More What’s Booming RVA: Dec. 19 to 26
A week of holiday events and then some, plus a day trip and news
There’s still time! In the waning days of the holidays, you’ll find music of the ages and the decades, performances, movies, magic, and ghosts. In “What’s Booming in RVA, December 19 to 26, 2024.”
Also check out:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- Browse the week ahead below, and
- Go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
December 19 to 26
Thursday, December 19
A Night of Carols. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Virginia Roots Music Series – Gone Country. Richmond’s ’90s/’00s band performs Alan Jackson and their own music, in celebration of the release of Hardywood Raspberry Stout, brewed with chocolate malt, cacao nibs, and red raspberries from Agriberry Farm. December 19, 6 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.
R4ND4ZZO BIGB4ND Holiday Special. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
American Tune: Simon, Croce, & Taylor feat. Tom Glynn. Take a trip back to the 1970s with the timeless music, storytelling, and lyrics of Paul Simon, Jim Croce, and James Taylor. December 19, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“The Nutcracker” from Central VA Dance Academy. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“The Nutcracker” from The Richmond Ballet. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Holiday Movies. The historic Ashland Theatre presents a diverse lineup of holiday favorites, including classics such as “White Christmas,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “The Polar Express,” and “Home Alone.” Through Dec. 24 at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Classic Christmas Movies. The Byrd Theatre presents Christmas movies for young and old, humorous and heartwarming: “The Grinch,” “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “The Polar Express,” “White Christmas,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Through Dec. 25.
Friday, December 20
Gardenfest of Lights Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Learn what goes into creating the award-winning explosion of themed light forms. Dec. 20, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Jingle Bell Jazz with Desirée Roots. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
HBCU Holiday Kickoff Sponsored by The Virginia Higher Education Fund.Presenting the music of William “Chan” Hall, a Richmond-based smooth jazz recording artist, and vocalist Joselyn Best. Dec. 20, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Cadence presents a festive musical featuring professional actors and local children, based on the best-selling book and play. The “worst-behaved kids, ever” land the leading roles in the church’s pageant and “revise” the classic story. Dec. 20 to 22 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Saturday, December 21
Propagate Plants Not Pit Bulls. Ring Dog Rescue raises money for their spay and neuter campaign through sales of plants potted in funky and vintage pots. Dec. 21, noon to 2 p.m., at Final Gravity Brewing, Henrico.
Christmas Artisan Market. Local artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more. Dec. 21, noon to 5 p.m., at Hardywood on Ownby, Richmond.
Cinema at the Center. Family-friendly seasonal movie, free popcorn. Dec. 21, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Parsons Community Center in Meadow Farm, Glen Allen.
Doug Church: The TRUE Voice of Elvis. Relive the silky, sexy voice. Dec. 21, doors open at 2 p.m., at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Caroling by Shiloh Baptist Church. Light Up the Tracks decorations set the scene for the old-fashioned holiday caroling. Dec. 28, 5 to 7 p.m., starting at Ashland Town Hall and proceeding around Downtown Ashland.
The KOS Band Holiday Show. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Shop Small Holiday Market. Local artists and makers present their home décor, art, jewelry, and more. Dec. 21 to 22, noon to 5 p.m. each day, at Bingo Beer Co., Richmond.
“The Nutcracker” from The Concert Ballet of Virginia. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Sunday, December 22
Mechanicsville Coin Show. Dec. 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Jewelry and Watch Works, Mechanicsville.
Black and Free Kwanzaa Expo. In the spirit of “empowering culture, celebrating community” for African Americans, the event features live music, vegan soul food, and holistic health services, while highlighting local Black-owned businesses. Dec. 22, 3 to 9 p.m., at Beulah Recreation Center, Chesterfield.
Masters of Motown. Re-creating the soulful voices of musical legends. Dec. 22, doors open at 6:30 p.m., at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Susan Greenbaum Band (Holiday Show). The RVA favorite singer presents her special brand of music, holiday style. Dec. 22, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, December 23
Fear of Music Annual Christmas Eve Eve Show. Get ready for Christmas with a boisterous contrast to the standards. Dec. 23, 7 to 11 p.m., at The Broadberry, Richmond.
Tuesday, December 24
Celebrate Christmas Eve at your local house of worship or with the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
- Dec. 24, 6 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
- Dec. 24, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
Wednesday, December 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HANUKKAH!
Thursday, December 26
HAPPY KWANZAA!
Jonathan the Juggler at Natalie’s. The legendary Richmond juggler and magician entertains people of all ages. Enjoy delicious food with a side of laughter and awe. Dec. 26, 5:30 p.m., at Natalie’s Taste of Lebanon, Richmond.
Church Hill Chillers Tour. Richmond’s colorful past has produced restless spirits that still roam the historic neighborhoods. The Church Hill tour tells of spymaster Elizabeth Van Lew, Edgar Allan Poe’s first and last love, the haunts of a Civil War hospital, and more.
News to Know
New Café at the Library of Virginia + new classes for the 50+ crowd
The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond Winter Session. The local nonprofit educational and service organization for older citizens begins its eight-week winter session of courses and lunch speakers. Course include topics such as a history of witchcraft, current events, films of the 1930s, genealogy, memoir writing, German and Japanese languages, Wagner and the Nazis, watercolor painting, and more. Beginning Jan. 13, 2025, at four locations around Richmond.
WHISK Opening Café at the Library of Virginia. The Shockoe Bottom bakery brings its fare to the lobby of the library. The menu will include handcrafted sandwiches, salads, and soups made with locally sourced ingredients and a full-service coffee, espresso, and smoothie bar. Opening Jan. 6, 2025, at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield. LLI releases its course calendar online and on-site on Jan. 9, 2025. The member-supported organization is for adults age 50 and above covering categories including art, music, drama, dance, computers, technology, health, history, languages, leisure activities, and more. Spring session dates are Jan. 21 to May 2, 2025, at the Lifelong Learning Institute, Midlothian.
Road Trip
Light up the season
Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination. Seasonal music, lighting of the cressets, a Fife & Drums procession, and fireworks for the first three Saturdays in December. Other special programming during the week. Dec. 21, 5 to 7:30 p.m., in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
Follow What’s Booming on Boomer, updated every Thursday.
And sign up at the bottom of our website for our twice-weekly newsletter.
