This is it!! Our November Holiday Guide is filled with lots of fun but December rings in some serious holiday action.
Our list is growing so check back often and you can always visit our awesome calendar of events! Happy Winter Holidays no matter what you celebrate!
You will also find lots of faith-based events for all faiths – just visit FaithinRichmond.com to find out what’s happening.
December, 2013
Bethlehem Walk. December 4-8: Salem Baptist Church/Broad Street Campus, 465 Broad Street Road, Manakin, VA 23103. An interactive outdoor drama where guests experience first century Bethlehem. As you enter the city, allow the sights, sounds and smells to carry you to a period of time that changed the world. Journey through the heart of the city to the marketplace that is bustling with activity from over a dozen authentic shops; enjoy samples from the baker’s shop, see the blacksmith at work making crucifixion nails, marvel at the potter’s crafts and listen for the rumor of a king’s birth from excited townspeople.
Science Museum of Virginia 50% off gift memberships at Science Museum – Members taken advantage of this gift offer by December 13th!
Dominion GardenFest of Lights 2013. Friday, November 29, 2013 – Monday January 13, 2014 (closed December 24-25). Dominion GardenFest of Lights is a “rain or shine” event and is only closed for extreme inclement weather. Admission: $11 adults; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 3 – 12; children under age 3 free; Garden Members $6; child on Membership (ages 3 – 18) $4; Member on Member Nights: FREE. Holiday tradition features more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, holiday dinners, family activities and more. Visit often to fully experience Dominion GardenFest of Lights — the region’s ultimate holiday extravaganza!
Saturday Brunch with Santa: December 7, 14, and 21st. Seatings at 10am and 1pm. Reservations are full – if you would like to be placed on the waiting list, click here for information.
GardenFest Dinner with Santa: December 16, 17, 18, and 19. Saturday Brunch with Santa features kid-friendly food favorites and the opportunity to share “wish lists” with Santa. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras for photos. Lewis Ginter.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens November 22 – December 21st you can shop, play, sing songs, see some amazing performances and soak up a Christmas experience that would make the sugar plum fairies jealous at Christmas Town.
Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker December 13th- 23rd This grand Richmond tradition returns with live music by Richmond Symphony, with 13 performances in the grand Carpenter Theatre. Make your holiday season complete and share the fun of the Mouse King, the Chinese Dragon, the Russian Bear, and much, much more! TICKETS TO THE NUTCRACKER START AT $20!
Twas the Night Before Christmas Children’s Theatre of Virginia at Willow Lawn, runs through December 29, 2013 with added weekday matinees during the holiday season. The original book, music, and lyrics are by Bruce Craig Miler, Artistic Director of Virginia Repertory Theatre, and are based on the true story of how Clement C. Moore came to write his immortal poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas. The show is 55 minutes long and is best enjoyed by children three years and older.
Rocky Mountain Express (Giant Screen Film) – Saturday, November 2, 2013-Wednesday, January 1, 2014 – 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.
Polar Express (Giant Screen Film). Now through Wednesday, January 1, 2014 – Join us as a doubting boy boards a magical train that’s headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus’s home. What unfolds is an adventure where he learns that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. $9 general admission, $5 for members.
November 29-December 1, 2013
36th Annual Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum of Virginia 11:30am to 5:00pm. It’s back! Enjoy the most magical train layouts in Virginia. Tour the Museum’s RF&P Car ONE, check out the 1918 Bocock Streetcar and watch blacksmith demonstrations with Gerald Boggs. Included with exhibit admission, free for members.
December 2, 2013
The Grand Illumination at the Jefferson Hotel Live music begins at 5:15pm and the tree is illuminated at 6pm. Sing along with a parade of children’s characters and enjoy complimentary refreshments in the Empire room.
December 3, 2013
Your Youngster & You: “MistleToes” or Menorah Keepsake Plate at All Fired Up (open 10am-6pm) All Fired Up will help you get the perfect foot print from your infant or toddler on a large rimmed dinner plate, and turn it into an adorable “MistleToes” or Menorah keepsake! The best part is that we do all the design work for you! You just come in with your little one, we’ll get the print, and then you’re free to go! All-inclusive cost is only $30. Call ahead and we’ll have all the supplies waiting for you.
December 4, 2013
10th Annual VCU’s Massey Cancer Center Shopping Spree. 5:30pm-9pm. Click here for tickets.
December 4-15, 2013
Glorious Christmas Nights. (Tickets on sale beginning October 7). This year we will crack open the book on a Christmas adventure. With each magical page turn you will experience a holiday joy ride that will dazzle and amaze the entire family! Christmas spirit will pop right off the pages with singing and dancing that will make your heart soar from fantasy land to Bethlehem. This charming musical spectacle will illustrate a storybook of family values and spiritual truths to challenge and touch everyone. Get on the same page this season with A STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS! West End Assembly of God, 401 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229.
December 5-8, 2013
The Bizarre Bazaar at Richmond Raceway Complex. Four Exhibition Buildings filled with fabulous unique gifts for everyone on your list! A beautiful holiday marketplace with 500 juried exclusive exhibitors and more than 100 new exhibitors only seen at The Bizarre Bazaar®. Located at the Richmond Raceway Complex with free parking.
December 6, 2013
Downtown James Center Grand Illumination 5:55 pm – 7 pm at the James Center (between 9th-12th & Cary Streets). Bring your family to James Center for a beautiful family tradition. At 5:59 p.m. Santa and Lite 98 will count down the seconds to light the downtown office buildings AND James Center’s Great Tree and Reindeer! Experience the magic of the holidays with two blocks of family entertainment.
Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting. Friday, December 6 – Christmas Tree Lighting, 7:30 pm. A tradition that began in 1945 continues with the Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting. Evening highlights include a 7 pm performance by The Fifes and Drums of York Town at the Victory Monument, festive music at Riverwalk Landing, the procession of lights through the historic village, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free.
Holiday Illumination at Historic Polgreen Church– 5-6:30pm Polegreen kicks off the holiday season with its grand illumination of the silhouette structure. Join us for the lighting of the church, as well as a performance by Colonial fife and drums, a sing-along with holiday carolers, hot cider and more!
Richmond Symphony performs Handel’s Messiah Let The Richmond Symphony Chorus and The Richmond Symphony, conducted by Erin Freeman, surround you in the sounds of the season during Handel’s Messiah! One night only—Friday, December 7:30pm at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage. Tickets start at $12 online or 1.800.514 ETIX. $7 college student tickets available at the Richmond CenterStage box office with valid student ID.
Kids Fun Night at All Fired Up! Create a wet clay ornament from your child’s handprint, design and paint a “Christmas Lights” hot cocoa mug, AND enjoy a pizza dinner! The cost is only $25 per child and is recommended for ages 6 and up. Space is limited, so call and sign up your kids today!
December 7, 2013
Dominion Christmas Parade. The 30th annual Dominion Christmas parade will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in Richmond, Virginia. The parade will depart from the Science Museum on W. Broad Street and continue east to 7th Street. This beloved Richmond tradition attracts more than 100,000 spectators each year from everywhere in Virginia, with thousands more enjoying the live television broadcast.
Christmas Open House at Hanover Tavern 10:00am to 1:00pm. This free event includes photos with Colonial Santa Claus, community bake sale, colonial holiday crafts for kids and families, holiday magic shows, and story time with all the classic Christmas tales.
Brunch with Snow Bear! Join Santa and Snow Bear for a light brunch and sing along following the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas performance on Saturday December 7 The event will last about 1 hour. Brunch tickets $15 (does not include performance ticket). Call (804)282-2620. Limited availability.
Let it Snow – Genworth Symphony Pops -Saturday, December 7 – 8:00pm and Sunday, December 8 – 3:00pm, the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage. Join conductor Erin Freeman, the Richmond Symphony, the Richmond Symphony Chorus, members of the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church Joy Choir, the Children’s Honor Choir, and Richmond’s own vocal virtuoso, Lisa Edwards-Burrs for holiday favorites including Silent Night, Joy to the World, and It’s a Wonderful Life. You, too, will get a chance to sing along during this much loved annual concert!
December 8, 2013
27th Annual Court End Christmas. 1015 E. Clay Street. Noon-5pm. Ten historic downtown sites host a free holiday open house, featuring tours, living history and reenactments, gift shops, children’s activities, refreshments, carriage rides, music, and special guest appearances. 2013 participating sites include the Valentine Richmond History Center and the Wickham House, the John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capitol, the Virginia Executive Mansion, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House, and St. John’s Church.
Holly Jolly Christmas on Lakeside Avenue Participating merchants (including the Garden Shop)will extend hours til 9 p.m. FREE trolleys will run along Lakeside Avenue Friday night. You can park at the Garden (and shop!) and catch the trolley to stores along Lakeside Avenue. 27 shops will participate with extended hours, special discounts, refreshments and more.
Let it Snow – Genworth Symphony Pops -Saturday, December 7 – 8:00pm and Sunday, December 8 – 3:00pm, the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage. Join conductor Erin Freeman, the Richmond Symphony, the Richmond Symphony Chorus, members of the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church Joy Choir, the Children’s Honor Choir, and Richmond’s own vocal virtuoso, Lisa Edwards-Burrs for holiday favorites including Silent Night, Joy to the World, and It’s a Wonderful Life. You, too, will get a chance to sing along during this much loved annual concert!
December 10, 2013
10th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Richmond International Raceway. Tuesday, December 10 6:30 p.m. The festive evening includes an illumination of the track’s Christmas tree, music and fun for the entire family, as well as a visit from the jolly old elf. Attendees are encouraged to bring items for the Central Virginia Foodbank food drive and the Marine Toys for Tots toy drive. Richmond International Raceway will match all food and toy donations received at the track, can-for-can and toy-for-toy.
December 13, 2013
A Colonial Christmas at Berkeley Plantation – 1pm Learn how the Harrison family celebrated Christmas during the 18th century with music, Christmas stories and decorations using fresh greenery and natural arrangements. Reservations are required.
Member Polar Express Pajama Party – Friday, December 13, and Sunday, December 15, 2013; 5:30-8:30 pm – Climb aboard the Polar Express! Children are invited to dress in their favorite pajamas and bring the entire family along. Joins us before the film for fun activities — and milk and cookies, too! Registration is required; seating is limited. Call 804.864.1449 or [email protected]. Free. Members only.
Check out these events on FaithinRichmond.com!
December 14, 2013
21st Annual James River Parade of Lights. A cherished holiday tradition! Pull out your boat! 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.
Check out these events on FaithinRichmond.com!
Holiday on Parade—An Eastern Henrico Celebration All day events from noon – 5:30pm From historical to present day, many fun, nostalgic, and exciting events are in store for your holiday season. Children can enjoy a craft and bake Christmas cookies at Hidden Creek Recreation Center. Tour “The Barn” while children can decorate a pine cone and enjoy holiday refreshments at Dorey. Take in a show at the Henrico Theatre and wrap up the evening at the James River Parade of Lights at Osborne Park.
Parade of Lights at Osborne Park – 4:30-8:30pm Beginning at 3pm, the Toy Parade sponsored by the Battlefield Ruritans will precede the Parade of Lights. Entertainment and concessions will follow the Toy Parade. For more information on the Toy Parade, please call 795-7978. Viewing celebration information: 501-5134.
Richmond Christmas Gala benefitting VCU Massey Cancer Center. Hippodrome Theatre, with catering gy Five26. Black tie optional. Tickets available October 15.
Yorktown Market Days and Toyland Parade. Yorktown Market Days and Toyland Parade, 9 am to 3 pm. Special holiday market featuring an assortment of items: seasonal fruits & vegetables; fresh seafood, eggs, poultry, beef and pork; fine sweets and baked goods including cakes, breads, brownies and cookies; coffee, jams and jellies; homemade relish and spices; organic and gluten free products; holiday wreaths, pines and flowering bulbs; homemade peanut brittle; quality art, and holiday music. Starting at 1:30 become a part of our Toyland Parade, jump in with a decorated a stroller or wagon, or even yourself! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet the guests. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will be leading the parade. As an added treat, the Polar Express will be chugging along through Riverwalk Landing. Free. (757) 890.3500.
Holiday Cookie Decorating– Regency Mall – Learn festive techniques to frost cookies with butter cream and color flow icings using a variety of products for the holidays. Students must bring 18 unfrosted cookies to decorate. Supplies included and can be taken home at the end of class. Cost: $30, plus $30 materials fee. Contact: The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, (804) 261-ARTS
Brunch with Snow Bear! Join Santa and Snow Bear for a light brunch and sing along following the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 2pm performance on December 14th. The event will last about 1 hour. Brunch tickets $15 (does not include performance ticket). Call (804)282-2620. Limited availability.
December 21-22, 2013
Holiday Workshops at All Fired Up -Parents, drop off your kids on Saturday from 10am-12pm OR on Sunday from 2pm-4pm, and get the rest of your holiday shopping done while the kids create festive Christmas crafts! They will be painting a Winter Wonderland cup & saucer set (perfect for a cup of soup or hot cocoa all winter long) that will be ready after Christmas, and painting an ornament they can take home the same day! Cost is only $35 and space is limited, so reserve your spot now!
Richmond Train and Toy Show. Show will be held on December 21-22, 2013. Featuring operating model railroads, dealers selling trains and collectable toys, hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday. Richmond Raceway Complex.
Holiday Open House at James River Cellars Celebrate the season with friends, family and of course our seasonal wines. Taste James River Cellars award winning wines, check out the gift shop and pick up some unique holiday gifts. Stock up on wine, gifts and especially, holiday cheer!
December 21, 2013
A Christmas Carol– Theatre IV on Tour presents A Christmas Carol Saturday, December 21, 2013 11am & 1pm at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Don’t miss this holiday classic!
Brunch with Snow Bear! Join Santa and Snow Bear for a light brunch and sing along following the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas performance on Saturday, December 21st. The event will last about 1 hour. Brunch tickets $15 (does not include performance ticket). Call (804)282-2620. Limited availability.
Combo Event with Sweet Spot, Spirited Art, and All Fired Up in Short Pump. December 21 and 22, 2013 are Kids Combo Classes! Kids come out for a day of fun at West Broad Village location. You will want to register for this class soon because space is limited and it’s a big HIT with kids and parents. While the kids paint and play, parents can shop, dine, or just relax.
December 26-December 30, 2013
Fruit Cake Science at the Science Museum of Virginia ‘Tis the season for fruitcake and a perfect chance to test its ability to burn, float, conduct electricity and react to gravity and dry ice. Join the Science Museum of Virginia for this entertaining and inspiring time of discovery! Included with exhibit admission, free for members.
December 31, 2013
New Year’s Eve Family Frolic at Lewis Ginter. 2-5pm. Fun for all ages! All of the activities are inside the warm and cozy Education and Library Complex.
After the Holidays
Christmas Tree Recycling December 2013-January 2014. CVWMA. Christmas tree recylcing available in Central Virginia.
