WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Resort Collection of Colonial Williamsburg strives to provide guests a sense of home while traveling. Whether one wants the feel of a gracious country estate in the Williamsburg Inn, or prefers the charm of authentic Colonial Houses, this holiday season, enchanting decorations and beloved traditions return to bring warmth and good cheer throughout December.

Christmas Trees and Celebrations of the Williamsburg Inn

On Friday evening, November 30, the Williamsburg Inn's unique Christmas tree is officially lit in its traditional location in the elegant Inn lobby. While every year presents a new twist to the festivities, enduring traditions include the re-telling of the story of the first Christmas tree in Williamsburg. An entire year of planning decorations and many days of set-up by the Inn staff appears to come to life in an instant. The tree is hung with delicate white lights and ornaments created by a local miniaturist, then topped with the signature Prince of Wales gold crown.

The Inn's East Lounge showcases another Christmas tree solely devoted to the holiday wishes brought from near and far by Inn guests, a tradition dating back to the 1960s. The manager of the Inn at the time thought it would be fascinating to learn of the many places from which holiday guests were traveling, so he installed the tree for everyone to hang tags for good luck, with their holiday wishes. The tradition has since evolved to also include marriage proposals, and is christened each year with a lively tagging ceremony and party.

The Yule Log

The hiding, finding and burning of the Yule Log is an august tradition brought from Europe, where it spanned countries, cultures and religions for many generations. The Resort Collection brings the honored ritual to modern- day guests of the Williamsburg Inn and Colonial Houses with Father Christmas hiding the holly-decked log amidst rousing storytelling and the reading of poems as odes to the coming year. A parade ensues wherein costumed historical interpreters, balladeers and guests touch the log with holly sprigs for good luck before the log is set fire to chase away the woes of the past year.

New Year's Eve

The Williamsburg Inn will ring in the New Year with an elegant celebration on December 31 in the acclaimed Regency Room. Guests arrive to the sights and sounds of a festive night sure to dazzle and delight with scrumptious culinary treats, lively music and festive champagne in a spectacular setting.

The Resort Collection invites travelers to join the growing family of holiday guests in 2007.

For more information and reservations, visit http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/ or call 1-800-HISTORY (447-8679).

For more information please contact: Missy Farren & Associates, Ltd. (212) 528-1691 Kelly O'Reilly, koreilly@mfaltd.com Barbara Brown, bbrown@cwf.org

CONTACT: Kelly O'Reilly, koreilly@mfaltd.com, or Barbara Brown,
bbrown@cwf.org, both of Missy Farren & Associates, Ltd., +1-212-528-1691

Web site: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/