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.
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.
A Celtic Christmas Celebration at Mount Vernon Baptist Church - Christmas Musical and Dinner Theater. December 5-8. Enjoy the sounds and tastes of the season with a decidedly Irish flair at Mount Vernon Baptist Church’s Season of Joy: A Celtic Christmas Celebration. On December 5 and 8, come for an open seating worship service, wassail and cookies. It’s free. On December 6 and 7, don’t miss an evening of Dinner Theater. Ticket information and times are on the church’s website. Cost is $10. Mount Vernon Baptist Church is located at 11220 Nuckols Road in Glen Allen.
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.
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.
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.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Landmark Theater.
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.
Virginia Holiday Concert at The Atrium of The James Center. Songs of the season, light classics, annual sing-along. Free.
Henrico Community Band Holiday Concert at 7:30pm at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Holiday music for all ages. Free. Reservations required – visit website or call 804.501.5859.
Tuesday, December 4
Nutcracker Selections 6-7pm at Henrico Theatre, 30 E. Nine Mile Road. The Concert Ballet of Virignia presents dance and musical selections from the Nutcracker. Mee t the dancers and visit with a special guest to go gree children. Ages 2-5 with an adult. Call 501.5859.
Wednesday, December 5
Regency Square – 6:30 p.m.: PDM’s Ballet Company will perform excerpts from The Nutcracker.Upper level, near Bath & Body Works.
Waldorf School Observation Day - Visit our classrooms in action and see what it’s all about! Observation Day is a parent-only event. We begin promptly at 8:30am and ask participants to arrive a few minutes early. Pre-registration is required.
Thursday, December 6
National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Washington, D.C. as our nation’s capitol kicks off the holidays!
5807 and Belle’s Annual Night Out from 5:30pm – 8:30 pm. Join us and get your holiday shopping done at one of Richmond’s most unique places, the Shops at 5807. The event is co-sponsored by Style Weekly’s Belle Magazine. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided!
Children’s Storytime at Barnes & Noble Short Pump 10:30a.m.
Jim Brickman: On a Winter’s Night at the Carpenter Theatre. 7:30 p.m. The two-time Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling pianist and songwriter will wow audiences as he weaves together holiday favorites of new and old, plus all his hits in one spectacular concert! Jim brings a night of dazzling solo piano with the warmth and humor of the season for one of the country’s favorite annual concert events.
Regency Square Concert at 3 p.m.: Come out and support the Douglas S. Freeman High School Jazz Band! Lower level, near JCPenney.
Scream Free Parenting 6:30pm-8:30pm at Commonwealth Parenting, 4121 Cox Road, Suite 115, Glen Allen VA. Stay calm while staying connected to your child, understand to to stay coole while staying charge and understand importance of providing and expecting privacy and space. Parents of children ages 5-11. Call 804.545.1272.
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.
Sweet Spot Bingo – A monthly game of Candy Bingo on December 7, the first Friday of the month, at 5:30pm. If you’d like a spot at the table, give them a call at 360-7768. Sing along to holiday music, sneak a taste of the candy markers and win candy prizes! A fun night out for all ages.
Kids Fun Night at All Fired Up - 6-8pm. All Fired Up is hosting Kids’ Fun Night! Drop the kids (ages 5 to 12) off between 6 to 8pm for a fun-night of pottery painting. Enjoy your time while letting your kids have a fun night out on their own at All Fired Up!
2nd Stage – An Evening of Classical and Holiday Pops at the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen at 7:00 p.m. Start off the holiday season with an enjoyable evening of music listening to classical and holiday pops featuring The Rainer Trio with soprano Leslie Mabe. Food and beverages available for sale.
VCU Music Holiday Gala at 7:30 pm at Singleton Center. VCU Music’s Annual Holiday Gala will feature a variety of performers from throughout the department. All proceeds benefit the Hospital Hospitality House.
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.
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.
Adult Fun Friday at Spirited Art - Adults get to start their weekend early by heading over to Spirited Art to paint “Snowman”. An artist will walk you step by step as you create your own masterpiece. Get out and enjoy your lunchtime with us!
Polar Express Pajama Storytime at 7pm at Barnes & Noble Short Pump. 804.360.0103.
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.
Crenshaw Winter Wonderland Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Crafters and Gift Ideas, Food Sold by Crenshaw Elementary School’s PTA, raffles, bake sale, Book Fair, Holiday Shop for the kids, and photos with Santa! Address: 11901 Bailey Bridge Road, Midlothian, VA 23112.
Kids Night Out at Romp n’ Roll Midlothian 5-8pm. Reservations required; potty training not required. Call 804.893.3142 or visit website.
Handel’s Messiah at 7pm at Carpenter Theatre CenterStage. Conductor Steven Smith along with both the Richmond Chorus and the Richmond Symphony.
Radio Disney performs at Regency Square. 1 p.m.: Experience high energy fun when Radio Disney returns! Near the Food Court.
Rockville 2nd Annual Bazaar – Rockville Community Center, 16238 Pouncey Tract Road, Rockville, VA: 9am-2pm. Come get started on your Christmas shopping. Bring your friends and join us in the fun. Come early and bring the kids to have breakfast with SANTA from 8 am – 10 am.
Winterfest at RC Longan Elementary School, Henrico. Come and enjoy wonderful Holiday music, arts/crafts, and games for the children. There will be a Santa breakfast at 8:15 – 9:45 and 10:00 – 11:30 which include ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES along with sausage, fruit salad, juice, coffee, and milk. Tickets are $4.50 which includes a photo with Santa. Shopping will also be available at the Kid’s Korner Holiday Shop and vendor booths where you will find jewelry, homemade crafts, and much more
Fan Holiday House Tour. The 50th Annual Holiday House Tour, featuring an array of fabulously-decorated homes in the Fan District, will be held on December 8th and 9th, 2012, from 1 PM to 5 PM each day. Online ticket sales are now open! Click here for official ticket sales through Eventbrite.com.
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.
Holiday Harper’s Bazaar 10am – 4pm – Grace Baptist Church, 4200 Dover Road, Richmond. Shop at the Holiday Harper’s Bazaar and find unique stocking stuffers and gifts made by local artists, jewelers, and more. The Bazaar takes place on Saturday, December 8th, 10am-4pm at Grace Baptist Church located at 4200 Dover Road, Richmond, VA 23221. Admission is free, Bazaar proceeds benefit Boys and Girls Club and St. Andrew’s School Harp Outreach Programs.
Providence Elementary School’s 2nd Annual Holiday Boutique from 11am – 4pm. Raffle, Raffle, Raffle…$1.00/ticket or buy 5 – get one free. Drawings for Raffle Prizes will be held every hour on the hour, beginning at Noon. Craft tables for kids and bag and ornament decorating. 11001 West Providence Road, Richmond.
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.
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.
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.
Craft Mafia’s Homemade Holiday Craft Show, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Art Works, located at 320 Hull St. This event is free and open to the public and will include local indie crafters displaying their best items just in time for holidays.
Handel’s Messiah at 7pm at Carpenter Theatre CenterStage. Conductor Steven Smith along with both the Richmond Chorus and the Richmond Symphony.
Winter Artisans’ Bazaar 10am – 3pm at LaPrade Library. Find the perfect gift! Shop for unique, handmade items from local artisans – jewelry, fused glass, pottery, fine art, sculpture and more. Artists and crafters, email [email protected].
The American Youth Ensemble presents “Harp! The Herald Angels Play”. 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm. A Richmond holiday tradition, the world-renowned American Youth Harp Ensemble presents “Harp! The Herald Angels Play!” December 8, 2012 at 3pm with special prelude by the Virginia Choristers at 2:30pm. An event for the entire family, this concert will feature over sixty harpists and singers, ages 8-18. Grace Baptist Church, 4200 Dover Road, Richmond, VA. Includes a Holiday Harper’s Bazaar for holiday shopping from 10-5 pm. For more information visit www.harpensemble.org or call 804.837.9355.
“Honor Flight” at the Byrd Theatre - Honor Flight is a feature-length documentary that chronicles a community coming together to honor living World War II veterans, one last time. The film follows a devoted team of Midwest volunteers as they race against the clock to send every local WWII veteran to the Washington, DC memorials built in their honor.
Holiday Open House Rockwood Nature Center - Family fun activities inclue pictures with Santa, shopping with local crafters for unique, artisan Christmas gifts, live acoustic music, and cake walks to win delicious, baked prizes. Roast cinnamon apples over the campfire, make naturally beautiful ornaments for your tree, decorate a winter wildlife tree and much more.
Holiday Open House at Kittiewan Plantation 10am-4pm. Charles City, VA. With the holiday spirit filling the air, come see Kittiewan decked out for the holidays. From our collections, see Victorian ornaments decorating the tree and historic post cards celebrating the season. Light refreshments will be provided and admission is free this day only.
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.
Jazz at Regency Square. 3 p.m.: Enjoy jazzy holiday tunes performed by the Richmond Jazz Band. Lower level, near JCPenney.
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.
Fan Holiday House Tour. The 50th Annual Holiday House Tour, featuring an array of fabulously-decorated homes in the Fan District, will be held on December 8th and 9th, 2012, from 1 PM to 5 PM each day. Online ticket sales are now open! Click here for official ticket sales through Eventbrite.com.
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.
