Let’s be honest, the holidays are as much about food and drink as they are about overspending and guilt. Christmas without eggnog? Unthinkable. Even Bob Cratchit knew enough to procure a goose while the Whos down in Whoville were carving roast beast for the entire village. And this being Richmond, there are myriad ways to celebrate, with or without booze, and with everything from crumpets to pan-roasted duck breast to pancakes. Read on for happenings that indulge your belly before the big day.
Inspired by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol Afternoon Tea Experience will transport you to the rarified world of a true English teatime at The Queen’s Library Tea Room in historic Jackson Ward. The two-hour experience begins with an Old English Tea Flight and includes unlimited tea from a selection curated by The Queen’s Library exclusive blends and Fortnum & Mason, a beacon of British tea since 1707. The festive menu features a generous array of sweet and savory fare, paired with beloved British holiday classics, followed by a reading from “A Christmas Carol.” Dec. 2-23, various days and times. Reservations
Christmas can be tough for those who’ve chosen sobriety, or even for the sober-curious, but why should drinkers have all the fun? Point 5, Carytown’s alcohol-free bottle shop, is hosting a Holiday Mixology class for the hangover averse. The holiday-themed mocktail workshop provides a hands-on opportunity to learn to craft delicious, alcohol-free beverages using fresh ingredients and creative techniques in a fun environment. December 11, 6:30 p.m. Tickets
Back during the Victorian Era, it was a customary part of celebrating Christmas to gather with friends and fams to share ghost stories. Seems the frigid temperatures and long nights that mark the season were once considered the best conditions to share grim tales. In that vein, Patrick Henry Pub and Grille aims to grimly entertain with their Haunted Dinner: Traditional Victorian Christmas Tales. Ticket price includes your entrée and dessert –both chosen during the ticket-buying process — as well as non-alcoholic beverages, taxes, and gratuities for the servers. Should you require additional fortification, alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase on the evening of the event from the full-service bar. Friday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. Tickets
Get a major dose of holiday spirit at the Annual Santa Breakfast at Westwood Fountain Diner. Sure, the Jolly one himself will be there and ready to listen to every child’s Christmas wishes and pose for photos. But everyone’s welcome to enjoy a delicious breakfast while soaking in the spirit of the season. After breakfast, hop aboard the free Holiday Trolley which will be making continuous loops around the Avenues throughout the day, offering convenient stops for shopping and strolling. No reservations required. Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 5823 Patterson Ave.
Should you find yourself craving insight into a truly old-fashioned Christmas, head to Agecroft Hall for Bellycheer Feasting in England, a special guided tour celebrating food and dining during the twelve days of Christmas. A tour guide leads you through various uses of everyday foods, food preparation, historic recipes, rare spices, table etiquette, and customs on England’s annual feast days. The fun is in visiting the dining parlor and Tudor kitchen of Agecroft Hall because you’ll leave with recipes for an array of specialties from the 1600s to try in your own kitchen. Who knew that in a 17th-century country house, food and medicine were often the same thing? Thursday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 20, 10 a.m. Tickets. [Editor’s note: Due to the popularity of these tours, they are in the process of adding two more Bellycheer tours to our schedule on the following dates: Tuesday, Dec. 30 6pm-7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 3 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.] 4305 Sulgrave Road.
Admit it, you’ve always wanted to learn how to be a mixologist for your holiday celebrations. Now’s your chance with The Art of the Cocktail at Virago Spirits, an evening to learn how to shake, stir, and sip your way into the holiday season. Count on learning how to craft four festive, seasonal cocktails that are sure to wow your friends and family all December long. The evening kicks off with a fun and informative conversation before moving into a demonstration filled with tips, tricks, and plenty of inspiration to elevate your holiday hosting. Limited to 35 guests. December 16, 6 p.m. Tickets
What better way to spend a warm, relaxed Christmas Eve afternoon than at Echelon Wine Bar for a thoughtfully curated, three–course holiday menu? Each course will be paired with a world-class wine to elevate the flavors of the holiday season. From the welcome bite to the distinct pleasure of dessert, Echelon’s pairings are festive and designed to showcase harmony in the glass and on the plate. Leave the kiddies at home because, as you might expect, this event is designed for those 21+. Wednesday, Dec. 24, noon to 3 p.m. Reservations 1209 E. Cary St.
