Charlottesville's Grand Illumination

The City of Charlottesville proudly presents the 28th Annual Charlottesville's Grand Illumination on Friday, December 5 from 5-8PM at Ting Pavilion! 

This spectacular community tree lighting event features music, food, games, prizes, special guests, and plenty of holiday fun for all ages. Admission is free and parking is complimentary at Market and Water Street garages from 5-10 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: New safety policies are being implemented for this year's celebration. Scroll below or click HERE to read about the clear bag policy and more.

THE GRAND ILLUMINATION HOLIDAY CONCERT sponsored by Charlottesville Community Media Center

From 5:00-7:30 p.m., the Grand Illumination Holiday Concert brings musical acts to the Ting Pavilion stage in celebration of the holiday season! Past performers have included The Virginia Consort Carolers, Terri Allard, DMR Adventures, The Virginia Sil'hooettes, Art Wheeler, The Jeffersonland Chorus, Music Resource Center, Charlottesville Band, Lora Kelley, CHS Choirs, Voices of Service, American Military Spouses Choir, and more. Special thanks to our Holiday Concert Sponsor, the Charlottesville Community Media Center!

GAMES, GIVEAWAYS & SPECIAL GUESTS

It’s a kid-centric wonderland with bounce houses, face painting, games, and photo-ops! Plus, local nonprofits and area businesses will give away goodies, raffles, and great info!

HOLIDAY MARKET & CHARLOTTESVILLE ALE TRAIL

Browse over two dozen Holiday Market vendors for tasty treats, holiday crafts and hot food and beverages, while our friends at Charlottesville Ale Trail serve up a great selection of local craft beers and wine!

COUNTDOWN TO GRAND ILLUMINATION SPONSORED BY DOMINION ENERGY

Join us at 7:25 p.m. as we count down to Charlottesville's Grand Illumination of the Holiday Tree and watch as 20,000 LED lights create a glowing wonderland. Special thanks to our Illumination Sponsor, Dominion Energy!

NEW SAFETY POLICIES FOR GRAND ILLUMINATION

To help ensure the health and safety of all attendees, the City of Charlottesville is implementing new safety policies starting this year.

The size and type of bags allowed into the event will be limited:

• All bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and must not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" (30.5 cm x 15.25 cm x 30.5 cm)
• Each attendee may bring one clear bag such as a clear backpack, clear fanny pack, clear cinch bag, or a clear plastic zipper bag like a Ziploc
• Exceptions may be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection and tagging by security

All attendees will be subject to security screening before entering the event. Security personnel may inspect the contents of bags, jackets, pockets, and other personal items. Re-entry is allowed, but guests must return through the main gates.

Certain items are not permitted inside the event, including:

• Luggage
• Firearms
• Knives or other weapons
• Fireworks or confetti
• Alcoholic beverages, beverage coolers, or containers of any kind (including plastic or glass bottles, cans, coolers, or flasks)
  • Baby bottles and food or drink containers for toddlers are permitted
• Aerosol containers, laser pointers, bicycles, and skateboards