noob wintersday question

Are the wintersday festivities only available to post-searing? I don't see any changes in the pre-searing communities.

Only Lion's Arch and Kamadan I believe.

Yup, but thats only post-searing Ascalon I think

Sadly newcomers to the game who only have prophesies have to reach Lions Arch which takes a little time even after they finish Pre Searing.

I doubt it will ever change because post searing Ascalon is more an armed camp than a place to celebrate anything, Lions arch is the refuge the game pushes you towards.

In Factions you start the game in the very town festivals are held and in Nightfall getting to Kamadan takes some 10 minutes at most.

How do you get to Lions Arch?

You can get to Lion's Arch by playing through the storyline. You will find yourself there after completing mission #7.

Alternatively, it is possible to be run there if you're willing to pay someone who knows the route.