Now it is officially after Thanksgiving, which means you can finally start planning your Christmas activities for the season! Cities around the country will decorate the town to get their citizens ready for the holiday, and Richmond definitely does not disappoint. Here are a list of events and activities you should have on your Christmas calendar this year.
1. Dominion GardenFest of Lights Illumination
On November 27th, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens will have its grand illumination of the Dominion GardenFest of Lights. Every year Lewis Ginter sets up beautiful lights all around the gardens for the public to enjoy. The opening night will have a countdown for when the lights turn on at 5:30. The garden also has a fire pit with s'mores, model trains, and hand-made botanical decorations.
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Admission:
$12.00 - adults
$8.00 - children
The opening night is a crowded event so try and arrive early!
Throughout the winter (November 27th - January 11th) you can also enjoy the lights in the garden.
2. The Richmond Grand Illumination at the James Center
On Friday, December 4th, at the James Center between 9th-12th and Cary Streets, go see the grand illumination of Richmond. From 5:45 to 5:55 the VCU Peppas will be there to get the crowd excited and ready for the illumination of the city. Santa will also be there to count down the seconds for the downtown buildings and the James Center Christmas tree and reindeer to be lit up between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. There will be performances from Big Ray and the Kool Kats, Richmond Boy's Choir, VCU Trombone Choir, and many others! This event is FREE so it is perfect for those of us who want to get into the holiday spirit but need to save money.
3. Dominion Christmas Parade
On Saturday, December 5th at 10:00 a.m, come out and enjoy the 32nd annual Dominion Christmas Parade! The parade will start at the Science Museum on West Broad Street and will end on Seventh Street. The exciting parade will include giant floats, marching bands and Santa. This event is also FREE!
4. CarMax Tacky Light Run
Saturday, December 12th is the Midlothian CarMax Tacky Light Run! Personally, I am a runner, but this 6k looks worth checking out. The Richmond area is known for its tacky lights and this run allows participants to run through the neighborhoods in RVA that are notorious for their tacky lights. Runners or walkers are encouraged to wear their best tacky sweaters or Christmas outfits. Instead of staying in your car, or spending a lot of money on a tacky light tour, you should try this new tradition of seeing the tacky lights! The cost ranges from $10.00 to $45.00 and it begins and finishes on Woolridge Road in Midlothian.
5. Maymont Christmas Events
Maymont is having tons of events this holiday season. There will be wreath workshops, a Deck The Halls Workshop (where you learn to make your own Christmas decorations for your home), Old-Fashioned Christmas, St. Nick's Christmas Party, Maymont By Moonlight, and Maymont Mansion holiday tours. Check out more details about the events on the Maymont website. All of the events will be perfect to help you get in the Christmas spirit!
Be sure to check out these exciting Christmas events around RVA! You won't have a dull holiday if you attend at least one!
