
Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour worth booking?
Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour is a 1-hour experience in Williamsburg, United States, from $25 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (4)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $25 per person
Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season. Pl
What you get
About this experience
Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season. Please note that each tour is unique, so the advertised routes may vary. You will be guided through town by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden. However, for evening tours, the guide will solely be an Air Raid Warden. Routes may also be changed to accommodate activities in Colonial Williamsburg. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions. Please be aware that due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on certain days. For details about these programs, please visit our website.
What's included
Included
- Replica World War II Christmas Card to the Troops
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Bruton Parish Episcopal Church
Our guide will discuss the roles of churches and other organizations, as well as the citizens of Williamsburg, in housing troops and serving as observation locations for spotting planes.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
George Wythe House
Our guide will discuss the origins of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and its commitment to the military, including classes for the military on the topic of liberty.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
In front of the Custis Tenement, our guide will discuss the impacts of segregation and the contributions of the African American community during the war, including the culinary talents of Lena Richards at the Travis House.
10 minutes here
Governor's Palace
Our guide will explore the impact of the war on the citizens of Williamsburg, including holiday tours and the significance of "lights out."
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square
Our guide will explore the various forms of entertainment available to soldiers in Williamsburg, including movies and the USO.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Wren Building
Our guide will describe the contributions of the College of William and Mary during the war, including offering housing to military spouses, holiday fund drives, and providing junior hostesses for the USO.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Williamsburg
We will meet at the corner of Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Green, in front of the church.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour will end in front of the Wren Building on the campus of the College of William and Mary.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shades of Our Past
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful
Wonderful! A new look at Williamsburg that is not colonial. Lee Ann was wonderful as the head of the USO in 1943 tending to the soldiers stationed at Camp Perry during the Christmas season. Highly recommend. Reminds us that Williamsburg had to adjust to life in the everyday world also
Response from the operator: We are pleased you had a wonderful time on your tour with Lee Ann and that you discovered something new about Williamsburg and its role during World War II. We appreciate your kind words. As President Harry S. Truman said, "The only thing new in the world is the history you do not know."
via Tripadvisor
Williamsburg during WWII
Family enjoyed the program. Wish it had been the walking tour from Bruton Parish to the Wren Building, as was advertised.
Response from the operator: We are so sorry that you were dissatisfied with the route. We do put in the advertising that sometimes routes have to be changed due to what is going on in the Historic Area and character portrayals that day we had to change the route. We apologize. I am glad though you enjoyed your tour other than that.
via Tripadvisor
Very cool
This was super fun, definitely recommend as an activity to do with family. My family enjoyed it, and we had so much to talk about afterwards.
Response from the operator: We are so pleased with a review like this that tells us..” we had so much to talk about afterwards.” We are glad your family enjoyed their tour. And remember as George S. Patton said” Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.”
via Tripadvisor
Travel in time to learn and experience the 1940’s in Williamsburg
Don’t miss out on this unique tour. With attention to historical accuracy you will experience history by active participation. This tour is provided by dedicated historians who take the time to let you immerse yourself in history. Truly interested in providing a great experience for guests, if you love history, don’t miss this!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to write this kind review. We are truly blessed when our guests appreciate our tour and our attention to the history of Williamsburg, especially the 1940’s. As Kenneth Corley said in 1942 ( he was the President of Colonial Williamsburg) “ Our soldiers would be better fighting men if they had a clearer conception of why we are in this war, and just what we are fighting for.”
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Williamsburg.
How much does Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour cost?
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Prices start at $25 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Williamsburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Williamsburg is not rushed.
Is Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Williamsburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Williamsburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Williamsburg and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Williamsburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Williamsburg?
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Williamsburg centres on Colonial Williamsburg passes, Jamestown and Yorktown history tours, lantern-lit ghost walks and theme park tickets a few minutes away. On Outty we rank every Williamsburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full Day Historic Guided Tour to Jamestown and Yorktown with Lunch, Magic Happens at The Wagsters Magic Theatre, Williamsburg Ghosts, Witches and Pirates Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Williamsburg?
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April to June and September to October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Williamsburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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