Colonial Williamsburg Offers A Holiday Experience Like No Other

Are you longing for the smell of homemade gingerbread mixed with the aroma of hot cider? Maybe you’ve dreamed of dancing in the candlelit Capitol? Or, persuading  the chocolate maker give up 200-year-old secrets? Or, perhaps it’s attending this year’s ball to celebrate Queen Charlotte’s birth night.

Kick-Off your Holiday memories, with these upcoming Colonial Williamsburg events:

December 4: The Grand Illumination
In the 18th century, illuminations were sometimes held to commemorate the birth of the reigning sovereign. Today the Grand Illumination is held in the Historic Area.  Musical performances from multiple stages throughout the Historic Area begin at 5:15 p.m. and fireworks displays from three locations—the Palace, Magazine, and Capitol—at 7 p.m. Make this event one that is not to be missed!

December 6: Secrets of the Chocolate Maker
This program demonstrates the process of making chocolate 200 years ago—from roasting and shelling the cocoa beans through grinding the nibs into chocolate.
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Included in Colonial Williamsburg admission

December 10: Lady Dunmore’s Ball
You have been invited to celebrate Queen Charlotte’s birth night and the christening of newborn Lady Virginia at the Governor’s Palace. Partake of entertainments featuring music, dancing, traveling players, refreshments, firelit gardens, and the opportunity to interact with the finest of colonial Virginian society. His Lordship is only offering a limited number of invitations, so be sure to reserve your place for this season’s one-night-only event!
7 p.m. $100

December 24: Community Christmas Tree Lighting
Gather at the Courthouse steps on Duke of Gloucester Street for the annual Williamsburg tree illumination and the traditional retelling of the city’s first Christmas tree.
5:30 p.m. No ticket or reservation required