Grand Illumination Williamsburg

This weekend full of events kicks off the holiday season on the first full weekend of December every year and attracts big crowds eager to participate in a historic tradition.

Enjoy your daytime by touring the Historic Area and the displays of all natural, creative decorations. You’ll see traditional evergreens, cranberries and holly, mixed with citrus fruit and natural accents like sunflowers or cotton. Some creative designs make the most of their historic options by using paper goods such as playing cards or newspapers. Join a Christmas Decorations Walking Tour to learn more about the materials used for the Christmas decorations – there’s interesting history there.

You’ll love the variety of holiday events. Some are culinary, such as special holiday breakfasts, teas and meals. Others are musical, to put you in the spirit. Enjoy holiday music including colonial music, caroling and concerts.
The town shows its festive finery all day and on Sunday evening, it all lights up to welcome Christmastide. Historically, Grand Illumination is the moment when all of the candles in the windows were lit simultaneous. Modern celebrations include fireworks, the Fife and Drum Corp performing and hot drinks to share while everyone waits for the lighting.

It’s a wonderful, historic tradition that you can share with the whole family – and it will get you in the mood to get all of your holiday tasks done!