More What’s Booming RVA: December 22 to 28
Plus announcements and a link to even more events
Put down the shopping bags and prepare to have some fun! Here is more of What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, from December 22 to 28: holiday films both funny and sappy, performances, and more!
December 22 to 28
A stocking full of holiday happenings, and other merry goodness
Thursday, Dec. 22
“The Polar Express.” Embrace the wonder of life in the classic holiday book come to the grandeur of the screen. December 22 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. at Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.
Lights & Latkes. Take part in a “mock” Shabbat and Hanukkah dinner in celebration of the Festival of Lights: light candles, eat latkes, sing songs, and play dreidel. With support from Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Dec. 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Weinstein JCC, Richmond.
Richmond Stories. Every Thursday after 5 p.m., the Valentine offers free admission, with a 6 p.m. staff-led tour highlighting some diverse Richmond Stories. Free, no registration required. December 22, 6 p.m. at the Valentine, Richmond.
“Annie jr.” Cadence Theatre brings the classic 1930s story to the stage, with talented student casts and the beloved Sandy dog. December 22 and 23 at Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse, Richmond.
Richmond Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” New scenery and choreography and refreshed costumes, using the storybook vision from Stoner Winslett’s production. December 22 and 23 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
“Elf.” The wacky Christmas movie comes to the big screen in Carytown on December 22, 7 p.m., at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
Winston Hodges. Born and raised in Farmville, Virginia, the comedian brings Southern charm and edgy wit, punctuated by stories of growing up in a Christian home and working with special needs kids. December 22 at 7:30 p.m. and December 23 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. at Sandman Comedy Club, Richmond.
Wine & Chocolate Flights. Check out Boomer’s Top 5 Picks for more details.
Friday, Dec. 23
“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Check out Boomer’s Top 5 Picks for more details.
Festivus Celebration. Stellar Rose celebrates a Festivus for the rest of us on Dec. 23, 7 to 10 p.m. at Mainline Brewery, Richmond.
Fa La-La-La Feelings. Check out Boomer’s Top 5 Picks for more details.
Susan Greenbaum Band Holiday Show. Check out Boomer’s Top 5 Picks for more details.
Saturday, Dec. 24
“The Polar Express.” It’s real, and real-ly coming to the big screen – along with music on the Mighty Wurlitzer – on Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
Chocolate Making Demonstrations. Every Saturday in December, learn about how chocolate was prepared and enjoyed in 18th-century Virginia. See chocolate being made using reproduction cooking tools and equipment, then sample American Heritage Chocolate. Purchase some to take home or enjoy a hot chocolate in the café. Dec. 24 and 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Winter Cookie/Candy Flight Pairing. The brewery pairs five winter ales with five cookies/candies for a holiday explosion of taste. Advance ticket purchase required. Dec. 24, 2 to 6 p.m. at Intermission Beer, Glen Allen.
Sunday, Dec. 25
Merry Christmas!
“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Pack your tissues for the heartwarming holiday classic, with two Christmas day showings. Check out Boomer’s Top 5 Picks for more details.
Monday, Dec. 26
Sizzling Science. A variety of activities such as daily firework demos, homemade Shrinky Dinks in The Forge, and other fiery science explorations. Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Put the holiday sentiment behind you and laugh at the unforgettable antics of Chevy Chase on Dec. 26, 7 p.m. at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
Tuesday, Dec. 27
A Kwanzaa Celebration. Check out Boomer’s Top 5 Picks for more details.
Wednesday, Dec. 28
Richmond Stories. Every Wednesday, the Valentine offers a staff-led tour highlighting some diverse Richmond Stories on display. Free, no registration required. Dec. 28, 1:30 p.m. at the Valentine, Richmond.
Material Girls Comedy Show. Stand-up comedy from some of Richmond’s best comedians to support the Richmond SPCA. Dec. 28, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Hardywood Richmond Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, Richmond.
“Krampus.” For an entirely different – creepy and dysfunctional – look at the holiday, catch the 2015 movie. Dec. 28, 7 p.m., at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
Submit your event for What’s Booming!
News to Know
New license plate honoring Virginia’s women military veterans. To make the new plate a reality, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) must receive 450 pre-applications and a $10 or $20 deposit by Jan. 11, 2023. For more information and applications, go to DVS.Virginia.gov.
“Past, Present and Future,” 75th Annual Antiques Forum. Even the event is old, at an old historic location, with presentations about old things! Feb. 24 to 28, 2023, virtually and in person at Colonial Williamsburg.
Down the Road
Have you heard about the Apollo exhibit landing at the VMHC, 200 stories, or the Wild and Scenic film festival? A Burning Man artist exhibit? “Les Misérables.”? These and so much more are just around the corner and down the road.
Check out our listing at BoomerMagazine.com
Festive Fun, While It Lasts!
Sacred music, hilarious and heartwarming plays, sparkling lights to fill the long, dark nights …
Find a little bit of a lot Boomer’s holiday happenings events listing
Ongoing Exhibitions
American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Examine our government’s founding and the continuing story of America’s bold experiment in a government “of, by, and for the people.” Through Dec. 31 at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
“Cheers, Virginia!” Learn about how everyday people and crafters have used their skills and ingenuity to make and improve beer, cider, spirits, and wine for their home tables and to consumers – from early settlers to today’s craft beverages. Through Feb. 9, 2023, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Forging Freedom, Justice and Equality. An exhibition covering important themes of Black history across Virginia, from commerce to military, education, sports, entertainment, and more. Through April 29 at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
“Storied Strings.” A new exhibition premiering at the VMFA explores the guitar’s symbolism in American art and its story, through a variety of artistic and musical media. Through March 19, 2023, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
“‘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.
