This house, as are many in Colonial Williamsburg, is decorated for the holiday season.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — I had waited more than 15 years to be in Colonial Williamsburg for the Grand Illumination.  Before I had retired from teaching, a vacation during the first weekend of December did not fit in with the school calendar — Thanksgiving break was too early and Christmas break, too late. But I was here now, and even the overcast sky with a forecast of rain showers was not going to dampen my spirits.


The daily activities at Colonial Williamsburg are informative and varied, and the day of Grand Illumination is no different. Everything from talks by historical figures, such as George Washington and Patrick Henry, to the folk art exhibit at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Museum to seeing historical tradespeople such as wheelwrights, coopers and wigmakers, demonstrating their crafts and answering questions from visitors and much more is available. “Colonial Williamsburg, This Week,” is a weekly publication of what’s going on and which trade shops are open, and is a must for even the seasoned visitor.


With all of these offerings, my husband and I had no problem filling the time before the Grand Illumination.


The talks by the historical figures continue to amaze me. The men who portray George Washington, Patrick Henry and others become the persona of their characters.