Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg in Williamsburg
Williamsburg, United States

Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg

Outty Ranking 481 hoursFrom $25

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$25
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Outty Ranking

48/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg worth booking?

Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg is a 1-hour experience in Williamsburg, United States, from $25 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
48 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
1 hours
From
$25 per person

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 shap

What you get

    About this experience

    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

    Included

    • Souvenir button

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      10 minutes here

    2. 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.

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. 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.

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Our guide will cover the history of the house, its decorations, and the differences between Christmas for the family and for the enslaved individuals.

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. 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.

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. The guide will provide an overview of the building's history, explore the significance of taverns during colonial times, and describe the thematic decor.

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Williamsburg

    Our tour guide will meet you on the corner of West Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Green beside Bruton Parish Church. If you want to use a GPS to find the location, please enter the following address into your device: 201 W. Duke of Gloucester Street.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    This tour will end in front of the historic Raleigh Tavern at 413 E. Duke of Gloucester Street.

    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

    Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg in Williamsburg, photo 2Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg in Williamsburg, photo 3Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg in Williamsburg, photo 4Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg in Williamsburg, photo 5Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg in Williamsburg, photo 6Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg in Williamsburg, photo 7

    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
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 48

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)70
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)53
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Williamsburg.

    How much does Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg cost?

    +

    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 Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg take?

    +

    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 Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg?

    +

    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 Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg?

    +

    Around 0 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?

    +

    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 Tales of Christmas Past and Present in Williamsburg start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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