Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg

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. Each evening includes seasonal music, the lighting of the cressets, and a procession led by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. Each Grand Illumination event culminates in firework demonstrations over the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol sponsored by the City of Williamsburg.

Try and being the 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.

⭐Grand Illumination Fireworks – Saturdays December 2, 9, 16 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
⭐Festivities – Fridays & Saturdays, December 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16 from 5 pm – 7 pm
⭐Celebration of the Yule Log – Fridays December 1, 8, 15 – The Yule log will be hauled by a wagon from Capitol Circle to Market Square where it will be added to a bonfire accompanied by holiday music, festivities, and the lighting of the cressets. 6-7:30 p.m.
⭐Live Theater, Father Christmas – Saturdays December 2, 9, 16 at 5 pm – 7 pm
⭐Special Programing at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg Hennage Auditorium

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. 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
Campbells’s Tavern 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. – 5 p.m.
Chowning’s Cider stand will be open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Ice Rink Concessions will be open from 11 a.m. – 11 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.
Market House will be selling sandwiches and cold drinks from 3 p.m. – 7 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 2, 9, & 16. 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!