Newspaper Article

A VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS

Virginia Tourism Development Group

1992

Overview

In Colonial Williamsburg, candles flicker in windows of historic buildings, the fife and drum corps musters and living history interpreters mingle with visitors strolling past homes draped in 18th- century decorations. The Grand Illumination on Dec. 6 opens Colonial Williamsburg's holiday festivities. Throughout the holiday season, Virginia's Colonial capital offers special evening programs, such as living history at the Benjamin Powell house, where interpreters recreate holiday celebrations of the Powell family and their African- American servants. In Richmond, Maymont ushers in the holiday season with the City of Candlelight Ceremony on Dec. 6. Guests to the Victorian estate will enjoy free carriage rides, entertainment in two performance tents, blazing yule logs and a visit by Father Christmas. Special Twilight Tours at Maymont on Dec. 8 and 9 are highlighted by bell ringers, bonfires and more carriage rides. At the elegant Wilton House on Dec. 6, candles and costumed guides lead visitors to an elaborate holiday food display typical of 19th-century entertaining. Top off a holiday vespers service at St. John's Church with the Church Hill Christmas Candlelight Walk on Dec. 11. Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage at the annual Old Town Christmas Parade in Winchester on Nov. 30. Local garden clubs decorate the 1754 house built by the Hollingsworth family and named \"Abram's Delight\" because the gather found the new home \"a delight to behold.\" Modern-day visitors will also delight in the traditional Christmas decorations, holiday music and a bakery shop overflowing with tempting holiday treats, Dec. 4 and 5. The 1854 house which served as Stonewall Jackson's headquarters welcomes visitors on Dec. 12 with trimmings, refreshments and holiday music.

• Publisher: Tribune Publishing Company, LLC