Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg

Sights & Landmarks • Williamsburg, Virginia United States

Colonial Williamsburg stands as a vibrant, living-history museum, offering a plunge into the heart of America's founding. Through its reconstructed buildings and costumed interpreters, visitors experience firsthand the daily life and historical events of 18th-century Virginia.

Historical Significance


Once the political and cultural hub of the Virginia Colony, this historic area spans over 300 acres and includes hundreds of restored or reconstructed original buildings. From the grand Governor's Palace to humble colonial shops, each structure tells a story of a burgeoning democracy.

Engaging Activities


Engage with history through interactive experiences such as colonial crafts demonstrations, military drills, and theatrical performances. Visitors can watch blacksmiths, shoemakers, and printers practice their crafts as they would have in colonial times, providing insight into the industrious spirit of the early Americans.

Educational Opportunities


Colonial Williamsburg is not only a feast for the senses but also a rich educational resource. It offers numerous learning opportunities for students and history enthusiasts through hands-on activities and guided tours. The interpreters, well-versed in their historical knowledge, are always ready to answer questions, making history accessible to everyone.

Each visit to Colonial Williamsburg offers a unique glimpse into the complexities of America's past, encouraging reflection on the origins of modern democratic ideals and cultural practices.

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High: 79°F / Low: 73°F
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$325 Tour Provided by Viator
5.00

Shadows of the Past Private Tour: Tracing Slavery’s Legacy

Explore at your own pace with a fully private guided tour! “Shadows of the Past: Tracing Slavery’s Legacy in Williamsburg” invites you to delve into the history of slavery in colonial America, beginning in the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg. This tour provides insights into how slavery shaped the community and the lives of those who lived during that era. After exploring Colonial Williamsburg, the journey continues to the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse, reflecting the legal aspects of slavery. Next, visit the Capitol Building, where significant legislative decisions about slavery were made. Conclude the tour at the James Geddy House, offering a perspective on the daily lives of both free and enslaved people of the time.

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$10 Tour Provided by Viator
5.00

Williamsburg's Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour

Discover Williamsburg's famous ghosts and spirits walking the streets at your own pace, anytime. This is one of the most haunted and historic places, don't miss it's spooky story. This tour is built on those records. Newspaper clippings folded into court archives. Letters never meant for strangers. Names scratched into margins and ledgers. What follows tonight does not rely on imagination. Everything you will hear was once written down by someone who saw it happen, or by someone who tried to explain why it should be forgotten. Go at your own pace, anytime.

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$125 Tour Provided by Viator
4.88 (25 reviews)

Private Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Holiday Decorations Walking Tour

Experience the magic of Colonial Williamsburg Christmas on one of our most popular private walking tours. Discover the beauty of Colonial Williamsburg's Christmastide as we stroll from the Williamsburg Inn along Duke of Gloucester Street, admiring spectacular holiday decorations, historic homes, and 18th-century architecture. Learn how handcrafted wreaths and garlands are created from fresh greenery, fruits, seed pods, oyster shells, feathers, and other natural materials, then judged in the Professional, Amateur, Trades, and Crafts divisions. Your knowledgeable local guide brings history to life with stories of Christmastide traditions celebrated by plantation owners, middling families, and military during the Revolutionary War. It's the perfect way to experience Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Note: Traditional ginger cake is included. Tours before 7PM include a beverage. Grand Illuminations: first three Saturdays in December. Yule Log ceremonies: first three Fridays.

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$25 Tour Provided by Viator
4.81 (53 reviews)

Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour

Entertaining stories masterfully told in a traditional story format by a master storyteller. Every member of the family will enjoy listening to these historically accurate, heartfelt, sometimes humorous, and of course creepy and scary ghost stories. These stories have been told in Williamsburg for generations. Complete stories from the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries researched, revived, and brought back from history to be told once more. Your guide, a local resident who worked inside the buildings, takes you to the most haunted places and relates the true and accurate traditional ghost stories and haunting experiences Our exclusive tour limits the number of guests in each tour to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible.

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$25 Tour Provided by Viator
4.66 (38 reviews)

Guided Colonial Christmas Tour in Williamsburg

Our Christmas tour stands out from the rest! You will be taken back in time by your very own 18th century authentic costumed guide. You will hear stories of the holiday traditions throughout the centuries. We will take a stroll past the beautifully decorated homes just as they would have been in the 18th century. A wonderful way to see the town and hear the fascinating history behind the decorations! Come out and join us and make your holiday complete!

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$127 Tour Provided by Viator
4.61 (133 reviews)

Americas Historic Triangle: Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown

Immerse yourself in early American history with a journey connecting colonial Williamsburg, the historic battlegrounds of Yorktown, and the story of early Jamestown. This ticket grants you access to five historic sites—including all of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic sites, trade shops, and museums—for five consecutive days from first date of use.

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$25 Tour Provided by Viator
4.50

Yorktown Battlefield and Colonial Williamsburg Audio Bundle Tour

Explore Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, where America’s future was decided. This historical voyage transports you to an era that shaped our nation. See meticulously preserved colonial architecture, revolutionary battlefields, and much more as you explore these iconic destinations. Fascinating audio stories and historical reenactors bring the past to life with this easy-to-use tour bundle. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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$39 Tour Provided by Viator
4.46 (26 reviews)

Colonial Williamsburg Trivia Walk with AB's Trivia Walks

Get ready to explore the historic streets of Williamsburg like never before with Trivia Walks! Our captivating self-guided tour and scavenger hunt combo will take you on an immersive adventure through Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary’s campus, uncovering fascinating stories and hidden gems along the way. From early American history to modern secret campus hideaways, battlefield scars to pirate prisons and more, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and heritage of the area. Along the way, places you’ll see include: - The original Capitol of Virginia - Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse - The first English American theatre - The Governor’s Palace - The Crim Dell Bridge - The oldest college building in America - ...and more!

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$25 Tour Provided by Viator
4.00

1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present

Join us as we discover the History of Christmas in the colony while exploring the handcrafted decorations that adorn the historic buildings. On our 1-hour leisurely stroll thru the city, you will have the opportunity to photograph some of the most iconic decorations that are uniquely Colonial Williamsburg. Handcrafted one-of-a-kind decorations made by employees and residents of the city are beautifully and proudly displayed on each building and we will discover the most beautiful and unique of this year's display. We will discover the religious, humorous, and heartfelt traditions that span the centuries. While learning how the decorations are made, how they became a tradition, and even helpful tips and tricks on how the create your own decorations at home. Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is truly an experience that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

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$39 Tour Provided by Viator
3.95 (588 reviews)

Colonial Williamsburg Admission

The Revolution is Here! Immerse yourself in the revolutionary stories of American history. With over 300 acres of iconic sites, historic taverns, and world-class art museums, history truly comes to life at the world’s largest living history museum. Meet our experts uncovering the past to better inform our future, enjoy live performances, meet talented tradespeople practicing period-specific crafts, and explore our 18th-century city on the verge of revolution. Every Colonial Williamsburg visit helps continue our mission — to ensure that the future may learn from the past.

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