Celebrate the Season Downtown!
Photo Credit Ervin B. Clarke
RICHMOND, VA – Downtown Richmond celebrates the season with the buildings aglow and the sounds of holiday music! Venture Richmond has compiled a list of activities to plan your holidays Downtown with family and friends, so be sure to check the website for updates.
Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Thursday, December 1–Sunday, December 4, times vary at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace Street
Find C.S. Lewis at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve as he hosts a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England. Viewers will experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulate a whole range of emotions–curiosity, laughter, gladness, and even some tears. Fee for tickets.
Details at: https://www.dominionenergycenter.com/events/detail/christmas-cs-lewis
RVA Illuminates at Kanawha Plaza
Friday, December 2, 5-7 PM at Kanawha Plaza, 801 E. Canal Street
Join the anchors of WRIC ABC8 and live entertainers DJ Lonnie B and Kelli Lemon at the City of Richmond’s annual RVA Illuminates 2022 at Kanawha Plaza! Count down with ABC8 for the tree lighting and Downtown Richmond skyline lights at 5:59 PM when all the lights come ON! Enjoy live performances, food trucks and a little extra sparkle from holiday lights in Richmond, VA. Free admission.
Elf at Kanawha Plaza
Friday, December 2, 7-9 PM at Kanawha Plaza, 801 E. Canal Street
Pack a chair or blanket, find your perfect spot at Kanawha Plaza, and enjoy an evening featuring the movie Elf, starring Will Ferrell, while taking in the stunning views of Downtown’s holiday skyline. Seating is first come, first served. Bringing blankets and/or chairs for comfort is recommended. No seating is provided. Food vendors on site. Show starts at 7:15 PM. Free admission, sponsored by Venture Richmond.
RVA Illuminates at 17th Street Market
Friday, December 2, 5-7 PM at 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th Street
Join WWBT NBC12 anchors and live entertainment at 17th Street Market as they kick off the holiday season in Shockoe Bottom! Happenings include the countdown and lighting of the 17th Street Market tree, performances and food trucks around the market. Free admission.
RVA First Friday
Friday, December 2, 5-11 PM in Downtown’s Arts District along Broad Street
Get into the holiday spirit as you explore galleries, shops, restaurants, nonprofits, and more at RVA First Friday along and around Broad Street. Free to attend, fees for shopping.
Details at: https://richmondartsdistrict.org/rva-first-fridays/
Christmas Under the Clocktower
Friday, December 2–Sunday, January 1 at Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street
Christmas Under the Clocktower is back for its third year! Local nonprofits will show off their creativity by decorating Christmas trees. The trees will be unveiled at the Open House on Friday, December 2 at 7 PM. Stop by Main Street Station and vote for your favorite! Free event.
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3, starts at the Science Museum of Virginia at 10 AM, travels eastbound on Broad Street, ends at 7th and Marshall Streets, Downtown
Welcome back the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade for its 39th annual parade celebration featuring colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses, superheroes and returning favorites including the trademark Wells Fargo stagecoach, VCU Peppas and Legendary Santa! The parade airs live on WTVR CBS6 and WTVR.com. Free event. Rain or shine.
Details at: https://www.richmondparade.org/
Quirk Holiday Market
Sunday, December 4, 10 AM–4 PM at Quirk Hotel, 201 W. Broad Street
Quirk Days of Christmas are here again as they present a Richmond holiday market event! Join Quirk for an incredible lineup of talent, music, and creative libations. Free event, fee for shopping.
Details at: https://www.quirkhotels.com/hotels/richmond/happenings
Bike the Holiday Lights Tours
Monday, December 5–Sunday, January 8, 3-5:30 PM at Basket and Bike, 301 E. Cary Street
Join Basket & Bike and RVA on Wheels for a Holiday Biking Tour of Downtown Richmond. On this afternoon/early evening bike tour, take to the avenues and bike lanes for a seasonal ride along the riverfront. You’ll discover new ways to tell the story of our beautiful region and river. As dusk approaches, you’ll pass through the holiday lights as you return to Shockoe Slip, where your tour includes a beverage voucher for a free wine, beer, tea, or coffee at locally owned neighbors Urban Farmhouse. Fee for tickets.
Details at: https://www.basketandbike.com/holiday-tours
Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Friday, December 9–Friday, December 23, times vary at the Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace Street
Brand new scenery designed by Alain Vaës, a new Chinese dance choreographed by Ma Cong, and refreshed costumes make their much-anticipated debut! While these stunning designs will delight with their vibrant colors and fantastical imagery, they extend from the same storybook vision for which Stoner Winslett’s production is so beloved. Don’t miss your chance to experience this next magical evolution to The Nutcracker this holiday season! Fee for tickets.
Details at:
https://www.dominionenergycenter.com/events/detail/richmond-ballet-the-nutcracker-2
