Grand Illumination–December 2, 2012

Grand Illumination at the Governor's Palace
Grand Illumination Market Stand
Colonial Williamsburg Holiday Fifes and Drums

Light Up Your Evening

Live Entertainment begins at 5:15 p.m., Fireworks at 7 p.m.

In the 18th century, a special occasion was celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, and the lighting of candles in the windows or cupolas of public buildings and private homes. Today, this tradition lives on. Celebrate as live musical performances and a dazzling display of fireworks cap off a weekend of holiday events.

  • Schedule of Events

    Come early to experience the Revolutionary City dressed in timeless natural decorations on a walking tour or take in a live auction on the Market House stage. Then, enjoy a relaxed dining experience and musical performances before the fireworks light up the sky.

    Choose from more than 20 guided and self-guided tours throughout the Revolutionary City—all included in your Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket.

    10:30 a.m.–8:15 p.m. Guided tours, dining events, live music, and shopping throughout the Revolutionary City, historic taverns, and resort restaurants
    5 p.m. Candles are lit in public buildings and homes
    5:15 p.m. Entertainment begins on outdoor stages at Palace Green, Market Square, Gaol, and the Capitol
    6:30 p.m. Guests illuminate the Revolutionary City with glow sticks
    6:40 p.m. Fifes and Drums play Grand Tattoo
    7 p.m. Fireworks at Governor’s Palace, Market Square, and the Capitol
    8 p.m. A Grand Medley of Entertainments at the Kimball Theatre
    9:30 p.m. Buses to the Revolutionary City resume operations until 10 p.m.
    Grand Illumination Mobile Experience
    Mobile Experience

    Be sure to bookmark our Grand Illumination 2012 Mobile Experience page on your smartphone. Make the most of your visit to the Revolutionary City by pulling up an interactive map and schedule.

    Colonial Williamsburg Weather Updates
    Weather Updates

    Check Facebook Icon Facebook and Twitter Icon Twitter throughout the weekend for the latest updates on weather and schedules.

    Colonial Williamsburg Interactive
    Share Your Experience

    Share photos and videos of your Grand Illumination celebration with us on
    Facebook Icon Facebook, Twitter Icon Twitter, and
    Instagram IconInstagram using #GrandIllumination.

  • Grand Illumination Market Stand

    The Grand Illumination Experience

    Stop by Market Stands, illuminated by cressets, to purchase souvenirs, cookies, and hot cider. There, you’ll also find Illumination Kits—a packaged collection of necessities, including a blanket, two glow sticks, and two refillable 2013 mugs, bundled in an attractive, lightweight string backpack—a $45 value for only $30.

    Be on the lookout for Colonial Williamsburg Ambassadors wearing “May I Help You?” buttons throughout the Revolutionary City. They are there to answer any questions you may have or point you in the right direction.

Parking and Transportation

Please park at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center and take the shuttle buses to the Revolutionary City.

Shuttle Schedule

9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Every half hour from the Visitor Center to all regular stops
5:30–6:45 p.m. Express service ONLY from the Visitor Center to the Palace stop
6:45–9:30 p.m. NO SERVICE*
9:30–10 p.m. Regular service to all stops
*Buses to the Revolutionary City will not run during the fireworks. Please plan to arrive early.