Make Plans for These Richmond Events

More Richmond events after December 5

The Bizarre Bazaar 49th Christmas Collection. More than 475 exhibitors showcase new and unique gift lines, holiday decorations, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing for adults and children, accessories, toys, crafts, books, fine art, soaps, lotions, and more. Dec. 5 to 8 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.

RVA Illuminates: The City Will Be Lit. The lighting of downtown (6 p.m.) will be accompanied by luminaries such as Desiree Roots and Mervin Mayo. Dec. 6, 4 to 7 p.m., at Kanawha Plaza, Richmond.

Richmond Christmas Parade. Immerse yourself in the holiday season with the 41st annual Christmas Parade. Colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses, superheroes, and Legendary Santa himself. The parade also airs LIVE on WTVR CBS6. Dec. 7, beginning at 10:15 a.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia, traveling east on Broad Street to 7th Street, Richmond.

Legends on Grace. This season highlights a different genre with each performance including a holiday show. All at Bob & Sally Mooney Hall at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

• A Jazzy Holiday! Desirée Roots, Georgia Rogers Farmer, and Scott Wichmann. Dec. 7, 8 p.m., and Dec. 8, 2 p.m.
• Heart & Soul: Ms. Jaylin Brown. Feb. 15, 2025, 8 p.m.
• ’70s Pop Night! The Super Sugar Beats. April 26, 2025, 8 p.m.

Merry Market. Over 75 local artisans on the Carriage House Lawn sell creatively designed and handmade items in a festive outdoor setting, with food trucks, hot cocoa, and cozy fire pits to gather around with a cup of cheer from the Winter Wonder Bar. For kids, there are holiday train rides, make-your-own crafts and visits with Saint Nicholas. Dec. 7 to 8, noon to 5 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

Broadway in Richmond Presents Its 2024 to 2025 Season. The new season includes five Richmond-area premieres with three of them in their first year of touring along with the return of a popular rom-com, pop musical.

• Fan favorite and global smash hit “Mamma Mia!” hits the stage Dec. 10 to 14, 2024.
• The Virginia premiere of “MJ: The Musical” arrives to play Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, 2025.
• The 10-time Tony Award-winning hit “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” entertains March 4 to 16, 2025.
• “A Beautiful Noise,” in its first year of touring, entertains in RVA from April 15 to 20, 2025.
• Song and dance spectacular “Some Like It Hot” comes to Richmond, June 3 to 8, 2025.
• “Chicago The Musical” returns, May 9 to 11, 2025 (can be added to any six-show season ticket package).

Literary Virginia Book Group The online book group features Virginia authors. Loaner books available at the Library of Virginia security desk. Fall 2024 book discussion still to come:

• Dec. 11 – “Crossing the River Styx,” Russ Ford

Vienna Boys Choir. The gifted, impeccably trained young singers sustain a musical tradition that dates back to the 15th century, an unbroken chain of artistry. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., at River Road Church, Richmond.

“A Not So Silent Night” with Christine Havrilla Duo & Mama’s Black Sheep. Award-winning Philadelphia native Christine Havrilla has been touring for 25 years with her “Neofunkadelicfolkpoptwangrock” sound. She has shared the stage with KT Tunstall, Brandi Carlile, Shawn Colvin, America, and more. She also plays bass with Mama’s Black Sheep, as they collaborate for a fourth year on a holiday show. Dec. 13, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

The Music of Paul Williams. Spend an evening with the Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe, Hall of Fame award-winning songwriter, actor, and author. The evening includes stories and songs, holiday cheer, Muppet songs, pop culture hits, and more. Dec. 14, 3 and 7 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

Ashland 1949 Film Series. Inspired by the rousing response to its 75th anniversary presentation of 1948 films, Ashland Theatre presents a series of films from 1949. All tickets $5, films beginning at 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

• Dec. 16: “Little Women,” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Janet Leigh
• Jan. 13, 2025: “Adam’s Rib,” starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy
• Feb. 10, 2025: “They Live by Night,” starring Cathy O’Donnell and Farley Granger
• March 10, 2025: “Under Capricorn,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock
• April 14, 2025: “The Heiress,” starring Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift
• May 12, 2025: “I Shot Jesse James,” starring Preston Foster and John Ireland
• June 16, 2025: “The Small Back Room,” starring David Farrar and Kathleen Byron
• July 14, 2025: “The Third Man,” starring Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles
• Aug. 11, 2025: “Jour de fête,” starring Jacques Tati and Paul Frankeur

Ken Ludwig’s “Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure.” An investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters cascades into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail, and intrigue. With world peace at stake, Holmes and Dr. Watson join forces with an American actress to take down the cunning criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty. Five actors play over 40 roles in this brand new adventure of danger and laughter. Dec. 18 to Jan. 26, 2025, at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.

Virginia Roots Music Series. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery present a new year-long music series. Four shows feature a Virginia band covering an iconic musical artist, paired with a pre-release of a Hardywood Virginia Roots beer, highlighting a Virginia ingredient. The final concert in the series is scheduled for Dec. 19 at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.

The KOS Band Holiday Show. The 11-piece musical group plays the best dance music: Top 40, Motown, and classic rock ’n’ roll hits from the ’60s through today. The KOS Band has kept people of all ages crowding dance floors on the East Coast for more than 40 years. Dec. 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Susan Greenbaum Band (Holiday Show). The classic RVA favorite singer presents her special brand of music, holiday style. Dec. 22, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Ron Moody & The Centaurs “60th Anniversary Show.” Take a musical roller coaster ride through 50-plus years of beach, soul, and rock & roll with a Virginia tradition. Leader Ron has performed at every show since the band’s inception Dec. 26, 1964. Dec. 28, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

The Richmond Forum 2024-2025 Season. Ideas, stories, and perspectives regarding today’s important issues. Live and online.

• Jan. 11, 2025: Journey back into the intergalactic dark ages with NASA astrophysicist Dr. Amber Straughn and the James Webb Space Telescope.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Unlock the game plan to drive any team to success, whether on or off the court, with Coach K, one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time.
• March 22, 2025: Navigate masculinity in the modern age with author Richard Reeves, who has spent 20 years worrying about boys, both as a researcher and as the father of three sons.
• April 26, 2025: Hear stories and lessons learned from every era of Martha Stewart’s life – from her early ambitions to her triumphs over adversity. In conversation with Soledad O’Brien.

Richmond Shakespeare’s 26th Season. Classic and contemporary plays and musicals. At varying locations in Richmond. Still to come:

• “The Father,” Jan. 30 to Feb. 16, 2025
• “Jesus Christ Superstar,” March 6 to 23, 2025
• “Cyrano De Bergerac,” Summer, dates TBA
• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Summer, dates TBA

“Murmurs in Time.” In a world premiere, Chicago-based percussion quartet Third Coast Percussion performs a work by tabla player Zakir Hussain, who will also perform. Feb. 21, 2025, at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.

Virginia Wine Expo 2025. A multi-day event celebrating Virginia wine, spirits, and food – taste, learn, enjoy, at an eclectic mix of curated experiences, seminars, dinners, and the walk-around tasting. Feb. 28 to March 9, at various venues around Richmond.

Adult Night Hike. Ever wonder who stays awake while you sleep? Meet some of Maymont’s nighttime residents and learn about their nocturnal adaptations through experiments, games, and a hike. Owls, bats, frogs, and other creatures of the dark help shed some light onto their mysterious ways. 21+ with adult beverages available for purchase. March 14, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

RTP’s 2024-2025 Spotlight Cabaret Series. Richmond Triangle Players presents four cabaret performances for the season. At Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond. Still to come:

• Georgia Rogers Farmer: Perfect Pair. March 27 to 29, 2025
• Nationally Renowned Act To be Announced. May 30 to 31, 2025

“STOMP.” A combination of percussion, movement, and visual comedy, STOMP uses  household and industrial objects find as musical instruments in the hands of a band of body percussionists. It’s a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday, and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum. The international percussion sensation will offer three performances, March 28 and 29, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

“Aguas da Amazonia.” Third Coast Percussion and dancers of the Twyla Tharp Dance company will perform an original adaptation of Philip Glass’s work for percussion quartet and flute. April 5, 2025, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

RTP’s 2024-2025 Season. Four plays, including a new production of one of RTP’s biggest hits, will take the stage at Richmond Triangle Players, as the company celebrates its 32nd year as one of the Commonwealth’s most acclaimed cultural arts institutions, and the longest-operating LGBTQ+ theatre in the mid-Atlantic region. At Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond. Still to come:

• “Which Way to the Stage” by Ana Nogueira. What happens when dreams fall just out of reach, in a playful yet profound comedy of friendship and ambition. April 23 to May 17, 2025.
• “A Strange Loop,” book, music, and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson. Winner of every best musical award in New York for the story of Usher, a young, gay, Black writer in a loop of a hilarious ensemble play. June 25 to Aug. 2, 2025.

“Loving v. Virginia.” Virginia Opera premieres the operatic retelling of a young couple’s interracial marriage in 1958 that sparks a case which leads to the Supreme Court and a victory for civil rights in the United States. Based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving. Sung in English with English surtitles. May 9 to 11, 2025, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Ongoing Events

Around Richmond, and a few worth a road trip

Weekly Artisan Market at Brambly Park. Shop Small with local artisans selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, ceramics, candles, woodworking, and more. In Richmond’s urban winery, BYO dogs and kids and support the community. Sundays till Dec. 8, 3 to 7 p.m., at Brambly Park, Richmond.

Artspace Gallery’s THRIVE! Members Biennial Exhibition. Coinciding with Artspace’s 36th anniversary in December, the gallery showcases gallery artists and their contributions to Richmond’s vibrant art scene. Through Dec. 21 at Artspace, Richmond.

A Campy Christmas. Featuring two hilarious plays. “With Bells On” presents a mild-mannered accountant with persistent bad luck who heads out for his first night of adventure after a nasty divorce. “Who’s Holiday” adults-only comedy tells the story of Cindy Lou Who meeting the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life took afterwards. Through Dec. 22 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.

Light Up the Tracks. Six weeks of twinkling displays, joyful activities, and small-town charm to make your holiday season truly brighter. Buildings and homes are decked out in holiday décor, and local shops and community groups have a sleigh full of holiday events. Through Jan. 1 in downtown Ashland.

“Echoes: From Earth to Sky.” A moving and colorfully cohesive curated selection of Alyse Radenovic’s distinctive paintings within the genres of abstraction, calligraphic text, and minimalist landscapes. Through Jan. 3, 2025, at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.

Traveling Bricks: An Exhibition Made of LEGO® Bricks. In its first continental U.S. appearance, Traveling Bricks features more than 100 models of iconic land, air, sea, and space vehicles constructed from nearly 1 million LEGO® bricks. After viewing the exhibition guests can get creative with thousands of LEGO bricks. Through Jan. 5, 2025 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. Millions of lights throughout the Garden celebrate interconnected environments. This year’s theme, Homes & Habitats: A Celebration of Connection, explores where nature and community intertwine. Includes new interactive features, Pokémon light forms, model trains, The Fairy Village, and more. Live performances on select nights. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Through Jan. 5, 2025, at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.

A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia. This exhibition will highlight the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Black professionals in the health fields. Through March 15, 2025, at the Black History Museum of Virginia, Richmond.

“A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America.” Exhibition honoring the Rosenwald program, a unique school program established to provide educational opportunities for African Americans during the Jim Crow era. One of the most transformative educational initiatives in American history was forged by Booker T. Washington, a Black educator, and Julius Rosenwald, a Jewish businessman and philanthropist. The exhibition features photographs and stories of the schools alongside a Virginia-based collection of related artifacts, images, and more. Through April 20, 2025, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Portraits: The “Style Weekly” Photograph Archive. Richmond’s alternative source of culture, arts, opinion, and local issues started in 1982, through words and photographs. This exhibition includes portraits selected from the archive. Through May 16, 2025, at The Valentine, Richmond.

“Mapping the Commonwealth, 1816–1826.” The story of 10 years, five governors, two principal surveyors, and one lead engraver – the time frame and team needed to create one of the first official state maps in the nation. Examples from 40 manuscript maps that highlight the painstaking task of creating Virginia’s first official state map, without the benefit of modern technologies like GPS. Through June 7, 2025 at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Virginia & The Vietnam War. Fifty years since the Fall of Saigon, Virginians still feel the impact of the Vietnam War, a long, costly, and controversial conflict. This exhibit examines, through personal objects and oral histories, what Virginia’s soldiers, policy makers, families, activists, and Vietnamese migrants carried during the war and its aftermath. Visitors explore relevant personal items and engage with multiple oral histories. Through July 6, 2025, at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Edmund Archer: Perspectives on Black Dignity. Portraits of Black men and women that radiate their dignity in contrast to caricatures and stereotypes of earlier Richmond artists and popular culture. Through Sept. 1, 2025.

“‘I made this…’: The Work of Black American Artists and Artisans.” The first exhibition looking solely at the work of diverse Black artists and artisans from three centuries opens at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Through Dec. 31, 2025, at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Williamsburg.

“Sculpting History.” The new exhibition from the Valentine shows how those who created the Lost Cause narrative used cultural and social centers of power to make it successful: education, media, politics, money, religion, and violence. The exhibition demonstrates how sculptor Edward Valentine, Richmond leaders, and others around the country reframed the war. It uncovers the Lost Cause, its legacy, and those who resisted. The Valentine, Richmond.

“The Impending Crisis.” A dynamic exhibit of events, people, and circumstances that led America to a pivotal point in its history, exploring differing viewpoints from across the nation in pre-civil war America. Opening April 27 at the American Civil War Museum, Tredegar, Richmond.