Light It Up, Colonial-Style

Williamsburg kicks off the holiday season this weekend

If you like a little history with your holiday cheer, head to Colonial Williamsburg this weekend. The city is kicking off the holiday season with its 76th Grand Illumination.

Sunday's event includes fireworks, music and candlelit buildings.

There will be a variety of entertainment on multiple stages. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums will provide 18th-century music to get people in the holiday spirit.

Historians in Williamsburg said illuminations were commonly used during the 18th century to celebrate major events, including military victories, the birthday of the monarch and the arrival of a new colonial governor. Back then, people fired guns into the air and lit fireworks to illuminate the sky.


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