Animal Stars At Christmas Town, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia

These guys were among the animal stars at the Christmas Town Celebration at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which ends tonight with a fireworks display.

Man In Black, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

This costumed man, dressed in fine, black colonial attire, stops to chat with a local artist who set up shop on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg. 

Colonial Caroler In Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

This costumed employee of Colonial Williamsburg walked the streets of the historic district caroling as he went about his tasks.  He has a good voice and personality to go along with his cool costume.

Colonial Horses Taking Five, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

These beautiful horses get a chance to catch a breather as the driver chats.  This carriage has drop-down  fabric sides and a roof for better protection from the weather this time of year, if needed.

Hand Painted Wonders, Christmas Town, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia

Tony, at the Capodimonte Workshop in the Italy section of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, creates beautiful hand-crafted floral sculptures which are indiviually painted by hand.  He is quite a hit at Christmas Town and all through the Busch Gardens' season.

High Society Lady, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

This appears to be a lady of high social standing mingling with those walking the streets of Colonial Williamsburg.  Her silk and fine dress are not that of the every day tradesman and ladies of the day; although she was quite gracious to those commoners she encountered.

Merry Christmas From Our Wonderful Williamsburg, Virginia

Knitting Lover's Wreath, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

This residence on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg must house a knitting or crocheting enthusiast who couldn't resist including balls of yarn in their Christmas decorations.

Peter Hay Shop Christmas Decorations, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

These unique patriotic decorations are on the Peter Hay Shop on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg.

Unique Christmas Decoration at Josiah Chowing's Tavern, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

Chowning's Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg incorporates some of the daily tools of the trade in its Christmas decorations such as oyster shells and pewter ale tankards.

Christmas Bug, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

This "Christmas Bug" - complete with antlers and red nose - was cruising the streets of Williamsburg's restored colonial district; a sure sign that Christmas can't be far away.

Wassailing at Christmas Town, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia

This group of period clad characters wassailed in the English village as part of the Christmas Town celebration at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Christmas Town continues each evening (except Christmas Day) through New Year's Eve.

Lord Botetourt Statue, Wren Building, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia

Lord Botetourt gets a little Christmas spirit in front of the Sir Christopher Wren Building on the College of William and Mary Campus.  Botetourt was a popular English Governor before the revolution.

VIP At Christmas Town, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia

Santa found his way to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg on a cold, wintry night here in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is open daily from 3pm to 10pm. until December 31, 2010.   

Beautiful Christmas Decorations, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Geddy House displays more beautiful, colonial style Christmas decorations.  Colonial Williamsburg offers workshops in which they teach the art of making these decorations.

Shoe Wreath, Shoemaker's Shop, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

Some of the Christmas decorations in Colonial Williamsburg incorporate "tools of the trade" for the shop on which they are presented.  Here, the shoemaker includes shoes and what looks to be strips of leather in his decor.

Masonic Temple's Christmas Decorations, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Masonic Temple on Francis Street in the colonial district has its own set of unique decorations including a door wreath with the masonic emblem. The original building was erected in 1774 and 1776.

Christmas In The Colonial Garden, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Colonial Garden is a unique and popular fixture in Colonial Williamsburg.  They grow vegetables and decorative plants year round using the same techniques as the colonists. These photos show some of the Christmas decorations and gardening wares available for purchase including centerpieces, bell jars and cressets - iron baskets on a stand to hold burning wood, coal, or pitched rope for light and warmth. 

Oyster Shells in Wreath Decoration, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

Living on a peninsula surrounded by tidal rivers, the Chesapeake Bay and so near the Atlantic Ocean, shellfish are by necessity a part of life.  They are even featured in Christmas decorations.

Christmas Topiary, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

This topiary with citrus fruits makes an unusual and beautiful Christmas decoration in Colonial Williamsburg. The residents even decorated the basement window grates with fruit, creating an interesting entry to the home.

Christmas Decorations At The Raleigh Tavern, Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

This worker takes a break to become part of the Christmas decorations at the door of the Raleigh Tavern which consist of wreaths made of pheasant feathers.  Note the bust of Raleigh at the top of the door.