Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg: The Grand Illumination

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg has been on my wish list for as long as I can remember. Last December our family went with friends to the Colonial Triangle to see the Grand Illumination. The day was spent strolling through the town, perusing the shops, sampling warm spiced cider, dining on Duke of Gloucester Street (DOG Street), and finally at the Grand Illumination. 
To stroll through Colonial Williamsburg at Christmastime is to take a step back in time. There is a certain magical quality that comes with a walk through a colonial village, reminding me of both the simplicity and the perseverance of colonial families. Come and take a stroll along with me, as I share some pictures of our trip last December.
During the holidays, stately colonial homes are bedecked in the traditional style of fresh greenery and fruit, as white lights mimicking candlelight glow from behind wood-shutter framed windows. Festively adorned homes, taverns, and shops line the busy streets, brimming with tourists and colonial characters in period clothing.
The shops in Williamsburg are so warm and welcoming, keeping with the spirit of hospitality that Williamsburg is known for. You can purchase almost anything in the traditional Williamsburg style, from fresh greenery, dried fruits, and mulled cider, to traditional home decor, Advent calendars, and souvenirs.

You never know know what you might find while shopping in Williamsburg, not to mention WHO you might find! Merry Christmas, Saint Nicholas! 
When daylight starts to fade  on Grand Illumination night, Williamsburg takes on a different feel. Strands of twinkling Christmas lights illuminate an ice skating rink below, where my son Carrington ice skated for the very first time! We passed this beautifully, yet simply illuminated church, below, while walking back to the seats we had saved earlier in the day.  We had taken a shuttle from our hotel early in the morning, and had put our chairs and blankets in our preferred spots. We came back to them in the evening, and settled in to watch the presentation and fireworks.   
You can bring the spirit of Colonial Williamsburg to your own home this Christmas. Each of these three books will inspire you to either create or incorporate colonial holiday decor in your own home this year or next. 






Williamsburg Christmas: The Story of Decoration in the Colonial Capital



Also, the Colonial Williamsburg ornaments below are a beautiful addition to the Christmas tree. I purchased ornaments for our tree, as well as for Christmas gifts for our friends that were on the trip with us. I love this Grand Illumination ornament! It is the perfect keepsake, or a perfect reminder of an important item on your wish list. Which is your favorite?



The next Grand Illumination will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2017. For more information, see Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination event information here.  From  our home to yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving! May your cup runneth over as you reflect and give thanks for your many blessings. 
xoxo, Erin
Southern Virginia Mom

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