Christmas Celebrations at Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum during Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg's much-anticipated annual event, the Grand Illumination, is set to begin on Dec. 8, 2022, marking its 19th year as a cherished holiday tradition. This vibrant celebration of the past features colonial-style decorations, musical performances, fireworks displays from key locations like the Capitol and the Governor's Palace, and living history programs that transport visitors back in time.
This year, the event has expanded to three consecutive Saturdays in December to accommodate more visitors and reduce crowd density, following the pandemic-induced modifications in 2020-2021. During this period, the Grand Illumination was adapted to ensure public safety with crowd control measures and virtual experiences.
A highlight of the Grand Illumination is the captivating one-man show, "A Christmas Carol," performed by Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens. This year marks the third consecutive year that Gerald Dickens has graced the Williamsburg Inn stage, celebrating the 160th anniversary of Charles Dickens' first visit to America. Gerald Dickens uses a variety of voices to portray the 26 different characters in Charles Dickens' classic tale, offering a once-in-a-lifetime brush with literary history.
The Williamsburg Inn offers several opportunities to immerse oneself in the Dickensian atmosphere. The afternoon tea with Dickens is priced at $38 for adults and $18 for children, while a four-course dinner with Dickens is priced at $98 for adults and $38 for children.
In addition to the Grand Illumination, Colonial Williamsburg offers a plethora of other holiday attractions. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum features "Child's Play: A Celebration of Antique Toys," running from Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. The Williamsburg Institute at Colonial Williamsburg debuts a new Christmas program called "'Tis the Season: Greetings from Christmases Past" on Dec. 14, 2022.
The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums provide 18th-century music appropriate to the season during the Grand Illumination, adding an authentic touch to the festivities. As the event has evolved over the years, it has likely become more sophisticated, incorporating advancements in technology and design to enhance the visitor experience. Events at Colonial Williamsburg often blend historical accuracy with modern entertainment elements, which could suggest an evolution towards more immersive and engaging experiences for attendees.
Gerald Dickens has toured the United States and Europe, performing at numerous theaters, historic hotels, and Dickens festivals. He has appeared on the History Channel's "History's Lost and Found" and various news shows like NBC's Today Show, CBS's This Morning, ABC's Good Morning America, and PBS stations.
The Grand Illumination is a significant ceremony that began in 1935, drawing inspiration from the old tradition of placing candles in windows to celebrate special events, such as victories in war. This event is part of Colonial Williamsburg's annual celebrations, which include fireworks, music, and historical reenactments. As we look forward to the Grand Illumination, it's clear that this event continues to be designed with great care, offering a unique and enchanting holiday experience for all.
- The Grand Illumination event in Colonial Williamsburg, expanding to three Saturdays in December, now provides a chance for more visitors to experience fashion-and-beauty, entertainment, and general-news, as well as the captivating one-man show of Gerald Dickens.
- With the addition of virtual experiences during the pandemic, the Grand Illumination has become more accessible for everyone, including those interested in education-and-self-development, who can now learn about the past and its notable figures like Charles Dickens.
- Aside from the Grand Illumination, Colonial Williamsburg offers attractions such as the "Child's Play: A Celebration of Antique Toys" exhibition at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum for those who appreciate home-and-garden and fashion-and-beauty.
- For those who wish to immerse themselves in the Dickensian atmosphere, food-and-drink options at the Williamsburg Inn range from afternoon tea to a four-course dinner, offering a perfect backdrop for travelers seeking a holiday escape.
