Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg - Dec 3rd, 2017

Photo courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg website.

I love fireworks for any holiday, and I am incredibly excited how Colonial Williamsburg has packed an entire day with music, tradition, and fireworks in the unique way only this iconic American city can do. Join me in Colonial Williamsburg to enjoy the holiday festivities of Grand Illumination on Sunday, Dec. 3. After a morning of the town’s special activities and an afternoon of music, the events will conclude with “A Festival of Light and Thunder,” a free fireworks demonstration. Trust me, it’s going to be epic.
 
First, what is an illumination? In the 18th century, illuminations involved the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks. These guns and fireworks announced major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor.
 
Grand Illumination festivities begin at 4 p.m. when a town crier (of course Colonial Williamsburg begins the festivities with a town crier) officially opens the holiday season from the Courthouse steps. I’ve listed the highlights of the city's December 3rd events below. Visit colonialwilliamsburg.com for tickets and even more details.
 
Music
Until 6:30 p.m., themed musical performances will be showcased on four Historic Area stages:

• On the Palace Green, enjoy holiday big-band sounds to salute the Colonial Williamsburg restoration era of the 1930s.
• On Market Square, hear cherished songs of the holiday season performed by a cappella groups from the College of William & Mary.
• On Duke of Gloucester Street between Colonial and Botetourt streets, an ox wagon serves as the stage for the Jubilee Performers, capturing the spirit of traditional African-American song.
• A stage on the Capitol’s north lawn along Nicholson Street showcases the rich heritage Southern Appalachian music by the William & Mary Appalachian Music Ensemble.

The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums will perform seasonal regimental music of the 18th century at Capitol Circle from 4:30-6 p.m.
 
At the same time, the William & Mary a Capella group the Gentlemen of the College will sing on the new porch of the Raleigh Tavern.
 
Fireworks and Parade
The celebration culminates in “A Festival of Light and Thunder” at 7 p.m. with simultaneous free fireworks demonstrations above the Capitol, the Magazine and the Governor’s Palace, followed by a torch-lit procession of the Fifes & Drums down Duke of Gloucester Street. Visit colonialwilliamsburg.com for complete programming details.
 
Dining 
The day’s dining highlights include:

• Williamsburg Lodge Grand Illumination Feast from 4-6:30 p.m.,
• Mr. Shields’ Garden Refreshments in the Shields Tavern Garden from 4-8 p.m.,
• Grand Illumination Dinner at Chowning’s, Christiana Campbell’s, King’s Arms and Shields taverns from 4:15-10 p.m. 

Food trucks are scheduled to operate in the Historic Area on Nicholson Street near Queen Street, and on Blair Street. Visit colonialwilliamsburg.com/events for additional information on dining options available during Grand Illumination.
 
Parking
Guest parking is available at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center.
 
Daytime Events
Daytime programs included with Colonial Williamsburg admission

• Midwinter Stories at 10:30 a.m. 
• Spirit of the Season at the Raleigh Tavern at 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3, and 3:30 p.m.

Extra tickets Needed

• Christmas Decorations Walking Tour at 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 
• Talk of the Town: Christmastide at 10 a.m. 
• A Victorian Christmas at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. 

 
Good Neighbor Passes to the Governor’s Palace
Also on Dec. 3, Colonial Williamsburg is offering a single-site ticket to the iconic Governor’s Palace, available in limited quantities exclusively via the Colonial Williamsburg Explorer mobile app for $15. The ticket will only be available on Dec. 3. For just $10, residents of Williamsburg, James City County and the Bruton District of York County can visit the Governor’s Palace and other sites daily and enjoy other benefits with a Good Neighbor Annual Pass. For additional information and to purchase a Good Neighbor Annual Pass visit colonialwilliamsburg.com/good-neighbor.
 
Ticket Information
Tickets and program information are available by visiting colonialwilliamsburg.com. Tickets, reservations and information are available by calling 855-296-6627, toll-free. Information, dining reservations and same-day program tickets are available via the free Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Information is also available by following Colonial Williamsburg on Facebook and @colonialwmsburg on Twitter and Instagram.