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Weekend Events: Tacky Light Run, Court End Christmas

Posted at 10:50 AM, Dec 11, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-11 21:28:37-05

RICHMOND:

Friday, December 11

Richmond Ballet The Nutcracker opens Friday and runs through December 23 at The Carpenter Theatre, Richmond CenterStage with several new additions for the 2015 production. A New Swan Sleigh, a new scene at the opening of Act II featuring new choreography by Artistic Director Stoner Winslett, new Snow Queen and Kings costumes, in addition to the new costumes, scenery and choreography, the production also features 187 accomplished students from the school of Richmond Ballet. For times, tickets and more information visit www.richmondballet.com.

Friday - Sunday: RVA Fitness Give, brings together twenty local fitness businesses to raise money to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond. The fundraising event is Friday - Sunday at various venues around town, featuring yoga, Pilates studios, personal training gyms, a running store, group fitness studios and many others, will host special events and classes, for a complete list of business visit  www.rvafitnessgive.net.

Saturday, December 12

Third-annual CarMax Tacky Light Run (3.72 mile) holiday-themed fun run is Saturday, December 12th, and it will once again combine one of Richmond’s favorite traditions – tacky holiday lights – with a celebration of an active lifestyle. The event will start and finish at Midlothian Mines Park and will take participants through the Walton Park neighborhood, one of the area’s most festive collections of holiday lights and decorations. Registration for the CarMax Tacky Light Run includes race entry, a post-event holiday party, a participant goodie bag, new participant stocking cap, and a special ornament finisher medal, as well as plenty of photo opportunities at the start, finish, and along the course. There are also awards available for individual and neighborhood decorations:

Individual: Best Tacky Sweater,

Will the REAL Santa Claus please Stand Up: Most Authentic Santa

Merry & Bright: Brightest Dressed

Jingle All The Way: Participant with the most holiday sound

I Am Holiday Spirit: The individual and group with the most holiday cheer

Neighborhood Homes:

Overall Tackiest

Most Likely to Blow a Fuse

Most Traditional

Best Themed House

Best & Loudest Block Party

Walk-up registration will be available on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. For details visit www.facebook.com/tackylightrun or www.sportsbackers.org.

James River Advisory Council (JRAC) 23rd Annual Parade of Lights from 6-9 p.m. this free event features boats festively decorated and other entertainment at various viewing sites. The Richmond Region sites include Libby Hill Park, Rockett’s Landing, Osborne Park and Boat Landing, Dutch Gap Boat Landing and Henricus Historical Park. Following is information about viewing times and other activities at each site:

Richmond: Libby Hill Park, corner of 28th and East Franklin streets. Entertainment begins at 4:30 p.m., including roasting marshmallows and grilling at the bon fire. Parade viewing begins at 6 p.m.

Rocketts landing Area, Dock Street. A food truck will be located at the dock area next to the Virginia Capital Trail. The majority of the dock is under construction but there are two places to view the parade. Parade viewing begins at 6 p.m.

Chesterfield County: Dutch Gap Boat Landing, 441 Coxendale Road. Entertainment includes a clown who makes balloon animals. Parade viewing will be from 7:30-7:45 p.m.

Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m., including Santa and clowns doing face painting and balloon animals. Parade viewing will be from 7:35-8 p.m. Other Christmas-themed events held earlier in the day. Visit henricus.orgfor more details.

Henrico County: Osborne Park and Boat Landing, 9530 Osborne Turnpike. A toy parade begins at 3 p.m. and other entertainment at 4 p.m., including Christmas music, juggler Jonathan Austin and Santa. Concessions will be provided by the Battlefield Ruritans. Parade viewing will be from 7-7:30 p.m. For more information about the James River Advisory Council and all of its programs and activities, including information about how to get involved, visit jrac-va.org or call 804-717-6681.

Church Hill’s Annual Holiday Festival December 11 - 13, The Church Hill Candlelight Walk and Caroling Frida at 7p.m. Free to all, Donations accepted. Holiday Ball Saturday at 7-11 p.m. Ticket Price: $45 per person in advance on-line and at local businesses (see local locations below). Annual Holiday House Tour. Trolley services will also be available starting at St. John’s Church (ask at ticket pick up) and at all of the tour homes. Sunday at noon- 5pm Holiday House Tour Tickets Price: $25 per person in advance on-line and at local businesses (see locations below) $30 per person day of tour and “Will Call” at the Parish Hall of St. John’s Church 2201 E Broad Street Richmond. For more details visit http://www.churchhill.org/holiday-weekend/.

Saturday, 7pm Festival Chorus in concert with festive holiday music at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 225 Claremont Street.  Ticketed event $12.   Information, call (804) 862-3706.

Sunday, December 13

29th Annual Court End Christmas, 12-5 p.m. Ten historic sites in downtown Richmond open their doors for a day of free admission and holiday festivities. Carriage rides, carolers, living history, live music, children's crafts, gift shops and more. A complimentary shuttle will circulate among all sites throughout the event. Event is rain or shine. Sites include: The Valentine & 1812 John Wickham House,The John Marshall House, White House of the Confederacy, Beers House, Virginia State Capitol, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, St. John's Church, Egyptian Building, Monumental Church and Virginia's Executive Mansion. Children's Activities, Carriage Rides, Performances Refreshments, Gift Shops, Music and Tours. For more details visit http://www.thevalentine.org/CEC#.

Books & Beer Holiday Brew Ho-Ho from 3-6pm at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane. Featuring over thirty local Authors & Artists,  a casual event with great authors, enjoy live jazz from the Scott Burton Trio, and grab a cold beer! This is a free family friendly event, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Virginia Children's Book Festival. For more details visit http://www.hardywood.com/.

Continuing Events:

Richmond is the first of two cities in the U.S. to debut Rodin - Evolution of a Genius, an exhibition honoring the creative master of sculptor Auguste Rodin (1840-1918) at the Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts. Paul Mellon Curator and Head of the European Arts Department at the VMFA Dr. Mitchell Merling says it's one of the most important collections from Rodin featuring  more than objects that include fragile plasters, patianted bronzes, marbles, ceramics and works on paper. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Richmonders to learn more about Rodin's techniques, models, materials,  and assistants. Visitors will see some of Rodin's best works that include The Thinker, The Kiss, The Burghers of Calais and many others. Rodin - Evolution of a Genius opens November 21 and runs through March 12, 2016 at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. For more details visit http://www.vmfa.museum or call 804-340-1400.

Illuminate Light Show and Santa's Village, Opens November 21 - January 2, 2016 at Meadow Event Park, open nightly 5:30 - 10pm. The light show features hundreds of thousands of LED lights synchronized to music from your car. the show also has an 8--foot tunnel of lights, 50 foot Christmas trees, dancing snowmen, singing trees and Santas  and festive decorations.  After the light show you'll be able  to visit Santa's Village inside, with of course Santa, an indoor skating rink, life-size Snow Globe photo booth, children's activities, pictures with Santa and more.Tickets car admission 1-9 passengers $25, for limos and buses and other information visit http://www.illuminatelightshow.com/.

Dominion GardenFest of Lights - through January 11, 2016. (Closed December 24 & 25) Nightly 5 – 10 p.m., This year's theme is H2WHOA! Showcases water in all forms. A holiday tradition featuring more than half-a-million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate (for purchase); nightly family activities & more. The region’s ultimate holiday extravaganza! A “rain or shine” event; only closed for extreme weather. Tickets are not date specific. More details http://www.lewisginter.org.

Legendary Santa at Children's Museum of Richmond Central (2626 west Broad Street), opens 9am and runs through Christmas Eve. More details at http://www.c-mor.org/legendary-santa.

Future Events: Holiday Glitter: Monument Avenue After Dark Tours Wednesday, December 23, Saturday, December 26, Sunday, December 27. Experience Monument Avenue in its holiday finery on this walking tour of Richmond's most famous street. A National Historic Landmark, Monument Avenue is lined with grand homes that are especially sparkly during the holidays. Dress comfortably and bring a flashlight. Tour begins at the Robert E. Lee Monument at 6 p.m. $15 per person & $5 for Valentine Members. Reservations are required. Please call (804) 649-0711 ext. 301 to purchase tickets. Parking is available on-street. For more details visit http://www.thevalentine.org/CEC#.