This article originally appeared on WYDaily as, Grand Illumination Expands to Three Weekends in 2021 on July 20, 2021. -Ed.
WILLIAMSBURG — Grand Illumination will be even more grand in 2021, as the annual holiday celebration at Colonial Williamsburg will expand to three weekends of holiday cheer.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation announced in a press release that Grand Illumination programming will take place on the weekends of Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18, 2021. Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Grand Illumination had been a one-night event.
“We have much to be grateful for in 2021,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of the foundation. “The pandemic is finally releasing its grip on our community and life is starting to return to normal. This holiday season, we invite guests to gather and reflect on our friendships and living in such a welcoming community.”
Grand Illumination will kick off all three weekends on Fridays at 6 p.m. with a Yule Log procession on Duke of Gloucester Street and a bonfire near the Magazine. 18th-Century entertainment will continue through 8 p.m. on Fridays during Grand Illumination.
On Saturdays, Grand Illumination festivities will begin at 5 p.m. Programming includes an appearance by Father Christmas, a dramatic presentation of an original holiday story, and 18th-century Yuletide music. Pyrotechnic displays at the Governor’s Palace and Capitol building will wrap up the evening’s celebrations.
The Colonial Williamsburg website will be updated as new events are added to the Grand Illumination lineup.