Amidst the frozen flurries and finals studying of the week, Wednesday night’s Grand Illumination celebration provided a shining light in the winter chill for Charlottesville families, students and community members alike. A longstanding tradition, the 28th year featured a myriad of festivities before the main event — the lighting of a giant tree in front of Ting Pavilion. While the winter weather last week pushed the event to Wednesday, the wonderful whimsy of the evening prevailed.
After strolling the vibrantly decorated pathway and window displays of the historic Downtown Mall, the welcoming warmth of string lights illuminated vendor tents of food, crafts and more, lining the streets along Ting Pavilion. A winter wonderland of its own, projected lights turn the pavilion’s bubble into a snow globe-like stage, with live performances of festive music and dances as the center of attention.
The outskirts of the pavilion’s sphere, however, had no lack of spirit. From bounce houses and coloring stations, to live caricature drawings and photos with Santa, Glinda, Elphaba and Moana, children roamed this wonderland with expressions of awe and excitement.
In addition to the special activities for children, the event’s environment included elements of excitement for all ages. For some University students, this celebration is the perfect opportunity to take a pause from the rush of finals. A busy time of year in all aspects, the Grand Illumination emphasizes the importance of taking a moment to reflect with friends and family. An annual attendee of the holiday market, fourth-year College student Lea Lesho, expressed her excitement to continue her yearly tradition.
“It’s one of my favorite days of the year because it just puts you in the holiday spirit,” Lesho said. “It makes you slow down and really appreciate how lucky we are to be going to school in such a special place, and reflect on the amazing memories and people that made the semester so incredible.”
For attendees old and new, the festivities offered a chance to interact with the small businesses, bakeries, arts groups, families and more that define the city of Charlottesville. Fourth-year Engineering student Katie Fidler embraced this opportunity to slow down and enjoy the spirit of the season, savoring the experiences of her final year at the University.
“I haven’t gone to this event before, but now that it's fourth year, and we have a little bit more time on our hands, I thought it’d be a really fun little way to bring everyone together for a holiday night,” Fidler said.
As the night carried on, various acts took the stage to share in the holiday concert. The cheerful songs of the children of the Front Porch Hometown Choir carried into the artistic and festively-costumed performances of students of Brushwood’s School of Dance, and the event highlighted the creativity and talent of the local Charlottesville art community.
Bundled in the warmest winter layers and adorned with hats and scarves, onlookers filled the rows of chairs leading to the stage to enjoy the music. After recently moving from Colorado, Michelle Casler, an attendee and project manager for the U.Va. healthcare system, finds comfort in the performances and their ability to bring the community together.
“I love that they have the little kids singing, it just makes it so personal and just makes you feel … at home for the holidays when you’re not living where you used to be” Casler said.
Pivoting from the main stage, the alluring warm light and wafting scent of homemade treats emanates from the side streets lined with colorful tents, each home to a master of their craft. From hot cocoa to blown glass ornaments, the artistry of the city proved apparent in the vendor’s proud displays and welcoming setups. Casler highlighted her appreciation of this artistry, and how it drew her to the event.
“Someone was talking about [the Grand Illumination] and I love to support local [businesses] … I treasure all the things that are special to people that they do, like the bread making and the jewelry making” Casler said.
While the attendees peruse the handmade trinkets and delight in sweet baked goods, the vendors themselves value the ability to share their passions with their neighbors and peers. One such inspiring booth, Gooch Gardener Candle Company, founded by husbands Bret Schoolcraft and Chase Saba.
“We really appreciate the City of Charlottesville hosting this event, and allowing us the opportunity to be here, be part of the community and get support for our small business,” Saba said.
This sense of connection and gratitude extended to other artisans and craftsmen across the event. Offering a fresh perspective as a newcomer to the vendor scene, Andy Stafford of Andy’s Aperture Photography explained community was a driving factor behind his participation in the night of festivities.
“What I’ve liked most is seeing people a second time and realizing we do live in a small community, and we can build relationships,” Stafford said, “It’s not that hard, you just kind of have to take that first step and get yourself out there. Seeing that has been very fun and heartwarming for me.”
As the night progressed to its culminating point, a collective countdown to the tree lighting echoed through the venue. At the shout of “one,” thousands of lights shone bright over the crowd. Despite the chill of the December night, the illumination captured hundreds of warm, smiling faces of the Charlottesville community joined together in a shared celebration.
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