Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination is a beloved holiday event featuring joy, merriment, and fun for the whole family. The Paramount hosted “Community Cares and Crafts” in 2016 for the 19th Annual Grand Illumination. Local nonprofits and event sponsors provided fun activities and games for the kids, such as face painting, concessions, and photos with Ms. Claus in the Theater’s lobby. After the tree-lighting ceremony, The Paramount offered a free screening of the 2003 holiday classic Elf, starring Will Ferrell. This free holiday movie tradition continued in 2017 with A Christmas Story and in 2018 with Home Alone. And it wouldn’t be a party without Santa, who ventured out onto the marquee to greet the crowd! What’s your favorite part of Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination?

We are diligently working to reschedule many of our events that have been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These events contribute significantly toward our yearly operating budget, and we know that we will suffer a devastating loss of revenue as a local nonprofit theater. Please consider making a donation to The Paramount.

Photos by Rob Garland Photographers