Grand Illumination Schedule 2018
The Colonial Williamsburg Fife & Drum Corps will play a special concert near Capitol Circle beginning at 4:30 p.m., and at the Illumination of the Raleigh Tavern at 5:00p.m. and the George Wythe House at 5:15 p.m.. These ceremonies will celebrate the origins of Grand Illumination as each building is lit window by window, candle by candle.
Leading up to the grand fireworks display the Fifes & Drums’ Junior and Senior Corps will also be performing on Palace Green, on the steps of the Colonial Courthouse and near Capitol Circle at 6:40 p.m., with concerts of colonial favorites as everyone gets ready for the spectacular pyrotechnic finale.
The fireworks will be followed by a procession of Fifes & Drums on Duke of Gloucester Street beginning this year at the Colonial Courthouse as Grand Illumination 2018 comes to a close.
Other entertainment is listed below
4:00 PM
PALACE GREEN STAGE
The vintage swing sounds of Truetone Honeys & 504 Supreme salute the era of the Williamsburg Restoration.
PORCH OF THE RALEIGH TAVERN (DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
Classic holiday favorites performed a cappella by the W&M Gentlemen of the College.
LUDWELL-PARADISE WAGON (DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
An immersive celebration of joyful song by The Jubilee Performers.
CAPITOL NORTH STAGE
Explore the rich heritage of traditional southern Appalachian tunes & songs with The W&M Appalachian Music Ensemble.
4:15 PM
MARKET SQUARE STAGE
An enchanting program of handbell selections by the Westminster Ringers.
ANDERSON WAGON (DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
A celebration of popular 18th Century tunes by Colonial Musicians.
4:30 PM
CAPITOL CIRCLE (DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
A patriotic seasonal Concert by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums.
5:00 PM
CAPITOL NORTH STAGE
Explore the rich heritage of traditional southern Appalachian tunes & songs with The W&M Appalachian Music Ensemble.
PALACE GREEN STAGE
“Goodwin and the Ghost” a Williamsburg Christmas Tale.
RALEIGH TAVERN
The Illumination of the Raleigh Tavern Ceremony.
5:15 PM
MARKET SQUARE STAGE
An enchanting program of handbell selections by the Westminster Ringers.
LUDWELL-PARADISE WAGON (ON DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
An immersive celebration of joyful song by The Jubilee Performers.
5:20 PM
PALACE GREEN STAGE
The Illumination of the George Wythe House.
5:30 PM
PALACE GREEN STAGE
The vintage swing sounds of Truetone Honeys & 504 Supreme salute the era of the Williamsburg Restoration.
PORCH OF THE RALEIGH TAVERN (DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
Classic holiday favorites performed a cappella by the W&M Gentlemen of the College.
ANDERSON WAGON (DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
A celebration of popular 18th Century tunes by Colonial Musicians.
6:00 PM
MARKET SQUARE STAGE
Enjoy the warm choral tones of The W&M Botetourt Chamber Singers
CAPITOL NORTH STAGE
Explore the rich heritage of traditional southern Appalachian tunes & songs with The W&M Appalachian Music Ensemble.
6:15 PM
ANDERSON WAGON (DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
A celebration of popular 18th Century tunes by Colonial Musicians.
PORCH OF THE RALEIGH TAVERN (DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
Classic holiday favorites performed a cappella by the W&M Gentlemen of the College.
6:40 PM
CAPITOL CIRCLE (DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET)
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums
PALACE GREEN STAGE
The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums
STEPS OF THE COLONIAL COURTHOUSE
The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums
7:00 PM
THE GOVERNOR’S PALACE, MAGAZINE & CAPITOL BUILDING
A grand display of fireworks to be followed by a Glorious Procession of Fifes & Drums along The Duke of Gloucester Street, beginning at the Colonial Courthouse & culminating at Botetourt Street.
The lighting of candles in the windows of shops and homes along the Duke of Gloucester Street began in 1934 during the Colonial Williamsburg restoration. This timeless tradition continues with a symbolic ceremony featuring the heart-stirring pomp & pageantry of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums.
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 4 p.m.
WHERE CAN I GET A WARM DRINK/SNACK?
Throughout the Historic Area, there will be refreshment stands offering warm (and cold) drinks and snacks. There will be two food truck locations – on Nicholson Street near the Randolph House. The Mackenzie Apothecary, Dubois Grocer, Raleigh Tavern Bakery, Chowning’s Tavern Garden will be open. Mr. Shield’s Garden will also be open beginning at 4:00 p.m.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
Parking will be at a premium downtown all day. We recommend parking at the COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG REGIONAL VISITOR CENTER and using the free shuttle to the Historic Area.
Handicap parking will be available in the Tavern parking lot across from the Capitol on Francis Street. You will need to show your placard to gain entry.
WHAT TIME DO THE SHUTTLES RUN?
Shuttle buses will run on a 30-minute schedule from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with express service from the Visitor Center to the Palace Stop from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Please note: there will be no shuttle service from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. All bus service stops at 6:30 p.m. At 9:30 p.m., the shuttles will resume regular service to all stops until 10:00 p.m.
WHERE IS THE CLOSEST RESTROOM?
In addition to regular restrooms listed on the maps and in the Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app, there will be portable units located at several locations throughout the Historic Area:
Palace Green area (3): Across from the St. George Tucker House behind Roscoe Cole Stable; in the orchard next to the McKenzie Apothecary; and on Duke of Gloucester Street near Lumber House Ticket Office
Capitol Area\Goal area (4): Blair Street across from Capitol near Francis Street; behind the garage across the street from Coke Garrett; Nicholson Street, near Booker Tenement; and the corner of Nicholson and Botetourt
Market Square area (2): Corner of Queen & Nicholson Street; Queen Street, near Up and Down Cottage Merchant Square area (1): On the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street near the Henry Street bus stop.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS?
There’s no right answer. Displays will fire simultaneously at the GOVERNOR’S PALACE, the MAGAZINE, and the CAPITOL. The most popular spot is Palace Green with the beautiful backdrop of the Governor’s Palace. Premium Seating on the Palace Green is being offered. Also there is a handicap accessible area for viewing of the fireworks and entertainment. Market Square is centrally located and you will be able to see the fireworks going off in all directions. The North side of the Capitol is a lesser known and less-crowded spot where the hillside creates a small natural amphitheater. On the South side of the Capitol there will be a handicap accessible area for viewing of fireworks.
Please note that the west lawn between The Magazine and the Weaver Shop form Francis St to Duke of Gloucester St will be closed at 4 p.m. Guests will not be permitted in this area.
Please be advised that Grand Illumination fireworks do not go up as high in the air as our Independence Day fireworks, so tall trees and buildings may block your view.
IS THERE SPECIAL SEATING FOR SENIORS?
No, there is no special seating for seniors. However, lawn and folding chairs are welcome.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG PROPERTY:
- Weapons
- Beach umbrellas
- Tents
- Drones
Tips from Locals
Park in New Town and take the trolley to Merchant Square.
Make a day of it. Lots of things going on throughout the day. Yes a lot of people but so worth it. Fireworks are set off at 3 sites, the capital building, in front the governor’s palace ( lots of folks there) and the market square across from the courthouse. There are ample places for chairs, etc. Folks go early and set up their chairs.
What tips can you share about Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg ?