Nov. 26
It’s the 80th anniversary of a local holiday tradition: Come see Legendary Santa at CMoR Central, 2626 West Broad St. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting Friday, Nov. 25 and running until Christmas Eve.
Virginia Repertory Theatre’s “A Christmas Story,” a musical from Broadway that puts the popular television special about young Ralphie on stage. Tickets $28-$60. Through Jan. 1. va-rep.org.
Richmond’s handmade gift pop-up, Bizarre Market returns for its 12th year at Chop Suey Books upstairs. Hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays until 8 p.m.; Sundays from noon to 7. Runs through Dec. 24.
The Richmond Symphony presents the Academy Award-nominated film, “The Snowman” at the Dominion Arts Center at 11 a.m. Tickets are $12 for children and $17 for adults.
Rum Barrel GBS (Gingerbread Stout aged in rum barrels) release party at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. Performances by the Mirrors, Shagwuf, Gull and Trillions. 1-10 p.m.
Think Global, Shop Local Night Market at the Hofheimer Building from 6-10. Local DJs, crafts, wine and beer. Free.
RVA Holiday Market at Regency Square Mall. Shop for handmade crafts and art by Art Works, Cross Roads Gallery and Studio Two Three.
Art, Craft and Vintage Holiday Market features more than 60 local artists and crafts people at RVA-Nest Antiques Art and Gifts. Runs through Dec. 31. 3404 Semmes Ave. 233-0134.
The Richmond Triangle Players present “Scrooge in Rouge,” a wild Victorian-era take on “A Christmas Carol. $15-$30. Through Dec. 17. rtriangle.org.
Nov. 27
Photos with Santa at Willow Lawn. 1-4 p.m. at Pet Valu.
Dominion GardenFest of Lights: Living Color at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Half a million lights, with botanical decorations, trains, holiday dinners and family activities. Runs nightly from 5-10. (closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25). Tickets cost from $5-$13. Runs through Jan. 9.
Nov. 28
The time-honored tradition of Holiday Tree Lighting at the Jefferson Hotel starts at 5 p.m. and features music and holiday characters. Free.
A 25th anniversary Holiday Festival of Music at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. The Richmond Symphony, with a choir of 80 Virginia Commonwealth University singers and soloists, provides Christmas classics and carols. Cost is $40-$60. 7 p.m.
Nov. 30
“Glorious Christmas Nights,” the popular performance from West End Assembly of God, is set in downtown Richmond on Christmas Eve 1962. A huge cast and special effects help explain the reason for the season. Runs various dates and times through Dec. 11. gloriouschristmasnights.com.
Dec. 1
The 41st Christmas Collection of the Bizarre Bazaar at the Richmond Raceway Complex, featuring more than 350 exclusive exhibitors. Hours are Thursdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $1.50 for children between 2 and 12 and $9 for adults. thebizarrebazaar.com. Runs through Dec. 4.
Tree trimming at the Quirk Hotel from 5-8 p.m. Bring a pink ornament or a toy and receive a seasonal drink. A portion of proceeds goes to benefit Childsavers.
Dominion GardenFest for Fidos: Dogs get to enjoy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter. Leashed pets allowed. Tickets $5 to $13, with $2 suggested pet admission.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at Altria Theatre. Tickets cost $38-$68. 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2
Enjoy gift-making stations, a craft sale, artist demos and more at Present Factory at Visual Arts Center of Richmond from 5 to 8 p.m. Learn more at visarts.org.
First Fridays Art Walk: Classical Revolution RVA presents Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night, a free participatory work in the spirit of holiday caroling. Gather at Gallery5 in Jackson Ward at 6:30 p.m. There’s also Yuletide Monsters 3: a Krampus Art Show at Gallery5. 7-11 p.m.
Main Street Station Holiday Illumination Party from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Features food trucks, live music and an outdoor screening of “The Polar Express” on a 25-foot screen. Santa shows up from 6-8 p.m.
The third annual Atlas Holiday Market benefiting Art 180. The Richmond nonprofit is turning its exhibition space, Atlas at 114 W. Marshall St. into a holiday market Dec. 2-15, 6-9 p.m.
Holiday Tea and Tour at the Virginia House, 4301 Sulgrave Road, $26-$32. Reservations required.
“Sisterhood Christmas” runs at Hanover Tavern through Jan. 1. The comedy follows the ladies of the Charitable Sisterhood preparing for a Christmas spectacular. $28-$38. va-rep.org.
Dec. 3
The 18th annual tree lighting at Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen starts at 4:30 p.m. Free event. Holiday music performances, hot chocolate and cookies. Free.
The Richmond Jingle Bell Run to champion arthritis research at Mary Munford Elementary School. 9 a.m.
The 33rd annual Dominion Christmas Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. in front of the Science Museum of Virginia with crowds usually lining more than 2 miles of Broad Street. This year celebrates Christmas at the Movies.
Grab your horns, chains, cow bells, and birch switches and join the fourth annual RVA Krampusnacht. March with beasts through Carytown starting at Citizen Burger (meet at 5:30 p.m. and walk at 6) and ending there for the afterparty.
Richmond Craft Mafia presents Handmade Holiday 2016 at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery at noon. Plus: a Christmas Morning Release Party (Gingerbread Stout conditioned with coffee beans roasted by Black Hand Coffee) with music by Lobo Marino, Great American Canyon Band and Mikrowaves. 1-10 p.m.
Symphony Pops: Let It Snow at the Dominion Arts Center at 8 p.m. Join the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony chorus for the annual tradition. Tickets cost $7-$80. Also on Dec. 4 at 3 p.m.
Third annual Dancing Toy Drive at Rigby’s Jig Ballroom Dance Studio. Donate a new toy with a value of at least $10 to come and dance and receive a free lesson.
Dec. 4
World-renowned jazz guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli returns to Modlin Center for the Arts at University of Richmond with Broadway star Jessica Molaskey and Swing 7 in a special holiday performance. Tickets $10 to $45. Post-show reception in Booth Lobby.
Dec. 5
M&T Bank Lights Up For Reading Night: Join the GardenKeeper, Nutzy and more holiday character friends for story time on the half-hour. Children can participate in a craft to make a literacy-themed holiday garland. Bring new or like-new books to donate to the Children’s Museum of Richmond’s RVA Book Buggy. Runs 5-7:30 p.m., tickets cost $5-$13.
Dec. 8
A Celtic Christmas Concert at Ashland Coffee and Tea. 8 p.m. Tickets $15.
University of Richmond’s Chapel Guild Christmas House Tour features four historic houses in Goochland County and the university chapel. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $40. 289-8500.
Dec. 9
“Elf, the Musical” at Altria Theatre. 8 p.m. Experience the stage version of the classic Will Ferrell holiday movie. Runs through the weekend with showings Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets cost $38-$73 plus fees.
RVA Tacky Light tour. Winn Transportation picks up at Gus’ Bar and Grill. 7-11 p.m. Registration required. Cost: $35. kickball.com/season/varvatackylighttourfall2016.
A Church Hill Holiday Tour: Vesper service at St. John’s Church followed by candlelight walk from there to Libby Hill Park, led by bagpipers. Caroling, cider and cookies follow. Free. 7 p.m.
Three-Penny Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol: a Ghost Story for Christmas” at 7 p.m. at the Gayton Kirk at 11421 Gayton Road in Henrico County. Pay what you can.
VCU Department of Music Holiday Gala in Vlahcevic Concert Hall features VCU’s Jazz Orchestra II, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Commonwealth Singers and other university ensembles. Tickets $5-$10.
An evening of holiday favorites featuring the Ranier Trio with soprano Leslie Mabe at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center. Tickets $15-$20.
The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities holds a holiday open house at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road from 6-8 p.m.
A Crooner’s Christmas with the Good Shot Judy Little Big Band at the Tin Pan at 8 p.m. Tickets $15-$18.
A Butcher Brown Christmas at Cary Street Café. 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Dec. 10
The 2016 Fan Holiday House Tour. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 day of tour. Visit fantourrichmond.com to buy online through Dec. 9.
Quirk’s Boozy Santa Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Quirk Hotel, 201 W. Broad St. Free photos with Quirk Santa.
Sail into the season with a lighted boat parade at the James River Parade of Lights at Osborne Park and Boat Landing. 4 p.m. Free.
Richmond Ballet presents the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” at the Dominion Arts Center with the Richmond Symphony. Choreographed by Stoner Winslett. Runs through Dec. 23. Tickets start at $20. Visit richmondballet.com for details.
Kentucky Christmas Morning Release (Gingerbread Stout with Coffee aged in Bourbon Barrels) at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. Bands to be announced. 1 p.m.
Church Hill Holiday Party with music, food, dancing in a party tent behind ChildSavers, overlooking the city skyline. Open to all. Tickets are $45 in advance from churchhill.org. 7-11 p.m.
CarMax Tacky Light Run in Midlothian Mines Park. 5 p.m. $10-$45.
Dec. 11
30th annual Court End Christmas features nine historic downtown sites, each host to a free holiday open house. Events include guided tours, living history, children’s activities, refreshments, carriage rides and music. Sites include the Valentine and the 1812 Wickham House, the Valentine First Freedom Center, the John Marshall House, the State Capitol, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building and St. John’s Church. Free.
Yuletides at Agecroft: a Christmas Open House. Experience the Christmas season at Agecroft in three different eras: England in 1640, London in 1860 and Richmond in 1942. Plus a reading of the classic “A Christmas Carol.” Free.
Church Hill Holiday Homes Tour starts at noon. $25 in advance from churchhill.org or various businesses listed. $30 day of the tour, available for pickup on tour day from St. John’s Church. Details on houses are on the website.
Dec. 12
Secretly Y’All presents “Screwged: a Guide to the Holidays?” at the Veil Brewing Co. in Scott’s Addition, 6-10 p.m. Suggested donation $5. Stories of holiday struggles begin at 7:30 p.m. Submit yours to secretlyall@gmail.com.
Dec. 14
Embrace the holiday season at Tuckahoe Plantation’s Christmas Open House from 4-7 p.m. Tickets cost $5-$10. 12601 River Road.
Dec. 16
Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale presents “Sing We Joyous All Together” at Church of the Holy Comforter, 4819 Monument Ave. $10-$15.
Dec. 17
“A Christmas Carol” presented by Virginia Repertory Theatre at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. $12.
Dec. 18
Caroling Karaoke on the Quirk Hotel rooftop at 5 p.m.
MovieClub Richmond presents the Bill Murray holiday classic, “Scrooged,” at Strange Matter at 7 p.m. Free.
“A Stripmas Carol: a Burlesque Re-telling of A Christmas Carol” at the Firehouse Theatre, 7-10 p.m. $12-$17 with $25 VIP passes.
Dec. 20
Join the Henrico Pops Chorus for an evening of holiday music at the Henrico Theatre. Reservations required. 501-5859. Free.
Dec. 21
Miracle of Christmas live at the Metro Richmond Zoo. Re-enactment with live zoo animals; doughnuts and hot cocoa sold to benefit local charities. Free. Runs through Friday, Dec. 23, from 7-9 p.m.
Dec. 23
Masters of Soul “Christmas in Motown” at The Cultural Arts Center at 7 p.m. Live performances, fully choreographed. Tickets are $34. Visitartsglenallen.com.
Dec. 26
Holiday Glitter Walking Tour: Enjoy the lights and glitter of Monument Avenue while learning about the history of the houses, residents and holiday traditions. Reservations required, 649-0711, ext. 301. Starts at 6 p.m. Price is $5-$15. Also on Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. Dec. 30
Elegba Folkore Society presents the 2016 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival featuring performances, workshops, an African market, food and children’s activities. 5-11 p.m. at the Altria Theater.
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Family Frolic at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 2-5 p.m. Fun family activities all day. $8-$13. Garden members attend free.
Three Sheets to the Wind present the Disco Ball at the Broadberry: Two full sets of music joined by a guest DJ evoking the Studio 54 era. General admission and VIP ticket options. thebroadberry.com.
Party Liberation Front presents Decemberween 11 at Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave. from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Two stages of music, fire performance, art and sculpture. Tickets at plfrva.com. Cost: $18 (early bird) to $40.
WNRN presents the Infamous Stringdusters with Billy Strings at the National. 8 p.m. Tickets $28.50-$33.
New Year’s Eve bash with Elana Lisa and the Hot Mess at the Tin Pan. All ages. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets $27.50.
The New Year’s Eve Music Showcase at the Canal Club. Touring artist Nick Smith, Road Kill Roy, Brickwall Jackson and Virginia’s The J.O.B. 8 p.m. to midnight.
