Fourth of July

On Friday, July 4th, 2025, the fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Governor’s Palace. They will last approximately 18 minutes.

The best location for viewing is Palace Green. The fireworks can also be seen from Market Square.

Colonial Williamsburg does not offer a rain date for the July 4th Fireworks. We do not have a set time for canceling the program if the weather is a concern. Communication on the status of the fireworks will be posted through our social media channels.

To receive weather-related special event information via text, please text the keyword CWEVENTS to 226787. The opt-in will auto-expire at 11:59 PM on July 4, 2025, and you can opt out of the messages at any time.

Yes. In addition to daily Historic Area programming, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson at 9:30AM from the Capitol building’s West Balcony and a noontime reading of the Declaration of Independence by members of the 18th century Williamsburg community on the steps of the Colonial Courthouse. At 10:30AM on Market Square, A Salute to the States will feature a special muster in commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of our nation. At 2:00PM recruits of all ages are welcome to take part in Every Presence is Warlike an interactive military drill as regiments are raised for the defense of Virginia. At 5:00PM, at the Kimball Theatre, enjoy a stage presentation of Pursuing Happiness, and gain a new perspective on the document we celebrate on July 4. Our signature Independence Day program, Lights of Freedom on Palace Green begins at 8PM and concludes with fireworks at 9:30PM.

The best place to park is at the Visitor's Center parking lot, but capacity is limited.  Additional Williamsburg parking will be available at William & Mary’s Zable Stadium, located at 100 Stadium Dr. off Richmond Rd, and at William & Mary’s Law School, located at 613 Henry St. It is approximately a 15-minute walk to Palace Green from these locations.

Complimentary bus service is provided by Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA). The route servicing Colonial Williamsburg is Route 15: Colonial. Buses leave the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to service stops throughout the Historic Area every 15 minutes. Bus service hours of operation on July 4th will be 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. There will be no bus service from 8:30 p.m. until 10:15 p.m. Regular bus service will resume at 10:15 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

There is an accessible walking path to the Visitors Center from the Palace bus stop. This path will be closed beginning at 8:30 p.m. and will reopen following the fireworks display.

• Morning Concession by Capitol: 8:30AM - 11:00AM in front of Shields Tavern
  • Coffee and Doughnuts
• Kings Arms Dinner Service: will be open for lunch 11:00AM – 2:00PM for lunch and 4:30PM - 8:30PM for dinner.
  • Reservations are required for dinner, 1-800-HISTORY or OpenTable app.
• Campbell’s Tavern will be open for dinner 4:00PM – 8:00PM.
  • Reservations are required, 1-800-HISTORY or OpenTable app.
• Chowning’s Cider Stand: Open 11:00AM - 9:00PM
  • Drinks, sandwiches, snacks and cookies.
• Chowning’s Garden Snack Bar: Open 11:00AM - 9:00PM
  • Burgers, Hot dogs and more.
• The Raleigh Tavern Bakery: Open 9:00AM - 7:00PM
• Mckenzie Apothecary: Open 8:00AM – 9:00PM
  • Drinks, sandwiches, snacks, baked goods.
• Dubois Grocer: Open 11:00AM – 9:00PM
  • Thomas Jefferson recipe soft serves ice cream, period candy, roasted nuts.
• Shield’s Tavern: Mr. Sheild’s Picnic Basket – Prepaid Event 2PM – 6PM.
  • Enjoy a festive July 4th Family Picnic Basket from Shields Tavern Pavilion. Relax in the shade at your reserved picnic table and indulge in holiday favorites like Mr. Shields’ Fried Chicken, cornbread, green bean salad, potato salad, and fresh watermelon & strawberries, all topped off with patriotic cookies and refreshing lemonade. $25 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Prepaid reservations are required. Reservations are available on OpenTable or by calling 1-800-HISTORY.
• Josiah Chowning’s Tavern Grill: 11AM – 9:00PM.
  • Regular Menu Offerings at the Snack Bar Oyster Garden Bar – set up corn hole and beverage station.
• Greenhow Concessions: 11AM-Fireworks – Next to the Greenhow Lumber House
  • Bratwurst $10, Hot Dogs $8, Smoked Turkey Leg $12, ½ dozen Chicken Tenders $12, French Fries $6, Watermelon $4, Sugar Cookies, $3, Rum Punch $14, Domestic and Craft Beer $9, Water $3.50, Soda $3.50, Gatorade $3.75

Complimentary bus service is provided by Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA). The route servicing Colonial Williamsburg is Route 15: Colonial.

Besides the regular restroom locations in the Historic Area, additional portable toilets are available near Palace Green. Please note that the restrooms within the Governor’s Palace Gardens and the structure at the corner of Scotland Street and Palace Green will not be available after 5 p.m. Public restrooms are also available in Merchants Square at the corner of Duke of Gloucester and N. Henry Streets, and in the Henry Street Shops.

Yes. The following items will not be permitted on Palace Green, Art Museum Lawns, or any other Colonial Williamsburg owned properties:

• Tents
• Pop-up tents
• Oversized umbrellas
• Drones
• Weapons

Yes.

• The John Greenhow Store will be open 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Market House will be open 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• The William Pitt Store will be open 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Tarpley, Thompson & Company will be open 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• The Prentis Store will be open 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• The Golden Ball will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

On Saturday, July 5 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Market Square, bid on select items from CW stores as well as one-of-a-kind auction items found nowhere else.