Nov. 22
Bizarre Market Holiday 2019 at Chop Suey Books Visit upstairs at Chop Suey Books for this quirky shop of local artisans and 50 plus vendors. Through Dec. 24. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Experience “Magis in the Air” air for the grand opening illumination weekend. See pick in the calendar. Arrive early at 4 p.m. GardenFest runs nightly 5 to 10 p.m. thorugh Jan. 6, 2020. Closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 24 and 25. Rain or shine. Admission $13 adults and $11 seniors, $8 for children, free for children under age 3.
Holly Spree Shoppers Market at Saint Gertrude High School Over 40 vendors. Runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday ($25) and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, the latter day is free admission. Santa will be there.
55th Annual Craft and Design at Main Street Station Grab some food and shop the work of over 150 artists from around the country at this annual, 55-year-old event that takes place all weekend. Preview party from 6 to 9 p.m. Through Nov. 24. General admission hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. See calendar pick.
Nov. 23
Ninth annual ASK 5k Donut Run at St. Christopher’s School A fun 5K run/walk where donut eating is optional. Dunkin’ Donuts munchkin stops greet participants at miles 1 and 2 with a big donut breakfast waiting at the finish line. Your participation helps ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation make life better for our community’s youngest cancer patients. 7 a.m.
Nutcracker Storytime with Richmond Ballet at Children’s Museum of Richmond Join Richmond Ballet and the Children’s Museum to learn more about the holiday tale and elements that go into the Richmond Ballet’s acclaimed production. 11 a.m. Free.
Northside Artists Holiday Artwalk Held in an open-house format, shoppers will enjoy short walks between multiple homes in Richmond’s Laburnum Park and Sherwood Park neighborhoods, all within three blocks of one another. See holiday feature story.
First Annual GBS Fest: Gingerbread at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Come celebrate Hardywood’s famous Gingerbread Stout and all things holiday with the first ever GBS fest. There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, Santa pictures, and a full line-up of GBS variants. Live music from the Sequels, Quatro Na Bossa, Triad and 64 Crayons Band. 1 p.m. Tasting panels are ticketed events.
A Christmas Mixtape at Dogtown Dance Theatre Richmond Urban Dance presents a compilation of dances set to music by artists from Christmas past, present and future. 6 p.m. $25.
Nov. 24
Pet portraits with Santa at Blue Bee Cidery Pre-purchases available, 10 slots every 30 minutes. Expect a wait time. Pre-orders to arrive between noon and 4 p.m. $20.
Nov. 26
Holiday Cookie Workshop at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Just what it sounds like, with Morgan Huynh from Pipe and Flood. 6 p.m. Tickets needed.
Nov. 27
Fear of Music at the Broadberry Come boogie to the city’s premiere Talking Heads tribute band and see all those people you remember from high school and Facebook. 9 p.m. $12-$15.
The 9th annual Gravy Ball at the Tobacco Company The Shack Band returns to rock the ninth installment of the Gravy Ball. 10 p.m. $10 at the door.
Nov. 28
Wegmans’ Turkey Trot at University of Richmond A hilly and challenging 10 k course looping around the campus of University of Richmond and neighboring streets. 9 a.m.
Seventh annual Orphan’s Thanksgiving at Camden’s Dogtown Market Traditional Thanksgiving fare served at family style communal table, with vegan options available. Seatings at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Call for reservations.
Quirk Gives: Thanksgiving Leave the cooking to them – buffet breakfast and lunch/dinner three-course meal. $16-$65. Also on Nov. 29.
Nov. 29
Black Friday wreath making at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery As the Beastie Boys sang, get “craftyyy” while enjoying craft beer on Black Friday and creating and customizing a holiday wreath with Paint ’N Play RVA. Advanced ticket purchase required. Seating is limited, early reservations recommended. $48 includes all materials plus one beer ticket, 12:30 p.m.
42nd annual Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum of Virginia Guests will enjoy unique and traditional model train displays from across the state. Meet Clydesdales horses, watch a blacksmith in action and take a ride on the Teddy Bear Express. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show is included with museum admission, which is $15.50 for adults, $13.50 for youth and seniors and $10 for preschool age children. Children 2 and under are free. Through Dec. 1
Photos with Santa at Stony Point Fashion Park Through Dec. 24. See Facebook for hours. 5 p.m.
Virginia Rep’s “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at the November Theatre A charming and hilarious new production that dazzled Broadway in 2013. Runs through Jan. 5. Single tickets start at $36. For more info, visit va-rep.org.
Nov. 30
The Leftovers Festival at River City Roll It’s the first annual Leftovers fest featuring a nice slate of music including Natalie Prass, Erin and the Wildfire, Super Doppler, Hustle Souls and the Company Store. Music starts at 3 p.m. and runs to midnight. Family friendly until 9 p.m. Free.
Richmond Symphony: “The Snowman” animated film at the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center Watch a charming film with live symphony accompaniment. 11 a.m. Visit richmondsymphony.com for ticket prices.
Holiday highlight tours at Virginia Museum of History and Culture A highlight tour of VHMC’s permanent exhibit “The Story of Virginia” and stay for 18th century chocolate-making session. Noon. $10
Fulton Christmas Market at Triple Crossing Beer Shop local vendors with a Falcon Smash in hand. Noon. Free.
West Broad Holiday Market at Awl Snap Leather Co. Local artists and makers, door prizes. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
“A Very Postmodern Christmas” at the Carpenter Theatre Scott Bradlee’s “Postmodern Jukebox will take the same originality, wit, and virtuosic musical performances that have garnered them over 1 billion views on YouTube to revitalize the idea of a Christmas tour.” 8 p.m. $39.50-$59.50.
Dec. 2
“The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical” at the Carpenter Theatre A “toe-tapping, heartwarming story of one small elf’s big impact on his adoptive family includes an exclusive invitation to Santa’s North Pole and engages audiences with a glimpse into the magical lives of Scout Elves.” 6 p.m. $29-$59.
Richmond Philharmonic Holiday Pops Concert at Virginia Museum of History and Culture Holiday classics and the annual Christmas carol sing-a-long. More info available at richmondphilharmonic.org. 7 p.m.
Dec. 4
“A Christmas Story” screening at the Byrd Theatre 7:15 p.m. $6.
Dec. 5
The Bizarre Bazaar at the Richmond Raceway Complex The 44th Christmas Collection returns to offer a marketplace including seasonal gifts and decorative accessories. Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $9, children 2-12 are $1.50. Runs through Dec. 8.
Dec. 6
RVA Illuminates at Kanawha Plaza See story in feature. 5 p.m.
Art180’s Atlas Holiday Market The sixth annual holiday market featuring 30 plus local artists at affordable prices. 6 p.m. Runs through Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Richmond Symphony: Handel’s Messiah at the Carpenter Theatre The Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus performing Handel’s masterwork. 7:30 p.m. $14 – $60.
An Evening of Holiday Brass with Brass 5 at Cultural Arts Center of Glenn Allen An evening of Christmas treasures from a successful educational ensemble. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit artsglenallen.com for tickets.
RVA First Fridays Artwalk in the Arts District Check out all the local shops and art. Also RVA Krampusnacht’s “Yuletide Monsters” event returns to Gallery5 with live music by Those Weird Neighbors, the Nine 22’s, The Embalmers and variety show performances. Art walk starts at 5 p.m. Gallery5 event is at 7 p.m.
Dec. 7
36th Annual Dominion Christmas Parade It’s an annual Richmond tradition featuring award-winning marching bands, dance troupes, giant helium ballons, floats and, of course, the Legendary Santa. 10 a.m. Free. Rain or shine.
Quirk Holiday Pop-Up with Heather Donohue Whimsical ornaments, vintage-inspired felt Christmas stockings, unusual estate sale treasures, and other holiday delights. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Studio Two Three’s Winter Print Fair Come support local artists and enjoy a grilled cheese with tomato soup bar while shopping. Get a holiday portrait made with a vintage camera that belonged to beloved artist Cindy Neuschwander. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
Yule Witchs Market at Fallout RVA This “mischievous market will include some of Richmond’s most unique vendors. Gifts of potions, teas, remedies, bath & body, spells , raw materials, herbs, workshops, foods, crystals, jewelry … riki and fortune tellers.” Photo op with Krampus. 1 p.m. Free.
Starr Hill RVA Opening Blowout in Scott’s Addition Visit the latest brewery in Scott’s Addition with live music and food. Noon.
Legends on Grace — RVA Rat Pack starring Scott Wichmann and Friends at Dominion Energy Center’s Rhythm Hall Starring Scott Wichmann with Alexander Sapp, Jason Marks “and his RVA Rat Pack friends bring the thrilling Vegas nightclub electricity of yesteryear to glorious life.” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $20-$65.
21st annual Tree Lighting at the Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen Holiday music performances, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa and the lighting of a 60-foot Christmas tree. 4:30 p.m. Free.
Richmond Symphony, Pops 2: Let it Snow! Celebrate the holidays with sounds of the season, including guest vocalist Natalie Prass. 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 and on Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $82.
Marcus Johnson’s “Smooth Jazz Christmas” at Tin Pan 8 p.m.
Dec. 8
The 33rd Annual Court End Christmas Enjoy children’s activities, performances, refreshments, gift stores, tours, music and more. Free admission and transportation to nine historic sites. Noon to 4 p.m.
Victorian Christmas at Maymont Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a marketplace, food and drink, craft making, a roaring fire and visits with St. Nick. 11 a.m. Free admission, fees for activities.
Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce at Alice Jepson Theatre, University of Richmond MacArthur Fellow (2017) and Pulitzer Prize finalist Taylor Mac celebrates the season’s dysfunction in the ultimate holiday survival guide. 7:30 p.m. $10-$50.
Youth Orchestra Program Winter Concert at Dominion Energy Center Come support young musicians. 7 p.m. Free
Dec. 9
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” screening at the Byrd Theatre 7:15 p.m. $6
Dec. 12
2019 Mayor’s Senior Holly Ball at Altria Theater Dress up in your holiday attire for music by the Katz Band. Doors at 6:30 p.m. for cocktail hour. Event starts at 7 p.m. Visit altriatheater.com for more details.
Dec. 13
Richmond Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at the Carpenter Theatre It’s one of the best regional productions of the holiday classic in the country and a kind of rite of passage for Richmond youth. Tickets range from $25-$125. Runs through Dec. 23 at various times. See richmondballet.com for more details.
The Church Hill Association of RVA will host its 2019 Candlelight Walk Co-hosted by the Church Hill and Union Hill Civic Associations, this family event is free and open to all (even pups on leashes). Please bring candles and lanterns, or they will have mini-candles. Meet at Jefferson Park by 7:15 pm or by 7:35 pm at Patrick Henry Park across from St. John’s Church, which also invites all interested to join them for a Vespers Service beginning at 7 p.m.
No BS! Brass’ Annual Canned Food Drive at the Broadberry Music at 9 p.m. $12-$15.
Ghost of Pop at Gallery5 Kick off the holiday season with local bands, holiday vendors and photos and drink specials at the former firehouse turned art venue. 7 p.m.
Dec. 14
Fan Holiday House Tour It’s time for the 57th annual Fan District Holiday House Tour, the big annual fundraiser for Fan District Association. Runs from noon to 5 p.m. each day. Volunteers are needed. Early tickets are $25, $35 day of event. Also runs on Dec. 15.
Christkindlmarkt at Blue Bee Cider The third annual event where you can shop for gifts while sipping award-winning ciders. Noon to 5 p.m. Free.
John Marshall Holiday Tea at John Marshall Ballrooms Tables still available. Noon. $21.95-$34.95
Richmond Boat Parade of Lights Come early to get a good spot to watch the parade. It starts in Richmond at 6pm and then moves down stream to finish by Henricus park. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Richmond Night Market at 17th Street Marketplace 5 p.m.
CarMax Tacky Light Run in Midlothian Registration is 4 to 6 p.m. $35. Visit sportsbackers.org for more information.
Dec. 15
Second Annual Merry Christmas Pageant at Babes of Carytown Competition open to any drag artist 18 and up. See Facebook for more information. 4 p.m. $5 cover. Children 12 and under free.
Church Hill Historic Holiday House Tour runs from noon to 5 p.m. $25 in advance. $30 on event day at St. John’s Church Parish Hall, 2401 East Broad St.
Dec. 17
Andrew Peterson presents “Behold the Lamb of God” Nashville singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson as he presents the Advent song cycle. 7 p.m. $20 in advance.
Dec. 19
Branch Centennial Celebration at the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design “Step back in time to 1919 and celebrate as the Branches would have on their first Christmas in the house” — with live music from James Joyner Band, lavish fare, Cirrus Vodka and Hardywood. 6 p.m.
Dec. 21
Jolly Old St. Nicholas at Cultural Arts Center Glen Allen From VA Rep on Tour, an original holiday musical tale. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. $15.
“The Polar Express” screening at the Byrd Theatre 10 a.m.
Downtown Richmond Tacky Lights Walk Central Virginia Trailblazers hosts this walk through downtown Richmond to gaze upon the tacky lights. Total distance: 7 miles. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Free. Register on eventbrite.com.
Dec. 23
Christmas with the Richmond Pops at Altria Theater A nonprofit, all-volunteer band brings its holiday tradition. To receive free tickets you must send an envelope request. Visit richmondpops.com for more information. 7:30 p.m.
“Elf” screening with Hardywood at the Byrd Enjoy Hardywood’s popular Gingerbread Stout while watching Will Ferrell do his thing in tights. Bob Gulledge will be there for a Wurlitzer sing-a-long. 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 26
Holiday Glitter Walking Tour at Monument Avenue median A Richmond tradition, currently sold out. 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Hip Hop Nutcracker at Altria Theater A holiday mash-up for the whole family with an opening short set by MC Kurtis Blow, a guy who really old hip-hop heads remember. 7:30 p.m. $47-$67.
Dec. 27
Holiday Dreams! A Spectacular Holiday Cirque Presented by RVA’s Christmas music station, WTVR Mix 98.1, a modern holiday show with cirque artists. 7 p.m. $42-$72.
Dec. 28
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Presented by Elegba Folklore Society, this event embodies the principles of the Kwanzaa holiday with performances, children’s activities and discussion. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. $5-$6.
