Get your Holiday PlannerChristmas Music & Podcasts
S
ample traditional holiday music and listen to podcasts at your computer or on your mp3 player.
Music
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“A Grand Entertainment”
From the refined notes of classic pieces played on period instruments to the rich voices raised in songs remembered from Christmases long ago, listeners are carried away to a season of Grand Entertainment in Williamsburg. Buy the CD, available at www.williamsburgmarketplace.com.
Listen to a clip
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“Songs for a Williamsburg Christmas”
Carols, motets, hymns, songs, and madrigals reflect the enthusiastic joy and high spirits of Yuletide celebrations in Williamsburg. Buy the CD, available at www.williamsburgmarketplace.com.
Listen to a clip
Christmas Podcasts
Quicktime 7 (free) is required to view the enhanced and video podcasts.
For more podcasts visit www.history.org.
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Dec 21 2009
Irish Christmas Melodies
Tavern entertainer and musician Kelly Kennedy plays and sings Christmas airs in the Irish tradition.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 3.3Mb)
- Transcript
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Dec 22 2008
Gingerbread Houses
The town is rendered in gingerbread once a year at Colonial Williamsburg. Executive Pastry Chef Joe Sciegaj oversees the construction.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 2.2Mb)
- Transcript
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Dec 1 2008
Christmas in Williamsburg
Doors are decked in Williamsburg's signature style to celebrate the holiday season. Laura Viancour describes the preparations.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 2.2Mb)
- Transcript
- Video podcast: Watch (mov, 30.3Mb)
- Video transcript
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Dec 31 2007
Twelfth Night
Holiday celebrations culminate with Twelfth Night revelries.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 3.0Mb)
- Transcript
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Dec 24 2007
An Irish Christmas
In clear voice and high spirits, Kelly Kennedy sings Irish Christmas melodies.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 2.6Mb)
- Transcript
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Dec 17 2007
A Child's-Eye View
Old toy trains and sprawling dollhouses connect imaginations through the span of years. Curator Jan Gilliam has the happy task of laying them out.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 3.1Mb)
- Transcript
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Dec 25 2006
Christmas Hymns You Thought You Knew
Colonial Williamsburg musician John Turner explains the origins of America's beloved Christmas hymns.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 3.2Mb)
- Transcript
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Dec 18 2006
Colonial Christmastide Dance
Performing Arts Dance Interpreter Marcy Wright talks about 18th-century dance customs, including instructions that called for kisses and hugs.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 3Mb)
- Transcript
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Dec 4 2006
An 18th Century Christmas
Historian Lou Powers traces the evolution of Christmas celebrations through the centuries.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 2.9Mb)
- Transcript
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Dec 19 2005
Curator of Historic Interiors
Curator Emily Roberts enjoys setting a proper Christmas supper for 10 in the Palace.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 3Mb)
- Transcript
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Dec 5 2005
Professor Minnigerode lights a tree
Bob Doares talks about playing the part of the German professor who brought the tradition of the Christmas tree to Williamsburg in the mid-19th century.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 2.8Mb)
- Transcript
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Nov 28 2005
Planning the Grand Illumination
Tim Sutphin has the daunting task of overseeing details for Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination held the first Sunday in December.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 2.9Mb)
- Transcript
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Nov 21 2005
Decorating for Christmas
Laura Viancour talks about the labor-intensive job of decorating the Historic Area for the Christmas season year after year.
- Audio podcast: Listen (mp3, 2.8Mb)
- Transcript
Celebration
