Nutcracker; Photo by Sarah Ferguson (Courtesy of Richmond Ballet)
December brings twinkling lights, cozy workshops, festive performances, and holiday shopping to Richmond. Whether you’re looking for creative family-friendly activities, awe-inspiring concerts, or artisan markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Mark your calendar and dive into the holiday spirit with these amazing events happening across Richmond.
December 1–31
Hop aboard a private TukTuk for a guided tour of Richmond’s best tacky light displays. Enjoy heated seats, holiday music, and the option to bring your own beverages as you explore the festive sights.
⏰ 1.5-hour tours | 📍 Richmond, VA | 💵 $279 per TukTuk (up to 6 passengers)
rvatuktuk.com
December 7–8
Step into a festive holiday market at Maymont, featuring over 75 artisans offering handmade gifts in a charming outdoor setting. Shop for unique treasures, enjoy holiday tunes, cozy up by fire pits with seasonal drinks, and let the kids visit with Saint Nicholas or take a ride on the holiday train.
⏰ 12-5 p.m. | 📍 Maymont | 💵 $10, $6 for children ages 3–16, Members Free
maymont.org
December 14
Watch as decorated boats illuminate the James River during this festive parade. Gather at Downtown Richmond’s riverfront for an evening of holiday magic on the water.
⏰ 5 p.m. | 📍 Intermediate Terminal to Rocketts Landing, Richmond | 💵 Free
December 14–15
Tour the stunning historic homes of Richmond’s Fan District during the Annual Holiday House Tour. Explore never-before-seen homes, experience the neighborhood’s rich architecture, and support preservation efforts.
⏰ 12-5 p.m.| 📍 Various Locations, Fan District, Richmond | 💵 $45 (Presale), $60 (Day of Tour)
fandistrict.org
Through January 5
Step into a dazzling wonderland at the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights! Featuring one million lights, botanical decorations, model trains, and a 20-foot Christmas tree, this is a must-see holiday tradition for the whole family.
⏰ Select nights through January | 📍 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond | 💵 Pricing varies
lewisginter.org
December 3–23 (select dates)
Experience the magic of A Christmas Carol in this unique holiday tea setting. Set in a historic building, guests will enjoy delicious foods paired with British holiday teas while a special reading of Charles Dickens’ classic tale fills the air with festive cheer.
⏰ Times vary by date | 📍 221 E. Clay Street, Richmond | 💵 $75/person and $44/child ages 3 - 8 years old + 6% tax
queenslibrarytearoom.com
December 3–28
Indulge in a festive afternoon tea featuring special holiday blends and a three-course meal. With daily seatings at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., this elegant tea experience is perfect for celebrating the season with loved ones. Reservations required.
⏰ 11 a.m.& 1:30 p.m. | 📍 8517 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond | 💵 $40 Adults, $20 Children
southern-serenity.com
December 3, 10, 17
Learn the secrets of crafting holiday-themed cocktails at this interactive mixology class! Perfect for impressing your guests or simply enjoying seasonal sips, this event promises delicious fun.
⏰ 6-8 p.m. | 📍 1727 Rhoadmiller Street, Richmond | 💵 $35
viragospirits.com
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21
Celebrate the holidays with a delightful afternoon tea at Chez Foushee. This elegant tradition includes an assortment of dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, jam, and a signature Chez Foushee tea blend. Reservations are required for this exclusive experience, so book early for this one-of-a-kind holiday treat.
⏰ 2:30–4:30 p.m. | 📍 2 E Grace St., Richmond| 💵 $60 Adults, $32 Children (under 8)
chezfoushee.com
December 14
Enjoy a delightful brunch at the elegant Berkeley Hotel alongside the jolliest guest of the season—Santa Claus! Capture holiday memories and enjoy a fantastic spread of delicious dishes in this charming, festive setting.
⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | 📍 1200 E Cary Street, Richmond | 💵 $30
berkeleyhotel.com
December 14
Savor an exclusive evening of fine dining and wine at Resolution Winery. Expertly crafted dishes will be paired with curated wines, guided by WSET3 sommelier Maleah Roberson. This immersive culinary experience is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts.
⏰ 5-7 p.m. | 📍 2214 W. Washington Street, Petersburg | 💵 $100
resolutionwinery.com
December 14
Celebrate Virginia’s unique flavors at the 2nd Annual Somewhereness Festival, where all beer, cider, and wine are crafted using local ingredients. Enjoy fresh oysters, apple products from Owl Orchard, and locally roasted coffee while sipping seasonal beverages.
⏰ 12- 5 p.m. | 📍 Location TBD | 💵 $4 per token (1 token = half pour, 2 tokens = full pour)
finecreekbrewing.com
December 15
Enjoy a magical brunch with Santa at Cameo Cakery and Cafe! Feast on delicious food and capture the perfect holiday moment with Santa Claus in this cozy, festive atmosphere.
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | 📍 306 Libbie Avenue, Richmond | 💵 $22–$40
cameocakery.com
December 18
Shake, stir, and sip your way through the season! Join Quirk Hotel’s bar manager Johanna Fallin for an interactive cocktail class where you’ll learn to create three holiday-themed beverages. Tools, ingredients, and expert guidance are provided, so come ready to mix your own or enjoy hers!
⏰ 6-7:30 p.m. | 📍 201 West Broad Street, Richmond | 💵 $25
quirkhotelrichmond.com
December 3–7
Craft your own lush evergreen wreath at Maymont’s hands-on Wreath Workshops. With fresh greenery, wreath forms, and expert tips provided, you’ll create a beautiful holiday decoration to take home. Enjoy festive beverages to add to the merriment (21+ only). Advance reservations are strongly recommended!
⏰ Times vary by date | 📍 Maymont | 💵 $60 per person, $45 for Maymont members
maymont.org
December 6 & December 13
Get creative at this holiday cookie-decorating event while enjoying a glass of wine. Your ticket includes three cookies, decorating supplies, and a festive atmosphere to unleash your artistic flair!
⏰ 6-8 p.m.| 📍 11008 Washington Highway, Glen Allen | 💵 $24.95
jamesrivercellars.com
December 1
Celebrate the season with Richmond Symphony’s stirring performance of Handel’s Messiah. Known as the most majestic music ever conceived, this concert is a must-see holiday tradition.
⏰ 3 p.m.| 📍 600 East Grace Street, Richmond | 💵 $36–$86
richmondsymphony.com
December 3
Get ready to rock around the holiday chaos at this lively Christmas party hosted by Shockoe Records. Enjoy holiday music, fun surprises, and support the Richmond Animal League during this unforgettable festive evening.
⏰ Doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m.| 📍 528 N. 2nd Street, Richmond | 💵 Tickets start at $25
shockoerecords.com
December 4
Barter Theatre presents Frosty: A Musical Adventure, the heartwarming story of everyone’s favorite snowman. Follow Frosty and an orphan on their magical journey through Central Park in search of friendship and family. This beautiful musical is a holiday treat for all ages!
⏰ 6:30 p.m. | 📍 205 England Street, Ashland | 💵 $22–$27
ashlandtheatre.org
December 5 – January 12
Experience a world of pure imagination at Virginia Rep’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Follow Charlie Bucket as he embarks on an extraordinary journey through Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory, discovering its secrets alongside a cast of unforgettable characters.
⏰ Times vary | 📍 The November Theatre, 114 W. Broad St., Richmond, | 💵 $39–$68
va-rep.org
December 6
Celebrate the holidays with VCU’s Jazz Orchestra I, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Commonwealth Singers, and more! All proceeds benefit The Doorways, a local organization providing lodging and care.
⏰ 7-9 p.m. | 📍 922 Park Avenue, Richmond | 💵 $12 (Children 12 & under: $5)
arts.vcu.edu
December 7
Richmond’s holiday staple is back with festive floats, marching bands, larger-than-life balloons, and Santa himself. The parade begins at the Science Museum of Virginia and travels east along Broad Street, ending at 7th Street.
⏰ 10 a.m. | 📍 Broad Street | 💵 Free
richmondparade.org
December 7 & 8
Join local legends Desirée Roots, Georgia Rogers Farmer, and Scott Wichmann for an evening of jazz-infused holiday magic. Backed by a live jazz combo, this performance blends humor, style, and joy.
⏰ 8 p.m. on Dec 7, 2 p.m. on Dec. 8| 📍 600 East Grace Street, Richmond | 💵 $25–$52
dominionenergycenter.com
December 7–23
Delight in the holiday magic of Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Featuring Stoner Winslett’s beloved choreography, lavish costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this performance is a cherished tradition for families and audiences of all ages.
⏰ Various times based on date | 📍 600 E Grace Street, Richmond | 💵 Starting at $27
dominionenergycenter.com
December 7
Celebrate the holiday season at this free family-friendly event. Enjoy magical holiday music, performances by the Henrico Pops Chorus, and a special ventriloquist show by Chris Campbell. Warm up with free hot chocolate and gather for the ceremonial lighting of the cedar Christmas tree. Kids will love the crafts and activities, and you can explore the holiday gift shop for unique finds.
⏰ 4:30–7 p.m. | 📍 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen | 💵 Free
artsglenallen.com
December 7
Explore the life of Eliza Arnold Hopkins Poe, the talented mother of Edgar Allan Poe, in this unique theatrical performance. Actor Debbie Phillips brings Eliza to life with songs and monologues from her vast repertoire, accompanied by pianist Cheryl Van Ornam.
⏰ 2–2:45 p.m. | 📍 2401 East Broad Street, Richmond | 💵 $12
historicstjohnschurch.org
December 8
Celebrate the holidays with an afternoon of family crafts, live music, and hot beverages at The Valentine. This free event also includes self-guided tours of the historic Court End neighborhood and access to nearby cultural sites and museums.
⏰ 12- 4 p.m. | 📍 1015 E. Clay Street, Richmond | 💵 Free
thevalentine.org
December 8
Relive the magic of one of Hollywood’s most iconic films, Casablanca, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This one-time-only screening celebrates VMFA’s special exhibition, American, Born Hungary: Kertész, Capa, and the Hungarian American Photographic Legacy. Witness Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman shine in this timeless classic featuring unforgettable dialogue and the immortal song, “As Time Goes By.”
⏰ 1-3 p.m. |📍 200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond | 💵 $8 (VMFA Members $5)
vmfa.museum
December 8
Journey through the holidays across three centuries at Agecroft Hall! Enjoy historic decorations, crafts, music, simmering cider, and a visit from Father Christmas in this delightful Christmas open house.
⏰ 12-5 p.m. | 📍 4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond | 💵 Free
agecrofthall.org
December 10–15
Take a trip to a Greek island paradise and sing along to ABBA hits in this heartwarming musical. Mamma Mia! is a global sensation that’s perfect for all ages.
⏰ Times vary | 📍 Altria Theater, 6 N Laurel St., Richmond | 💵 $43.50–$123.50
altriatheater.com
December 12 & December 20
Enjoy timeless Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet in the stunning ambiance of the historic Bolling Haxall House, surrounded by the glow of candlelight.
⏰ Times vary by date |📍 211 E. Franklin Street, Richmond | 💵 Tickets start at $24
feverup.com
December 14
Experience the Grammy-considered GreenSpring Harp Ensemble and Choristers as they perform beloved holiday classics. This concert is a Richmond tradition and perfect for music lovers of all ages.
⏰ 3-4 p.m. | 📍 503 Stuart Circle, Richmond | 💵 $5–$20
greenspringmusic.org
December 14
Join FreeHorse Arts for an unforgettable celebration of music, puppetry, dance, and storytelling inspired by the work of Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe-winning songwriter Paul Williams. Enjoy songs from Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas, Muppet classics, and more.
⏰ 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. | 📍 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen | 💵 $45
freehorsearts.org
December 17
Get ready for a sackful of yuletide tunes with the hilarious and heartwarming Wild Wacky and Truly Wonderful Women of Song. This encore performance promises holiday cheer, laughter, and unforgettable music.
⏰ 7 p.m. | 📍 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen | 💵 $20
artsglenallen.com
December 18 - January 26
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are back to solve a thrilling international mystery! Join them as they work alongside Irene Adler to unravel Professor Moriarty’s devious plans. This riveting production offers suspense, intrigue, and plenty of surprises.
⏰ Times vary | 📍 Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Hanover | 💵 $35–$54
More Information
December 20
Join beloved vocalist Desirée Roots for a night of holiday magic and classic jazz tunes. With over 30 years of experience captivating audiences, Desirée brings her triple-threat talent to this enchanting evening of music.
⏰ 7:30–9:30 p.m. | 📍 11810 Centre Street, Chester | 💵 $45 (Adults), $36 (Seniors/Military), $15 (Students)
More Information
December 20
Step into the not-so-secret basement of Santa’s Workshop for a speakeasy-themed murder mystery! Join the Oxymorons Comedy Improv Troupe for a night of holiday hilarity, a festive dinner, and a whodunit you won’t forget.
⏰ 7-9 p.m. (seating starts at 6 p.m.) | 📍 2443 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen | 💵 $60 per person
nescornholelounge.com
December 21
Santa Claus is coming to Ashton Creek! Bring the family out for a festive celebration and capture your holiday photos with St. Nick. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and wine in a cheerful atmosphere. Pets and kids are welcome, so don’t forget your camera to snap the perfect shot!
⏰ 1-4 p.m. | 📍 14501 Jefferson Davis Highway, Chesterfield | 💵 Free
Facebook Event Page
December 21
Celebrate the holiday season with a cheerful visit from Santa at the American Civil War Museum. Families can enjoy festive crafts, delicious hot cocoa, and the opportunity to meet Santa in the museum’s historic lobby. A perfect holiday outing for all ages!
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | 📍 480 Tredegar Street, Richmond | 💵 Free
acwm.org
December 21–January 5
Experience the holiday season like never before with a dazzling laser light show at The Dome. Winter-themed shapes, patterns, and images will dance across the screen, choreographed to iconic holiday tunes. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer with friends and family!
⏰ 3:30 p.m. | 📍 2500 W Broad Street, Richmond | 💵 $9
smv.org
December 29
Experience a modern twist on a holiday classic with The Hip Hop Nutcracker! This high-energy performance blends hip-hop dance, Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, and vibrant digital visuals for an unforgettable evening of family fun.
⏰ 7 p.m. | 📍 Altria Theater, 6 North Laurel Street, Richmond | 💵 Pricing varies
altriatheater.com
Through January 4
Step into a winter wonderland at Kings Dominion’s Winterfest. With over six million lights, 450+ decorated trees, live shows, and festive treats, this annual event is brimming with holiday magic. Skate on Snowflake Lake, take photos with Santa, and enjoy seasonal delicacies like candy cane funnel cakes and gingerbread hot chocolate. Don’t miss the nightly ‘Tis the Season Tree Lighting Ceremony or the New Year’s Eve celebration featuring fireworks and live entertainment.
⏰ 5-10 p.m.(select days) | 📍 Kings Dominion, Doswell | 💵 Ticket prices vary
kingsdominion.com
December 1
Relax and unwind with a meditative sound bath session at SoulShine Studios. Guided by soothing instruments, this immersive experience is paired with a cozy post-session tea social.
⏰ 4-5 p.m. | 📍 9200 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 111, Richmond | 💵 $40 ($35 for Unlimited Members)
soulshinestudios.com
December 14
Put on your sneakers and experience Richmond’s tacky light tradition on foot! Walk or run through Walton Park, taking in dazzling holiday displays while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
⏰ 6 p.m. | 📍 Midlothian Mines Park, Midlothian | 💵 $18–$50
More Information
