November

26

Art Works for the Holidays features holiday refreshments and one-of-a-kind artsy gifts for sale, followed by the opening of five new shows. Free. 2-10 p.m. at Art Works, 320 Hull St. 291-1400.

Gifts for the holidays including jewelry, furniture and more are available at the 43rd Street Gallery Holiday Open House through Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 43rd St. and Forest Hill Ave. 233-1758.

Santa Arrives at The Shops at Willow Lawn in classic style. Followed by “Season’s Readings” by Dickens characters and a Santa parade, 5 p.m. Free. Santa’s Toy Village will be open Nov. 26-Dec. 24 at The Shops at Willow Lawn. 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. Free. Opening hours vary, visit www.shopsatwillowlawn.com or call the Santa Hotline, 282-5190.

CityCelebrations welcomes Legendary Santa back to Santaland at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Santa will be there through Dec. 24. Parking $6. Entrance on corner of Marshall and 3rd streets. www.citycelebrations.org.

GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden features more than a half-million lights, a “Woodland Fantasy” theme and a model train display. Nightly, 5-10 p.m., Nov. 26-Jan. 2 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31). $3-$9. 1800 Lakeside Ave. 262-9887.

Fighting Gravity and Sgt. Santa will be at The Canal Club. Bring a new toy to the show and get chance to win some great prizes. All ages. 1545 E. Cary St. 643-2582.

See Federal Holiday Traditions at the John Marshall House, which will be decorated in the understated elegance of the federal period. Through Jan. 2. Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. 818 E. Marshall St. 648-7998 or www.apva.org.

Lavender Fields Farm hosts a Christmas Open House with farm tours, herbal wreaths, one-of-a-kind gifts and Christmas decorations from around the world. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 27. Free. 11300 Winfrey Road., Glen Allen. 262-7167.

27

Family favorite Betsy Q performs interactive song and dance at The Shops at Willow Lawn, 10 a.m. Free. 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. 282-7710.

Learn about Christmas in Richmond in a time before we counted down the shopping days with Special Wickham House Tour: A Federal Christmas in the Wickham House at the Valentine Richmond History Center. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1015 E. Clay St. 649-0711.

A Twelfth Night Feast and Ball Exhibit. Tour a festively decorated Wilton House and view a sumptuous holiday dinner as the Randolphs prepare for the Traditional Twelfth Night Ball and fox hunt. Through Jan. 20, tours Tuesday-Friday 1-4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 am-4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:30-4:30 p.m. 215 S. Wilton Road. 282-5936.

The Richmond Coliseum hosts An Evening For Miracles ice skating show. 7:30 p.m. $30-$80. 601 E. Leigh St. 780-4970.

28

Celebrate the holidays in Colonial Virginia at the Wilton House Holiday Family Fun Day. Featuring family-friendly games and crafts, musical performances and warm cider, 1.-4 p.m. Free (donations encouraged). 215 S. Wilton Road. 282-5936.

Santa Paws! Pet Photos at Santa’s Toy Village in The Shops at Willow Lawn every Sunday, Nov. 28-Dec. 19, 6-8 p.m. Dogs and cats only. $12.99 and up. 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. 282-5190.

Pet Photos at Regency Square, 8-10 p.m. Dogs and cats only, 7:30 p.m. at Entrance One (between Hecht’s and JC Penney). Sundays through Dec. 19. Regency Square, 1420 N. Parham Road. 740-7467.

Learn about Decorating a Christmas Tree at Meadow Farm Museum. 1-3 p.m. Free. 501-5520.

29

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Jefferson Hotel to kick off the holiday season will be at 6 p.m. 101 W. Franklin St. 424-8014.

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart hosts a Holiday Festival of Music benefit concert for Catholic Charities, featuring the Richmond Symphony and the Choirs of the Cathedral performing popular works by Handel, John Rutter, Brian Holmes and Patrick McCarty as well as traditional carols, 7 p.m. $25. 823 Park Ave. 359-5651.

St. Mark’s united Methodist Church hosts a Holiday Home and Gift Show featuring gifts from a selection of premier home shows plus gift cards and homemade items. 7-9 p.m. 11551 Lucks Lane, Midlothian. 379-1655.

30

Participants can learn to make quality wreaths at Maymont Wreath Workshops, through Dec. 2. $20. To register call 358-7166 ext. 310.

December

1

Five centuries of Christmas are celebrated at Shirley Plantation with decorations and furnishings through Jan. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $7-$10.50. 501 Shirley Plantation Road. 829-5121.

The Bizarre Bazaar 29th Christmas Collection at the Richmond Raceway Complex is an upscale holiday boutique featuring 475 exhibitors. Preview benefit for VCU’s Massey Cancer Center is 6 -9:30 p.m. Bazaar runs through Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 673-7015 or www.thebizarrebazaar.com.

2

Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer performs A Chanticleer Christmas, a blend of traditional carols, medieval and Renaissance sacred works and moving spirituals. $30. 7:30 p.m. Modlin Center for the Arts at the Univeristy of Richmond. 289-8980.

The City of Richmond Parks and Recreation hosts a Senior’s Holly Ball for senior citizens (55+) at the Landmark Ballroom. 8-11 p.m. 646-1087.

3

The James Center will host the 19th Grand Illumination as the lights come on for Christmas. 6-8 p.m. 10th and Cary streets. 344-3232.

As part of the Grand Illumination Radio Disney presents Jingle Jam, a Christmas concert by Aaron Carter. 7 p.m. outside One James Center. 344-3232.

The Annual Gallery Artists Holiday Group Show at Brazier Fine Art Gallery features paintings suitable for gift-giving, through Dec. 31. 3401 W. Cary St. 359-2787.

Henrico Theatre Company presents The G.I. Holiday Jukebox at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, a musical revue of tunes from the 1940s, and holiday favorites, at 8 p.m. Showtimes vary through Dec. 19. Tickets are $6-$8. 2880 Mountain Road. 501-5859.

To accompany the Grand Illumination, there will be an open house at LaDiff with caroling, cookies, cider and other refreshments while you shop. 125 S. 14th St. 648-6219.

White Canvas Gallery celebrates its first Christmas show with an opening reception on Grand Illumination evening. 111 S. 14th St. 782-1776.

Broadway veteran Darren Kelly stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in a Theatre IV production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Empire Theatre. Through Dec. 19. 114 W. Broad St. 344-8040.

The Richmond Symphony Chorus performs Handel’s Messiah at the Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. $15-$40 through Ticketmaster (262-8003 or www.ticketmaster.com). 600 E. Grace St. 788-1212.

4

The Chesterfield County Historical Society hosts a Christmas Open House at Magnolia Grange with decorations, music, refreshments, exhibits, a gift shop and a children’s photo with Santa. 5-8 p.m. 10020 Ironbridge Road. 777-9663.

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart presents its Annual Christmas Concert and Festival, featuring the Cathedral Adult and Men’s choirs, 7:30 p.m. Free. 823 Park Ave. 359-5651.

The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen hosts its fifth annual Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring a 55-foot cedar, hot chocolate and Santa on a fire truck, starting at 4:30 p.m. Free. 2880 Mountain Road. 261-6200.

The Richmond Symphony, Susan Greenbaum and Robbin Thompson team up to close the Carpenter Center with A Homegrown Holiday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 600 E. Grace St. For tickets, call 262-8003 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

The Richmond Holiday Book Festival will be at Fairfield Commons Mall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., hosted by Mahogany Brown with appearances by contemporary authors like Tonya Blount. Laburnum Ave. at Nine Mile Road.

Performing Arts 2000 gives us perennial holiday ballet favorite The Nutcracker at The Montpelier Center for Arts and Education at 2 p.m. $5-$6. Mountain Road, Montpelier. 883-7378.

Children (ages 5-9) can see how the first settlers would have celebrated the holiday with Mistletoe Magic at Henricus at the Henricus Historical Park. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Reservations required by Dec. 3. $5 per child. 706-1340.

Costumed interpreters portraying the Sheppard family and their neighbors welcome you to Old-fashioned Christmas and Lamplight Tours at Meadow Farm Museum. 12:30-3:30 p.m. for living history Christmas visit and 6:30-8p.m. for lamplight tours. Free. 501-5520.

The Chesterfield Historical Society presents Chesterfield Christmas Open House. Compare the evolution of our traditions from the Colonial times to the present. 5-8 p.m. 777-9663.

Ukrop’s Retail Merchants Association Christmas Parade will leave from the Department of Motor Vehicles (2300 W. Broad St.) at 10:15 a.m. This year’s theme is “The Polar Express,” and the Grand Marshall will be singer Aaron Carter. 559-6113.

5

Celebrate a Victorian Christmas at Maymont, with carolers, bell ringers, carriage rides, a magic show and all manner of old-fashioned Dickensian activities, such as wreath decorating. Tours of Maymont House will also be available. $1-$3. noon-5 p.m. 1700 Hampton St. 358-7166

ext. 310.

Commonwealth Photography hosts a Village Holiday Social on its studio grounds featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, live animal nativity, jugglers, clowns, face painting and more, plus a special visit from Santa. 12:30-5:30 p.m. 4227 Old Hundred Road., Chesterfield. 748-5861.

The annual performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” at the Landmark Theater. Free. 6 N. Laurel St. 646-1437.

6

Internationally renowned Yiddish music ensemble The Klezmer Conservatory Band performs during the Hanukkah season at the University of Richmond’s Modlin Center. 7:30 p.m. $28. 289-8980.

The Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra presents its Family Holiday Concert in the Atrium of the James Center at 7:30 p.m. Free. 901 E. Cary St. 673-7400 or www.richmondphilharmonic.org.

7

The Great Holiday Greens Exchange at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers greens for holiday decorating. The general public is invited to bring greens to donate to the exchange between 9-11 a.m. In return, participants will receive credit to use toward purchases at the Greens Sale from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. 1800 Lakeside Ave. 262-9887.

Take the Holiday Candlelight Tour of a festively decorated Wilton House, Dec. 7-15. $5 (advance registration required). 6:30 p.m. 215 S. Wilton Road. 282-5936 ext. 2.

Q94 presents A”Q”stic Christmas at the Science Museum of Virginia featuring Joss Stone, Gavin Degraw, Skye Sweetnam and Bowling for Soup, 7:30 p.m. $15. 2500 W Broad St. 864-1400.

The Hanover, Henrico and Caroline County Victim-Witness Assistance Program holds an annual Tree Lighting Memorial Service for families of homicide victims. 7 p.m. in front of Henrico County’s Main Court Building. 501-4134.

A Christmas extravaganza featuring The Boys Choir of Harlem Concert at the Carpenter Center, presented by Ebeneezer Baptist Church. 7 p.m. $35-$40. 600 E. Grace St. 225-9000.

8

The Chesterfield County Historical Society hosts Christmas Tea at Magnolia Grange, featuring music, festive desserts and, of course, tea. 2 p.m. $10. 10020 Ironbridge Road. 777-9663.

The CHORDuroys recreate the ’50s and ’60s in tight vocal harmony at the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen. Highlights include clever renditions of holiday favorites. 7:30 p.m. $10. 2880 Mountain Road. 739-6967.

9

The 225 shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants of Carytown will participate in the Carytown Holiday Open House on Dec. 9-11. Businesses will extend opening hours to 9 p.m. and visitors can enjoy carolers, bands, sidewalk vendors, roasted nuts, hot drinks, and horse and carriage rides. 254-5700 or visit www.carytown.org.

10

Richmond Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Landmark Theater. Matinee and evening performances through Dec. 19. $8-$100. 6 N. Laurel St. Tickets through Ticketmaster. 262-8003 or www.ticketmaster.com. For more information go to www.richmondballet.com.

11

The Children’s Museum of Richmond offers a Holiday Stay and Play so parents can do some shopping without the kids in tow. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $40-$50. 2626 W Broad St. 474-7000.

The Church Hill Holiday Festival Ball will be held at the Acropolis (2003 E. Franklin St.). This black-tie event includes a full cash bar, an hors d’oeuvre buffet, dancing, prizes, souvenir photographs and music by Soul Providers. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $40 (from Church Hill Herbs, Hill Cafe, Poe’s Pub, Jumpin’ J’s Java and Hampton House Interior Design.) 649-1913 or www.churchhillrichmond.com.

Revisit the 1611 Citie of Henricus with 17th Century Christmas at Henricus at Henricus Historical Park. 5-8:30 p.m. Free. 706-1340.

Watch brightly decked boats go by from the Osborne Boat Landing in The James River Parade of Lights. Activities begin at 5 p.m. Free. 501-5121.

Cooper Vineyards hosts a Holiday Open House with wine and gifts from Cooper Vineyards, light holiday fare, and local arts and crafts. Through Dec. 12. Free. 13372 Shannon Hill Road, Louisa. 894-5253

The Fan District Association presents the 42nd Annual Holiday House Tour of 11 beautiful homes. $25-$30. 254-2550.

12

As if they don’t do enough already it’s Teen Shopping Day at The Shops At Willow Lawn. There’ll be free goody bags filled with offers, samples and mystery prizes, plus prizes every hour on the hour (register in front of Old Navy). Free. 12:30-5:30 p.m.

VCU gets in the spirit with its Holiday Music Gala featuring the Jazz Orchestra, 8 p.m. at the Singleton Center. Tickets are $5. 922 Park Ave. 828-6776.

The Richmond Men’s Chorus presents Around the World for the Holidays, singing holiday selections from France, Germany, Austria, China, Russia and Africa, along with other favorite holiday classics. Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Richmond. $10. 241-0446.

Five National Historic Landmarks host a free Court End Christmas. The Virginia State Capitol, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, the Valentine History Center, the John Marshall House and the Monumental and St. John’s churches will all open at noon for holiday-themed tours. noon-5 p.m. 649-0711.

The European Wind Ensemble performs its Christmas Concert at St. John’s United Church of Christ at 6 p.m. Free. 503 Stuart Circle. 358-9291.

The Church Hill Holiday Festive House Tour invites participants to see the interiors and gardens of some of Richmond’s most historic homes. noon-5 p.m. $12-$15. 648-2323 or www.churchhillrichmond.com.

Agecroft Hall offers a guided walk-through of the house for Christmasse at Agecroft Hall. Tables will be laden with foods served in Queen Bess’ time. 12:30-5 p.m. Free. 4305 Sulgrave Road. 353-4241 or www.agecrofthall.com.

13

One hour concert of Holiday Music at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Featuring vocal soloists accompanied by Patrick Carlin on piano, 11 a.m. Free. 823 Park Ave. 359-5651.

14

The Henrico Pops Orchestra presents Jingle All the Way, a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Through Dec. 15. Admission is free. 2880 Mountain Road. 501-5859.

A Professional Brass Quintet will play your favorite holiday music on the Turning Basin Plaza from 6-8 p.m. 14th and Dock streets. 648-6210.

The Nebraska Theatre Caravan performs Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts. 6:30 p.m. $20-$28.50. 600 E. Grace St. 225-9000. Through Dec. 15.

The South of the James Jaycees (Junior Chamber) hosts a Holiday Open House. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 640-7378.

15

Michael W. Smith Christmas Tour with Point of Grace and the Katinas will be at the Richmond Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. $26.50-$44.50. 601 E. Leigh St. 780-4970.

16

Woodland Heights Baptist Church hosts a Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. featuring traditional and classical Christmas favorites performed by bass-baritone James Lynn, flautist Jeremy McEntire, cellist Jacqueline Spears, and pianists Charles Hulin and David Thomason. Free. 611 W. 31st St. 233-2222.

Jump aboard for a Christmas Caroling Hayride at Highland Park. Free. 329-4900.

17

The Vegetarian Society of Richmond will hold a Holiday Potluck at the Unity Church of Christ in Bon Air. 6:30 p.m. $3 (free to members). 923 Buford Road. 344-4356 or www.unitybonair.com.

Take a guided tour of Virginia House, decorated for the holiday season, before being ushered next door to Agecroft Hall for afternoon tea and a tour of the house. Christmas Tea & Tours at the Neighbors’ runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and costs $25. 4305 Sulgrave Road. 353-4241 or www.agecrofthall.com.

18

The Association of Jamaicans in Richmond, Inc. hosts Wash Wey Christmas at Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center featuring the Positive Vibration Youth Steel Orchestra and a cash bar. 5-10 p.m. $15-$20 ($5 children under 10). 4901 Old Brook Road. 370-2430.

The Miracle of Christmas takes place at Metro Richmond Zoo with a Nativity pageant for the whole family. Performances at 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. through Dec. 21. Free. 8300 Beaver Bridge Road. 739-5666.

The James River Bus Lines give a Holiday Lights Tour, a guided tour with interactive activities featuring thousands of colorful lights on area homes and businesses, including Lewis Ginter’s GardenFest of Lights. 5-10 p.m. 342-7300 ext. 29 or 35.

19

The Pine Camp Arts and Community Center hosts a Traditional Christmas Concert featuring Richmond musicians on the harp, drums and handbells. 3 p.m. 4901 Old Brook Road. 646-3674.

21

The Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance presents The Spirit of Christmas, performances by kids and adults at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 2880 Mountain Road. 730-1740.

24

The Byrd Theatre celebrates its 76th anniversary with It’s A Wonderful Theatre. Winners of the It’s A Wonderful Theatre essay contest will be announced, followed by the annual screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” 7 p.m. $1.99. 2908 W. Cary St. 342-9100.

30

The Capital City Kwanzaa Festival will be at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Exhibit Hall D. Featuring performances, workshops, children’s activities, the African Market, food and an appearance by Dr. Maulana Karenga, creator of the Kwanzaa holiday. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. $6. Free parking plus courtesy drop-off. Advance tickets required for groups of 10 or more. 300 N. 5th St. 644-3900.

31

There will be an early Countdown to the New Year at the Children’s Museum of Richmond, featuring a family parade, a midday New Year’s Eve countdown, and live music. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with museum admission. 2626 W. Broad St.