Light, Lights, and More Lights

Lights, Lights and more Lights....Oh my!

If you like Christmas lights there are many cities across the US that have beautiful displays. From the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between you can see millions of lights of all types.

Christmas traditions in the US were brought by immigrants from around the world.  A tree inside the house began in Germany in the 16th century along with the entwining of branches to form a circle symbolizing God's eternal love. As Germans migrated to the US, they brought these traditions with them. In 1882 a friend of Thomas Edison strung some lights around his tree, but it would take until after 1930, when America's general population got electricity, for the tradition to become popular.  Before that trees were decorated with candles and holly.  Wreaths are now accepted to symbolize the unending cycle of life and symbols of victory and honor.  From Mexico came the tradition of Poinsettias in and out of the home.  They are called "flower of the Holy Night" because the red bracts are suppose to represent the Star of Bethlehem.

Since then the tradition to string lights everywhere has extended to the outdoors.  From a few lights around the door to houses where the owners start in October to set out their lights so they can complete the task by December.  Some light displays blink in time with popular Christmas songs and others have moving parts creating elaborate scenes.  But regardless of how small or large a display is everyone loves to see the Christmas lights and at least one night during the season is set aside to go looking at the different displays in the neighborhood.

If you are taking a trip in December one special place to see beautiful displays is Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. The 18th century village will transport you back in time to an era where dedicated men and women put forth their vision for this great country.  You will become part of the 18th century as you meet and watch these people do things as they were done back then.  The village goes all out to celebrate the season starting with Christmas Parade on December 2nd and the Grand Illumination on December 3rd. 

On Saturday, see local businesses and organizations put forth their holiday best at the annual Williamsburg Christmas parade from 8:30am to 11am, then spend the day viewing all the decorations around the Historic City. Come back Sunday for more activities, including music at various locations from 5:00 pm-7:30 pm and the best firework show in Williamsburg starting at 7:00 pm. There are three locations for the fireworks...The Capitol, The Magazine and The Governor's Palace.  Be sure to visit the prominent homes of the past.  They will be decorated in the style of the 18th century.

Through the month of December there are many activities and programs not only at Colonial Williamsburg but also at Jamestown and Yorktown.  The Williamsburg KOA is conveniently located within a short drive to any of these attractions.  So if you are looking for lights this Christmas come visit Colonial Williamsburg, enjoy 18th century hospitality and make memories that would last you a lifetime.