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.
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe is a hilarious, award-winning comedy that transcends time and space, warping through an eclectic assortment of over a dozen wildly different characters, including Trudy — a homeless hoarder with psychic abilities. According to Trudy, those psychic abilities come from her umbrella hat and are controlled by aliens from outer space who are — you guessed it! — searching for signs of intelligent life in the universe. This play was made famous on stage and screen by Lily Tomlin. Through 12/31/12.
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.
The Nutcracker Ballet - Through December 23. Performances in the grand Carpenter Theatre, there’s a magical Nutcracker moment for everyone.
I Love a Piano at Swift Creek Mill Theatre. Through December 29, 2012 - “I Love A Piano” – the Music and Lyrics of Irving Berlin. This wonderful show celebrates the music and lyrics of one of America’s greatest and most prolific writers. It follows the journey of a piano as it moves in and out of American lives from the turn of the century to the present. Schedule & Ticket Information Also Available at 804-748-5203.
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) - 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.
Monday, December 17
Kwanzaa Celebration from 11am-1pm at Hull Street Library.
Holiday Concert at Henrico Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Free concert with festive holiday music.
Preschool Picassos at Spirited Art. Story time and art for preschoolers, parents stay and assist in the creative process. Sign up on line.
Free Screening of The Guilt Trip - Hurry and get your FREE tickets because there are a limited number available. Once again, we’re using the online screening pass system, Gofobo, for THE GUILT TRIP screening on Monday, December 17th at 7:00 pm at Regal Commonwealth.
Weinstein JCC Preschool 9th Annual Holiday Gift & Craft Boutique - Over 30 vendors! Features a HUGE VARIETY of unique, handcrafted, and one-of-a kind boutique and gift items for ALL AGES! Including artisan jewelry, home decor, vintage items, handbags and accessories, pashmina scarves, clothing, original art, and much, much, much more! ADMISSION IS FREE. ALL ARE WELCOME.Benefits the preschool. For more info call Judy at 285-6500
Tuesday, December 18
Make a Gingerbread House - Enjoy craft fun at Twin Hickory Library.
Wednesday, December 19
Ember Day Silent Retreat - 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Friends and members of Chrysalis are invited to share an Ember Day of silence and reflection at the Clearing on Wednesday, December 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This invitation affords an opportunity to gain perspective and bring balance to our inner lives. Chrysalis is delighted to co-sponsor this retreat with hostsFriends Marjorie Bertolino and Elizabeth Smith.
Janet Martin in Concert Lunch Break Science – Science Museum at noon. Richmond’s Janet Martin plays Blue Grass flat-picking to electric rock and blues. Seating is limited. Tickets are first come, first served the day of the show.
Welcome Campfire at 6pm at Pocahontas State Park. This program is just for our campers! Come enjoy marshmallows and interesting information about Pocahontas State Park. Learn about where to find good trails, activities, facilities, nature programs, and more in the park. Please bring a camp chair and get to know your park. Free.
Thursday, December 20
Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk at Chrysalis Outdoor Labyrinth - 4:30pm – 6:30 pm Enjoy a quiet, contemplative walk in the midst of holiday festivities and celebrate the winter solstice. An ancient mystical tool, the labyrinth is used by many cultures and religious traditions to symbolize our spiritual journey. Concentric circles weave and twist as they direct pilgrims to the center, the place of illumination. Presented by the Chrysalis Group, a Richmond resource for spiritual growth beyond traditional boundaries.
Virginia Blood Services Drive at Virginia Center Commons Mall. As a part of the holiday season, the Virginia Blood Services is hosting a blood drive at Virginia Center Commons from December 20-23. Donors may visit the Fountain Court, near Burlington to participate and be entered for a chance to win a $500 Shopping Spree.
Richmond SPCA Winter Break Camp - During the 2012 winter break, the Richmond SPCA is offering camp sessions for children in 5th grade through 9th grade that will explore the careers and professions related to caring for animals. Campers will spend time with each department and have hands-on experiences throughout the Robins-Starr Humane Center during either session of this three-day camp.
Celebrate Life Blood Drive at Celebration Center. Virginia Blood Services is holding a special Celebrate Life Blood Drive in honor of the season. Enjoy free food and giveaways all day long, where local donors will team up this holiday season to help save lives right here in our community . This season, in addition to celebrating the gift of life, all donors will be entered to win a $500 shopping spree.*
The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare at The Modlin Center for the Arts. Through the use of cutting edge technology, moving sculpture, and dance, Light Wire Theatre in conjunction with Corbian Visual Arts and Dance, present The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare in an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Friday, December 21
Richmond Walk to Benefit the Families of the Newtown tragedy at 9:30 a.m. Organized by The Mommy Messages.
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.
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. For more information visit the website.
www.smv.org
Virginia Blood Services Drive at Virginia Center Commons Mall. As a part of the holiday season, the Virginia Blood Services is hosting a blood drive at Virginia Center Commons from December 20-23. Donors may visit the Fountain Court, near Burlington to participate and be entered for a chance to win a $500 Shopping Spree.
LiveSky: Hollywood in Space – 6:00pm at the Science Museum. Check out the good, the bad, and sometimes just plain silly astronomy as portrayed in Hollywood movies! After the show, weather permitting, join members of the Richmond Astronomical Society as they point telescopes up into the vastness of space! $5, free for Museum members.
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.
Saturday, December 22
The Nutcracker and Clara’s Tea Party (following select performances of The Nutcracker, requires additional ticket) – December 22nd, 4:00pm.
Virginia Blood Services Drive at Virginia Center Commons Mall. As a part of the holiday season, the Virginia Blood Services is hosting a blood drive at Virginia Center Commons from December 20-23. Donors may visit the Fountain Court, near Burlington to participate and be entered for a chance to win a $500 Shopping Spree.
Kids Fun Shop at All Fired Up. At the Carytown or Midlothian locations, kids will create a wet clay snowman plate and paint a snowman collectable. Call for specific hours and advance registration: 804-355-3412.
Live Music and Fun – 1-2 p.m.: Ge Factor, singing holiday classics, upper level near Macy’s South at Regency Mall.
Brunch with Madeline and Snow Bear
Nutzy – 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Nutzy meets & greets kids at the Santa set at Regency Mall.
Holiday Mash Up - Kids will come out and enjoy a day at West Broad Village with Sweet Spot, All Fired Up and Spirited Art. They will start their morning at Sweet Spot where they will create their own Gingerbread House, continue onto All Fired Up where they will paint a ceramic Snowman and finish at Spirited Art with pizza and make their own Ornaments. Four hours with us while the adults can take care of their last minute holiday preparations. Great for presents for Grandparents!
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.
Theatre IV on Tour – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas - The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen at 11 am and 1pm.
Sunday, December 23
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.
Kids Fun Shop at All Fired Up. At the Carytown or Midlothian locations, kids will create a wet clay snowman plate and paint a snowman collectable. Call for specific hours and advance registration: 804-355-3412.
The Richmond Nativity Pageant, one of the oldest public Christmas traditions in Richmond, a live out-door presentation with a cast and choir of more than 200 people. The Pageant is Sunday, December 23, 7pm, at The Carillon in Byrd Park. Larry Robinson will perform a concert of Bells at 6:30, this event is free and open to the public or 804-358-8481.
Virginia Blood Services Drive at Virginia Center Commons Mall. As a part of the holiday season, the Virginia Blood Services is hosting a blood drive at Virginia Center Commons from December 20-23. Donors may visit the Fountain Court, near Burlington to participate and be entered for a chance to win a $500 Shopping Spree.
