Charlottesville's Grand Illumination

The City of Charlottesville proudly presents the 28th Annual Grand Illumination on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5-8 PM at Ting Pavilion on the historic Downtown Mall! 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 the Market Street and Water Street garages from 5-10 PM.

From 5-7:30 PM, the Grand Illumination Holiday Concert brings live musical acts to the Ting Pavilion stage in celebration of the holiday season! Don't miss performances from Butterfly Vendetta, Character Connections, Choirs of CHS, Erynn McCleod, Front Porch Choir, Ebony Nicole, Brushwood's School of Dance, and Virginia Consort Carolers!

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. At 7:30 PM, count down to Charlottesville's Grand Illumination of the holiday tree and watch as 20,000 LED lights transform City Hall Plaza into a spectacular glowing wonderland!