Grand Illumination

When is Grand Illumination?

• The Grand Illumination events and fireworks will occur on three consecutive Saturday nights.
• The festivities begin each Friday night, 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.
• This December, our Grand Illumination festivities will be on Saturday, December 7th, Saturday, December 14th, and Saturday, December 21st from 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. Each night and will feature two locations for fireworks, one at the Governor’s Palace and one at the Capitol.
  
  

Can I reserve a specific audience area on Palace Green?
No. All audience areas are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

What time do the fireworks start? What time should I arrive?
The fireworks begin at 7:00 p.m., but it’s best to arrive early. The official start of Grand Illumination holiday programs throughout the Historic Area is at 5 p.m.

Will each week be the same Grand Illumination fireworks show?
Yes. Each Saturday night, fireworks will be fired simultaneously from the Capitol and Palace.

Where are the best places to watch the Grand Illumination fireworks shows?
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.

Where should I park?
Parking in and around the downtown Williamsburg area will be in high demand. Paid parking lots in the area of Merchants Square will offer a flat $20 all-day parking rate each Saturday of Grand Illumination. This special event rate is in effect from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with pre-payment available beginning at 8:00 a.m. We recommend parking at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center, offering a flat $10 all-day rate, and using the free WATA bus service to the Historic Area. For details on WATA bus service schedules and how to use the paid Passport parking app, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/parking/.

What time do the WATA buses run?
Buses will run on a 15-minute schedule from 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

NO BUS SERVICE beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Regular bus service will resume when roads reopen at the conclusion of the fireworks.

Visitors should make alternate arrangements if public transportation is required during the temporary road closures. A walking path from the Historic Area to the Visitor Center is accessible on North England Street just east of the Governor's Palace.

Williamsburg Area Transit Authority is responsible for bus operations throughout Colonial Williamsburg's historic campus, including transportation to and from the Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. Questions or comments about WATA's operating schedule can be sent to [email protected], or submitted through the transit authority's customer service number at (757) 220-5493.

Can I bring a cooler with my own food and drinks?
Yes. Coolers are permitted.

Where can we purchase food and drinks?

• 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 https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/events/kings-arms-tavern-grand-illumination-dinner/
• Campbell's Tavern will have a prepaid dinner on each of the Grand Illumination evenings https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/events/christiana-campbells-grand-illumination/
• Raleigh Tavern Bakery will be open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Mackenzie’s Apothecary will be open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Mackenzie’s Orchard Pop-Up will be open 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Chowning’s Cider stand will be open 11 a.m. - 7 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.
• Greenhow West Pop-Up will be open 2:00 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Ice Rink Concessions will be open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Where is the closest restroom?
In addition to regular restrooms listed on the map, there will be portable units installed throughout the Historic Area.

Please note that the following items are not permitted on Colonial Williamsburg Property:

• Weapons
• Beach umbrellas
• Tents
• Drones
  

Are the Grand Illumination Palace Green and Capitol fireworks viewing areas ADA accessible?
Yes.

Is there special seating for seniors?
No, there is not special seating for seniors.