Grand Illumination
Williamsburg, Virginia
When it comes to Christmas nostalgia, Williamsburg has a far-reaching memory. The historic area known as Colonial Williamsburg will re-create Christmas in the 18th century, albeit more extravagantly.
“It is a truly magical feeling to be in a place so rich with history and experience the holidays surrounded by the simplistic beauty of old-fashioned decorations, music, taverns and shops,” said Kayla Kearse public relations representative for the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance.
Williamsburg will signal the start of the holidays just as it would have celebrated in 1770: with the firing of guns and the lighting of fireworks from three different locations. This year’s Grand Illumination will be held December 3. The celebration will include musical performances on multiple stages, and the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra will put on a Holiday Pops concert four times during Grand Illumination Weekend in the Kimball Theater.
Groups can also enjoy several modern Christmas traditions. The outdoor Liberty Ice Pavilion will be open mid-November through February 2018. The rink will be surrounded by lights and Christmas trees, and skaters will have a nice view of Merchants Square, the Colonial shopping district.
Another popular shopping stop is the Yankee Candle Village. Groups can make their own customized candles; tour the ornaments room, where it snows every five minutes; and try the gourmet popcorn and fudge.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town, which will be open select days November 24 to January 1, 2018, will be decked out in 8 million lights and will host several live holiday shows. The park will also open rides that give groups a full view of the extravagantly decorated grounds.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
New York
The Radio City Rockettes are part of the magic of Christmas in New York City, and crowds have marveled at their intricate dance routines for nearly a century. The “Christmas Spectacular” promises nostalgic old favorites as well as newer routines, stunning costumes and an unforgettable LED light show. This year’s production runs November 10 to January 1, 2018.
“For people who make it a tradition to come every single year, they like classic numbers like ‘Parade of the Wooden Soldiers’ and the ‘Living Nativity’ which have been in the show since 1933,” said Rockette Hannah Sides. “Those have been people’s favorites throughout time, and it’s nice for the Rockettes to honor that tradition; and alongside that tradition, we sprinkle in some new things, and it’s a great combination.”
Dance numbers in a wide range of styles include tap, jazz and lyrical ballet. In “Snow,” a recently introduced routine, each Rockette represents a unique snowflake, and dancers increasingly appear on stage until the whole hall is filled with dancing snow. “As an audience member, you feel like you’re inside a snow globe inside Radio City,” Sides said.
The audience is also drawn into the performance through LED lighting. Radio City Music Hall houses the country’s largest indoor LED screen, and this year, new equipment will project Bethlehem’s starry night sky in the “Living Nativity” and Santa’s whimsical workshop in the North Pole onto Radio City’s proscenium arches and iconic ceiling.
Groups attending the show can add a tour of Radio City Music Hall, where they can discover Art Deco masterpieces, learn the secrets of the theater and meet a Rockette. They can also opt for the VIP Elite experience, which includes a premium ticket to the show, a preshow reception, a private entrance into Radio City Music Hall, a personal Christmas concierge to escort the group and a photo opportunity with Santa and two of the Rockettes.
Biltmore Estate
Asheville, North Carolina
Already one of the most impressive historic estates in the world, the Biltmore will hold nothing back during Candlelight Christmas Evenings, November 3 to January 6, 2018. The front lawn will glow with hundreds of hand-lit luminaries and twinkling lights on a towering Norway spruce.
Inside will be a decorator’s dream, with wreaths, bows, garlands and thousands of ornaments on more than 55 Christmas trees. Each night, live Christmas music will echo throughout the grand rooms. This year’s theme, “A Vanderbilt Christmas,” will hearken back to the elegance of the Gilded Age, with decorations in gold, platinum, silver and shades of blue, burgundy, ruby red and other jewel tones.
“Our inspiration comes from the elegant dinner and Christmas party held by George Vanderbilt for family and friends in 1895,” said Mallory Flynn, public relations coordinator at the Biltmore. “With the fireplaces lit up, lights everywhere, and a massive tree inside the house, it’s just so incredible.”
The 35-foot Fraser fir will go up in the Banquet Hall November 1, and groups are welcome to attend the ceremony. Santa will deliver the tree via horse-and-buggy to the front door around 10 a.m., and nearly 50 workers will maneuver the tree inside.
The self-guided Candlelight visit also includes daytime admission to the estate grounds. Groups can enjoy colorful holiday blooms in the conservatory and special menus in the estate winery and restaurants.
In addition to the regular tour, groups organizers can contact group sales ahead of time to create customized activities. The wide range of possibilities includes floral workshops, touring the gardens with estate horticulture and history experts, and specialty lectures based on a group’s interests. During the holidays, groups especially enjoy meeting the designers responsible for the lavish decorations.
