Friday, Dec. 1
RVA Illuminates at Kanawha Plaza
Countdown the tree lighting and illumination of the Downtown Richmond skyline when all the lights come on. There will be live performances, food trucks and you can stay in the Plaza for a free showing of the Grinch Movie (2018), sponsored by Venture Richmond. The lights go on at 6 p.m. Event runs from 4 to 7 p.m.
Maymont’s Merry Market
This festive, family-friendly shopping event eatures 50 local artisans, food vendors, fire pits, crafts for all ages and holiday carolers. It’s all happening on the Carriage House Lawn, decorated for the holidays with strings of lights and flanked by Maymont’s historic buildings draped in fresh evergreen wreaths and garlands. On Saturday, children can enjoy visits with Saint Nicholas and pose for family photos or ride a kiddie holiday train. The fun takes place on Fridays, Dec. 1 and 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, Dec. 2 and 9 from noon to 8 p.m. at Maymont, 1700 Hampton St.
“Elf” in Concert performed live by the Richmond Symphony at Altria Theater
The modern favorite Christmas film starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is performed live by our own hometown symphony conducted by Norman Huynh. Event starts at 7 p.m. and doors open an hour before showtime. Tickets start at $63.
The Southern Belles album release party at the Broadberry
Richmond rockers celebrate the release of their new album, “The Southern Belles IV: Reprise.” You can read a review of the album at The Auricular here. Doors at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. $20. Tickets are available here.
Saturday, Dec. 2
The 40th annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
The annual tradition includes a parade “full of colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and marching bands, princesses, superheroes, and Legendary Santa. The Christmas Parade begins at the Science Museum of Virginia at 10:15 a.m. and travels eastbound on Broad Street. It will conclude at 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum. The parade will also air live on WTVR CBS6. Runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Check out their website for more.
RVA Krampusnacht Holidaze Market at Gallery 5.
Local vendors, art, and hot toddies available at the bar. From our holiday market preview: “Krampus, for the uninitiated, is the centuries-old counterpart to Saint Nicholas who visits to deal with naughty children. Browse an eclectic array of local vendors and art – Gallery 5, is, after all, an art gallery – with glass in hand. And if you’re feeling the spirit, bring an unwrapped toy for Red Vein Army’s Scares that Care Toy Drive. This takes place on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St.
The 11th annual RVA Krampusnacht in Carytown
Their annual walk through Carytown begins in a new location this year at the Aquarian Bookshop parking lot starting at 5:30 p.m. The walk turns around at Byrd Theatre. Costume contest takes place before the walk. Maria’s Apple Cider Donuts will be there. But check their website out for the history, rules and more info at rvakrampus.com.
Food Not Bombs 30th birthday celebration and fundraiser at Gallery5
Dancing! Soup! Raffles! Featuring live music by Shormey, Holy River, Double Blind, Peeace, and Maiya. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sliding scale: $10 to $20. Go here for tickets.200 W. Marshall St.
A Richmond Big Band Christmas at the Byrd Theatre
Following sold-out performances the past two years, A Richmond Big Band Christmas returns to the Byrd Theatre with two shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. From their listing: “Ring in the holiday season with us as acclaimed Richmond musicians perform sacred Christmas songs, both beloved and new, in the celebratory and distinctly American genre of big band jazz.” Proceeds from this event will benefit local Rise Richmond, a nonprofit “creating access to excellent, equitable learning opportunities for students in the East End.” Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Go here for more info.
