Christmas Homes Tour
Tour Info
Custis Tenement
In 1714, John Custis purchased land occupying a prime location on Palace Green facing Bruton Parish Church. By 1717, a one-story frame tenement was built that he and his descendants leased for decades.
The Red Lion
The Red Lion is a reconstruction of a house that was built in the early 1700’s by innkeeper Francis Sharp. It was known as the Red Lion in 1737, when John Parker obtained a license to operate an ordinary.
William Waters House
In 1701, Henry Gill built a house on this site and opened it as an ordinary. The next owner, Robert Davidson operated an apothecary here. John Holt occupied the property and he ran a store on the premises.
Benjamin Waller House
Benjamin Waller (1716-1786), was born in King William County, Virginia. His family came to the colony in the seventeenth century. He attended William & Mary College and studied law using Sir John Randolph’s law library.
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 17 years of age and under must always be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Except for babies in arms or body carriers, children require their own ticket for entrance.
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.
Safety precautions will be respected and followed. Although preventive measures will be in place and adhered to, given the novel nature of COVID-19 and the rapid pace at which it spreads, the Green Spring Garden Club, Inc. cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to or become infected. By attending the Christmas Homes Tour, you may be putting yourself at increased risk for contracting COVID-19.
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.
Tour proceeds fund scholarships in biology and environmental policy at Christopher Newport University and the College of William and Mary, scholarships for late elementary and middle school children for Nature Camp, contribute to restoration and maintenance of Colonial Williamsburg gardens, and contribute to the maintenance of other public gardens in the Williamsburg area.
Williamsburg Christmas Homes Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $40.
What is the date?
Saturday December 2, 2023
Will Green Spring Garden Club Inc. follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19?
Green Spring Garden Club, Inc. follows CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 and its variants.
Where can I pick up a brochure about the homes on the tour this year?
You may download 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.
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 might be available on the day of the tour at each specific house (if space allows) for $15.00, 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 12 years of age and under may attend, will need a ticket, and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Where do the proceeds go?
Tour proceeds fund scholarships in biology and environmental policy at Christopher Newport University and the College of William and Mary, scholarships to upper elementary and middle school students at Nature Camp in Vesuvius, VA, restoration and maintenance of Colonial Williamsburg gardens, and restoration and maintenance of many gardens in the local area.
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.