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One of Grand Illumination’s magical moments lies not in the spectacle of fireworks igniting the sky over Colonial Williamsburg. Rather, it’s in the stiller, quieter moment on Duke of Gloucester Street as folks head home, ears ringing, and some choose to linger by the fires.

“There’s that magical feel with the cressets still burning,” said Tim Sutphin, director of Revolutionary City Programs. “That’s one of the few evenings that the whole town is lit up with cressets.”

In fact, though Grand Illumination fireworks launch at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6, the entire day is filled with moments of holiday memory-making.

Here are some tips to make the most of the day.

Arrive early

Colonial Williamsburg advises guests arrive early. Bring folding chairs and blankets, and claim a good spot at one of the stages. Then, explore the Revolutionary City for the day.

Historic Area sites open at 9 a.m. Guests can take a Christmas Decorations Walking Tour or visit the nearby Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. A colonial auction, offering rare items, begins at 1 p.m. in Market Square.

Liberty’s Ice Pavilion is the newest festive addition, open from noon to 8 p.m. Nearby, Santa Claus will visit the William and Mary Bookstore from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., later stroll Merchants Square between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Check out live entertainment

Entertainment begins at 5 p.m. on four stages: Palace Green, Market Square, on the south side of the Capitol, and opposite the Gaol on Nicholson Street. Balladeers and choruses will take to the stages, and the shows culminate with the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums at 6:45 p.m.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Williamsburg Symphonia will fill the Kimball Theatre with holiday tunes during its annual Holiday Pops concert at 1:30 and 3 p.m. At 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m., free street performances of “A Christmas Carol” will occur in Merchants Square.

Look for the light

In the 18th century, illuminations traditionally marked major events. Colonial Williamsburg’s tradition first began in 1934. Sunday’s illumination begins at dusk, around 4:45 p.m., with the lighting of the Historic Area’s street-side cressets and candles in windows of public buildings, trade shops and residences.

Fireworks begin at 7 p.m., launched from the Governor’s Palace, the Magazine and the Capitol. “They’re not the traditional high-up-in-the-sky fireworks,” Sutphin said. “You can be anywhere and see a terrific fireworks show.”

Following fireworks, guests can march with the Fifes and Drums from both the Palace Green and the Capitol.

Be patient

Sutphin has planned Grand Illumination for over 20 years, and he encourages guests to be patient when leaving. “Grab some cider and warm your hands by one of the bonfires,” he said.

Visitors can grab hot cider, cookies and gingerbread men from refreshment stands throughout the day and evening.

Instead of rushing home, check out a family-friendly variety show, “A Grand Medley of Entertainments,” at 8 p.m. in Kimball Theatre.

Is it free?

Fireworks and live entertainment are free to the community.

Admission is required for the tours, the Holiday Pops Concert, “Grand Medley of Entertainments,” the Art Museums and the skating rink.

For more information, visit any Colonial Williamsburg ticket location, call 1-855-296-6627 or visit colonialwilliamsburg.com.

Schedule

9 a.m.-9 p.m. – Guided tours, dining events, live music and shopping throughout Revolutionary City

1 p.m. – Market House live auction

3:30 p.m. – Illumination Feast and Festivities at Williamsburg Lodge

5 p.m. – Candles lit in public buildings, homes

5 p.m. – Entertainment begins on outdoor stages at Palace Green, Market Square, Gaol and the Capitol

6:45 p.m. – Fifes and Drums play Grand Tattoo

7 p.m. – Fireworks at Governor’s Palace, Market Square and the Capitol

8 p.m. – Grand Medley of Entertainments at Kimball Theatre