditions from a different angle, the Tales of Christmas Past and Present walk reveals how colonial celebrations influenced modern festivities.
If you’re planning your trip, these tours cover a range of interests—from private, detailed explorations to lively, story-rich walks and historical reenactments—making Williamsburg a perfect destination for holiday history lovers.
1. Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour
At number 1 on our list is the Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour, a 1.5-hour exclusive experience with just your group. This tour is a rare chance to explore Williamsburg’s holiday decorations in an intimate setting, led by a knowledgeable guide who reveals the secrets behind the wreaths, garlands, and lights that adorn 18th-century buildings. Starting at The Williamsburg Inn, the tour unfolds along Duke of Gloucester Street, where you’ll learn about the materials, construction techniques, and judging criteria used in colonial decoration contests.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the craftsmanship and historical significance of holiday decorations. The guide discusses the types of materials used in wreaths and garlands, their construction, and the different categories for judging the decorations—all while soaking in the festive sights. Guests rave about the personalized pacing and the depth of historical detail, with reviews like, “Very nice experience with my mom… private tour was perfect because it was at our pace.” It’s ideal for those who enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at colonial holiday decor and want to avoid large crowds. The tour’s value lies in its exclusive access, personalized commentary, and the chance to ask detailed questions about colonial craft traditions.
Bottom line: For a focused, intimate look at Williamsburg’s Christmas decorations with expert insight, this private tour is a top pick—especially if you love craftsmanship and history.
2. Guided Colonial Christmas Tour in Williamsburg
Coming in at number 2 is the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour, a lively, 1.5-hour walk led by a costumed guide who shares stories of holiday traditions through the centuries. This tour offers a more narrative-driven experience that brings Williamsburg’s holiday past to life. Starting at Blair Street, the guide takes you past notable sites like Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, the Capitol Building, and other historic homes decorated for the season.
What makes this tour appealing is the storytelling aspect—your guide is dressed in authentic colonial costume and hands out a Christmas candle to set the mood. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to learn about colonial holiday customs and how they compare to today’s traditions. The reviews highlight the engaging narration and the personal connection with the guide, with one saying, “Tom was an excellent guide. He knew so much about Williamsburg and was really entertaining and fun.” It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided storytelling experience that combines history with holiday cheer, all without a hefty price tag.
Bottom line: If you enjoy lively storytelling and seasonal decorations, this tour offers great value and an engaging way to experience Williamsburg’s Christmas spirit.
3. Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour
At number 3, Christmas on the Homefront plunges you into Williamsburg during 1943, during World War II. This 1-hour character tour offers a unique perspective on wartime Christmas celebrations. You’ll be guided by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden who brings history alive by acting out their roles and explaining how local citizens dealt with rationing, blackout drills, and the influx of servicemen. The tour includes stops at sites like Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, George Wythe House, and the Governor’s Palace, where the guide discusses how the war affected holiday traditions and community life.
This tour is a strong choice for history lovers interested in wartime homefront stories and the ways Americans kept holiday spirits alive amidst hardship. The reviews highlight its accuracy and immersive nature, with one noting, “This tour is provided by dedicated historians who take the time to let you learn about history.” It’s a great way to combine holiday nostalgia with serious history, making it ideal for those wanting a more interactive, theatrical experience.
Bottom line: For a compelling look at wartime Williamsburg and how Christmas persisted during challenging times, this tour offers an engaging, role-playing experience.
$25.00 per person
4. Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg
Finally, the Tales of Christmas Past and Present tour offers an hour of exploring how colonial Christmas celebrations influenced modern traditions. This walking tour covers significant sites like Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, the George Wythe House, and the Peyton Randolph House, with a focus on the evolution of holiday decorating and customs. Your guide explains how 18th-century decorations and celebrations shaped our current Christmas style, including the origin of the first recorded Christmas tree in Virginia.
What makes this tour compelling is its blend of historical insight and cultural influence, revealing how colonial practices set the stage for today’s holiday customs. Although it’s the newest experience on the list with no reviews yet, it promises to be an engaging way to connect past and present. It’s perfect for visitors fascinated by how Christmas traditions develop over time and enjoy strolling through colonial streets with stories on how decorations and celebrations evolved.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about the roots of modern Christmas traditions and want a relaxed, informative walk, this tour is worth considering.
$25.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Williamsburg Christmas Experience
When selecting your holiday tour, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. If you love personalized, in-depth exploration, the Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour is unmatched for its detailed insights. For a story-driven experience with a festive touch, the Guided Colonial Christmas Tour fits the bill. If wartime stories fascinate you, the Christmas on the Homefront offers a vivid role-playing experience. And for those curious about the evolution of Christmas traditions, the newer Tales of Christmas Past and Present provides historical context in a relaxed setting.
Budget-wise, these tours range from $25 to $125 per person, with the private option offering the most personalized experience at a premium. Booking early is advisable, especially during the busy holiday season, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Williamsburg blends history and holiday magic in a way that few places can match. Whether you want a personalized decorated walk, a lively storytelling tour, or a glimpse into wartime Christmas spirit, there’s an experience for you. The private decorated tour offers depth and exclusivity, while the guided stories bring history alive with costumes and charm. For an immersive wartime perspective, the WWII character tour is both fun and educational. And for those interested in how colonial traditions influence modern festivities, the new storytelling tour provides fascinating insights.
No matter which tour you choose, booking ahead is wise to enjoy Williamsburg’s Christmas celebrations without stress. Each of these experiences offers a different window into the holiday season—so pick the one that best matches your interests and enjoy a memorable Christmas in historic Williamsburg.