2025143 Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination

Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination is a spectacular holiday event held in early December, marking the start of the Christmas season in Williamsburg, Virginia. The celebration features 18th-century traditions, dazzling fireworks displays, and festive musical performances.

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12/05/2025-12/07/2025 Friday-Sunday

Colonial Williamsburg, VA Christmas for the Grand Illumination with Bush Gardens Christmas fun and more

Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination invites you to join them as they illuminate the night sky above their beautiful colonial capital. In the 18th century, illuminations — the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks — celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Begin the special day by checking out the unique decorations throughout the Historic Area. Then, enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout our streets and fireworks displays from the Capitol and the Palace. Upon arrival, we will visit Busch Gardens and enjoy all their holiday happenings. The Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites is the perfect starting point for your adventure in Colonial Williamsburg, centrally located next to the Visitor Center, where a shuttle runs to various parts of the area for your convenience. Otherwise, walking distance of your hotel, Colonial Williamsburg’s 301-acre Historic Area, is the world’s largest outdoor living history museum, and Merchant’s Square, featuring over 40 restaurants and shops festively decorated for the season! Dinner enjoyed at the Shields Tavern within Williamsburg

Day 1

We will head to Williamsburg with a lunch stop enroute. Upon arrival we will visit Bush Gardens and enjoy all their holiday happenings along with a whole day dining coupon to use throughout the park. (see under other information) Later we will check into Colonial Williamsburg for for a 2 night stay..

L, D

Day 2

Breakfast included then the day is free to explore Williamsburg with your pass. Begin the special day by checking out the unique decorations throughout the Historic Area. Then, enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout their streets and fireworks displays from the Capitol and the Palace. Tonight they illuminate the night sky above their beautiful colonial capital. In the 18th century, illuminations the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. There is shuttle service that leaves next to your accomodations to take you around the park and help you enjoy your day at your leasure. This evening dinner will be at the Shields Tavern on property along with the evening festivities !!

B, D

Day 3

Breakfast at your hotel with more free time to explore before heading back home with fond memories of you Colonial Williamsburg Holiday experience.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Busch Gardens Williamsburg:

Sit-down restaurants:

Das Festhaus, Brauhaus Craft Bier Room, Grogan's Irish Pub, Squire's Grille, Trapper's Smokehouse.
All-Day Dining Deal benefits:

One entrée, one side or dessert, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks in your Drink All-Day Souvenir Cup every 90 minutes.
Participating locations:

Squire's Grille, Les Frites, Trappers' Smokehouse, Snack Hutte, German Pretzels & Beer, Das Festhaus, Marco Polo's Marketplace, La Cucina.