2008 Special Events

December

September - December, 2008

Merchants Square Events -Autumn welcomes the return of favorite local festivals, fall crops at the Farmers’ Market, and the season-starting Grand Illumination.

Download the schedule pdf.
September 2 - December 2, 2008

Secrets of the Chocolate Maker - From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month this fall and winter, guests witness the process of 18th-century chocolate making, from grinding cocoa beans to forming a chocolate patty to be grated into powder. See beans winnowed, roasted, crushed and spiced in the creation of distinctive delights.

November 26, 2008 – January 1, 2009

Colonial Williamsburg's Holiday season - Nothing quite compares to spending the Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. Special programs, dining, entertainment, hotel packages, events for children, and more are waiting to enchant guests who come to enjoy a magical season they’ll not soon forget.

Learn more about Christmas in Williamsburg
November 29 - December 28, 2008

A Kid's Holiday Weekend – On four weekends in November and December, Colonial Williamsburg welcomes children and families for a journey back in time. Sites throughout the town will be devoted to sharing fun, food preparation and festive entertainments of the holiday season with children of all ages, but especially for those from ages 6 to 12. Program is offered November 29th and 30th, December 13th and 14th, December 20th and 21st, and December 27th and 28th.

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Learn More in the Events Calendar
December 7, 2008

Grand Illumination – In the 18th century, illuminations were sometimes held to commemorate the birth of the reigning sovereign. Today, Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination celebrates the winter holidays. Musical performances on multiple stages and fireworks launched from three locations usher in the season with a bang.

Fireworks will be set off at three locations—the Palace, Magazine, and Capitol—at 6:15 p.m. Entertainment takes place on multiple stages in the Historic Area beginning at 4:45 p.m. and after the fireworks until 7:30 p.m. No ticket is required.

Learn More in the Events Calendar
December 24, 2008

Firing of the Christmas Guns– During the eighteenth century, it was customary for Virginians to fire their guns in salute to the Christmas season. This evening we wish to continue that tradition with the hope that you will discover the delight and wonder of those celebrations held so many Christmases ago. This event is re-created in the area of the Palace Green and the Magazine on Duke of Gloucester Street, 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. No ticket is required.

Learn More in the Events Calendar
December 24, 2008

Fifes and Drums March – Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, representing militia field musicians, march from the Capitol Building to Palace Green on Duke of Gloucester Street, 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. No ticket is required.

Learn More in the Events Calendar