We are probably going to Colonial Williamsburg on December 9th and 10th for what is basically a long overnight, since many area hotels seem to be all but giving away rooms, and we would love to see the historic area decorated for christmas. We are seriously considering not buying tickets for the historic exhibits, as our visit is so short and the last time we went we really didn't feel like we got much value out of our admissions. We mostly enjoyed walking around, and it seems that you can do that without tickets. By the way, we went for a very short visit about thirteen years ago, and ate in a tavern and got tickets for a ghost tour and had a fabulous time. We were kind of thinking to do that again, and just relax and not worry about getting our money's worth out of the expensive admissions when we would really rather be having a nice historical lunch and prowling the bookshop in the visitor center. Is this a practical plan?

We were in Williamsburg last year September and we took the full package deal but you can easily book a room in the Governor's inn(great with full breakfast).You only have to walk 400 yards along the road and you'll be at the end of the Main street of historic Williamsburg.You can then walk around without tickets.Have fun.Paul

Hello persimmondeb

I think your plan sounds lovely! I've never been there at the holidays, but I've seen pictures of the decorations. Very nice! I have a SIL who lives in Alexandria, and she goes there every year just to "walk around" as you say.

Happy travels!

Thanks, guys! We're really looking forward to it!

I'm usually a big advocate for getting the tickets, as we have some relatives for whom passing on the tickets has become a self-reinforcing choice. They don't get to see the ticket only attractions, and they enjoy walking along DOG Street, so they feel like you don't get much with the tickets.

That said, in your situation, I think skipping the tickets makes a lot of sense. For a one day visit, the shops and outdoor sights will likely provide plenty of enjoyment.

This will be our 12th Christmas trip to CW out of the last 13 (missing only the year when our daughter was born at that time of year), and it is reliably one of the high points of our season.

I hope you have as nice a time as we always do. I suspect you'll want a longer visit next Christmas.