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Activity Williamsburg, USA

Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour

4.8 (4 reviews) one hour Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour

About this activity

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.

Christmas Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Seasonal DSA non-compliant

At a glance

Duration
one hour
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English
Operated by
Shades of Our Past

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–11 years) · Youth (12–16 years) · Adults (17–64 years) · Seniors (65–100 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Replica World War II Christmas Card to the Troops

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

    10 min Admission not included

    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.

  2. George Wythe House

    10 min Admission not included

    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.

  3. Stop 3

    10 min

    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.

  4. Governor's Palace

    10 min Admission not included

    Our guide will explore the impact of the war on the citizens of Williamsburg, including holiday tours and the significance of "lights out."

  5. Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square

    10 min Admission not included

    Our guide will explore the various forms of entertainment available to soldiers in Williamsburg, including movies and the USO.

  6. Wren Building

    10 min Admission not included

    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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • We will meet at the corner of Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Green, in front of the church.

End point

  • The tour will end in front of the Wren Building on the campus of the College of William and Mary.

Using your ticket

This ticket does not grant entry into buildings owned by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. It is valid for this tour only.

A detailed final confirmation message will be sent via TripAdvisor/Viator 2-3 hours before the tour start time.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • 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

Traveller ratings

4.8 out of 5 · 4 reviews
5
75%
4
25%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Christmas on the Homefront: A 1-Hour World War II Character Tour

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