Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg

Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg for 2024 will be three weekends of illuminations!

Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg is the quintessential holiday event not to miss, and you have three weekends to experience the events (fireworks are on Saturday nights): December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 2024. Each evening includes seasonal music, the lighting of the cressets, and a procession led by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. Each Grand Illumination event weekend culminates in firework demonstrations over the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol on the Saturday Night.

Grand Illumination Events & Daily Schedule

⭐Festivities ⭐– Fridays & Saturdays, December 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 from 5 pm – 7 pm
⭐Celebration of the Yule Log ⭐- Fridays December 7, 14, 21 – The festivities begin each Friday night, with the Lighting of the Cressets, 18th century entertainments on Duke of Gloucester Street and a Celebration of the Yule Log, a holiday procession beginning at the Capitol and ending at the Magazine where guests will have an opportunity to make a wish and toss a sprig of greenery into the bonfire. 6-7:30 p.m.
⭐Grand Illumination Fireworks ⭐– Saturdays December 7, 14, 21 at 7 PM – Each Saturday night, fireworks will be fired from the Capitol and Palace simultaneously. Best viewing of the Fireworks in Colonial Williamsburg? For the Palace fireworks, anywhere on Palace Green is perfect. For the Capitol show, the best viewing area is on Duke of Gloucester St east of Botetourt St
⭐Live Theater, Father Christmas ⭐ – Saturdays December 7, 14, 21 at 5 pm – 7 pm
⭐Special Programing ⭐ at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg Hennage Auditorium

Start each special day by checking out the unique decorations throughout the Historic Area. Then, enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout the Colonial Williamsburg’s streets and fireworks displays from the Capitol and the Palace.

This year Grand Illumination will continue as a multi weekend event. The events, programming and fireworks will take place over three weekends; December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2024. More info – keep scrolling!

Where to eat at Grand illumination?

There will be a food truck, and a coffee truck parked behind the Courthouse in the center of town on Nicholson St just east of North England St. Serving hot food and non-alcoholic drinks from 3 p.m.– 7 p.m.
Kings Arms Tavern will have a prepaid dinner on each of the Grand Illumination evenings
Campbell’s Tavern will have a prepaid dinner on each of the Grand Illumination evenings
Traditions at the Williamsburg Lodge will have a prepaid dinner on each of the Grand Illumination evenings
Raleigh Tavern Bakery will be open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mackenzie’s Apothecary will be open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mackenzie’s Orchard Pop-Up will be open 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Chowning’s Cider stand will be open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Chowning’s Snack Bar will offer a variety of food options 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Dubois Grocer will be open 11 a.m. -7 p.m.
Greenhow West Pop-Up will be open 2:00 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ice Rink Concessions will be open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Grand Illumination programming will start on Fridays at 6 p.m. with 18th century entertainments on Duke of Gloucester Street and a Celebration of the Yule Log, a holiday procession beginning at the Capitol and ending at the Magazine where guests will have an opportunity to make a wish and toss a sprig of greenery into the bonfire.” Colonial Williamsburg is known for its beautiful holiday decoration and it’s halls and streets.

The fireworks will be on Saturday December 7, 14, 21. But the programming starts at 5 pm featuring festivities such as a live theatrical event of an original holiday story, 18th century music and then the entrance of Father Christmas that leads into the fireworks. Each Saturday night Colonial Williamsburg will feature two locations for fireworks, one at the Governor’s Palace and one at the Capitol. Fireworks will be set off at 7pm at both locations simultaneously. You are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets – even a cooler.

This year seating is open to all with no premium seating area on Palace Green. Just come and grab your favorite spot. Visit Colonial Williamsburg Christmastime events page before you head to the historic area.

Special programming all three weekends at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg will feature familiar favorites and new entertainment offerings. Visit our Colonial Williamsburg events page or visit Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illuminations page for all additions to this event!

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Olivia Bada

Olivia Bada is one of the driving forces behind WilliamsburgFamilies.com, a trusted resource for locals and visitors alike. With over 14 years of experience curating the best family-friendly events, activities, and attractions in Williamsburg, VA, Olivia has become a trusted writer in the community. Her passion for connecting families to their local area is evident in the comprehensive guides, event listings, and reviews she shares on the site. She shares information on local events including Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Yorktown, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, New Town, Merchants Square, York River State Park, Chippokes State Park and Yorktown Battlefield View all posts CEO