America seemingly shifted into Christmas mode at midnight Halloween and the Richmond 2013 event calendar rose to the challenge. May you harness the power of Rudolph and stay afloat through the all the festivities.
These holiday-centric events will get you through to January, when we all retreat to pay off our credit card bills and watch football. For the guide of repeated holiday events, click here.
Dec. 5
Symphony of Trees, a fundraiser for the Richmond Symphony Orchestra League runs through Dec. 12. A $20 ticket can win almost $5,000 of fantastic gifts. Four trees each with a different theme and a different gift package. More here: http://www.rsol.org/symphony-of-trees/
Glass blown ornament days have started. Want to customize a gift? How about a glass blown ornament? Sign up for a time slot, through Dec. 14. Click here for more info http://www.richmondglassspot.com/
The 38th Annual Bizarre Bazaar runs through Dec. 8. The Richmond Raceway Complex hosts hundreds of vendors. Parking is free. Advance tickets can be bought online to avoid the line, and tickets at the door are $7 for adults and $1.50 for children. Early Bird shopping is offered–tickets are $12.50 (adults) and $1.50 (children). Early Bird patrons are welcome to shop all day. A bottle of water is allowed. More info http://events.wtvr.com/The_Bizarre_Bazaar
A Storybook Christmas. A family friendly musical that garners rave reviews. This runs through Dec. 15. Tickets can be bought online at www.gloriouschristmasnights.com. Order through “box office” here 754-0738. The production is put on by the West End Assembly of God.
Dec. 6
Vesper/Candlelight Walk. This Church Hill tradition gets started at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church and ends at Libby Hill Park. Free. Visit http://www.churchhill.org/holiday-weekend/
The Grand Illumination, an old Richmond tradition, starts at 6 p.m. and includes lots of family fun. Before that, at 5:15 p.m., the Capitol tree will be lit. Click here for parking, performance, and food info http://wtvr.com/2013/12/04/grand-illumination-holiday-info/
RVA Krampus walk in Carytown, is a new Richmond event taking place at 6 p.m. Think Zombie Walk, where costumed folks walk from one end of Carytown to the other in traditional beast-like costumes. Starts at The Aquarian Bookstore. To find out more on Krampus origins, click over to Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RVAkrampus
Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Chorus presents Handel’s “Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. at the Carpenter Theatre. Tickets start at $20. Click for info. http://www.richmondsymphony.com
The Winter Print Fair sale by Richmond-based printmakers opens 7 – 9 p.m. at Studio Two Three. The event runs longer on Dec. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. 254-7302. studiotwothree.com
Holiday films at The Henrico Theater. A three week series of holiday films starts Friday with the Will Ferrell comedy “Elf” at 7 p.m and two showings Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. $1 Contact: 328-4491.
“It’s A Wonderful Life” plays Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and the 14th at 2 and 7 p.m.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” hits the screen Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. only.
The Rockettes sing and dance on the 6th and 13th.
Dec. 7
The 30th annual Dominion Christmas Parade starts at 10 a.m. Click for info http://wtvr.com/2013/12/02/richmond-christmas-parade/
Richmond Symphony presents “Let It Snow” at 8:00 p.m. at the Carpenter Theatre and again on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Tickets start at $10. Visit http://richmondsymphony.com/events_details.asp?id=260
Fan District Association Holiday House tour. Tickets on sale for $25 at fandistrict.org. Friday and Saturday.
2013 Richmond Jingle Bell Run/Walk starts at 8 a.m. at Stony Point Fashion Park. Wear antlers and bells and run a 5k to raise money for others. Cost is $20 for kids and $30 for adults. Visit http://events.wtvr.com/2013_Richmond_Jingle_Bell_
Dec. 8
Church Hill Holiday House tour. Check out 10 restored historic homes that feature a variety of interiors from classic to contemporary. Starts at noon. Tickets are $20 in advance, to purchase visit http://www.churchhill.org
27th Annual Court End Christmas starts runs from noon to 5 p.m. A real historical shindig. Carriage rides, carolers, live music, and crafting.
Free admission to downtown sites including the Valentine Richmond History Center/Wickham House, the John Marshall House, St. John’s Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House, the Virginia State Capitol, and Virginia’s Executive Mansion. Court End Christmas tour offers free shuttle. More info http://wtvr.com/2013/12/04/27th-annual-court-end-christmas/
Old-fashioned Christmas at Maymont. Celebrate a charming, old-fashioned Christmas and experience a tradition enjoyed by generations of families.Horse-drawn carriage rides, St. Nick, good food and drink, festive music, a roaring bonfire and special activities that are sure to fill everyone with a merry holiday spirit. Guided mansion tours: $5 per person/$4 members and children 12 and under. Carriage rides: $5 per person/$4 members and children 12 and under. Click here for event details and reservations or call 804-358-7166, ext. 310. More at http://www.maymont.org/holidays
Return of RVA Hot Sauce. The event at Gallery 5 will feature live performances by Photosynthesizers, Anousheh, J.D. Haze, Ohbliv, Radio B, Michael Millions, and Noah O. Along with a performance by the Coalition Theater, a kindness mission from Kindness Girl Patience Salgado, and there will be information available and commentary presented by some of the most active community organizations in RVA.
More info and tickets here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-return-of-rva-hot-sauce-tickets
The River City Blues Society of Virginia hosts a holiday party and open jam, from 1-6 p.m., at the Capital Ale House downtown. Herbie D. and the Dangermen host. There’s also a silent auction. $15 includes food.
Dec. 9
Music at Midday. A noon performance at the Jefferson Hotel that repeats on Dec. 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 20, 30. If you would like to eat before or after, reservations are encouraged, at 804-649-4672. More here http://www.jeffersonhotel.com.
Jingle Bell Bazaar. A seasonal market of holiday gifts, clothing, jewelry, artwork, food and more at the Richmond Country Club at 12950 Patterson Ave. Monday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Tue., Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dec. 10
10th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Richmond International Raceway at 6:30 p.m. Music and a marching band will entertain, accompanied by complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Donations encouraged for Central Virginia FoodBank Food Drive and the Marine Toys for Tots toy drive. RIR will match each donation received at the track. More information: www.rir.com
Dec. 11
Make sure to check out our guide of events that repeat, like Gardenfest or RVA on Ice. Info here http://link.wtvr.com/1cXOLNn
Dec. 12
“A Winter Wonderland” with Molly Ringwald at 7 p.m. at the Gottwald Playhouse. (Dec. 12, 13, 14, 15) Tickets start at $38. Click http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/eventSearch.jsp?event_id=619600&partner_id=240
“An Evening in December,” Classic Christmas concert at the Robinson Theatre, with music by Cold Harbor, Matt and the Hooligans, Son of the Sea and the East End Fellowship Choir. Show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $10. 562-9133. http://robinsontheater.org/Christmas_Concert.html
Dec. 13
The 19th annual Hamaganza. It’s an entertaining, adult experience and a fundraiser that benefits the Central Virginia Foodbank. You bring a ham or you pay $10. Friday night is at Poe’s Pub and Saturday’s performance is at LuLu’s.
Holiday films at The Henrico Theater. “It’s A Wonderful Life” plays Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and the 14th at 2 and 7 p.m. $1 Contact: 328-4491.
Dec. 14
Christmas on MacArthur in Northside. A Santa Parade with a marching band, drum line, students, antique cars and trucks. Susan Greenbaum, The Janet Martin Band and The Taters will perform after the parade. 4000 block of MacArthur. Free. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
21st Annual James River Parade of Lights from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. Multiple locations. It’s a light parade on the water, with decorated boats. Parade viewing sites include Libby Hill Park, Osborne Park and Boat Landing, Dutch Gap Boat Landing and Henricus Historical Park. Each site has slightly different hours. Click here to find out specifics.
Blessing of the Animals. A family favorite tradition that starts at noon at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip.
The Nutcracker Richmond Ballet performs The Nutcracker at CenterStage, with tickets starting at $20 per person. Runs through the Dec. 23. More at www.richmondballet.com.
Tacky Light run. Only fitting that a city known for its dazzling lights would take the festivities a step further with a 6k course that features the best of Midlothian’s tacky lights.Race starts at 6 p.m., with packet pick-up beginning at 3:00 p.m. Info http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/tacky-light-run .
Richmond Craft Mafia Handmade Holiday Craft Show features the handmade crafts of talented designers. Free, at Dogtown Dance Theatre in Manchester Starts at 11 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m. More at www.richmondhandmadeholiday.com.
Holiday films at the Henrico Theater. “It’s A Wonderful Life” plays Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and the 14th at 2 and 7 p.m. $1 Contact: 328-4491.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” hits the screen Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. only.
The Rockettes sing and dance before on the 6th and 13th
10th Annual Ginter Park Show, at the Lewis Ginter Recreation Association, on 3421 Hawthorne Ave. Fine arts and crafts from more than 40 artisans, food, live music. Free parking. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The 19th annual Hamaganza. It’s an entertaining, adult experience and a fundraiser that benefits the Central Virginia Foodbank. You bring a ham or you pay $10. Saturday’s performance is at LuLu’s. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hamaganza/162495540505017
Surry County Christmas Parade. Annual Christmas holiday parade featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus. Following the parade, children of all ages are invited to visit and have pictures taken with Santa. Light refreshments will be available. From 3 to 5 p.m. at 45 School Street.
Powhatan Village Christmas Parade. The parade features marching bands, floats, antique cars, clowns, horses, the ACCA Temple Shriners, the Christmas Mother, Santa and much, much more. The parade ends in front of Powhatan Courthouse where the activities are just beginning with food and craft vendors galore all leading up to the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree. All proceeds from the parade will be donated to the Christmas Mother. From 3-6 p.m. Info http://events.wtvr.com/A_Village_Christmas_Parade
Betty Vinson Christmas Toy Airlift. A benefit for veterans and military children, by the Virginia Chapter Ninety-Nines. A holiday celebration for the whole family including music, good food, and a visit by Santa Claus will take place in the airport terminal. Santa arrives at 10:00 a.m. and greets children until 2:00 p.m. Chesterfield County Airport at 7511 Airfield Drive. For more information contact Barbara Headley at 580-4624 or Joyce Meier at 932-3641. A list of needed items here
Dec. 15
Holiday Adoption Open House by Richmond Animal Care and Control. Check out pets online http://www.richmondgov.com/AnimalControl/index.aspx
White Christmas For Good. Fundraiser at the Byrd Theatre for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. First Baptist Church vocal ensemble, St. Mark’s Ringers, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church handbell choir and a classic holiday film. Starts at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance/$10 at door.
Dec. 16
Christmas Music Concert. The Henrico Concert Band presents
“Holiday Portraits” an evening of Christmas favorites that will delight the entire family. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 11220 Nuckols Road. 640-3369
Info http://events.wtvr.com/Christmas_Music_Concert
Dec. 17
Make sure to check out our guide of events that repeat, like Gardenfest or RVA on Ice. Info herehttp://link.wtvr.com/1cXOLNn
Dec. 18
Make sure to check out our guide of events that repeat, like Gardenfest or RVA on Ice. Info herehttp://link.wtvr.com/1cXOLNn
Dec. 19
The Taters play a Christmas show at the Henrico Theater. Free. Reservations are required beginning Nov. 4.328-4491. Info http://events.wtvr.com/The_Taters_Do_Christmas
Maymont’s candlelight mansion tours. The elegant Gilded Age showplace of James and Sallie Dooley is aglow and decked in holiday finery for this special after hour tour. A festive carriage ride, Victorian ladies and gentlemen, and the spectacularly decorated Maymont Mansion reveal the gracious traditions of Christmas 1893. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore the mansion’s Belowstairs, where preparations are underway for the coming celebration. $18 per person/$14 members. Reservations required. Register at www.maymont.org or call 358-7166, ext. 329.
Dec. 20
The Midnight Suggestion Holiday Pageant. Holiday comedy, featuring Jeff Simmermon an NYC-based comedian & storyteller featured on The MOTH & This American Life, returning to his former home of Richmond for his debut comedy performance. The Coalition Theater at 8 W Broad St. 10:00 – 11:30 p.m. $7
Holiday films at the Henrico Theater. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” hits the screen Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. only. $1 Contact: 328-4491.
Dec. 21
A Christmas Collective at Chester Village Green that runs from 6-8 p.m. and features music, food and snacks. More info http://events.wtvr.com/A_Christmas_Collective
Miracle of Christmas at the Metro Richmond Zoo. A live nativity performances with special music performances before and after. Runs for three nights (Dec. 21, 22, 23) with three showings each night. Free but food donations are encouraged. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Info http://www.metrorichmondzoo.com/
“A Christmas Carol” holiday classic gets two at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Tickets are $12. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances.
Dec. 22
Miracle of Christmas at the Metro Richmond Zoo. A live nativity performances with special music performances before and after. Runs for three nights (Dec. 21, 22, 23) with three showings each night. Free, but food donations are encouraged. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Info http://www.metrorichmondzoo.com
A Phantom of the Opera Christmas. Performance runs through Dec. 28. 306 N Sycamore St in Petersburg. $12/adults or $5/child. Starts at 2 p.m. Info http://events.wtvr.com/A_Phantom_of_the_Opera Call 691-7235
Dec. 23
The Richmond Nativity Pageant. Maybe the oldest public Christmas tradition in Richmond. An interdenominational, interracial live nativity scene at the Carillion along with an expected audience of up to 3,000 people. Free. 7 p.m. Info www.richmondnativitypageant.com.
Miracle of Christmas at the Metro Richmond Zoo. A live nativity performances with special music performances before and after. Runs for three nights (Dec. 21, 22, 23) with three showings each night. Free, but food donations are encouraged. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Info http://www.metrorichmondzoo.com
Dec. 24
“It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Byrd. The tradition continues. Showing at 7:15 p.m. $1.99. Byrd Theatre at 2908 W. Cary St.Info byrdtheatre.com
Dec. 25
“It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Byrd. The tradition continues. Showing at 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. $1.99. Byrd Theatre at 2908 W. Cary St.Info byrdtheatre.com
Richmond Friends of the Homeless will feed around 100 people that they usually feed at the Broomfield CME Church Broomfield on 609 Jefferson Davis Highway. Meal is at noon and all are invited. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Richmond-Friends-of-the-Homeless
Dec. 28
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival hosted by the Elegba Folklore Society at The Showplace Exhibition Center. Music, dance, spoken word and workshops for the whole family. Advance general admission is $6/ $7 at the door and $5 for students and seniors/$6 door. 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike. From 1-9 p.m. Info http://www.efsinc.org/#!vstc1=capital-city-kwanzaa-festival/vstc0=festivals
Dec. 31
Carytown New Year’s Eve with magical Byrd Theatre countdown. Todd Schall-Vess, general manager of the Byrd, designed a spectacular ball with 350 LED lights that rises atop the theater. The streets of Carytown are filled and it’s free. Be there before midnight.
