Colonial Williamsburg (CW) is a popular vacation and holiday destination, yet we are often in Williamburg, Virginia to visit my parents who retired there over 30 years ago. With the moniker of “the world’s largest living history museum”, CW comprises approximately 301 acres featuring “iconic sites, working tradespeople, historic taverns, and two world-class art museums”. Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area houses restored and historically preserved buildings, 88 of which are originals, including Bruton Parish Episcopal Church. The church was established in 1674 by the consolidation of two previous parishes in the Virginia Colony, and remains an active Episcopal parish.
While our primary purpose of visiting is to see and enjoy family, Christmas Day found us walking the streets of CW, a safe, outdoor activity in these days of Covid.
One of my favorite things to see are the wreaths that adorn the doors. Each year, Colonial Williamsburg holds a wreath making contest. Wreaths are judged on the types of natural materials used, the creativity and elements of the design, and the originality and faithfulness to the spirit of eighteenth-century decorative ideas. I didn’t have a chance to see all of the wreaths while there, but I did capture of a few of my favorites created with turtle shells, eggs, peacock feathers, oyster shells, pinecones, artichokes, pomegranates, and other natural items
Aren’t they just so creative and beautiful? As always, if you are ever in the Williamsburg area over the holiday season, be sure to plan to take a tour.
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
I love your Williamsburg photos. I had a great time in Colonial Williamsburg over the holidays too. My favorites were the wreaths. Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!
Angie, I am so looking forward to seeing you in a week or so. I’ll get in touch in a couple days for final planning!
Beautiful images Laurie. One of these days I’ll have to get down to CW. From your photos it looks like a place Terry and I would really enjoy.
You would and I’d love to see the photos you take. It goes without saying that when you go, we will meet up!
What a gorgeous Christmas Day ! I’ve been to CW and was enamoured by the history and pretty homes. We only had one day and overnight there but I’d love to go back. Beautiful photos LB, I especially love the sky you captured above the little brick home with the dormors. It’d be fun to see inside at how they decorate. 💗xK
I absolutely loved that little brick house. It was a perfect day to be out walking. As i sit here typing this, we are preparing for a big snow storm (we’ll see). They’ve been talking about it for a full week so we probably won’t get it. You northern folk would laugh at the hysteria; I laugh, too. Stay tuned!
Beautiful pictures, and I love the wreaths!
Aren’t they wonderful? I loved the use of natural items!
Gorgeous images, Laurie. Love the architecture and those wreaths are works of art! Wishing you a happy and creative year ahead. 😄
Aren’t those wreaths amazing? I was completely enamored! Thanks for the good wishes for creativity! I’m determined to make time for this! As always, I look forward to seeing your work!
I loved that first little cottage with the white fence. I love making wreaths out of natural finds. My kids hated going for walks with me because I was always picking up pods, pine cones and any other tidbit nature put in my path. It’s been an obsession since I found nature.
That brick cottage photo was my favorite of this series ❤ The story of your children and the walks is a great memory. Mother nature provides!
I have never made a trip to CW, but these pictures make it even more alluring. I think winter is a good time to go.
Hi Lisa! So good to hear from you. I’m sure you’ve been posting away (I’m heading over to your space to find out) and I’m just getting restarted! And yes, winter in Williamsburg is a good time … typically not too cold and far fewer people. Make a plan!
I only started writing fairly regularly in October, I think. I was glad to see your post–saw your Tre Burt tweet a few days ago! Happy new year!
I’ve been to CW multiple times and I always love it. It is fun to recognize some of the buildings you showed here. I don’t think I’ve ever been there for Christmas and I simply love the wreath idea. It’s such a good idea for a contest. Even though I wouldn’t call it “beautiful,” the first one with the turtle shell was mesmerizing, and possibly quite authentic, based on what was available in the time. The peacock feather wreath was over the top, and makes me wonder what extravagance looked like for wealthy people in colonial times.
These photos of willliamsburg are very beautiful and the oyster shell decorations are not uncommon for the areas surrounding the York river or the James river! In my family has passed down oyster and crab shell painted decorations throughout the years! I absolutely love colonial Williamsburg or the whole colonial parkway you captured it beautifully!
Thank you, Amber. How neat to have those treasured family decorations!