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What’s in store for the evening?
4:30 p.m. SHOWTIME!
New this year: We begin the entertainment for our youngest attendees at 4:30 p.m.! More than 60 different acts, ALL INDOORS on 41 stages in 24 of historic Williamsburg’s most beautiful buildings. Performances run mainly through 11:45 p.m. There’s something for everyone!
11:15 p.m. THE GRAND FINALE will be at Zable Stadium at The College of William & Mary (Site 30). Honorary Chair is Bobby Braxton, City Councilman for the City of Williamsburg, who will make special remarks; Ben Machinist will sing the National Anthem; First Sgt. Ray Gresham (Ret.) also will perform, and Poisoned Dwarf will entertain the gathering crowd at the closing ceremonies. Stay for the countdown and midnight FIREWORKS extravaganza best viewed from Zable Stadium.
Where can I park?
Parking is always at a premium - car-pool whenever possible! Parking locations can be seen on the
map and are located at William & Mary Hall and Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall; the two-level parking deck on North Boundary Street at the corner of Lafayette Street; behind Matthew Whaley School; north of Court Street between S. Henry and Nassau streets and William & Mary Campus Center. Additional parking is available in the downtown area.
What are the bus routes and are they free?
Buses are free to anybody with a First Night button. They run every 15 minutes from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. See the
map for bus routes and stops.
Will there be food available?
Church and civic groups will sell affordable food and beverages in several indoor locations throughout the entertainment circuit. Proceeds go to the church and civic groups to support their charitable programs. Go to the
Locations page to view which places have food and a description of food they will have.
When does First Night start?
The first performances start at 4:30 p.m. December 31st and First Night ends with the Grand Finale starting at 11:15.
How much does it cost to get in?
Admission to all performances is included in the purchase of a First Night button. Buttons are $12 per person when purchased before December 30th. Buttons purchased the day of the event will be $15 each. Children 5 years of age and under will be admitted free.
Do I have to wear a button?
Buttons are required to enter any of the performance locations.
Where can I buy a button?
Buttons are available before December 31st at
various local merchants and
you can purchase buttons online. Buttons will also be available on December 31st at several locations.
Is there a way to guarantee a good seat?
Because of limitations on seating capacity, First Night cannot guarantee that you will be able to see any specific performance. Please understand that some acts are so popular that not everyone will be able to gain admittance at a particular time. If a door monitor asks you to come back later, you are receiving this request out of concern for everyone’s enjoyment and safety. Please don’t stay for more than one performance of a given act.
How do I get from location to location?
Many locations are within walking distance of each other. Complimentary First Night buses will travel the entertainment circuit and connect with ample satellite parking. They run every 15 minutes from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. The transportation route is approximately 20-25 minutes roundtrip. See the
map for bus routes and stops.
Are the buildings handicapped accessible?
View our
Locations page to find out which of our buildings are handicapped accessible.