Join us for the
63rd Annual
Christmas Homes Tour
December 7, 2024
Tour Info
Colonial Williamsburg Coach & Livestock Stable RARE BREEDS
The Colonial Williamsburg Coach & Livestock department presents a wide variety of programs and interpretation focusing on stable operations and animal care. Through the Rare Breeds program, begun in 1986, the team acquires husbands, and rare breeds such as Cleveland Bay horses, Leicester Longwool sheep, Red Devon cows and Dominique chickens, all common in the 18th century, but now threatened or endangered. Today these animals contribute to the living history museum in many of the same ways they would have contributed to the colonial capital.
The Stable is also home to Colonial Williamsburg’s fleet of carriages. Since the early days of the Restoration, horse-driven carriages have been a very visible part of the street scene in Colonial Williamsburg.
William Lightfoot House
William Lightfoot was a planter, merchant and attorney, who built this house between 1733 and 1740. It was known as a Townhouse, as Lightfoot was a Burgess and they were in session in Williamsburg, when called upon. The reconstructed entrance steps and landing are based on evidence from the original foundation excavated beneath. Two of the exterior shutters are early and served as models for the others. The house was restored in 1931.
Taliaferro-Cole House & Kitchen
The earliest evidence in Williamsburg of Charles Taliaferro, a Coachmaker, is from an advertisement in the Virginia Gazette on March 24,1768, in which he acquaints the public with his business of chairmaking and promotes his “riding chairs.” The two-story white house, shown on the Frenchman’s Map, indicates the presence of four structures and dates to his ownership starting in the 1770’s. Taliaferro owned at least 14 lots by 1791. The western section of the house dates from his ownership, but the restoration reflects its appearance in the early 1800’s. When the house was sold to Businessman, Jesse Cole in 1815-1825, he added the eastern half of the house. The house and shop were restored in 1940-1941.
Travis House
Colonel Edward Champion Travis, a member of the House of Burgesses, erected the west portion of this house in 1762-1765. It consists of a side passage and a room to the West. This 70-foot-long gambrel-roofed home was built in three distinct periods. Sometime later a room was built to the east of the passage and in 1794-1795, a small room and shed were added, probably by his son Champion Travis. At the beginning of the restoration, the house was moved to the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street and was used as a restaurant. The house was moved back to Francis Street on its original foundation in the 1950‘s and served as the home for the superintendents of the Public Hospital.
Purchase Tickets
The Christmas Homes Tour consists of private properties which are not accessible to those using wheelchairs or walkers. For your comfort and safety, please wear flat walking shoes, and watch for steps and uneven surfaces as you visit tour properties.
Tours are held rain or shine. Pets (except service animals) are not permitted. Children under 12 years old, accompanied by parent or adult are Free of charge.
Being featured on a tour is not an endorsement by the Green Spring Garden Club, Inc. of the homeowner’s political views, religious affiliations, or other opinions or practices. The Green Spring Garden club, Inc. and owners of Christmas Homes Tour properties, are not responsible for accidents occurring on tours.
Convenience fees cover credit card processing costs and Eventbrite's services which allow us to offer online ticket sales. This ensures that 100% of proceeds benefit the philanthropy projects of Green Spring Garden Club, Inc.
Williamsburg Christmas Homes Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $40.
What is the date?
Saturday December 7th, 2024
9:00am-5:00pm (Stable closes at 4:00pm)
Where can I pick up a brochure about the homes on the tour this year?
You can view a description of the homes on the tour on this website. You may also pick up a brochure at each of the individual homes on the tour.
Where do we go first? Where do the tours start?
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area - You can download a map of the Restored Area which locates the homes on the Christmas Homes Tour and important points like bus stops and restrooms. You can do this either from this website or the website of Colonial Williamsburg. You may visit the homes in any order.
Where do we park?
The best place to park is the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center. By showing proof of ticket purchase, you may board a shuttle bus which is included in the cost of your ticket. The bus will take you to the Restored Area and then you may walk to all of the homes on the tour. In addition, paid lots are scattered around the Historic area.
Are tickets available on tour day?
To avoid disappointment, purchase your tour tickets early via our website. If tickets are still available, they may be purchased online.
May I purchase a ticket to see only one home on the day of the tour?
Single house tour tickets will be available on the day of the tour at each specific house (if space allows) for $15.00, via the website, or via cash or check only (no credit cards accepted).
As in previous years, will tickets be sold at both the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and the Williamsburg Lodge?
No, tickets will not be sold at these two locations. Tickets must be purchased online.
Are there restrooms available on tours?
There are NO public restroom facilities at home tour properties, but restrooms are available in the Restored Area.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of any kind, including via cell phone, is prohibited inside tour home properties, but exterior photography is welcomed.
What if it rains? What is your refund policy?
The Christmas Homes Tour will go on rain or shine. Therefore, there will be no refunds.
Is the Christmas Homes Tour accessible for people with disabilities?
All of the Christmas Homes Tour properties are private and therefore are not accessible for visitors with disabilities, or those with physical limitations.
May children attend the Christmas Homes Tour?
Children under 12 years old, accompanied by parent or adult are Free of charge
Safety
For your comfort and safety, please wear flat walking shoes, no spiked heels, and watch for steps and uneven surfaces as you visit the homes and gardens
- Pets — except service animals — are not permitted.
- No smoking.
- No strollers, backpacks, or large bags.
- The Green Spring Garden Club, Inc. and owners of the properties are not responsible for accidents occurring on the tours.