How to Enjoy a Free Williamsburg Christmas
Holiday Events Cheer Residents and Colonial Williamsburg Visitors
Nov 16, 2008
There are many opportunities to hear good music by talented musicians in Williamsburg. That's because Colonial Williamsburg plays host to thousands who come from near and far to see the beautiful Christmas decorations and to get in touch with the simple meaning of thanksgiving at the special holy days at the end of the year. Colonial Williamsburg rolls out the red carpet for them. Also, the College of William and Mary brings many talented students, faculity, and families to the town. This synergy means music, often free, is available all around.
Christmas in the Eighteenth Century
In the eighteen-century, Virginia’s colonial capital city was filled with festive entertainment. Traditional carols and hymns were sung with friends and family. On Christmas Eve in 1775, Philip Fithian, wrote in his diary that, “I sung for an Hour, at the good Peoples Desire, Mr. Watts admirable Hymns … I felt myself improvd; so much Love to Jesus is set forth.” The hymns of English Congregationalist minister Isaac Watts (1674-1748) were and are a favorite of many. His most famous hymn is "Joy to the World.” Other favorite Christmas hymns sung then and now include "The First Noel," "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen," "The Holly and the Ivy," "I Saw Three Ships," and "Lully Lullay" ("The Coventry Carol").
Music in the Air on Merchants Square
During the 2008 holidays as in previous years, Merchants Square resounds with these tunes and many more. The shopping district at Duke of Gloucester Street’s western terminus near the College of William and Mary offers an outdoor venue for strolling musicians, both planned and impromptu, from the College of William & Mary and greater Williamsburg. In addition, a 15-minute street theater version of Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" is another free holiday entertain that will delight shoppers.
Limited free parking is available on streets and lots near Merchants Square. Paid parking is available in two clearly marked lots one block from the Duke of Gloucester Street. A free parking building is located three blocks away near the post office, library, and city offices.
Colonial Williamsburg Plays and Invites Local Groups to Help Entertain Visitors
No ticket is required to listen to Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums as they march along Duke of Gloucester Street between the Capitol and the Governors’ Palace at 1 p.m. on November 29; December 6, 13, 20, and 27; and January 3. The corps also marches at 6:30 p.m. on November 28; December 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 26, and 31; and January 2.
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums continue to celebrate with special performances during Grand Illumination, Sunday, December 7, 2008. Grand Illumination is Colonial Williamsburg’s signature free holiday event. Musical historians and local school, church, and pick-up group talent perform on stages and around bonfires throughout the historic area. The entertainment begins at 4:45 and lasts formally and informally until well after the fireworks, set to ignite the evening at 6:15.
If you can’t make it to Colonial Williamsburg on December 7, the museum has smaller illumination celebrations all month long. Palace Illuminations are “mini” illuminations of houses, shops, and public buildings on Palace Green held on December 20, 23, and 27 at 6:30. At Tavern Illuminations, to be held at the same time on December 13, 22, and 28, the Fifes and Drums lead visitors from Tavern to Tavern while the narrator tells stories about each. On December 18, 21, and 30, the Market Square Illumination takes place around the Courthouse of 1770 and the Powder Magazine. The narrator talks about the role of nearby buildings and homes, including the Peyton Randolph House. During the Capitol Illuminations on December 9, 15, and 29, the Fifes and Drums play and march between Christiana Campbell’s Tavern and the Capitol while the surrounding buildings and related events are described.
Colonial Williamsburg invites you to carol at the Robert Carter House on December 12, 19, 20, and 23 (near the Governor’s Palace); at the Palmer House on December 13 (near the Capitol); at Wetherburn’s Tavern on December 15 (also near the Capitol); and at the Courthouse on December 18 (centrally located on Duke of Gloucester Street).
Don't forget to plan a trip to Colonial Williamsburg when you can stay longer. Check into Williamsburg package deals on hotels and entertainment or discounts on hotels near Colonial Williamsburg.
Local Groups Present Free Concerts
Free holiday performances by Flute Frenzy, a group of talented middle and high school aged instrumentalists, will be performed on Tuesday, December 9, at 7:00 at the Barnes and Noble in New Town; on Saturday, December 13, at 4:00 p.m. at Williamsburg United Methodists Church on Jamestown Road across from the College of William and Mary’s Phi Beta Kappa Hall; and on Sunday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge in Lightfoot.
The Williamsburg Choral Guild presents a free concert of holiday music accompanied by a brass ensemble on Sunday, December 14, at 4:00 p.m. at the King of Glory Lutheran Church on Longhill Road.
Nothing lifts the spirits quite like a touch of Williamsburg at Christmastime. Enjoying holiday music free of charge gives us something extra to cheer about this season.
 |
