1. Richmond Ballet's “The Nutcracker” at the Carpenter Theatre, Dec. 10-23. 800-982-2787. Admit it — it's not Christmas in Richmond without it.
2. The Dominion Christmas Parade, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. richmondchristmasparade.org. A new sponsor for an old favorite.
3. The 37th Annual Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols, conducted by Jeffrey Riehl and David Pedersen at the University of Richmond's Modlin Center. Sunday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.