Grand Illumination at CW: Tips and Insider Guide from Colonial Williamsburg

“Each December brings one of Colonial Williamsburg’s most magical days—Grand Illumination, when we kick off the start of the Christmas season with lights, music, and fireworks.

We’d love for you to join us if you can. Here’s a tip sheet to help make the planning easier.

And if you can’t make it to the big event, you can still watch it live on our web stream.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I GET THERE?

Early. The fireworks start at 7 p.m., but they are only the culmination of a day of Grand Illumination fun. Get situated somewhere near one of the stages by 5 for the entertainment.

A Colonial Faire promises 18th-century-inspired games, races, and storytelling geared towards kids 13 years and younger from 1 to 4 p.m. at Market Square.

Look for some one-of-a-kind offerings and great discounts—not to mention some lighthearted fun—at the live colonial auction, which will take place just west of the new Market House at 1 p.m. Special items handcrafted by our tradespeople include a full-size weather vane, a mahogany cradle, and a hand-engraved foundry bell.

At 5 p.m. all the homes and buildings will be illuminated by candlelight, cressets will be lit, and live entertainment will begin on four stages. They will be located on Palace Green, at Market Square across from Peyton Randolph House, on the South side of the Capitol, and on the North side of the Capitol just up from the Public Gaol.

WHERE SHOULD I PARK?

Parking will be at a premium all day downtown, so the low-stress option is definitely to park at the Visitor Centerand take the free shuttle to the Historic Area. But please note: Francis St. will be closed to all traffic except tour buses at 12 noon. So Lafayette St. will be the main route for getting from one end of the Historic Area to the other, and it will be busy. All the more reason to park at the Visitor Center.

Shuttle buses will operate on the regular loop around town from 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. An express shuttle will run from the Visitor Center to the Palace Stop from 5:30 p.m.–6:45 p.m. From there it’s a short walk to Palace Green or Market Square.

There is no bus service from 6:45 p.m.–9:30 p.m. If you need to get back to the Visitor Center during that time, there is an accessible walking path from the Palace bus stop on North England St.

At 9:30 p.m. the shuttles will resume regular service to all stops until 10 p.m.

The Prince George Street parking garage ($1/hr.) is your best bet if you want to park near Merchants Square on the west side of town. Most street and lot parking is for only one or two hours.

Handicapped parking will be available in the tavern lot across from the Capitol on Waller St.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER?

At this writing the forecast for Sunday is great for the first week in December: highs in the 50s and very little chance of rain. In general you can count on Grand Illumination happening rain or shine, but check the Facebook page for updates if you are unsure. The only thing that really causes problems for fireworks is high winds.

Even if it’s pleasant outside, as expected, it can be pretty cool standing around, so bring your hats and mittens, and even a blanket, to stay warm. And don’t forget the umbrella if there turns out to be a chance of rain. Beginning at dusk you’ll be able to warm up near (but not too close!) one of the cressets that will be burning all over town.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Bring your favorite lawn chairs or blankets for a comfortable way to enjoy the fireworks. You can even bring a cooler, but avoid bringing glass or other breakables. It’s going to get crowded and dark out there, so be courteous about sharing the space—and maybe bring a flashlight, too.

If you’re worried about hauling stuff all the way from the Visitor Center, think about dropping someone off at the corner of Prince George St. and Nassau St. From there it’s just a block over to Palace Green.

Want to travel light? Pick up  this year’s Grand Illumination kit for $29.95. It’s got everything you need in a special tote bag: a cozy blanket, two glow sticks, hand sanitizer, and two special edition Grand Illumination mugs. You can fill them with cider, cocoa, or a soft drink–the first one is free, then refills are $1 through Jan. 31.

WHAT ABOUT SNACKS AND OTHER NECESSITIES?

Look for the blue lights outlining refreshment stands throughout the Historic Area. They’ll have American Heritage hot chocolate, hot cider, cookies (including our wonderful gingerbread) and more.

Near the Capitol, there will be refreshments at Shields Tavern, the Raleigh Tavern Bakery, and a stand near the Joiner’s Shop just south of the Capitol.

If you’re in the vicinity of Market Square, head to the Market House, Dubois Grocer, or behind Chowning’s Tavern. Chowning’s will have some more substantial fare—and beer!

And if you’re hanging out at Palace Green, look for the stand near Duke of Gloucester St. or McKenzie Apothecary toward the Palace.

If you are looking for restaurants, you will find a variety of colonial fare throughout Merchants Square. Several restaurants will be open until 10 p.m. or later.

Restrooms, you ask? In addition to regular restrooms located on the maps or on the app, there will be portable units located:

• Palace Green: at McKenzie Shop and near Duke of Gloucester St.
• Nicholson St.: across from the St. George Tucker House, at the corner of Queen St., and near Waller St.
• Francis St.: at the corners of Queen St. and Blair St.

WHERE SHOULD I WATCH THE FIREWORKS?

Firework displays are set up at the Governor’s Palace, the Magazine, and the north and south sides of the Capitol.

Longtime visitors all have their favorite viewing spots. There’s no right answer. But these fireworks aren’t shot up as high as the 4^th of July fireworks, so you don’t want any tall trees or buildings in your line of sight.

The most popular spot is on Palace Green. The Governor’s Palace is a beautiful backdrop, and there’s plenty of space. Stay toward the center so the trees don’t block your view. It’s better to be farther back—even as far away as Duke of Gloucester Street—than too far on one side of the Green or the other.

Market Square is the most central spot, and from there you can actually see the fireworks going off in all directions.

A lesser known and less crowded spot is the North side of the Capitol, where a small hillside makes for a little amphitheater effect. It’s a more intimate setting there.

On the South side of the Capitol there will be a handicapped accessible area for viewing entertainment and fireworks.

ARE ALL THE SITES OPEN?

Most everything at Colonial Williamsburg will be open as usual. Look for the flags out in front to be sure. But the Magazine will be closed all day, and the Capitol’s last tour will be at 3:30 so the fireworks can be prepared. The Governor’s Palace grounds will be completely cleared shortly after the last tour there begins at 4 p.m.

The new Market House will be closed from 6:00 to about 7:45 to accommodate the fireworks at Market Square.

You can also use Colonial Williamsburg’s free app to see what’s scheduled for the day and help find your way around.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE FOR KIDS?

During the day, along with all the usual fun, you can go ice skating (starting at noon) on Duke of Gloucester St., check out the gingerbread village in the lobby of the Williamsburg Lodge, or see Christmas circa 1835 at the Carolina room at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

After the fireworks, watch the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums march down Duke of Gloucester St. One group will start from Palace Green, the other from the Capitol, converging near Botetourt St.

STAY UP TO DATE

Announcements will be made from the entertainment stages. You can also check for any important updates by checking the Grand Illumination event page on Facebook or following Colonial Williamsburg on Twitter.

SHARE THE FUN

Post your pictures for all to see on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #CWGrandIllumination.”