The holidays are coming fast!
It’s hard to keep tabs on all the great things happening in Richmond this holiday season, and you know we love a good list over here at Richmondmom so we thought we’d put our list-skills to use and let you know what’s happening when in the month of December.
As usual, last minute additions always pop-up so we’ll be revisiting this guide frequently to add a thing or two that can’t be missed throughout the season. Check back regularly for the latest updates!
Happy Holidays!
Ongoing Events:
Illumination Light Show & Santa’s Village The lights shine brightly for guests nightly, including holidays, and are enjoyed from the comfort of a vehicle. Also featured is Santa’s Village, complete with family-friendly activities, Christmas tree lot, pictures with Santa, tasty treats, and more.
RVA on Ice Go ice skating in the heart of downtown Richmond. In addition to skating, there will be a Christmas tree lot with trees $25 – $35, hot chocolate, s’mores and holiday music and warm up near the pit fire and snack shack (provided by Johnny Rockets this year!). Free arts and crafts sessions will be offered Saturdays from 2 – 4 pm.
Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town™ Experience Christmas traditions from around the world and keep warm with a mug of Busch Gardens’ signature hot chocolate. This year, Christmas Town is brighter than ever with more than eight million lights. Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at the North Pole to see Santa’s workshop and meet the jolly old elf-himself. Unwrap the gift of Christmas Town starting Nov. 21 select days through Dec. 31.
Animated Light Shows beginning November 9th at Stony Point Fashion Park. Animated light shows take place at the top and bottom of each hour, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Community Tree. Continues through January 4.
Dominion GardenFest of Lights 2014 Opens November 28th. This 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!
Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker December 19th- 28th 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!
Santa’s Christmas Miracle at Virginia Rep- A holiday treat for young audiences, this charming musical comedy is set in Broken-Bone, Montana on December 24, 1883, where the sheriff has outlawed Christmas! It is up to a mysterious stranger and a bungling bandit named Big Bad Bart to unravel the plot and bring the true meaning of the season back into focus. This delightful story emphasizes love and the holiday spirit to the accompaniment of foot-stompin’ country and western music.
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.
The Victorian Holidays Begin November 21st at Maymont. runs through January 4, 2014, 12-5pm.For seven weeks, Maymont is decked out for the holidays! Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beautiful decorations and delightful events that attract visitors from all over the country and the world. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season! Tour the mansion to see the beautiful trimmings on the Christmas tree, the opulent dining room set for a feast, evergreen decorations and lavish gifts welcome the season in grand Victorian style.
Honky-Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular Swift Creek Mill Theatre Through January 10, 2015.
This holiday sequel to the hugely popular show, The Honky Tonk Angels continues the comic escapades of three ‘good ole gals’ singing holiday tunes made famous by James Brown, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton to name just a few.
Glorious Christmas Nights. December 3 – 14. Will the lights of Christmas shine as brightly elsewhere as they do at home? Well, Glorious Christmas Nights will answer that question in a sparkling new musical called “UNDER THE SAME STARS”. You will embark on an adventure that will take you from Richmond to St. Lucia where Santa wears sunglasses, the drums are steel, and the crabs tap dance to SANTA CLAWS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN! West End Assembly of God, 401 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229.
Gift Card and Ornament Special Give the gift of creativity this holiday season! Get a $5 gift card with the purchase of a $30+ gift card in December. Get a $10 gift card with any gift card of $100 or more. Through Dec 24th, buy any four ceramic ornaments and get the 5th FREE of equal or lesser value! Holiday Item Sale – Dec 27th-31st, all holiday-themed bisque will be on sale.
Monday, December 1, 2014
The Grand Illumination at the Jefferson Hotel Live music begins at 5:30 pm and the tree is illuminated at 6pm. Sing along with a parade of children’s characters and enjoy complimentary refreshments in the Empire room.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Thursday, December 4 – Sunday, December 7, 2014
The Bizarre Bazaar There will be over 475 dynamic exhibitors filling four contiguous exhibition buildings at the Richmond Raceway Complex. Talented musicians play music in each of the buildings and there is a beautifully decorated Café that provides a pleasant place to grab a bite to eat or just rest your feet after some serious shopping. General Admission $7, kids 2-12 $1.50. Free parking.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Create a Gingerbread Platter You’ll be amazed at the beautiful designs you create! Reservations are required, so invite your friends and reserve your spot today. Create a family platter, perfect for the holidays. $65. 6-8pm.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Grand Illumination 2014 at the James Center Friday, December 5, 2014, 5:45 pm – 7 pm. Bring your family to James Center for a beautiful (free) family tradition. From 5:45 – 5:55 p.m., VCU’s Pep Band: The Peppas will get the crowd ready for the Illumination. At 5:59 p.m. Santaand Lite 98 will count down the seconds to turn on the downtown office buildings lights AND James Center’s Great Tree & Reindeer! From 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., experience the magic of the holidays with two blocks of family entertainment. James Center is very excited to present The Kings of Swing as our featured performance!
Annual Holiday Open House in conjunction with the James Center Lighting on Friday, December 5th from 5-9. The Polar Express movie will be featured on a 40’ inflatable screen in the Plaza across the street from the Station starting at 6:45 PM. Also snacks, children’s train rides and free fun for all! Parking in all adjacent lots to the station.
Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting Fri, Dec 5, 2014, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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. (757) 890.3500
Polaroid Paper Ornaments for All Ages At Regency Square. Create one-of-a kind paper ornaments featuring you! After taking Polaroid 300 photos of each other, use templates or your own imagination to turn your 2014 face into a keepsake ornament using paper and mixed media
Kids Fun Night at All Fired Up Drop off the kids with us on December 5th from 6-8pm as we create a Christmas Tree pinch pot from wet clay, paint a ceramic ornament, AND enjoy a pizza dinner! The cost is $25 per child and is for ages 6 and up. Reservations are required and space is limited, so call and sign up today!
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Dominion Christmas Parade -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. Parade starts at 10:00am.
3rd Annual Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run “…a festive, family-friendly competition while fulfilling the club’s philanthropic mission to improve the lives of local children.” The run ends with the Dominion Christmas Parade.
Historic Christmas Open House at Hanover Tavern- December 6, 11:00am to 2:00pm. The free event includes Santa Claus, community bake sale, holiday crafts for kids and families, holiday magic shows, story time with all the classic Christmas tales, and light refreshments.
Handmade Greeting Cards at Regency Square Create unique cards for your loved ones. Decorate each card individually or work on one design that you can have printed. Use stamps, punches, acrylic pens, markers, inks, watercolors, and found papers to draw and collage your holiday and everyday messages for your friends and family. (All ages)
Handmade Holiday 11am-5pm at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. An annual indie craft show in Richmond, Virginia that is filled with dozens of the best local, regional, and national indie artists and crafters we can find.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Old-Fashioned Christmas Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with St. Nick and Maymont’s Christmas Fairy, good food and drink, festive music, a roaring bonfire and special activities that are sure to fill everyone with a merry holiday spirit.
St. Nick’s Christmas Party The entire family is sure to enjoy an afternoon at Maymont. St. Nick joins Maymont’s Christmas Fairy to host a party filled with magical wishes, games and crafts, special treats, animal friends and a visit to the enchanting home of Major and Mrs. Dooley. Advanced registration required.
Saturday, December 6 – Sunday December 7, 2014
Let it Snow Genworth Symphony Pops – Hear the symphony play holiday favorites such as Carol of the Bells, Sleigh Ride and Frosty the Snowman during this much loved annual concert. Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage. Tickets start at $10.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Henrico Pops Chorus presents: “Holidays Remembered” featuring selections from two decades of past Henrico Pops Chorus holiday programs. it is a presentation guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Recycled Paper Bag Wrapping Paper for all Ages at Regency Square-Upcycle paper shopping bags into personalized gift-wrap with acrylics, rollers, stamps, fancy pens, and lots of imagination. Create the perfect finishing touches: paper bows, ribbons, gift tags, and cards. Bring your used paper shopping bags to reduce clutter before the holidays!
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Snowman Chip ’n’ Dip Platter at All Fired Up Dec 11 6-8pm: Paint your very own snowman chip ’n’ dip platter which will be a festive addition to your winter decor. $35.
HoliDads at Romp n’ Roll 5:30pm to 7:30pm All Richmond Locations. Dads, we know that a lot of you miss out on the fun and learning every week at Romp n’ Roll, so we have a special evening just for you! HoliDads is a special night for Dads and their children and will include holiday story time, Christmas-y musical games and activities in the gym, a special keepsake Holiday craft project and pizza too! This event is for dads and their children, ages 5 and under. $12 per child for enrolled members and $17 per child for non-members. Call (804) 364-6363 to reserve your spot!
Friday, December 12, 2014
Preschool Pottery at All Fired Up:
Parents, come in with your preschool aged kids for a shared painting experience, as we paint pottery inspired by our favorite childrens’ books, songs, and movies! These classes are geared toward kids 5 and under. Each class is $35.
Christmas Tree/Star of David Fingerprint Plate : Friday, December 12h, 10am-12pm and
Sunday, December 14th, 2-4pm.
The Candlelight Walk and Caroling in Church Hill 7pm. A candlelight stroll through historic Church hill beginning at Jefferson Park (Union Hill) at 7:15 pm with bagpipes and drummers leading the way. The walk ends at Libby Hill with the 180 degree View overlooking the James River and our city gloriously lit up for the holidays as the backdrop. The crowd then joins for holiday caroling and a visit from Santa. All are welcome to become part of a living fairy tale scene that will be long remembered. Free to all.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Handel’s Messiah -Richmond Symphony Chorus 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!
A Colonial Christmas at Berkeley Plantation – 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.
Christmas On MacArthur and Santa Parade 11 to 4 p.m.This year’s parade will feature a Number of participants including the ACCA shriners, students of Holton Elementary School, the Virginia State Police, the Richmond Police Department, the Richmond Fire Department, U.S. Marines, YMCA Indian Princesses Cayuga and Indian Guides Waccamaw Tribes, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Fireweed Farms Alpacas, antique cars, trucks and even a trolley. St. Nick will be there, to hear Christmas Wishes after the parade. Kids who bring an unwrapped toy can register to win one of six brand new bikes!
22nd Annual James River Parade of Lights Each year, boaters decorate their vessels and take to the river at dusk in a dazzling spectacle of lights.Spectators line the shorelines at several official viewing sites to take in the parade and other festive entertainment. The parade begins in Richmond, just below the fall line, and the boats cruise through Henrico and Chesterfield counties to the Varina-Enon Bridge. For viewing sites, click here.
Yorktown Toyland Parade Decorate a stroller, wagon, yourself, or even a pet and join in the 1:30 pm parade. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet the guests. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will lead the parade, and as an added treat, the Polar Express will be chugging along through Riverwalk Landing. All aboard! Riverwalk Landing. Free.
Holiday Kid’s Night Out at Romp n’ Roll 6pm to 9pm All Richmond Locations Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do you, especially during the busy holiday season! Take a night off to relax or get out and pick up those last few stocking stuffers while the kids run, jump and have a blast at Romp n’ Roll! The night even includes a super special pizza party! Ages 2-5. Potty training not required. Member Pricing: $20 for one child, $35 for 2 siblings, $40 for 3 siblings. Non-Member Pricing: $25 for one child, $40 for 2 siblings, $45 for 3 siblings Call (804) 249-5001 to register or visit us online for more information.
Free Carriage Rides in Carytown – Head to the mile of style and take a free carriage ride down Cary Street.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
28th Annual Court End Christmas- An annual holiday tradition! Ten historic sites in downtown Richmond, Virginia, open their doors for a day of free admission and holiday festivities. Carriage rides, carolers, living history, live music, children’s crafts, gift shops and more. A complimentary shuttle will circulate among all sites throughout the event. Event is rain or shine.
Eastern Henrico Holiday Extravaganza Join holiday celebrations at The Armour House and Dabbs House as we share in the experience of tradition and holidays past. Enjoy decorations of the season and a holiday tree adorned with period ornaments as you tour The Armour House, circa 1917. Visit the Dabbs House where you can sample popular 1860’s holiday refreshments while children create a Civil War era Christmas ornament. Information: 343-3506.
Preschool Pottery at All Fired Up:
Parents, come in with your preschool aged kids for a shared painting experience, as we paint pottery inspired by our favorite childrens’ books, songs, and movies! These classes are geared toward kids 5 and under. Each class is $35.
Christmas Tree/Star of David Fingerprint Plate : Friday, December 12h, 10am-12pm and
Sunday, December 14th, 2-4pm.
Friday, December 19, 2014
“Santa’s Cookies” Dunk Mug Kids Class: At All Fired Up kids ages 6-14 can spend the evening with us as we get in the holiday spirit by creating a special mug that looks like Santa and a clay cookie! Pizza dinner provided. 6-8pm. $35 per child.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Tabletop Christmas Tree Class at Lavender Fields Farm Enjoy making your very own decoration with fresh greens and herbs collected from around the farm along with some colorful finishing touches that are sure to make your tree “pop”. Relax and enjoy this hands on activity with all the guidance and materials provided for you to create your very own 12 inch tabletop Christmas tree.
Saturday, December 20, 2014 – Sunday, December 21, 2014
James River Cellars Winery Holiday Open House-11 AM – 5 PM Taste James River Cellars award winning wines, check out the gift shop, visit with special craft vendors and pick up some unique holiday gifts.
Holiday Kids Workshop and Parents Shopping Day Drop the kids off at All Fired Up for an art adventure, while you finish your holiday shopping! On Saturday, December 20th from 10am-Noon, and Sunday, December 21st from 2-4pm, we’ll be creating a snowman from wet clay and designing a fused glass snowflake. All-inclusive cost is $35.
Holiday Combo Class in Short Pump Drop the kids off at Sweet Spot, and they’ll go on an art adventure around Short Pump. They’ll decorating cookies, make a snowman at All Fired Up, and paint “Holiday Mittens” at Spirited Art – all while you finish your holiday shopping! This event will take place on Saturday, December 20th from 9am-12:30pm, and Sunday, December 21st from 1-4:30pm. All-inclusive cost is $62. Sign up through Spirited Art.
Free Carriage Rides in Carytown – Head to the mile of style and take a free carriage ride down Cary Street.
Sunday December 21, 2014
Rompy’s Jolly Holiday Jam 6pm to 7:30pm All Richmond Locations. Join Rompy and the rest of the Romp n’ Roll team for our Jolly Holiday Jam…it will be “jam-packed” with fun games and activities, dancing and, of course, a yummy holiday treat. What a great way to kick off the holidays! This event is for all children 5 years old and under, and is parent-inclusive. $10 per child for enrolled members and $15 per child for non-members. Call (804) 364-6363 to reserve your spot!
Friday, December 26, 2014 – Saturday, December 27, 2014
Holiday Glitter: Monument Avenue Walking Tour Take a tour of Monument Avenue, lined with grand homes that are especially sparkly during the holidays. Dress comfortably and bring a flashlight.
December 29, 2014 – January 2, 2015
Kids FunShops!
Bring in your kids from 10:30am-Noon all week long for an adventure in pottery, and wet clay building! Each FunShop features a different project that will get their creative juices flowing and costs only $30. Or, sign up for all four classes for only $100!
Monday, Dec 29th – “My Mitten” Handprint Plate
Tuesday, Dec 30th – “Do You Want to Build A Snowman?” Plaque
Wednesday, Dec 31st – Puffy Penguin Bank
Friday, January 2nd – “Your Name Here” Party Banner
Winter Camp at Romp n’ Roll. December 29th and 30th, 9am to noon. All Richmond Locations. School will be out and the snow may fly, but we’ll be turning up the heat during the holiday break with our “Winter Luau” camp! Participate in one or both days and have a blast with beach limbo and volleyball, summer-themed art activities and more! Cost is just $30 per day for enrolled members and $35 per day for non-members, which includes a nut-free snack for children ages 2 through 5. Children do not need to be potty trained. Call (804) 364-6363 to reserve your spot!
