There’s no better place to celebrate independence than the town where so much history was made. Bring your family and spend the holiday with us this July 4th.
As darkness falls, high flying aerial fireworks visible from much of the Historic Area celebrate our nation’s birthday. The best places to see these spectacular fireworks are from Market Square, Palace Green, or the Public Hospital grounds. Parking is available at the Visitor Center but, due to heavy traffic, shuttle bus service to the Historic Area is not available from 8:45 until 10:45. Shuttle bus service is available with or without tickets on the 4th of July.
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m., and a whole day of special programming precedes them.
Independence Day Celebration
Light up Your Independence Day at America’s Birthplace
Join us for a vibrant and patriotic Fourth of July celebration. With a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, a leisurely picnic in the Palace Garden, a performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and a dazzling display of fireworks—you’ll want to come early and stay late into the evening.
An Unforgettable Celebration
Adults: $75, Children ages 5-12: $29
Attend a lively picnic filled with colonial entertainments in the garden of the majestic Governor’s Palace. Guests will enjoy a tasty menu of boxed dinner options—as well as exclusive, reserved seating for the performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, led by the amazing JoAnn Falletta. Guests will also enjoy a prime view of the spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Join us for a leisurely meal and a front-row view of this memorable evening. Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets today.
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TICKETS NOW
Independence Day in “The Revolutionary City”
Begin your Independence Day celebration with our special morning militia muster in “The Revolutionary City” and a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. Spend your afternoon touring the city before the evening Independence Day Celebration, including a lively picnic in the Palace Garden and performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Our stunning fireworks display—and your participation with glow sticks—finishes out the night.
July 4th, 2012 Event Schedule, Colonial Williamsburg VA
Colonial Williamsburg’s programs begin with “Salute to the States” at 10 a.m. on July 4 on Market Square behind the Courthouse. A special militia muster in commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of our nation salutes the 13 original colonies. The Fifes and Drums perform, flags of each state are displayed, and music and cannons celebrate the event.
The Declaration of Independence is our nation’s founding document and announces a vision of a new society in which “all men are created equal.” A special interpretation at noon at the Capitol gives voice to “the People’s” document.
During “Music for the Fireworks” at 8 p.m. behind the Courthouse on Market Square, Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums perform a concert of patriotic music. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. and can be enjoyed on Palace Green or from Market Square.
Parking is available at the Visitor Center. Due to heavy traffic, shuttle bus service to the Historic Area is not available between 8:45 and 10:45 p.m. Shuttle bus service is available with or without Colonial Williamsburg admission tickets.
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and park at the Visitor Center and take Colonial Williamsburg’s buses to the Historic Area. No ticket is required to enjoy this program.
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The 30th annual "Ice Cream Social" has become a tradition for locals and visitors and is sponsored by Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. Money raised from the social helps support the auxiliary’s community programs, including free mammogram, bone density and health screenings for the uninsured, scholarship programs, pediatric gift bags in emergency, chemo cap program and holiday tray favors for patients The event takes place 4:30-7 p.m. July 4, 2012 in the Wren yard in front of William & Mary. Sponsored by the auxiliary of Sentara Williamsburg Regional medical Center. Music by Smith Wade Band. Ice cream, cake, hot dogs, soft drinks, raffle prizes, games, face-painting. A HUGE scoop of ice cream and some homemade cake costs $3. Hot dogs will be sold for $3 and soft drinks will be $1.
There are always a lot of people–and especially families–who attend and we look forward to good weather.
Please plan to attend and bring your co-workers and friends and family ! |
Parking & Transportation
Take advantage of free parking at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center, where you can purchase admission tickets and use our shuttle bus service. Please note that the pedestrian bridge to “The Revolutionary City” will be closed to traffic from 9:15 to 10 p.m.
Shuttle Schedule
9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Every half hour from the Visitor Center to all regular stops
8–9 p.m.
Express service ONLY from the Visitor Center to the Palace stop
9–11 p.m.
NO SERVICE*
11 p.m.
Regular service to all stops
*Buses to “The Revolutionary City” will not run during the fireworks. Please plan to arrive early.
| Nearby July 4th events
FIFTY NIGHTS OF FIREWORKS KICKS-OFF @ Busch Gardens Celebrate our country’s birthday with two nights of fantastic fireworks on July 3rd and 4th 2012 Busch Gardens is the source for nighttime fun this summer when IllumiNights: A Busch Gardens Encore returns with 50 nights of spectacular live performances throughout the park followed by nightly fireworks. Guests can visit Ireland for The Legend of Killarney, where larger-than-life puppets spin a magical tale of leprechauns and a lost fortune. In France, Voila! transports families to the bustling streets of Paris where outdoor performances including exciting ladder walkers entertain park guests. In Italy, lush gardens transform into a stage for an Italian strength troupe at Giardino Magico. In addition to the other night-time entertainment, Germany’s Oktoberfest Plaza is turned upside down with colorful characters and crazy critters at the all-new Wunderbarn!. Henrik and Helga, owners of the zany Black Forest Farms lead the German festivities that build to a rollicking finale with park guests’ favorite, The Chicken Dance. Park performances begin nightly at 5:30 p.m. and culminate with the park’s signature Tour de Force: Fireworks Finale at 9:30 p.m. This spectacular fireworks show blends dazzling color with an original score that can be viewed throughout the park. It’s the perfect summertime capstone to a wonderful day at the Williamsburg theme park. Yorktown Independence Day Celebration In historic Yorktown, salute America along the Yorktown waterfront beginning with a 9 a.m. patriotic parade on Water Street and during its evening Independence Day Celebration, featuring a bell-ringing ceremony at 7 p.m. and patriotic entertainment at 8 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing, followed by spectacular fireworks on the York River at 9:15 p.m. The 33rd annual Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 4. Activities taking place in Historic Yorktown will include: 8 a.m. Yorktown Independence Day 8k Run and 5K Walk – York High School 9 a.m. Parade on Water Street – music provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Band at Riverwalk Landing 4 p.m. Event Parking opens Corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street 7 p.m. Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony – Riverwalk Landing Stage 8 p.m. Glen Boswick and the Sounds of Swing Orchestra – Riverwalk Landing Stage 9:15 p.m. Spectacular Fireworks Display over the York River 9:45 p.m. Glen Boswick and the Sounds of Swing Orchestra – Riverwalk Landing Stage For additional event information, please visit www.yorkcounty.gov/fourth or call York County Parks and Recreation at 890-3500. |
Filed under: 365 Things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia, 4th of July, williamsburg va |
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