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Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg

New To The Site! Williamsburg, USA

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1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Have you ever wondered how our modern Christmas traditions began? Join us for a 1-hour walking tour through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, where your guide will reveal the colonial Christmas celebrations that shaped our current traditions. You'll also learn how the decorating style of Colonial Williamsburg influenced decorations across the nation.

Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entry to any buildings owned by Colonial Williamsburg. The tour takes place through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg and is subject to weather conditions. Please be prepared for various weather scenarios. Additionally, the advertised tour route may change based on activities in the Historic Area.

Please note that tours may be unavailable on certain days due to staff participating in other events. For more details about these programs, please visit our website.

What's Included

  • Souvenir button
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Admission to Colonial Williamsburg buildings: $49.99/adult; $28.99/youth
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

West Duke of Gloucester Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Options & Pricing

Start Time

What To Expect

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

Our guide will explore the Church's role during Christmas, the colonists' attitudes towards the Christmastide season, and how they decorated for the holiday.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

George Wythe House

Our guide will explain a brief history of the house, the Colonial love of symmetry, how it is incorporated into modern Christmas decorations, and the origin of the decoration contest.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St. George Tucker House

Our guide will provide a brief history of the house, discuss the decoration, and explain how our modern Christmas traditions began, including the first recorded Christmas tree in Virginia.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Peyton Randolph House

Our guide will cover the history of the house, its decorations, and the differences between Christmas for the family and for the enslaved individuals.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Prentis Store

Our guide will discuss a brief history of the Ludwell-Paradise House, including its role in the restoration of the historic area, and its decorations.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Raleigh Tavern

The guide will provide an overview of the building's history, explore the significance of taverns during colonial times, and describe the thematic decor.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-446908P6


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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Souvenir button
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Admission to Colonial Williamsburg buildings: $49.99/adult; $28.99/youth
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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