Colonial Williamsburg's holiday festivities begin at 5 p.m. Thursday with the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Duke of Gloucester Street at the Courthouse.
The Grand Illumination returns for three consecutive weekends, beginning Saturday. The evening starts at 4:45 p.m. with the holiday proclamation at the Courthouse, followed by illuminations at the Wythe House and Raleigh Tavern. Beginning at 6, celebrations continue at the Capitol and the Palace and fireworks start at 7. Each night features a different lineup of musical acts, including the Virginia Chorale; the Barksdale Treble Chorus; Reveille A Cappella; the Virginia Gentleman UVA Men's Choir; the Tarpley Ringers and the Company of Comedians.
Other December events include the Celebration of the Yule Log at 6 p.m. on Fridays, beginning this week and running through Dec. 19. The historic area, Merchants Square and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg will also have daily happenings.
Colonial Williamsburg historic sites are open daily to ticketed guests from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Artful Winter Evenings extended hours and special programming from 5 to 7 p.m. every Thursday this month.
Visit colonialwilliamsburg.org for tickets, schedules, maps and more information.