Holiday Romance in CW

Now that we’re feeling the winter chill in the air, it’s time to heat up your love life. To help you keep that flame burning during this extra special time of year, I’m back with a few final colonial date ideas to do before the New Year.

By Grace McGlade

*Grand Illumination in CW: 

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to get in the holiday spirit with your romantic partner, or your friends, this Sunday, December 5th. Watch the sky light up at 6:15pm with fireworks launched from the Governor’s Palace, Magazine and Capitol, as the candles flicker on in the surrounding homes and buildings.  This event gets crowded, as students, residents and even out-of-towners flock to CW for the annual Grand Illumination celebration; so make sure to make your way down to the historic area beforehand so you can get a view of the fireworks, and bundle up. You can also stop by to see me and Addie in our colonial home, and we will be offering hot cider, cocoa and holiday treats to students from 4-6pm (more details on our Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108996609171104&num_event_invites=0#!/event.php?eid=108996609171104). At 5:45 pm, the Fifes and Drums kick off the beginning of the Grand Illumination and after the fireworks, musical performances (on outdoor stages) and caroling begins until about 7:30pm. Let this be the kick off  to your holiday season!

*More information at:

• Colonial Williamsburg Christmas: Their Grand Illumination is held every first Sunday in December http://www.suite101.com/content/colonial-williamsburg-christmas-a32003#ixzz15I6g126Y
• http://events.frommers.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=157853#ixzz15I58vfno

*Holiday Farmer’s Market:

On Saturday, December 11^th, take a walk to Merchant’s Square for the special Holiday Market, the final Farmer’s Market of the season. The market takes place from 8:30am-12:30pm, with special musical guests singing holiday favorites from 9-11am, our very own Accidentals- one of W&M’s finest female a cappella groups. Checking out the 30+ vendors selling wreaths, trees, berries, and other gift-giving baked goods and items, would make for a sweet, and festive, date.  This could also be a good opportunity to find a seasonal gift for friends, family, or your partner.

*Santa Clause is comin’ to town!

Experience the magic of Christmas again with your sweetheart by paying a visit to old St. Nick (you could even take a picture with Santa Claus)! Santa will be visiting the W&M bookstore from 10am-2pm this Saturday, November 4^th, from 12pm- 3pm on Sunday, November 5^th, 9am-2pm on Saturday, November 11^th, 12-3pm on Sunday, November 12^th, 10am-2pm on Saturday, November 18^th, and from 12-3pm on Sunday, November 19^th. “Old-time Santa”, Father Christmas, will be strolling the streets of Merchant Square from 2:30-5:30pm on Saturday, November 4^th, 3:30-6pm on the 5^th, 3-5:30pm on the 11^th, 3:30-5:30 on the 12th, 2:30-5:30pm on the 18^th, and 5-5:30pm on the 19^th; so make sure to look out for Santa and check out the holiday decorations in CW.

More information about holiday events in Merchant’s Square, including holiday concerts and performances at: http://www.merchantssquare.org/calendar.html.

Enjoy spending the holidays with your loved ones; whether you are near or far, let them know how grateful you are to have them in your life! I hope your winter season is filled with love, magic, and holiday cheer.

Take care,

Lady Grace