Williamsburg Grand Illumination...
Christmas is Officially Here!

Christmas does not officially start until the Williamsburg Grand Illumination happens.

This special event is always the first Sunday after the first Saturday in December. This year Grand Illumination is on December 2,2007.

There are stages set up all along Duke of Gloucester Street with different music and entertainment.

There are street-side cressets(fire-fueled lantern/heaters)Costumed Interpreters keep the cressets stocked with fatwood and on cold nights these are very popular.

Schedule of Events

• 4:45p.m.Start of festivities
• 5:45 p.m.- Things really get going with the Fife and Drums Parade. This is the real signal that the Williamsburg Grand Illumination is starting.
• 6:15p.m. - Watch carefully as the windows all light up with one single candle. This tradition really started in Boston in 1893 but it was adopted by Colonial Williamsburg in the 1930's.
• 6:45p.m.- After the candles go on the fireworks will begin. They are set off from three different locations:
  -The Governor's Palace
  -the Magazine
  -The Capitol
• 7:30p.m.- End of Festivities
  

  

  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  My favorite spot is in front of the Governor's Palace. They say you can see the fireworks from all over but, I think the best view is on the lawn in front of the Palace. Bring a chair or a blanket and get there early to get a spot up front. If you wait too long you will be standing in a large crowd.

  It will be very crowded so if you have young children you may want to think twice about attending. My children were very overwhelmed when they were little and we wound up leaving early. It is hard to get out of the area due to the large crowd so if you think your kids might be uncomfortable of afraid of the loud fireworks hold off on this event until they are older.

  ---

  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  Although, this is not exactly how Christmas was celebrated in the 18th century, large portions of the Williamsburg Grand Illumination is based in 18th century traditions.

  If you are close enough to drive or you want to start a fun family tradition you should consider adding this to your schedule.

  You can also use it as an excuse to get some of your Christmas shopping finished. Check out the different shopping options you can add to your Williamsburg Grand Illumination trip .

  Click here to return to our home page and continue planning your trip to Williamsburg Virginia.