Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Holiday Decorations at Colonial Williamsburg

I have two favorite places: my living room and Colonial Williamsburg. One of them looks a lot better at Christmastime (well, okay, all the time), so last weekend my companion and I travelled a couple of hours south to see Virginia’s second capital in all its Christmas splendor.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

We joined a Christmas walking tour.  A knowledgeable guide led our group of about 20 around the Historic Area to see some of the most noteworthy holiday decorations on public buildings and private homes.  Virtually every building is decked with wreaths and window treatments–even the gaol.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Only materials that were indigenous or imported to Virginia in the 18th century may be used in the decorations, which in many cases are more creative than their 21st-century counterparts, as an alligator-head wreath above the blacksmith shop shows.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Naturally, the so-called Williamsburg style, which incorporates real fruit in Christmas displays, is popular.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

A wreath on the courthouse incorporates pomegranates and holly berries.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Artichokes make this a fairly expensive window treatment.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

No, I wasn’t back in Hawaii; pineapple was imported from the West Indies during the colonial period.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Some of the displays are thematic, like this wreath sure to attract the attention of coffee lovers; real coffee beans are strung together, and the “steam” is actually wool.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

The silver of the tankards and the evenness of their arrangement in this wreath at Chowning’s (fabulous!) Tavern keeps the display from looking too tacky.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Even residents who don’t celebrate Christmas find a way to get into the decorating spirit.

Colonial Williamsburg

Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg runs through January 2. I’d encourage you to visit if you can, and I hope this post gives you some decorating ideas for your own home.

Holiday Decorations at Colonial WilliamsburgHoliday Decorations at Colonial WilliamsburgHoliday Decorations at Colonial WilliamsburgHoliday Decorations at Colonial Williamsburg

4 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *