Our Fall CW Visit had a Delightful Surprise
During fall travel to America’s historic sites, you expect to see colorful leaves. Maybe a few pumpkins and dried cornstalks as well. However, during one fall trip we had a delightful surprise. We found Colonial Williamsburg dressed for Halloween.
All my previous CW visits were during late winter or early spring. I knew getting to experience it on a cool, but not cold day as the leaves were changing was sure to be a treat.
Even though our visit was only a short 4-hours, I was very excited to be there. What I didn’t foresee was my excitement when I saw the first skeleton dressed in pirate clothing.
**(FYI….before you get too excited about the skeletons, CW no longer decorates for Halloween. However, they do still paint the horses and have spooky evening programs for all ages prior to Halloween.)
Skeleton in pirate hat stands guard outside Williamsburg’s Capitol.
Visitor's Center:
101 Visitor Center Drive
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Contact:
(888) 965-7254
Hours:
8:45 AM - 5 PM, Daily
Fees:
Historic Site Tickets
Evening Programs
*Walk the Historic Area - Free
Website:
Colonial Williamsburg.org
Click Image for Map
Ballooned monster hangs around The Capitol at the end of Duke of Gloucester Street.
Skeletons in Unlikely Places
Skeleton sightings began as soon as we reached Duke of Gloucester Street. And a delightful surprise it was! Pirate clad bones were hanging, standing, and sitting on or around the historic sites.
Some were easy to spot. Many were in unlikely places. Either way, creative minds with a sense of humor set up the spooky Halloween displays. As an example, note the skeleton on The Capitol balcony. (I almost didn’t see that one.) He’s on the lookout with spyglass in hand.
Pirate flag flies over The Capitol while a skeleton crew guards the gate and another keeps watch in Colonial Williamsburg.
Just waiting for someone to walk out the door……
While looking at the boney hand by the door, I almost missed these two hanging around over the sidewalk.
Your tavern wait staff for the Halloween evening.
Halloween Photo Ops at Every Turn
We couldn’t get enough of the skeletons dressed in colonial clothing. The delightful-in-the-daytime-but-scary-at-night displays were too eye-catching to pass by. We took a bunch of photos! Every display added to the thrill of our fall visit.
Spooky, tall (at least 8’), and guarding the wood pile for the cressets.
Handing off his head—and laughing about it.
Posing with the skeleton crew for a quick photo.
One passer-by stopped when she noticed Tom taking a photo of this display. After a few seconds, she started laughing. She had just noticed a "live" person standing there. Guess I fit in with the crew a little too well.
Skeleton painted horses and drivers in spooky masks give CW visitors a ride through town.
Even the Horses Dressed for Halloween
Williamsburg’s horse-drawn carriages joined in the spooky scene too. Many of the carriage drivers wore masks and even the horses “dressed” for Halloween.
Every horse we saw had skeleton bones painted on their sides. To top it off, we found out the paint glows in the dark. Wish we could have stayed longer. What a sight skeleton-drawn carriages would be to see!
Horses painted with paint that glows in the dark.
The fun in Williamsburg doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Duke of Gloucester Street comes to life as flaming cressets light the way for ghost stories, and haunted tours.
Be sure to check out the evening programs. During Halloween season, this includes Lighting of the Cressets, Haunted Williamsburg and Ghost Walk Junior. They also have trial programs like "Cry Witch" and “To Hang a Pirate” you might enjoy.
We found a skeleton hitching a ride through the historic district.
Even during daytime this one looks spooky! Imagine it after dark.....
A Halloween Lover’s Delight
If you love to celebrate the spooky season with ghost stories, you’ll love a CW Halloween. Head over the last Saturday in October.
What we have shown here are only a few of the many memorable decorations we enjoyed a few years ago. However, even though events change and evolve, one thing never changes in CW—your visit will leave you wanting to return again and again.
Visit the Revolutionary War town during any of their special events. You'll not only feel the 18th century spirit, you'll enjoy the seasonal flavor as well.
Intricately carved Halloween pumpkins in front of the skeletons.
About Colonial Williamsburg Special Events
There’s always something happening at Colonial Williamsburg. In addition to visiting historic sites, join in one of the many special events. Seasonal and commemorative programs include storytelling, staged shows, and hands-on experiences.
Use the CW Planner to see what’s happening during your visit. Include as many as you can to not only enhance your trip but make it even more memorable.
Colonial Williamsburg is not only the largest outdoor living museum, but it’s also the largest American history museum in the world. It encompasses 301 acres of the original town and includes 89 original buildings. Restoration is ongoing.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
