A COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG CHRISTMAS What is Grand Illumination?
Colonial Williamsburg’s signature event, Grand Illumination, signals the beginning of the 2008 holiday season Sunday, Dec. 7, and typically attracts thousands of guests to the Historic Area. The tradition began in 1935 with the first “White Lighting” of the Historic Area, during which a single candle was lit in each window of homes and shops there. The program has become significantly larger, and the lighting of candles in public buildings, homes and shops continues. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. Free bus service is provided between the Visitor Center and the Historic Area until 10 p.m.
