Now that Halloween is over there is nothing holding back the holiday season. Thanksgiving is fast approaching and the countdown to Christmas has begun! Whether you love the season and can’t wait to get it started or you need a little help getting into the holiday spirit, there are some great holiday-themed events for families in Richmond this month.
We’ll update this list as the month continues so keep checking back!
November 6-12
Tree Lighting with Santa Get your first peak at Santa this Holiday Season at Chesterfield Towne Centers annual Tree Lighting! Enjoy entertainment, Holiday goodies and photos with Santa himself! November 6 at 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Shoppers Fair Richmond-area museum gift shops sell their wares, including many specialty items. Proceeds benefit the museums. November 6 and 7 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
November 13-19
Santa’s Arrival and Grand Illumination Join us for the Grand Illumination of Short Pump Town Center’s spectacular holiday décor featuring our 60-foot, walk-thru tree and 22-foot reindeer! Santa will arrive in style along with his favorite Holiday Characters: The Gingerbread Boy, Raggedy Ann and Andy, Frosty the Snowman, Toy Soldier, Dancing Tree and two of Santa’s very own elves! November, 13th at 7PM
InLight Richmond Friday, November 13 and 14 in Monroe Park. InLight 2015 will kick off with the Community Lantern Parade and will feature performances, sculpture, large-format projections, and interactive projects that will illuminate pathways, walls, sidewalks, green spaces, trees, benches, building facades, and more, in and around the park.
6th Annual Virginia Christmas Market Choose from a high quality, innovative holiday collection of porcelain, pottery, quilts, folk art, fine art, reproduction furniture, flags, ironwork, carvings, leather, toys, tinware, candles, dollcraft, wovenwares, book authors, musicians, jewelry, basketry and more. Sample all types of scrumptious gourmet and specialty foods and wine from Virginia wineries– all set amid festive Christmas displays. Bring the children for pictures with Santa.
Community Tree Lighting Kick off the holiday at Stony Point Fashion Park with a community tree lighting, ice skating and more. November 14 7:00 p.m.
Animated Lights Show Come out to Stony Point Fashion Park for an exciting Lights show beginning at the top and bottom of every hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. November 15 – January 3.
November 20-26
Victorian Holidays Beginning November 20 at Maymont and running through January 3. 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.
Illuminate Light Show Opens November 21. 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. The fun begins November 25-January 3.
November 27-30
The Day After Thanksgiving Art Affair November 27th, a great alternative to Black Friday. Enjoy yourself with music, door prizes, an auction and shopping in the hallways, nooks and crannies of Art Works where artisans and fine craftsmen have set up shop. Find holiday handmade gifts on Sugar Plum Street, Jolly Jingle Junction and Candy Cane Circle. All items are $50 and under.
Dominion GardenFest of Lights Opens November 27. 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!
38th Annual Model Railroad Show Opens November 27 – November 29 Enjoy the most magical train layouts in Virginia. Featuring all the bells and whistles, guests enjoy unique and traditional model train displays from across the state. Learn how trains work, conduct experiments, check out special demonstrations and enjoy a holiday weekend filled with fun for the whole family.
Christmas Town Busch Gardens 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. 27 select days through Jan 3.
Richmond Symphony Presents: The Snowman A perfect holiday show for your kids – enjoy the academy award winning movie The Snowman accompanied by the Richmond Symphony. This charming animated film tells the story of a young boy’s magical friendship with a snowman. Enjoy other holiday favorites during this program as well. November 28 11:00 a.m.
Free Skate Weekend Kick-off the holiday weekend with free skating at Stony Point Fashion Park! Complimentary sessions begin every hour on the hour. Each one hour session consist of 45 minutes of skating with 15 minutes in-between sessions to condition the surface. November 27 and 28th 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and November 29 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wilton House Museum Holiday Open House November 29 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Enjoy light refreshments craft, games, and performances throughout the afternoon. Tours of Wilton, elegantly set for Twelfth Night, will be available throughout the day.
Holiday Tree Lighting at the Jefferson Hotel November 30, 2015 live music beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the lighting of our holiday tree at 6:00 p.m. Be sure to bring your loved ones and your camera … and, be prepared to say, “oooooooh!”
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