2009 Special Events

Through March 3, 2009

Secrets of the Chocolate Maker
The first Tuesday of each month in winter, spring and fall, guests witness the process of 18th-century chocolate making, from grinding cocoa beans to forming a chocolate patty to be grated into powder. See beans winnowed, roasted, crushed and spiced in the creation of distinctive delights.
January and February, 2009

The Eighth Annual Virginia Peninsula Jewish Film Festival at the Kimball Theatre

Jellyfish
Sat., Jan. 24–Sun., Jan. 25
The story of three very different Tel Aviv women whose intersecting stories weave an unlikely portrait of modern Israeli life. Shows at 7 and 8:30 p.m.

The Secrets
Sat., Feb. 21–Sun., Feb. 22
The brilliant and pious daughter of an ultra-orthodox rabbi finds herself at a crossroads of life choices when her mother dies and she is expected to immediately marry her father’s prodigy. Shows at 6:30 and 8:45 p.m..

February 2009

Black History Month
Experience the American Revolution through the eyes of free and enslaved 18th-century African Americans in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. This month will feature powerful characterizations and dramatic interpretive programs that bring to life stories of the African American struggle for freedom and liberty during this tumultuous period in American history.
February 14-15, 2009

Presidents Day Weekend
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison are alive, well and back in Williamsburg. This holiday weekend is an optimal time to delve into the lives and influences of three Virginia-born presidents. Explore the special relationship each president had with Williamsburg, and each president’s impact on the emerging nation.
February 21-22, 2009

Black History Month Celebration Weekend
During a weekend of special programming visitors will be invited to discover how the actions and ideas of revolutionary era African Americans influenced the dialogue on the meanings of democracy that continues today.

March

Women’s History Month
Colonial Williamsburg celebrates the contributions of women of the 18th century to the history of our nation with programs throughout the month of March. Scenes, tours, programs and special presentations explore the various roles that our foremothers filled in birthing a new nation.

View events for Women's History month in the Events Calendar

April 2009

Religion Month
April is Religion Month at the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, with programming highlighting the role of religion in 18th-century Virginia. See scholarly lectures, actor-interpreter presentations, including Founding Fathers and Nation Builders, a musical program exploring the place of music in the American religious experience and a video on the Great Awakening in Virginia.

View events for Religion Month in the Events Calendar
April 4-5, 2009

African American Program 30th Anniversary Celebration Opening Weekend
Sample a mixture of the commemorative programs that will be presented throughout the year, and participate in special weekend activities. Experience how African Americans in the 18th century shaped a community as they fought for equality as citizens.

May 1, 2009

The 63rd Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium – The Natural Rhythm of Gardening
A natural rhythm is always present in our gardens. We can become attuned to the rhythm and cycles of our plants and landscapes as they change through the seasons if we garden in harmony with our surroundings. Colonial Williamsburg’s 63rd Garden Symposium will focus on that natural rhythm and how to create gardens that are both aesthetically rich and ecologically sound.

Learn more

May 15-17, 2009

Drummer’s Call Weekend
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums host other fife and drum units from around the country for a performance of a Military Tattoo on Market Square. Armed Forces Day is honored with a Grand March featuring fife and drum from around the country – a demonstration of soldiers and their field music from various units active during the American Revolution.

Learn more about the Fifes and Drums
May 25, 2009

Memorial Day
A modern service honors military veterans who died serving their country. A procession with Fife and Drum support will begin at the Palace and proceed to Bruton Parish Church and the French gravesite. Prayers will be given, wreaths will be placed, and musket volleys will be fired at the Palace and churchyard. A brief commemorative service with musket and cannon volleys will take place at the French gravesite.

Learn More in the Events Calendar
June 14, 2009

Flag Day Naturalization Ceremony
One hundred new citizens of the United States of America will take the oath of citizenship on Courthouse Green in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department will co-sponsor the ceremony. The public is invited to attend.

Learn More in the Events Calendar
June 24, 2009

Masonic Procession and Sermon
The Feast Day of St. John the Baptist was celebrated annually by the Masonic Lodge of 18th-century Williamsburg. Lodge members processed from the lodge to the church to hear a sermon preached for their benefit by the chaplain of the Lodge. Our modern day re-enactment of this annual event will include costumed interpreters, current members of Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, and guests who are masons who choose to participate.

Learn More in the Events Calendar
June 26 – 28, 2009

Under the Redcoat
Witness the arrival of the British Army as they seize Williamsburg, raise the British flag over the Capitol and commence occupation of the town. Meet with the enslaved community and decide what to do in light of the British arrival. Meet with the women of Williamsburg and see the war from their perspective. Learn how life in 18th-century Williamsburg changed under British rule.

Learn More in the Events Calendar
July 4, 2009

Independence Day – The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Virginian Thomas Jefferson, was adopted July 4th, 1776. Celebrate the nation's birthday with Fifes and Drums, militia parades, and Colonial Williamsburg's famous Historic Area fireworks.

Learn More in the Events Calendar
November 11, 2009

Veterans Day – Colonial Williamsburg honors America's Veterans with a procession down Duke of Gloucester Street. The parade culminates in a public ceremony, with militia and cannon crew firing volleys in recognition of those who serve. Hear Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums, and speakers from past and present.

Learn More in the Events Calendar

November 25, 2009 – January 1, 2010

Colonial Williamsburg's Holiday season
Nothing quite compares to spending the Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. Special programs, dining, entertainment, hotel packages, events for children, and more are waiting to enchant guests who come to enjoy a magical season they’ll not soon forget.

Learn more about Christmas in Williamsburg
December 6, 2009

Grand Illumination
In the 18th century, illuminations were sometimes held to commemorate the birth of the reigning sovereign. Today, Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination celebrates the winter holidays. Musical performances on multiple stages and fireworks launched from three locations usher in the season with a bang.

Learn More in the Events Calendar