Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg for 2023 will be three weekends of illuminations!
Grand Illumination is back at Colonial Williamsburg and bigger than ever before on December 2, 9, 16 2023. There are also new events this year. Visit Colonial Williamsburg Christmastime events page before you head to the historic area.
⭐Festivities (TBD)
⭐ Procession of the Yule Log (TBD)
⭐Lighting of the Cressets & Holiday Procession (TBD)
⭐Live Theater, Father Christmas, Fireworks (TBD)
⭐Special Programing at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg Hennage Auditorium (TBD)
This year Grand Illumination will continue as a multi weekend event. The events, programming and fireworks will take place over three weekends; December 2, 9, 16 2023.
Grand Illumination programming will start on Fridays at 6 p.m. 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.” Colonial Williamsburg is known for its beautiful holiday decoration and it’s halls and streets will be decked by Dec. 2, 2022
The fireworks will be on (TBD). But the programming starts at (TBD) 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 (TBD) 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.
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!
