WILLIAMSBURG — Despite a windy and chilly evening, the warmth of the holidays prevailed at Colonial Williamsburg’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony held Thursday at the colonial Courthouse.
Shouts of “huzzah” rang through the streets as attendees enjoyed performances from the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” from high school students, Christmas carols from the William & Mary Botetourt Chamber Singers and a special appearance from Father Christmas himself.
“‘Tis a most magical and wonderous time to be amongst you all! And in my many travels, I know that there are few places out there that compare with the sights, the smells and the tastes of the yuletide season here in Virginia’s colonial capital city,” Father Christmas said to the crowd. “That being said, it is time to light up the dark!”
The event culminated with visitors gathering at the 40-foot spruce tree, decorated with 7,500 lights. To the audience, Punch and Judy puppeteers shared that the city’s very first Christmas tree was introduced in 1842 by Charles Minnigerode, a 28-year-old German refugee and William & Mary humanities professor.
“Since 1915, community members have joyfully gathered for this annual lighting of the Williamsburg Christmas Tree,” recounted Deborah Giese, president of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg. In 1959, the club became a co-sponsor of the event. With the exception of times of war and other hard times, it has continued to do so off and on for the past 65 years, she said.
Williamsburg Mayor Doug Pons also shared remarks, encouraging attendees to relish in their relationships with others.
“No matter the differences that we may have amongst each other, tonight we are all together here to celebrate this wonderful occasion,” he said. “I hope you can look at your neighbor next to you and just greet them with a nice smile and carry that joyful message on throughout the rest of the year.”
Ron Hurst, Colonial Williamsburg’s chief mission officer, said he was glad to see many happy faces gathered for the ceremony, while reenactor Bryan Austin, who portrayed fourth U.S. President James Madison during the event, called Christmas in Williamsburg an “unparalleled experience.”
“This event is a bit different,” Austin pointed out. “There’s only one of it and it’s a wonderful reminder that Williamsburg, in of itself, is not just a destination for people, but it is an incredible city that people live and work in within a incredible community.”
James W. Robinson, 757-799-0621, james.robinson@virginiamedia.com
