Holiday events continue to be added to our calendar – visit our Richmond Holiday Events page for all of the season’s events if you want to plan ahead for the month – we’ve also listed many holiday events on our weekly calendar below too.
Visit websites to confirm all dates, times and locations as they may change after posting here.
And don’t forget to do random acts of kindness this week and Pay it Forward to remember Abbie and Michael. Be sure and leave your comment on our post so we can share with their parents.
ONGOING
Concert Ballet of Virginia presents The Nutcracker - multiple times December 1-23. Get specially discounted Richmondmom.com tickets here.
Seymour the Dinosaur has something new for all of the kids this winter! Take a ride on the polar train only at CMoR Central. The train will run daily through December and on weekends in January and February.
Tickets are only $1 and can be purchased inside the CMoR Gift Shop!
Genworth Foundation Holiday Village - Christmas is celebrated all over the world by people of the Christian faith. It is a time for family gathering, and songs, and gift giving. Stars and candles are special symbols of light used in decorating.
Legendary Santa will come down the chimney daily at the Children’s Museum of Richmond Central Location until Christmas Eve. Visit website for dates, times, and details.
Sunrise and Sunset with Santa at CMoR - Get a jump on the day (and the line) by joining us for Sunrise with Santa. This special ticketed program allows a limited number of families the opportunity to experience all the magic of Legendary Santa, including watching Santa come down the chimney and picture opportunity, without waiting in a long line. The program begins promptly and will last 45 minutes.
Bass Pro Shops hosts its free “Santa’s Wonderland” November 11 through December 24. Santa’s Wonderland includes a FREE photo with Santa and 4×6 print (lines can be long; Bass Pro distributes “Bass Passes” for specific times if there is a 30min+ wait). Additionally, there are free crafts, games and activities.
Miracle of Christmas – Live at the Richmond Zoo. December 21-23. You are invited to join with us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ through a live re-enactment of the Christmas story featuring animals from the zoo. The twenty minute pageant will be presented 3 times each evening.
The Nutcracker Ballet - December 14-23. Performances in the grand Carpenter Theatre, there’s a magical Nutcracker moment for everyone.
Tea with Santa at Miller & Rhodes - Hilton Garden Inn (formerly Miller&Rhoads) at 501 E. Broad St. Visit website for dates, times, and details throughout December.
GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens nightly through the holiday season. One of Richmond’s most popular family holiday events.
Christmastown Busch Gardens - Experience Busch Gardens in a whole new light during Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration. Christmas Town continues select days through Dec. 31. (Read last year’s Real Richmond Review by a Real Richmond family).
Shakespeare’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales - (see website for dates and times of shows) – Through December 23: A theatrical version of Dylan Thomas’s radio poem adapted by Charlotte Playhouse Theater in Luck Leadership Center at St. Christopher’s School , 711 St Christopher’s Rd., Richmond, VA 23226.
The Nutcracker and Clara’s Tea Party (following select performances of The Nutcracker, requires additional ticket) – Saturday, December 15th, 4:00pm; Friday, December 21st, 4:00pm; Saturday, December 22nd, 4:00pm.
Madeline’s Christmas - Through December 30 at Virginia Rep Theatre. Also, enjoy brunch with Madeline and Snow Bear on 15, or 22. Get tickets early!
Closer Than Ever (November 28, 2012 – January 6, 2013) at Virginia Repertory Theatre is an intimate musical about love, friendship, security, and happiness – holding onto those essentials in a world that seems to spin faster every day.
Rocky Mountain Express (film in IMAX®DOME) Through-Friday March 1 - Join in the epic adventure of building Canada’s first transcontinental railway as you are propelled on a steam train journey through the Canadian Rockies. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World - Now-Sunday, January 6.
Polar Express (film in IMAX®DOME) Through Wednesday, January 23. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Landmark Theater.
Monday, December 10
Santa Breakfast Benefit at Bass Pro Shop.Visit Santa, have a great breakfast buffet and make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Delicious breakfast buffet and photo with Santa. Purchase tickets at Customer Service at Bass Pro Outdoor World or charge by phone at 804-496-4700. All proceeds benefit Hanover Arc and Hanover Community Support Services – two non- profits improving the lives of children and adults living with disabilities.
CMoR Lunch- Members can enjoy lunch in the Member Lounge from Silver Diner at CMoR Short Pump. Mini-Burger Bar, Fresh Cut Fruit, Grilled Cheese.
Tuesday, December 11
CMoR Central- Join Pocahontas State Park for Tuesday Trail Tales! CMoR Central Trail Tales begin at 10:30am.
GrowRVA Food Truck Court at the Science Museum of Virginia - 5-8 pm. Bring your friends and family to the Science Museum to find your favorite food trucks with a variety of gourmet, ethnic and specialty foods.
Museum of the Confederacy’s Victorian Christmas Traditions event. A tour of the White House of the Confederacy decked up for the holidays follows a presentation on the Christmas traditions of the time. From noon to 1:30 p.m.
Training Wheels for Good Behavior. By Commonwealth Parenting at 6:30 p.m.
Concert Ballet of Virginia at Deep Run Rec Center at 6pm. Enjoy the music and ance selections from the classic Nutcracker. It’s free.
Short Pump Pals Meeting 11:00 a.m. Puppet show with Barefoot Puppets.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy Holidays at Historic Henrico Theatre 7:30-9pm. Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy Holidays!” is a light-hearted program that either parodies one of your favorite holiday songs or presents a novelty song that is seldom heard during the season. Familiar holiday carols are great, but sometimes they just don’t fit the mood.
Winter Concert at Henrico Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The Henrico Pops Chorus presents a light-hearted program with funny parodies and upbeat holiday songs. 804.501.5859. Free – reservations required.
Writing in the Galleries 3:30-4:45 p.m. at VMFA. Ages 9-12 visit the East Asian gallery and explore historic art. Register at 804.340.1405 (fee).
Gingerbread Fun at West End Library at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a gingerbread story, craft and activity for kids ages 3-5. It’s free. Call 804.646.1877 to register.
Wednesday, December 12
The Richmond Divas re-unite on The Center stage once again for another dynamic musical performance. This year as part of their fourth production, the three Richmond Divas sing an evening of traditional, contemporary and fun holiday music. This one-of-a-kind performance by Richmond’s own incredibly talented Divas is one night only and can only be seen at The Center!
Breast Cancer Charity Night at Mosaic Cafe - Join us for the Community Give Back Night at Mosaic Café in River Road Shopping Center to benefit the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation - Educate, Advocate, Eradicate . Join us on Wednesday, December 12th at Mosaic Café, 6229 River Road Richmond, VA 23229 from 5 – 9 p.m. to enjoy a tasty dinner and support a statewide organization dedicated to serving Virginians affected by breast cancer. For reservations, please call 804-288-7482 or visit www.mosaicedibles.com.
Winter Concert at Henrico Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The Henrico Pops Chorus presents a light-hearted program with funny parodies and upbeat holiday songs. 804.501.5859. Free – reservations required.
Museum of the Confederacy’s Victorian Christmas Traditions event. A tour of the White House of the Confederacy decked up for the holidays follows a presentation on the Christmas traditions of the time. From noon to 1:30 p.m.
Dr. O’Bannon at the Science Museum of Virginia during Lunch Break Session.
Thursday, December 13
TLC’s Cake Boss to Visit Kroger Marketplace at Stonebridge on Thursday, December 13 from 3-5pm at Kroger Marketplace at Stonebridge (former Clover Leaf Mall – 7000 Tim Price Way). The Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro, will be in Richmond on Thursday, December 13 for a meet and greet with customers.
Chapel Guild Christmas House Tour - University of Richmond Chapel Guild will hold a Christmas House tour of five homes to benefit UR’s Office of the Chaplaincy. Tickets on sale Oct. 8; $30 includes lunch at Jepson Alumni Center and all five homes.
The Cake Boss: Buddy Valastro at 7:30 p.m. Landmark Theatre. Buddy Valastro the star of TLC’s “Cake Boss” brings a special holiday show the entire family will enjoy. Sharing the holiday traditions and stories from his family at Carlo’s Bakery, Buddy presents an all new show full of holiday spirit and jingle bell rock. Demonstrating the techniques that have made him the most famous cake artist in the country, Buddy will share behind the scene stories from his hit TV show, answer audience questions, and will bring several lucky members of the audience up on stage for cupcake and cake decorating.
Armour House Snow Globes 6:30pm-8pm. Ages 7-10 enjoy shimmering snow globe creations. Register 804.501.7275.
Conquering ADD/ADHD, Regaining Focus at Scents of Serenity. 7pm. From sports to homework topuberty, children have a lot on their plates. Learn how to use CPTG essential oils to help maintain healthy emotional levels, focus on school work, and maintain good sleep habits. Register at 804.277.4498. Fee.
Friday, December 14
Maymont by Moonlight - Enjoy an enchanting holiday evening at Maymont by moonlight! Visit the home of Major & Mrs. James H. Dooley to witness the excitement of Christmas 1893 – the first Christmas in their new home. A horse-drawn carriage ride under the stars, seasonal refreshments and joyful carol singing by the bonfire make this an evening to remember! $25 per person/$20 members. Reservations required; for information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 329.
Henricus Colonial Christmas - This event will demonstrate in first-person character interpretation the etiquette, norms, customs, and laws regarding Christmas in Elizabethan-Jacobean English households in the early 17th century. This evening tour will invite visitors to experience holiday traditions of different socio-economic homes. The event will culminate with period dance and song in the hospital.
Henrico Holiday Spectacular. For all ages. Come out and enjoy Henrico’s Holiday Spectacular including one of Hollywood’s most beloved holiday movies. Seasonal singing and dancing and pre-movie fun! Following the performances you can enjoy the movie “White Christmas.”Information: Amy Perdue, 501-5138 or Henrico Theatre, 328-4491. December 14 and 15. $1 per person.
Holiday Tour and Tea - Spend an afternoon enjoying tea, conversation and holiday decorations at Virginia House. Learn how Alexander and Virginia Weddell may have celebrated the holidays while living in Mexico, Argentina and Spain. This event costs $23 for VHS members and $29 for nonmembers. Reservations required; please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.
Saturday, December, 15
Romp n’ Roll West End Kids Night Out. Kids ages 25 will enjoy pizza, fun and games while parents have a break!
Free Introductory Guitar Lessons at The Science Museum of Virginia - Free - Saturday, December 15, 2 and 3 pm. Take a free introductory guitar lesson! Musical instrument company Hohner, Inc. and the Science Museum offer free lessons to children 5 years & up and adults. In each class one lucky student will take home a FREE guitar! Space is limited. To reserve a spot call 804-864-1400 or email info@smv.org.
Local moms hold Cookies for Cancer Sale in Lakeside. On Saturday, December 15, from 8 AM to Noon at the Lakeside Farmer’s Market (6110 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228), Heather and Amy will be selling chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and colonial shortbread cookies, as well as a vegan, gluten-free option. Warm apple cider will also be available for purchase.
Henrico Holiday Spectacular. For all ages. Come out and enjoy Henrico’s Holiday Spectacular including one of Hollywood’s most beloved holiday movies. Seasonal singing and dancing and pre-movie fun! Following the performances you can enjoy the movie “White Christmas.”Information: Amy Perdue, 501-5138 or Henrico Theatre, 328-4491. December 14 and 15. $1 per person.
Guitar Acoustic Performance at Science Museum of Virginia. Live guitar acoustic performances by Richmond area musicians, on stage in Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World. Each performance is included with Museum admission.
Monster Drawing Rally at 1708 Gallery. 12pm-4pm in four one-hour shifts with up to 16 artists drawing simultaneously per hour. Watch art come to life then purchase the completed works. Kids take part by creating art of their own at the wall-sized coloring station. It’s free.
Elf at the Byrd for Free at 2:00 p.m. Join the Tad DuPriest Foundation’s third annual complimentary holiday movie at the Byrd Theater, “Elf.” Donations will be gladly accepted and will go to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making life better for children with cancer in Central Virginia.
Santa Breakfast Benefit at Bass Pro Shop. Visit Santa, have a great breakfast buffet and make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Delicious breakfast buffet and photo with Santa. Purchase tickets at Customer Service at Bass Pro Outdoor World or charge by phone at 804-496-4700. All proceeds will benefit Hanover Arc and Hanover Community Support Services – two non- profits improving the lives of children and adults living with disabilities.
The Nutcracker and Clara’s Tea Party (following select performances of The Nutcracker, requires additional ticket) – Saturday, December 15th, 4:00pm; Friday, December 21st, 4:00pm; Saturday, December 22nd, 4:00pm.
Brunch with Madeline and Snow Bear
Santa’s Holiday Show at Westchester Commons 1pm – 3pm. The Story of the 100th Christmas Ball. Enjoy music, storytelling, and North Pole surprises. Santa and the Miller & Rhoads Snow Queen will be there and horse-drawn carriage rides, food, and a free gift for the first 150 kids.
Gingerbread Tea and Tour. Celebrate the holidays and create a new family tradition! Design and build your own gingerbread house using gingerbread pieces, snow-like frosting, gumdrops, candy canes, and other colorful treats. Cider and cookies will be served as Virginia House staff talk about holiday traditions in the Tudor home. This event costs $15 per family for VHS members and $21 per family for nonmembers. Reservations required; please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.
Colonial Christmas - Saturday, Dec. 15, the public is encouraged to experience a Colonial Christmas in the re-created Citie of Henricus. Visitors will explore the etiquette, norms, customs and laws regarding Christmas in Elizabethan-Jacobean English households in the early 17th century through first-person interpretation. Event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for Henricus Foundation Patrons, $8 for adults and $6 for children aged 3-12.
Sunday, December 16
Rudlin Torah Academy (RTA) announces the 4th Annual Chanukah 5k Run-A-Latke and children’s miler - Rudlin Torah Academy will hold its fourth annual walk/run 5 K and children’s miler Chanukah “Run-a-Latke” on Sunday, December 16, 2012. Start time 2:00 pm at Virginia Farm Bureau 12580 West Creek Parkway Goochland County. Individuals and families can register at www.rudlin.com or www.raceit.com This race is a benefit for Rudlin Torah Academy, which provides quality Jewish and secular education to Jewish students of all backgrounds. The kids’ race will begin at 2:00 p.m. on December 16 at the Virginia Farm Bureau in West Creek, and the adults’ race will start at approximately 2:20 p.m. We will provide good food and cool t-shirts; you bring your running or walking shoes and the good weather! Runners, walkers, strollers, pets …. all are welcome as we attempt to set records for the number of participants and the number of latkes and donuts eaten!
Festival of Holidays Concert at Lewis Ginter. 4:00 p.m. Performance by the Greater Richmond Children’s Choir with fun audience participation.
