Qualifying as a Richmonder can take many forms.

There are summer afternoons on the rocks at Belle Isle, day drinking at Bamboo when it’s snowing, or those most basic of initiation rites, dealing with City Hall or getting a tattoo. But it’s safe to say that acquiring your Richmond holiday badge is a tad more circumscribed.

Not sure if you’ve earned enough points to qualify as a legit Richmonder come December? The true Richmonder, whether born here or come here, has attended at least 10 of these dozen rites of December passage. All are annual affairs, with some lasting a day or evening, while others are multi-day or week happenings, but they’ve passed the test of time for making the season feel special. Or at least, very Richmond.

Lewis Ginter Gardenfest of Lights

This year’s theme, Home and Habitats: A Celebration of Connections, is reflected in the millions of lights adorning the gardens, some of which have been reimagined as wetlands, rainforests and deserts through light forms and interactive features. Mainly, Gardenfest is an outstanding December reason to stroll outside and admire light artistry. And heads up, USA Today voted it Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the country last year, so advance tickets are required.

Through Jan. 5, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave.

RVA Illuminates

Is it even December if you don’t go downtown for the illumination countdown? That moment when all the downtown businesses turn on their holiday lights is as Richmond as a train going by during a Folk Fest performance on Brown’s Island. Once the lights are on, stay for food trucks and performances by Desiree Roots, Mervyn Mayo, AJ Jones and DJ Lonnie B.

Friday, Dec. 6 from 4-7 p.m. at Kanawha Plaza, 701 E. Canal St.

Punks for Presents

Ever since 2005, a bunch of Christmas-themed punk and metal parody bands — think Beastie Toys and Alice in Candy Canes — have put on December shows with proceeds going to charity. This year there are four shows, one each at Wonderland, Fuzzy Cactus, The Camel and Hardywood, and each with different bands. So, whether you’re dying to hear Sleighs the Day or Faith Sno More, it’s the most philanthropic headbanging of the season.

Dec. 6, 9 p.m., Wonderland, 1727 E. Main St.

Dec. 7, 8 p.m., Fuzzy Cactus, 221 W. Brookland Park Blvd.

Dec. 13, 6 p.m., the Camel, 1621 W. Broad St.

Dec. 14, 3 p.m., Hardywood, 2410 Ownby Lane

Christmas Parade

You could be Scrooge or the Grinch and still get a kick out of the annual parade down Broad Street. There are giant helium balloons — reminding us of, horrors, the year Rudolph popped and deflated midway through the parade — colorful floats, high school and college marching bands and a large, bearded man at the end. Bring chairs, blankets and plenty of hot chocolate to see you through.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m., Broad Street beginning at the Science Museum at 10:15, concludes at Richmond Coliseum

Krampus Walk

Find yourself a pair of horns along with bells, whistles or noisemakers and join the 12th annual RVA Krampusnacht. Just don’t forget an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive or you’re missing the point. The 6 p.m. walk begins at the Aquarian Bookshop in Carytown with a costume contest and continues down to the Byrd Theatre and back, followed by a post-walk mingle and food trucks.

Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Aquarian Bookshop, 12 S. Thompson St.

The Nutcracker

After four decades, it’s safe to say that Richmond loves this classic Christmas and love story set to romantic music. Between the lavish sets and costumes, the stunning choreography and the gaggles of young dancers experiencing their first production, the experience is magical and heartwarming enough that even non-ballet fans will come away smiling and feeling mildly festive.

Runs from Dec. 7-23, various times, at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace St.

Winter Wander

What was once Christmas in Court End has evolved into Winter Wander, a more diverse celebration of the holidays for all ages. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, hop on a free trolley to tour neighborhood attractions such as the Poe Museum, the John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capital and other places you’ve been meaning to experience. Take in performances by Virginia Opera, the Fox Elementary School choir, Minds in Motion dancers and Klezm’Or’Ami’m.

Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon – 4 p.m., the Valentine Museum, 1015 East Clay St.

Richmond Boat Parade of Lights

Chances are you’ll need to bundle up for this evening event, but the spectacle of lighted boats making their way along the James is worth putting on a few extra layers and lugging chairs or a blanket. Watch from anywhere along the river -pros know to bring snacks and warm beverages- or make a reservation at the Lily Pad to be part of their raucous viewing crowd. Rain or shine.

Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5-8:30 p.m., various locations

Jingle Bell Run

For 40 years now, the Arthritis Foundation has put on this annual fundraising run and really, who couldn’t use a little exercise during this season of eating excess? This is a festive run, so don your gaudiest holiday garb, grab some friends and get some sponsors for an outdoor activity benefiting a worthy cause. Bells optional but why wouldn’t you?

Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m., Mary Munford Elementary School, 211 Westmoreland St.

Fan Holiday House Tour

One of the oldest holiday traditions in Richmond, traipsing through beautifully decorated Fan houses offers an architectural way to experience the holidays. Now in its sixth decade, the two-day tour provides a look inside homes that have not ever been open to the public, including the Taylor Estate, an Italian Renaissance Revival home designed by Duncan Lee. Proceeds benefit the Fan District Association. Buy tickets in advance to save.

Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15, noon-5 p.m., Ticket pickup and purchase at 208 Strawberry St.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Byrd Theatre

“Remember, George, no man is a failure who has friends.” Back in the ‘90s, the Byrd showed this holiday classic on Christmas Eve only and without advance ticket sales. Now you can watch Clarence the angel second class earn his wings at four separate screenings, but a wise Byrd-goer would score tickets in advance. No one needs seasonal disappointment, and you can count on these screenings filling up quickly with long-timers.

Screens Dec. 23-25, various times, Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St.

Capital City Kwanzaa Festival

After 58 years, Elegba Folklore Society’s Kwanzaa Festival is a classic must-attend seasonal event celebrating cultural heritage and traditional values. Partake in the Ancestral Libation and candle-lighting ceremony to start the day, enjoy music and dancing throughout the day, and shop the African Market’s vendors and food trucks. Children can participate in Watoto Kwanzaa while the Nia Sessions offer practical holiday reflections.

Saturday, Dec. 28, 1- 7 p.m., the Greater Richmond Convention Center.