Yuletide in the 18th Century: An Adult Trip to Williamsburg, Virginia
Register Here Financial Aid Application
Inspirational Theme: “One infinite, God, good, unifies men and nations;…”
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, 340: 23)
Celebrate the Yuletide at Colonial Williamsburg, marking America’s 250th year in the city that led to its founding. Step into a holiday season like no other! At Colonial Williamsburg, the past comes alive with timeless traditions and festive cheer, with candlelit historic homes with warm glows in every window, handcrafted wreaths & decorations with beautiful holiday artistry, and wassailers in the streets with authentic 18th-century carols. During the Grand Illumination, they will illuminate the night sky above their beautiful colonial capital. In the 18th century, illuminations — the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks — celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor.
During our time at Colonial Williamsburg, we will enjoy a private narrated tour and explore the unique decorations throughout the historic area. Then, enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout their streets and savor the flavors of the season from a dinner at a local historic tavern. We will watch the Grand Finale with fireworks displays from the Capitol and the Palace. Meet new friends from across the country, hear an inspirational speaker, and unwrap a holiday you’ll want to experience again and again! It’s where history, tradition, and the spirit of the season come together.
Who: Adult Christian Scientists and their friends and family of all faiths
When: Thursday, December 3, after 4:00 p.m. – Sunday, December 6, until 11:00 a.m.
Registration: Space is limited, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will open on January 13, 2026
Minimum participants: 14
Maximum participants: 20
Cost: Registration is $780 per person (double occupancy)
A non-refundable $390 deposit is required at registration. Full payment is due by October 2, 2026. After October 2, 2026 no refunds will be issued.
Rooming
Rates are based on double occupancy. Solo registrants requesting shared accommodations will be paired with another participant of the same gender when possible.
A single-room upgrade is available for an additional fee of $330.00
If a suitable roommate match is not available, you may either cancel within 48 hours once notified (refund minus a $25 processing fee) or choose the single-room option.
Registration Fee Includes:
- Double occupancy accommodations at Woodland Hotel & Suites for 3 nights
- The following meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners (including tavern dinner)
- 2-day Historic Area Access ticket to Colonial Williamsburg
- Private narrated tour of Colonial Williamsburg, including a tip
- Inspirational Talk
Cost Excludes:
- Airfare to/from Richmond, VA (the nearest large airport is Richmond, VA)
- 2 lunches and 1 dinner
- Any pre-planned activities that are an additional cost at Colonial Williamsburg (see Holiday CW booklet in late fall)
Financial Aid Information:
Financial aid requests must be submitted by September 30, 2026
Please register for the trip first before completing the Financial Aid Form.
Financial aid is available on a need-based basis, offering up to $200 toward registration and up to $150 toward travel expenses.
If the awarded amount does not fully meet your financial needs for this event and you decide to cancel your registration, please notify us at dbinfo@discoverybound.blackbaudwp.com within 48 hours of receiving your financial aid notification. If you cancel, your deposit will be refunded, minus a $25 cancellation fee.
Accommodations & Complimentary Shuttle
Woodland Hotel & Suites (located at Colonial Williamsburg)
105 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/stay-play/accommodations/williamsburg-woodlands/
Colonial Williamsburg offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the Historic Area.
Hotel Check-In: 4:00pm and Hotel Check-Out: 11:00am
Travel Information
Driving
- Arrival: Thursday, December 3, between 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Woodland Hotel & Suites.
- Departure: Sunday, December 6, following church at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Williamsburg, VA.
Flying
- Arrival: Please arrive by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2026 (DB shuttle departs at 4:30 p.m.)
- Departure: Please schedule flights to depart after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Optional round-trip transportation is available to/from Richmond International Airport (RIC) for $25 each way. DB van transportation spots are limited, on a first come first served basis. Fee will be added to your DB balance once confirmed.
Activity Level: Moderate walking around Colonial Williamsburg, VA
Weather: The average temperature in December during the day is 54°F and 35°F in the evening
Questions: Contact Lori Selby at lori@discoverybound.or or 781-956-9035.
Tentative Agenda
Thursday, December 3
4-7pm Check in at Woodlands Hotel & Suites, dinner provided
7:00 Introductions, Mixer, Overview of Weekend in Hospitality Room
9:00 Settle in for the night
Friday, December 4
7:45am Lesson Study at Hospitality Room (optional)
8:15 Breakfast at Woodlands Hotel & Suites & grab your items for the whole day
9:00 Inspirational Talk (TBD)
9:45 Meet at the hotel lobby & then walk to Visitor Center
10:15 Movie – Williamsburg, The Story Of A Patriot (at Visitor Center)
10:45 Take Shuttle to Merchant Square
11:00 Explore the shops at Merchant Square & Lunch on your own
1:30-4pmPrivate Narrated Tour of Colonial Williamsburg (GROUP Activity)
4:00-5 Explore Colonial Williamsburg
5:20 Meet at Tavern for group dinner (GROUP Activity)
7:00-9 Enjoy the outdoor festivities at Colonial Williamsburg
9:00 Take shuttle back to Woodlands Hotel & Suites (shuttle ends at 10pm)
9:15 Settle in for the night
Saturday, December 5
7:45am Lesson Study on your own
8:30 Breakfast at Woodlands Hotel & Suites
9:15 Meet in hotel lobby and head to Visitor Center
9:30 Explore Visitor Center and shuttle to Colonial Williamsburg
10:00 Explore Colonial Williamsburg & Merchant Square
12:00pmLunch on your own (Optional-Group to meet at La Piazza at Merchant Square)
1:00-5 Explore Colonial Williamsburg
5:00 Cresset Lighting & Candles lit
5:30 Dinner on your own (feel free to gather with group and meet)
6:45 Grand Illumination – Group meeting spot on Governor Palace Green (begins 7pm)
7:30 Grand Illumination over – walk back to Woodlands Hotel & Suites or explore
Colonial Williamsburg
9:30 Shuttle Buses start again to Visitor Center
Sunday, December 6
8:30am Breakfast at Woodlands Hotel & Suites & Pack up
9:30 Gratitude & Highlights
10:30 Head to First Church of Christ, Scientist, Williamsburg
11:00 Church Service
12:15pm Farewell