Celebrate!
Winter holidays mean lots of fun activities in and around Richmond. Check out all of the family fun events we have listed and let us know if we’ve missed any. We’ll be adding new events to our list every day during the season so check back often.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, Kwanzaa, or something else, there are plenty of places to celebrate! Get out and have fun.
Also, click here for fall festivals.
ONGOING THROUGH THE SEASON
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program: November 9 – December 8 (Monday-Saturday), from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., in Fountain Court near Burlington. Virginia Center Commons is partnering with The Salvation Army on their annual holiday Angel Tree program, which provides new clothing and toys for children of families in need. For more information, visit www.salvationarmytreeusa.org.
Short Pump Mall - Holiday Portraits with Santa – November 16 – December 24. Visit Santa in his traditional home setting, complete with a cozy fireplace, in the Food Court where digital portrait quality photos may be purchased. Photo pricing will be available beginning November 12th at Guest Services, at www.shortpumpmall.com or by calling 804-360-1700.
Photos with Santa at Virginia Center Commons Mall: November 10 – December 24 in JC Penney Court. Santa will be available daily; hours and photo package pricing available at www.simon.com.
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. He will be accompanied by his lovely Snow Queen and helpful elf! A visit with Legendary Santa is free to the public. Or you can beat the lines with one of our special ticketed programs like Sunrise or Sunset with Santa. 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.
The Nutcracker Ballet – December 14-23. “Perfect…In my dream version of America, every state has a Nutcracker this good” (Alastair Macaulay, The New York Times). Richmond Ballet Artistic Director Stoner Winslett’s staging of The Nutcracker is full of whimsy, sparkling with dancing that delights, and vivid sets and costumes that transport the audience to the world of Clara’s dreams. With 13 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.
RVA on Ice opens November 23 for the season! Come ice skate in the great outdoors on a rink nestled in the heart of downtown amidst the city skyline and entertainment area of Richmond located at the corner of Broad and 6th Streets. Enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, holiday music and movies and warm up near the pit fire and snack shack.
Glorious Christmas Night at the West End Assembly of God – November 28 – December 8. Spectacular annual Christmas production.
GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens nightly through the holiday season. One of Richmond’s most popular family holiday events. Holiday tradition features more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, holiday dinners, family activities and more. Activities for families and children include Merry Mondays every Monday evening from 5pm-8pm throughout GardenFest, featuring story time with the Garden Keeper, s’mores at the warming fire, and Santa sightings in the Conservatory.
Virginia Gingerbread Christmas competition and events in Charlottesville, VA.
Christmastown Busch Gardens - Experience Busch Gardens in a whole new light during Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration. Holiday traditions, dazzling shows and one-of-a-kind gift ideas will make everyone say, “Now this is Christmas.” Gaze at millions of twinkling lights while enjoying Busch Gardens’ signature peppermint fudge hot chocolate. A complete Christmas Town experience includes a visit to Santa’s workshop and the parks’ 50-foot tall, light-animated Christmas tree. Christmas Town opens Nov. 23 and will continue, select days through Dec. 31. (Read last year’s Real Richmond Review by a Real Richmond family).
Sounds of the Season: November 23-December 22. Come visit Virginia Center Commons to joyfully welcome the holidays with some of the community’s best musical acts. The Sounds of the Season Series invites you to enjoy the spirit of the season from November 23-December 22 with one of the many inspiring ensembles. Find a list of performances along with dates and times at www.virginiacentercommons.com.
Shakespeare’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales – (see website for dates and times of shows) – November 29 – December 23: A theatrical version of Dylan Thomas’s radio poem adapted by Charlotte Moore for the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York inspired our production. Set in a country village in Wales near the turn of the 20th century,a talented ensemble of performers combines Thomas’s rich memories and unmatched language with traditional holiday songs and delightful dances of Wales and England. 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 – November 30-December 30 at Virginia Rep Theatre. Also, enjoy brunch with Madeline and Snow Bear on December 1, 8, 15, or 22. Get tickets early!
Thursday, November 1
Squirrel-o-Ween was postponed due to weather this past weekend, and will is now scheduled for Thursday from 4-7pm. Get your costume ready!
Members Only Night for Museum Stores of Richmond Holiday Shoppers Fair - Thursday, November 1, 5-9 pm?. Join with members of 14 participating Museum Stores of Richmond for a special Thursday evening preview of the 18th annual Holiday Shoppers Fair. This year’s event is at the Science Museum of Virginia and is filled with some of the area’s most interesting and unique gifts. Keep an eye out for Jennifer S. Holland signing her wonderful book “Unlikely Friendships,” 5-8 pm at the Science Museum display.
27th Annual Virginia Christmas Show - A traditional Arts & Crafts Marketplace featuring hundreds of upscale exhibitors, boutiques & Speciality Food Shops from across the nation. Special Events: Holiday Cooking Threatre, Photos & Visits with Santa. Donate a new toy to Santa for the Toys for Tots Program and receive a ticket to return to the show for FREE. Virginia Christmas Show transforms The Showplace into a festive, bustling mecca of Holiday shopping.
Friday, November 2
Museum Stores of Richmond Holiday Shoppers Fair - Friday, November 2-Saturday, November 3, 9:30 am-5 pm. Support 14 participating members of the Museum Stores of Richmond as you peruse some of the area’s most interesting and unique gifts at the 18th annual Holliday Shoppers Fair. Keep your eye out for book signings featured by a number of museums as you find the perfect gifts for the people on your holiday shopping list. The museum stores come together for a one-stop shopping opportunity only once each year and this year it is at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Holiday Stop & Shop at Epiphany Lutheran Church - Please join us for the 4th annual Holiday Stop & Shop at Epiphany Lutheran Church! Come see 40 talented vendors selling jewelry, artwork, bags, pottery, children’s items, novelty gifts and much much more! This show is like a mini Bizarre Bazaar. There is also a used book sale. Proceeds from the event benefit the preschool.
Saturday, November 3
Museum Stores of Richmond Holiday Shoppers Fair - Friday, November 2-Saturday, November 3, 9:30 am-5 pm. Support 14 participating members of the Museum Stores of Richmond as you peruse some of the area’s most interesting and unique gifts at the 18th annual Holliday Shoppers Fair. Keep your eye out for book signings featured by a number of museums as you find the perfect gifts for the people on your holiday shopping list. The museum stores come together for a one-stop shopping opportunity only once each year and this year it is at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Holiday Stop & Shop at Epiphany Lutheran Church - Please join us for the 4th annual Holiday Stop & Shop at Epiphany Lutheran Church! Come see 40 talented vendors selling jewelry, artwork, bags, pottery, children’s items, novelty gifts and much much more! This show is like a mini Bizarre Bazaar. There is also a used book sale. Proceeds from the event benefit the preschool.
MCM Annual Fall Gala 2012 - 7:00pm - Our Mission: Musical excellence to inspire, entertain, educate, and unite our communities. Don’t Miss this Signature Fundraising Event to support the efforts of the Richmond Men’s Chorus and the Richmond Women’s Chorus. This is certain to be a fun evening and is a great way to find that special gift or something for yourself heading into the Holiday Season.
Holiday Open House at Yankee Candle in Regency Square.
Battery Park Christian Church – 4201 Brook Rd Holiday Bazaar, Craft Show and Bake Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Unique hand crafted items and delicious treats for sale. Finish your holiday buying in one convenient location. Jams & jellies, homemade soups, baked goods. Handcrafted home and fashion accessories including jewelry, knits, handbags, baby items. Pincushions, pressed flowers, pottery, decorations and more!
Sunday, November 4
Virginia Thanksgiving Festival at Berkeley Plantation, Charles City.
Sip and Shop at the Wine Loft with other Richmond women. Stella & Dot, Scentsy, Thirty-One, Greenpieced Organic Houseware, and more vendors. Just shop, sip, and enjoy!
Friday, November 9
Santa arrives at Chesterfield Towne Center on Nov. 9th at 6pm to kick off the holiday season with a grand ceremony to light the tree with the children. Live jazz music provided by the Monacan High School Jazz Band and a parade with Santa through the mall to his set where he will be through Dec. 24th for greeting children and photograph options available if desired. Details at www.chesterfieldcenter.com.
Holly Jolly Christmas on Lakeside Avenue - Lakeside-area merchants, including the Garden Shop, stay open late for holiday shopping.
Saturday, November 10
Santa Saturday with The Children’s Place: Virginia Center Commons. November 10 at 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Simon Kidgits Club and The Children’s Place team up to bring you the most anticipated event of the year….Santa Saturday! Kidgits members will delight in the magic of the season with a breakfast, fun holiday activities, a parade led by Santa himself and an ornament making craft and visits from Santa at The Children’s Place. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED! Space is limited. Admission is free for Simon Kidgits Club members and $3.00 each for Non- members. For more information, call Guest Services at (804) 266-9002.
Santa’s Arrival: November 10 at Noon. Visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Virginia Center Commons’s JC Penney Court and have your holiday photo taken with St. Nick!
Tree Lighting, Music and Holiday Fun – Stony Point Fashion Park. Kick off the holidays with an animated light show.Enjoy music from the Kings of Swing, giveaways and balloon creations for kids 10 and under, while supplies last. At 7:00 p.m. count down the illumination of the animated Community Tree.
Lee Davis Annual Bazaar and Craft Show - Come support the Lee-Davis High School Band programs and support your community. The Holiday Bazaar & Craft Show will feature a variety of vendors.
Friday, November 16
ASHLAND VINTAGE HOLIDAY MARKET AND BARN SALE at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center located at 500 S. Center St., Ashland, VA, 23005. (November 16th 4pm-8pm and November 17th 10am-6pm.) Holiday show featuring an amazing group of local artists and vintage items. Items to include holiday and home decor, clothing, handbags, jewelry, bath products, specialty gifts and much more! Event website:VintageHolidayMarket.com and BarnYardJunkies.com
Santa’s Arrival and Grand Illumination at Short Pump Mall at 6 p.m. Children of all ages will enjoy the arrival of Santa and his holiday parade, featuring: The Gingerbread Boy, Raggedy Ann and Andy, Frosty, Toy Soldiers, Dancing Tree, Santa’s Elves, characters from cast of The Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker and much more! The parade will also feature our Short Pump’s very own Snow Princess and of course Santa himself.
Craft + Design Show - The Visual Arts Center of Richmond presents its 48th annual Craft + Design Show Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18, 2012 in the beautiful Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.
Williamburg Wreath Making Workshop - Discover the secrets of wreath-making and create your own Williamsburg inspired wreath! Bring a friend! Light refreshments and all materials supplied. Center for Creative Arts at Shady Grove.
Saturday, November 17
Legendary Santa - Saturday, November 17th at 5:30pm at Saks Fifth Avenue – Stony Point Fashion Park. Adults can shop to your heart’s content at Sak’s that evening, when 10% of in-store sales on November 17th and 18th will be donated to the Children’s Museum of Richmond*. You can also enjoy an exclusive Jewelry Show by Temple St. Clair, a Radko Ornament Signing by a Radko Designer, a Birger Christensen Fur Trunk Show and Cartier Vintage Watch Trunk Show.
Coats for Kids – Bring the kids out to the Diamond for the funn and give them an opportunity to help others in need this winter. Puritan Cleaners is again teaming up with the Flying Squirrels for our 4th Annual Coats For Kids / Ballpark Warming Party on Saturday, November 17th, from 9am to 12 noon. Children can spend the evening creating holiday art projects and activities in one of two supervised kid zones led by Santa’s elves.
ASHLAND VINTAGE HOLIDAY MARKET AND BARN SALE at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center located at 500 S. Center St., Ashland, VA, 23005. (November 16th 4pm-8pm and November 17th 10am-6pm.) Holiday show featuring an amazing group of local artists and vintage items. Items to include holiday and home decor, clothing, handbags, jewelry, bath products, specialty gifts and much more! Event website:VintageHolidayMarket.com and BarnYardJunkies.com.
Craft + Design Show - The Visual Arts Center of Richmond presents its 48th annual Craft + Design Show Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18, 2012 in the beautiful Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.
Tree Lighting at Willow Lawn - Come join Silly Bus at Willow Lawn for the annual Tree Lighting event! What a great way to start the holiday season!
Dunkin Donuts Munchkin Run - Run this family fun 5K, enjoy donuts and the chance to win a giant Donut trophy. Register online donutrun.org, proceeds benefit ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Superhero and Princess Day at CMoR Chesterfield. Come dressed as your favorite superhero or princess and meet Cinderella, Snow White, Superman and more! Free with museum admission.
Sunday, November 18
Craft + Design Show - The Visual Arts Center of Richmond presents its 48th annual Craft + Design Show Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18, 2012 in the beautiful Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.
Legendary Santa - Saturday, November 17th at 5:30pm at Saks Fifth Avenue – Stony Point Fashion Park. Adults can shop to your heart’s content at Sak’s that evening, when 10% of in-store sales on November 17th and 18th will be donated to the Children’s Museum of Richmond*. You can also enjoy an exclusive Jewelry Show by Temple St. Clair, a Radko Ornament Signing by a Radko Designer, a Birger Christensen Fur Trunk Show and Cartier Vintage Watch Trunk Show.
Friday, November 23
Model Railroad Show - Friday, November 23-Sunday, November 25 - Enjoy the most magical train layouts in Virginia. Learn to build your own train layout and enjoy a brand new IMAX film on what else – Trains! Tour the Museum’s RF&P Car ONE, watch blacksmith Gerald Boggs create items from railroad spikes and play Railroad Jeopardy. The Model Railroad Show is included with exhibit admission. Films in the IMAX®DOME are $9 or $5 for members.
Christmas Town Busch Gardens opens for the season!
Sunday, November 25
Caring Santa: November 25, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in JC Penney Court. Virginia Center Commons will welcome the Caring Santa on Sunday, November 25 from 6:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m., allowing children with special needs to be welcomed into a photo environment designed to support their sensory, physical and developmental needs. For more information, visit our website at www.virginiacentercommons.com.
Tuesday, November 27
Wednesday, November 28
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Richmond Coliseum. 7:30 p.m.
Bizarre Bazaar 37th Christmas Collection - We are celebrating our 37th year of this upscale holiday gift market featuring both handmade and buy/sell. This year’s show will present more than 500-juried exhibitors in four contiguous exhibition buildings. You don’t want to miss this kick-off to the holiday season! A Richmond Tradition! November 28-December 2.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical at The Landmark Theater.
Thursday, November 29
Bizarre Bazaar 37th Christmas Collection - We are celebrating our 37th year of this upscale holiday gift market featuring both handmade and buy/sell. This year’s show will present more than 500-juried exhibitors in four contiguous exhibition buildings. You don’t want to miss this kick-off to the holiday season! A Richmond Tradition! November 28-December 2.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical at The Landmark Theater.
Friday, November 30
Bizarre Bazaar 37th Christmas Collection - We are celebrating our 37th year of this upscale holiday gift market featuring both handmade and buy/sell. This year’s show will present more than 500-juried exhibitors in four contiguous exhibition buildings. You don’t want to miss this kick-off to the holiday season! A Richmond Tradition! November 28-December 2.
Nutzy’s Winter Fun Fest: The Flying Squirrels and West Richmond Rotary Club will host a pre-race day party at The Diamond on Friday, November 30th from 4 PM – 8 PM. In addition to race packet pickup, the event will feature the annual Toys for Tots drive, a Christmas tree lighting, live music and food and drink specials.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical at The Landmark Theater.
The Poe Illumination at The Poe Museum.
The Grand Illumination at the James Center, Richmond.
Saturday, December 1
Dominion Christmas Parade from the Science Museum of Virginia - December 1, 10 am-noon - Join us for the 29th annual Dominion Christmas Parade from the Science Museum of Virginia. The action for this beloved Richmond tradition starts at the Museum complete with holiday floats, marching bands, huge helium balloons and Santa himself! More than 100,000 spectators come everywhere in Virginia for this favorite spectacular, holiday event!
Old Fashioned Christmas – December 1, 2012 “plain & simple” market . 1293 Anderson Highway, Cumberland, VA – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Christmas Decorations, Trees, Ornaments, Gifts, Food and much much more.
Brunch with Madeline and Snow Bear
Jingle Bell Run/Walk® is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving.
The Richmond Flying Squirrels in partnership with the West Richmond Rotary Club have announced plans for the Inaugural Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run scheduled for Saturday, December 1st. The 5K course will begin at The Diamond and will incorporate part of the annual Dominion Richmond Christmas Parade route along Broad Street before ending back near the ballpark. All proceeds from the Funn Run will go to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond and First Things First of Greater Richmond.
Let It Snow! at the Richmond Symphony December 1-3. Timeless favorites and holiday surprises to fill you with holiday spirits. Call 1.800.514.ETIX(3849) for tickets or visit website.
Bizarre Bazaar 37th Christmas Collection - We are celebrating our 37th year of this upscale holiday gift market featuring both handmade and buy/sell. This year’s show will present more than 500-juried exhibitors in four contiguous exhibition buildings. You don’t want to miss this kick-off to the holiday season! A Richmond Tradition! November 28-December 2.
Sunday, December 2
Bizarre Bazaar 37th Christmas Collection - We are celebrating our 37th year of this upscale holiday gift market featuring both handmade and buy/sell. This year’s show will present more than 500-juried exhibitors in four contiguous exhibition buildings. You don’t want to miss this kick-off to the holiday season! A Richmond Tradition! November 28-December 2.
Let It Snow! at the Richmond Symphony December 1-3. Timeless favorites and holiday surprises to fill you with holiday spirits. Call 1.800.514.ETIX(3849) for tickets or visit website.
Old Fashioned Christmas at Maymont - Celebrate a charming, old-fashioned Christmas and experience a tradition enjoyed by generations of families. Holiday tours, carriage rides, festive music and special activities that are sure to fill everyone with a merry holiday spirit. Guided mansion tours: $5 per person/$3 members and children 12 & under. Carriage rides: $5 per person/$3 members and children 12 & under. For event details and reservations, call 804-358-7166, ext. 329.
Pet Photos with Santa: December 2, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in JC Penney Court. Bring your furry friends to have their holiday photo taken with Santa! All animals must be on a leash or in a cage. For more information, visit our website at www.virginiacentercommons.com.
Monday, December 3
Let It Snow! at the Richmond Symphony December 1-3. Timeless favorites and holiday surprises to fill you with holiday spirits. Call 1.800.514.ETIX(3849) for tickets or visit website.
Grand Illumination of the Christmas Tree at The Jefferson Hotel (more to come as we receive the information).
Thursday, December 6
National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Washington, D.C. as our nation’s capitol kicks off the holidays!
Friday, December 7
Science Museum of Virginia – - Member Night: Polar Express Pajama Party Friday, December 7 from 5:30– 8:30 pm; film begins at 6:30. Climb aboard on the Polar Express! Children are invited to dress in their favorite pajamas and bring the entire family along. Join us before the film for fun activities – and milk and cookies too! Free for members. Reservations are required. Sign up at support.smv.org/polarexpress or call 804.864.1400.
Millwood Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Fair from December 7th-9th at the Barnes and Noble at Commonwealth Center.
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.
Boxwood Gardens Club Greens Sale 10 am- 2 pm - Grace Baptist Church, 4200 Dover Rd. - Richmond, VA 23221. Hand made wreaths, Christmas table top arrangements and gifts from hand selected vendors make this one if the best bazaars of the season. Artisan jewelry, children’s clothes, holiday decorations, culinary delights and so much more. You can get all of you gifts at this one event!
Victorian Christmas Traditions - Come find out how people celebrated Christmas during the Victorian Era, which included the years of the Civil War. First, a Powerpoint presentation will cover Christmas traditions of the time. Then take a guided tour of the White House of the Confederacy, specially decorated for the Holidays! Cost: Free for members, $5 for non-members
Saturday, December 8
Christmas in the Colony Camp Ages 5 – 10 - 10 am – 2 pm – Join in a Colonial Christmas – decorations, crafts, games, activities and snacks included. Help us decorate your home and Henricus. Registration required by December 1. $25/$20 Henricus Foundation Patrons.
Millwood Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Fair from December 7th-9th at the Barnes and Noble at Commonwealth Center.
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.
Christmas in the Colony Day - On Saturday, Dec. 8, Henricus will offer a Christmas in the Colony Day Camp for children aged 5-10. Campers will make Colonial-style holiday decorations and crafts and enjoy seasonal activities. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the camp is $25 or $20 for Henricus Foundation Patrons. Registration is required by Dec. 1. Please call (804) 318-8797 to reserve a space.
Parade of Lights and Colonial Christmas from 6-8 pm – Enjoy the 20th Annual James River Parade of Lights, sponsored by the regional James River Advisory Council. A treasured Richmond tradition, thousands of residents look forward to viewing the procession of boats decorated with holiday lights each year. Spectators will be able to enjoy the parade and experience a colonial Christmas presented by historical interpreters at Henricus Historical Park free-of-charge. Colonial Christmas activities begin at 6:00 p.m. with viewing of boat parade from 7:30-8 p.m.
Milk and Cookies with Santa: December 8, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Join us for our last Simon Kidgits Club event of 2012 where all attendees will receive milk and cookies, and Santa will make a special appearance and will read a story to the children. The event will also feature fun activities from the Radio Disney Crew. The fun is free for Kidgit members. Not a member? It’s just $5 a year to join – either at the event, or at Guest Services at Virginia Center Commons any time.
Rockville Center Holiday Bazaar – December 8 & 9.
Brunch with Madeline and Snow Bear
Sunday, December 9
Court End Christmas - Nine historic downtown sites host a free holiday open house, featuring tours, living history, reenactments, gift shops, children’s activities, carriage rides and music. Past participating sites include the Valentine Richmond History Center and the Wickham House, the John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capitol, St. Paul’s Church, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House, and St. John’s Church. Complimentary shuttle between sites.
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.
Rockville Center Holiday Bazaar - December 8 & 9.
Millwood Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Fair from December 7th-9th at the Barnes and Noble at Commonwealth Center.
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!
Thursday, December 13
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, December 15
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
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!
Friday, December 21
The Nutcracker and Clara’s Tea Party (following select performances of The Nutcracker, requires additional ticket) – December 21st, 4:00pm; Saturday, December 22nd, 4:00pm.
Saturday, December 22
The Nutcracker and Clara’s Tea Party (following select performances of The Nutcracker, requires additional ticket) – December 22nd, 4:00pm.
Brunch with Madeline and Snow Bear
Tuesday, December 25
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 26
Holiday Glitter: Monument After Dark - Our most popular walking tour! Enjoy the lights and glitter of Monument Avenue while it’s decked out for the holidays. This early evening stroll combines history with a touch of glitz! Dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at the Lee Monument at Allen and Monument avenues.
January 1, 2013
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
January 10-13, 2013
The Legend of the Poinsettia - January 10-13 – at The Cultural Arts center at Glen Allen – Based on the Mexican legend of a young girl who discover the true spirit of giving. Thu. 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM – Fri. 10:30 AM & 7:30 PM – Sat. 3 & 7:30 PM – Sun. 3 PM.
Comment on this post