America seemingly shifted into Christmas mode at midnight Halloween and the Richmond event calendar rose to the challenge. There are more events (many re-occurring) throughout December than there are local micro-brewed beer flavors.
The 30th annual Dominion Christmas Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Dec. 6, 2014.
Chad Coleman from the Walking Dead and The Wire is the Grand Marshal
Click for info: http://link.wtvr.com/1A5wl9u
Blessing of the Animals
Join fellow animal lovers for this annual event.
Meet at the Shockoe Slip Fountain in front of the Martin Agency. There will be seasonal music by Susan Greenbaum. Animal costumes and seasonal dress encouraged. AAARF donations accepted on spot. Carrots and apples appreciated by Richmond Police horses.
Friday, Dec. 12. Noon.
Bizarre Market Holiday (click for info)
A month-long pop-up market at Chop Suey Books in Carytown to satisfy holiday handmade needs. This is hosted upstairs at Chop Suey Books at 2913 W. Cary Street in Carytown.
Hours depend on bookstore.
Runs Nov. 28 until Dec. 24
Centuries of Christmas at Berkeley Plantation (click for info)
Berkeley Plantation will offer special Christmas tours through the holiday season. The elegant 1726 mansion will be beautifully decorated with fresh greenery from Berkeley’s gardens. Costumed guides will add a special touch to your holiday season with stories of Christmas at Berkeley through four centuries of history.
Cost is $11.
Runs daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Saturday, Dec. 6 through Jan. 1, 2015 p.m. on 12602 Harrison Landing Road.
Church Hill House Tours and Church Hill Holiday Festival(click for info)
Church Hill, one of the nation’s most historically significant neighborhoods, will host its 50th Anniversary Holiday Festival, which includes a tour of homes!
Dec. 12 Candlelight Walk and Caroling starts at 7 p.m.
Dec. 13 Holiday Ball (sold out)
Dec. 14 Holiday House Tour noon – 5 p.m.
Court End Christmas (click for info)
A real historical shindig. Carriage rides, carolers, live music, and crafting.
Free admission to downtown sites including the Valentine Richmond History Center/Wickham House, the John Marshall House, St. John’s Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House, the Virginia State Capitol, and Virginia’s Executive Mansion.
Court End Christmas tour offers free shuttle.
Dec. 14. Noon to 5 p.m.
Fan Holiday House Tours (click for info)
Tour homes that you usually just try to peek into while out walking the dog. Free parking is set up, along with hospitality centers for using the bathroom and getting refreshments.
Dec. 13 and 14th, 1 p.m. -6 p.m.
Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden ( click for info)
A holiday tradition that is open nightly from 5-10 p.m., Nov. 28-Jan. 12, 2014. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more ticket and schedule information visit
Nov. 28-Jan. 12, 2014
Henrico Theater hosts Holiday Films
Tickets are only $1 per person and can be purchased at the door.
White Christmas (NR)
Thu. Dec 4, 7 p.m.
Fri. Dec 5, 7 p.m.
Sat. Dec 6, 2 and 7 p.m.
Polar Express (G)
Fri. Dec 12, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Sat. Dec 13, 2 p.m.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Byrd (click for info)
The tradition continues. Showing at 7:15 p.m. $1.99. Byrd Theatre at 2908 W. Cary St.
Dec. 24 at 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 25 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Legendary Santa at Children’s Museum (click for info)
Legendary Santa is in town with the Snow Queen and many elves. You can catch him for free at the Children’s Museum in Richmond, but pictures cost money. Santa is pretty popular so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
From Nov. 28 — Dec. 24
Maymont Mansion Holiday Tours (click for info)
Major and Mrs. Dooley’s spectacularly decorated Gilded Age home brings the wonders and festivities of Christmas past to life. Guided tours available every half-hour starting at noon, and the last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. Open daily except for Monday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. $5 suggested admission.
Runs Nov. 21 through Jan. 4.
The Nutcracker, by the Richmond Ballet (click for info)
This grand Richmond tradition returns with live music by Richmond Symphony, with 13 performances in the grand Carpenter Theater.
Runs Dec. 19-28.
Parade of Lights
21st Annual James River Parade of Lights from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. Multiple locations. It’s a light parade on the water, with decorated boats. Parade viewing sites include Libby Hill Park, Osborne Park and Boat Landing, Dutch Gap Boat Landing and Henricus Historical Park. Each site has slightly different hours. Click here to find out specifics (date changed, timing the same).
Saturday, Dec. 13
Richmond Craft Mafia Handmade Holiday Craft Show (click for info)
Featuring the handmade crafts of talented designers. Free, at Hardywood from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Enjoy downtown by taking a whirl around the ice ring, which just kicked off its fifth season .
Now through Jan. 4, 2014
Tacky Lights
Our city has received a lot of attention over our dazzling lights displays.
Looking for the definitive Tacky Lights guide? Click over to Richmond.com, who took over the tradition of compiling a list from the Richmond Times Dispatch. To get on their list, houses need a minimum of 10,000 lights. Check out their online guide http://www.tackyrichmond.com/.
Tacky Light 6K run (click for info)
Only fitting that a city known for its dazzling lights would take the festivities a step further with a 6k course that features the best of Midlothian’s tacky lights.
Dec. 13 at 6 p.m., packet pick-up beginning at 3:00 p.m.
“A Colonial Christmas” at Jamestown Settlement (click for info)
Holiday traditions of 17th- and 18th-century Virginia are recalled through special interpretive programs.. Beginning December 20, musical entertainment of the period.
Runs from Dec. 1 — Jan. 4 2014
If we missed one, let us know in the comments or send an email to newstips@wtvr.com.
