Where to Dine in Colonial Williamsburg for Grand Illumination

Start the holiday season with a festive three-course prix fixe dinner at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern. Enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere as you savor your choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert before or after the dazzling Grand Illumination fireworks. The menu features fresh fish and seafood, locally sourced produce, and beloved favorites like sweet potato muffins and spoon bread. Guests can also enjoy lively tavern music and exceptional service from the friendly staff, making it the perfect family celebration to welcome the season.Taxes and gratuity are added at the time of purchase. This event is open to the public, but a prepaid reservation is required. Children under 2 eat for free. For reservations, visit here.

📅Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 
🕢4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍King’s Arms Tavern

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a festive three-course prix fixe dinner at King’s Arms Tavern, the perfect complement to the Grand Illumination fireworks. Guests can choose from a selection of starters, entrées, and desserts while enjoying live tavern music in the warm, historic ambiance of this beloved Williamsburg tradition. Children 2 and under dine free. Taxes and gratuity will be added at the time of purchase. Prepaid reservations are required, and the event is open to the public. For reservations visit here.

📅Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, 2
🕢4 PM – 8 PM 
📍Traditions, Williamsburg Lodge

Guests are invited to enjoy a festive buffet dinner at Traditions in the Williamsburg Lodge before heading out to see the dazzling Grand Illumination fireworks. The evening begins with a complimentary tableside grazing board, followed by hearty soups, fresh winter salads, and comforting entrées to suit every taste. Young guests can delight in their own special mini buffet, while featured dishes include Southern fried chicken, miso-glazed black cod, and herb-crusted beef tenderloin carved to order. The celebration concludes with warm seasonal bread pudding and an irresistible assortment of holiday desserts. For reservations visit here.

📅Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, 21
🕢11 AM – 2 PM
📍Traditions, Williamsburg Lodge

Guests are invited to celebrate the season with a festive Sunday brunch in honor of Grand Illumination. The menu features a lavish spread of Chesapeake seafood favorites, hearty winter entrées, fresh salads, and signature breakfast selections, including made-to-order omelets and a special kids’ buffet station for little ones. Fresh juice, coffee, and tea are included, along with a complimentary craft mimosa for guests 21 and older. To finish, the Lodge Pastry Shop offers sweet treats such as mini muffins, seasonal desserts, and handcrafted pastries. Children 2 and under dine free. Taxes and gratuity are added at the time of purchase, and prepaid reservations are required. For more information and reservations, visit here.

📅Saturdays, Dec. 13, 20
🕢4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍Shields Tavern

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a festive dinner at Shields Tavern before or after the Grand Illumination fireworks. Gather the family for Mr. Shields’ Groaning Board Feast, featuring authentic Colonial family-style service in the warm and inviting ambiance of the tavern. The feast includes soup, salad, hearty entrées, and decadent desserts. Enjoy lively performances by talented balladeers as the attentive staff ensures an evening fit for royalty. Children 2 and under dine free. Prices do not include tax and gratuity. Prepaid reservations are required. For more information and reservations, see here.