Planning to attend? Let us know on the official GI25 Facebook event page!
The City of Charlottesville proudly presents the 28th Annual Grand Illumination on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5–8 p.m. 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 p.m.
EVENT FEATURES
Holiday Concert AT TING PAVILION SPONSORED BY CCMC
From 5:30-7:30 p.m., the Grand Illumination Holiday Concert brings musical acts to the Ting Pavilion stage in celebration of the holiday season! Past performers have included Terri Allard, Art Wheeler, DMR Adventures, Virginia Consort Carolers, Lora Kelley, The Jeffersonland Chorus, Butterfly Vendetta, Music Resource Center, Charlottesville Band, The Virginia Sil'hooettes, Choirs of CHS, American Military Spouses Choir, Voices of Service, and more. Special thanks to our Holiday Concert Sponsor, the Charlottesville Community Media Center!
Holiday Market & Charlottesville Ale Trail
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!
Games, Giveaways & Guests
It’s a kid-centric wonderland with bounce houses, face painting, games, and photo-ops! Plus, local businesses will give away goodies, raffles, and great info!
Illumination Sponsored by Dominion Energy
Join us at 7:30 p.m. as we 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, the perfect family photo-op. Special thanks to our Illumination Sponsor, Dominion Energy!
GI25 Event Map
Complimentary Parking, Security Measures & Street ClosureS
Complimentary parking is available at Water Street and Market Street garages from 5-10 p.m. Security bag check stations will be set up at entrances for the duration of the event. Please consider arriving early to avoid waiting.
Vehicular Downtown Mall Crossings at 2nd and 4th streets will be closed at 4 pm on December 5th. City Hall and City Hall Annex parking lots at 7th Street and Key Rec Center will be closed at 11 a.m.
Participate WITH US
If you would like to inquire about EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, email cvillegrand@charlottesville.gov (subject: GI25 Sponsorship) or call 434-970-3095.
If you are a LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION interested in hosting a table, email cvillegrand@charlottesville.gov (subject: GI25 Nonprofit)
If you would like to inquire about VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES during the event, email cvillegrand@charlottesville.gov (subject: GI25 Volunteer)
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
HOLIDAY CONCERT SPONSOR
ILLUMINATION SPONSOR
BROADCAST SPONSOR
COMMUNITY SPONSOR
AV SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSORS
EVENT SPONSORS
Charlottesville Parks & Recreation • Ting Pavilion
CONNECT WITH US
Follow @cvillegrand on Facebook and Instagram and use #cvillegrand!
Have questions? Email cvillegrand@charlottesville.gov or call 434-970-3095
Photography by Kyle Ervin and David Dillehunt.