This week’s calendar is filled with family-friendly fun. 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 too.
Visit websites to confirm all dates, times and locations as they may change after posting here.
ONGOING
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.
Concert Ballet of Virginia presents The Nutcracker - multiple times December 1-23. Get specially discounted Richmondmom.com tickets here.
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.
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. Live music before and after each pageant will be provided by local churches and performing arts groups. December 23 at 9pm: 4th pageant en Espanol. The reenactment of the Christmas story features animals from the zoo and music from local churches and performing arts groups.
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!
WLI Holiday Gift Drive for Children - Join United Way’s Women’s Leadership Initiative in giving individual holiday gift boxes to hundreds of infants and young children in the Richmond region who are being served by home visiting programs such as CHIP of Richmond and Healthy Families at Family Lifeline & Quin Rivers Healthy Families.
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. In 1989, the New York Times described it as “one of the half-dozen finest American theater scores of the last decade.” This Off Broadway classic originally opened with a smash hit production in Greenwich Village in 1989, and was most recently revived in NYC this season, once again earning universal raves from critics and audiences alike. That recent hit revival closed last Sunday after a sold-out five month run.
Miss Emily. Who wouldn’t help THIS KID?!
Mail your band-aids for Band-Aids for Miss Emily so they are received no later than December 3!
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 - Take a journey through a motley crew of legendary guitars in our latest exhibition as you explore the history of the world’s most recognized musical instrument, examine more than 60 guitars, historical artifacts and play the world’s largest guitar! Included with exhibit admission.
Guitar Acoustic Performances - Through-Saturday, December 15. Join us on designated Saturdays, for 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.
Polar Express (film in IMAX®DOME) Saturday, November 17-Wednesday, January 23 - Based on the modern holiday classic written by children’s author Chris Van Allsburg, Polar Express follows the journey of a young boy named Billy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. With a family who believes everything from the elves to flying reindeer are myths, Billy’s whole viewpoint changes when a mysterious train visits him on Christmas Eve promising to take him and other children to the North Pole. The train’s conductor, along with other passengers, help turn Billy’s crisis into a journey of self-discovery in this heart-warming holiday film. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
Monday, November 26
Grand Illumination at the Jefferson Hotel.
Mall Walker’s Event at Regency Square Mall. Westport will be conducting cholesterol and blood sugar checks as well as blood pressure screenings on November 26. Remember to fast the morning of to get an accurate reading.
Tuesday, November 27
Wednesday, November 28
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Richmond Coliseum. 7:30 p.m.
Giving Change Fundraiser. On Wednesday, Nov. 28th from 6pm to 8pm, Schwarzschild Jewelers is hosting a charity event. A portion of all sales will be donated to an exciting new local nonprofit called Giving Change to assist in building their web-based platform.
Girls Night Out Shopping Extravaganza - 5pm-9pm – 8030 West Broad Street, Henrico, VA. Support local small businesses owned by women ~ Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying an evening out shopping with your girlfriends. With over 20 businesses represented you’ll be sure to find great holiday gifts for everyone on your list… including yourself! Have fun while you do all your shopping in one convenient location. There’s plenty of parking and no entry fee… So please join us.
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.
Richmond Shakespeare presents A Child’s Christmas in Wales at Theatre Gym, at the Virginia Repertory, 114 W. Broad Street. 7:30 p.m. - Richmond Shakespeare presents A Child’s Christmas in Wales, a new adaptation of Dylan Thomas’s beloved seasonal work. As Thomas writes, recalling his favorite moments from Christmases past, they come to life! Director Jan Powell and music director Andrew Hamm have created a unique musical theatre event to charm audiences of all ages.
All Fired Up - Ladies Night – 6:00-8:00 pm - Description: Ladies… Imagine a relaxing night creating your own work of art while gabbing with girlfriends and drinking a glass of wine! Come join us on Thursday, November 29th for our Ladies Night Out! Receive 10% off your piece and snacks will be provided. You and your gal pals provide the beverage of your choice!
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.
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.
Nutzy’s Winter FUNN Fest. 4pm-8pm with The Flying Squirrels. Jump into the holiday spirit with Nutzy’s Winter FUNN Fest in conjunction with Nutzy’s Rotary FUNN Run.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Yorktown
Grand Illumination at the James Center.
Madeline’s Christmas. Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn presented by Virginia Repertory Theatre.
Parents Night Out - Goochland Sports Complex Dance Studio, Goochland, VA. Need a night off from parenting? Treat your kids to a fun night at the Goochland Sports Complex while you go out and finish up holiday shopping, or just take some time to yourself! We will offer a wide variety of activities that is sure to keep the kids entertained, from sports to movies to crafts. Sign up early to beat the holiday rush!
Sweet Spot celebration for Movember winner. Join the Movember party on November 30. The Sweet Spot captain and mustache grower extraordinaire, Matt, will be handing out stache awards and they’ll be celebrating all the money raised for men’s health.
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 right here 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!
Radio Disney Festival of Giving Weekend – lots of fun for all ages.
The 1st annual James River Run will be held at The Reedy Creek Meadow at 4001 Riverside Drive. The course will wind through single track trails next to the James before taking runners over to Belle Isle and eventually back to the meadow via Buttermilk Trail. Online registration is $25 and will be open until November 30th. In person registration will also be available on race day for $30. For more information and to register go to the website.
Radio Disney AM 1290 “Festival of Giving” at Haley Buick GMC from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Radio Disney AM 1290 teams up with Toys for Toys, American Red Cross & Capital Area Food Bank for their 2nd annual “Festival of Giving” at Haley Buick GMC. In celebration of Disney Channel and Radio Disney’s Fa-la-la-lidays, the Radio Disney AM 1290 Road Crew will be on-site with entertainment & music. “Festival of Giving” makes it easy for kids & families to give back, and is part of the network’s Project Family initiative. *Donations accepted: new, unwrapped toys, canned food.
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. Bring your dog to Stony Point Fashion Park.
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.
Ginter Park Show from 10am – 5 pm. Annual fine arts and craft show featuring over 30 artisans. Pottery, jewelry, knitwear, works in oil, stained glass etc. Free admission. Lewis Ginter Recreation Association at 3421 Hawthorne Ave. Richmond, Va 23222 . One block southeast of Chamberlayne & Laburnum Ave.
Thrifty Sisters Home Goods Resale Store Opening a 9:00 a.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.
Wagon Ride at Pocahontas State Park - Join us for a “cool” wagon ride from the CCC field to the fire ring on Swift Creek. We will provide s’mores, hot chocolate and hot apple cider. You are welcome to bring a picnic dinner to roast at the campfire. You may also want to bring a blanket, flashlight and camp chairs. Please register by calling 804-796-4255. Fee: $5/person or $20/family of 4 or more. This program will be canceled if roads are icy or covered in snow.
Cooper Vineyards Heart of Virginia Jingle Bell Wine Trail - 11am-5pm. Tour 4 wineries. Fee includes tastings at all 4 wineries, souvenir tasting glass and light fare along the trail. 11 – 5 Sat & Sun – $15.00pp. For more information: www.hovawinetrail.com.
Historic Christmas Open House at Hanover Tavern 11am – 5pm. Hanover Tavern welcomes the public to visit the 2nd annual Historic Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 1st from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is free and the day includes a visit and photos with Colonial Mr. & Mrs. Claus, a community bake sale, children’s colonial holiday crafts, roving “Pick-a-Pocket Lady” and Magician, storytelling, Magician/Juggler Jonathan Austin, caroling and free refreshments on the porch, and lighting of the Hanover Tavern Christmas tree at 4:45 pm.
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.
Hermitage High School Holiday Craft Fair 9am-2pm. Come out and support Hermitage High School’s baseball and softball teams at the Annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday Dec 1 from 9a-2p. There will be holiday gifts, decorations, baskets, wreaths, bags, jewelry, sports memorabilia, and much more! Concessions will be available all day. For information and space availability, please contact Melissa at [email protected] or 804-836-8228.
Salvation Army Christmas Concert and Sing-Along - 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Henrico. Free concert with National Capital Brass Band.
Annual Christmas Show at Scottish Rite Auditorium. 7:30pm. The Virginians Barbershop Chorus is presenting its annual Christmas Show at the Scottish Rite Auditorium, December 1 and 2 . Tickets to Wishing You A Merry Christmas are available online or by calling 1-866-VA-SINGS (1-866-827-4647) . The cost of admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for Groups of 10 or more and $5 for students . The Scottish Rite Auditorium is located at 4204 Hermitage Rd, Richmond VA 23227.
Lunch with Santa – Drop and Shop at Martial Arts World of West End from 10am – 3pm. Drop your child off at our center & while you shop your child will: have a fun, beginner martial arts class & games with Santa’s elves, write letters to Santa while eating pizza lunch, visit with Santa & get pictures, make a special gift for mom or dad, then hot cocoa, cookies & a movie, will have them nice & relaxed for pick up! Ages 4 & up. Center Services over 20 Henrico County Public Schools daily. Fees apply.
Holiday Market at My Manakin Market 10am – 2pm. Join us at My Manakin Market’s Holiday Market! All vendors will be in an enclosed Marquee tent. You’ll find something for everyone: Handmade Artisan Crafts & Gifts; Seasonal Vegetables; Meats; Cheese; Baked Goods; Local Wine & Wine Tastings; Prepared Foods; LIVE Music; FREE Kids Activities. SANTA will be visiting from 11:00am – 1:00pm!! We are a family-and-dog-friendly Farmers Market located just 5 minutes west of Short Pump at 68 Broad Street Road, Manakin Sabot, VA 23103.
Christmas Craft and Bake Sale 8am – 2pm at Gum Spring United Methodist Church. 7th Annual Christmas Craft and Bake Sale at Gum Spring United Methodist Church featuring homemade baked goods and crafts as well as vendors selling a variety of very popular items. This is a must-attend event and is very popular in the community.
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.
Regency Square Santa Paws!* Sunday, December 2, 2012 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Please meet at Entrance One, located under the parking deck between Macy’s and JCPenney at 7:30 p.m. Dogs and cats must remain with their owners at Entrance One until 8 p.m.
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.
Harmony in Hanover Christmas Concert - 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM - The Richmond Men’s Chorus and The Richmond Women’s Chorus will grace the stage at Hanover Tavern with traditional Holiday songs. Admission includes a hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar before the concert at 5:30pm.
Annual Christmas Show at Scottish Rite Auditorium. 7:30pm. The Virginians Barbershop Chorus is presenting its annual Christmas Show at the Scottish Rite Auditorium, December 1 and 2 . Tickets to Wishing You A Merry Christmas are available online or by calling 1-866-VA-SINGS (1-866-827-4647) . The cost of admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for Groups of 10 or more and $5 for students . The Scottish Rite Auditorium is located at 4204 Hermitage Rd, Richmond VA 23227.
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 jcpenney 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.
Kids and Adults Holiday Painting at Spirited Art 4pm-5:30pm. Kids and Adults paint together at Spirited Art! Kids and Parents each paint their own canvases that are meant to be hung together. An artist will lead everyone step by step as they create their masterpieces to take home at the end of the session. The $45 price is for 2 people painting.
Christmas with the Richmond Choral Society from 4-5:30 pm. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The magical story of Christmas told through music and song with classical anthems, traditional carols, and Christmas spirituals. Featured will be special guest, the Virginia Girls Choir; Chris Martin, organist; Alicia Romeo, harp; and Keith Tan, piano. For info, see our website.
Wreath Auction and Craftaganza from 12:30pm – 4pm. Silent Auction featuring 45 spectacular wreaths. Open for viewing and bidding 10:00 am – 3:30 pm. Gift and craft sale open from 12:30-4:00 pm - Unity of Richmond near the Carillon by Byrd Park.
Super Writers: A Class for Creative Kids Grades K-1 - 4:30 pm at Melody Magic Music Studios. Watch your writer take flight in this writing series with Henrico County teacher, Sarah Simmel. As students work through the writing process, confidence and ability will soar. Using nationally-recognized teacher, Deanna Jump’s curriculum, your junior writer will build skilss that can be used in and out of the classroom. Class is limited to five children. Rate includes materials/no registration fee required. Call 804.334.6241.
Pet Photo Night with Santa at Chesterfield Towne Center from 6:30pm – 8pm. Bring your furry family member to get his photo taken with Santa at Chesterfield Towne Center. Pet photos will happen Sunday, Dec. 2nd & 9th from 6:30 – 8pm. Photo package options available on www.chesterfieldcenter.com.
