When the trees are sparkling and the window displays enticing, the Freedom Trail Foundation joins revelers to celebrate the season with the annual Historic Holiday Stroll. While Christmas was not widely celebrated during the American Revolution in Boston, visitors may now enjoy Boston’s festive atmosphere on this merry 90-minute tour offered Thursday through Sunday at 3:30 pm beginning November 15 through January 2013.

Led by a costumed tour guide dressed in 19th century Dickensian garb, visitors learn how holiday traditions evolved in Boston while experiencing highlights of the American Revolution.  The tour concludes with the chance to warm your bones with hot chocolate, tea, or wine and Boston Cream Pie at the historic Omni Parker House.  Following the Stroll, guests enjoy 10 – 20% discounts off museum store purchases at Freedom Trail sites, including the Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Paul Revere House, and Old North Church (valid with any Freedom Trail Foundation tour receipt from November through February).

“The Freedom Trail and Boston as a whole are alive with tradition all year and especially during the holiday season,” said Suzanne Taylor, Freedom Trail Foundation Executive Director. “The atmosphere is reminiscent of the 19th century and the Holiday Stroll makes visitors feel like characters in ‘A Christmas Carol’ set against the unique backdrop of Boston’s historic sites and the American Revolution.”

This special Freedom Trail Historic Holiday Stroll is offered to the public Thursday through Sunday and may also be booked as a private family or group tour (perfect for company outings).  Beginning at the ArtsBoston Bostix Booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Stroll includes a 90-minute historic tour, shopping discounts, and refreshments at the Omni Parker House.  Tickets are $29 for adults and $19 for children and include a $1 donation to the Freedom Trail Foundation’s Preservation Fund.  Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.

The Foundation also offers daily public Freedom Trail walking tours at 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm throughout the season; an African-American Patriots Tour that tells the stories of black Bostonians who played an integral part in the Revolution from Friday through Sunday in February at 12:45 pm; as well as a Historic Pub Crawl – all about fermenting revolution in Boston’s 18th century drinking establishments, which must be booked by reservation.

Other exciting seasonal and holiday events and activities also abound at the Freedom Trail’s 17th, 18th, and 19th century historic sites.  The following is a sample of the many event and activities offered along the Trail.