More What’s Booming RVA: Dec. 5 to 12
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus two day trips
The holidays are in full swing with events galore, plus anytime lectures, concerts, theater, and more. What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, December 5 to 12, 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 5 to 12
Thursday, December 5
Scientist Turned Spy. André Michaux was one of the most accomplished scientific explorers of North America before Lewis and Clark. But there is more to his story. Michaux found himself thrust into the middle of a vast international conspiracy as the revolutionary French government conscripted him into its service as a secret agent in 1793. December 5, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Petersburg Civil War Roundtable: The Battle of Dranesville. After the guns of Manassas fell silent, the opposing armies grappled for position wondering what would come next. Popular history has us believe that daily briefings reported something along the lines of “All quiet along the Potomac.” Reality was altogether different. December 5, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
Dexter and The Moonrocks and Nashville rocker Liam St. John. The originators of western space grunge showcase a blend of country western, rock, and grunge influenced by their lives in Abilene, Texas. Liam St. John is full of grit, passion, and deeply personal storytelling. December 5, 7:30 p.m., at The National, Richmond.
“It’s a Great Holiday, Flashlight Tag” wsg Vexine. Holiday music classics, favorites, and originals with special guests Arthur Grant, BJ Kocen, and more. Plus shenanigans, outfits, and wholesome family mayhem. Dress in your favorite holiday pajamas, sweaters, character cosplay, and seasonal garb. Portion of proceeds to Foxfire Eventing. December 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
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. December 5 to 8 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
RVA Krampusnacht. Be part of the celebrations acknowledging a unique character from Alpine Christmas traditions, Krampus. There’s a mask-making workshop, art, market, Krampus Walk, brunch with Krampus, a ball, and a haunted Christmas experience. December 5 to 8 and 13 to 14 at various venues around Richmond.
“Fiddler on the Roof.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
A Gift to the City: Advent 2024. First Baptist Church presents services and special events to celebrate the Christmas holy days, from Sunday worship weekly, Christmas Village (Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Joy to the World Choir Concert (Dec. 8, 7 p.m.), and Christmas Eve services. Through Dec. 24 at First Baptist Church, Richmond.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Charlie Bucket finds a golden ticket to the Wonka Chocolate Factory. When he and the other winners explore this world of sweets and imagination, they embark on an journey through Willy Wonka’s madcap mind. December 5 to Jan. 12, 2025, at The November Theatre, Richmond.
Friday, December 6
Annual Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The 83rd annual ceremony to honor and remember all Virginians and Americans killed on Dec. 7, 1941, during the surprise attack on U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Reading of the names of all Virginians who died during the attack, wreath laying and ringing of the ship’s bell from the USS Virginia, speakers, and the Navy Hymn and other patriotic music. (Dec. 6 due to road closures in Richmond for the parade on Dec. 7.) FREE, outdoor event. Dec. 6, 11 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
Friday at the Museum. Discover the heritage of Henrico and the stories of people, places, and events at historic sites. Dec. 6, noon to 4 p.m., at Dabbs House Museum, Henrico.
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.
After 5 Fridays – First Friday: Reveille Ringers. The handbell choir presents two half-hour performances (6 and 7 p.m.) in the holiday spirit. Dec. 6, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Cécile McLorin Salvant. The composer, singer, and visual artist shares a journey of compelling narratives, unexpected twists, and humor, reflecting French and Haitian heritage. Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
First Fridays with Festival Favorites. Improv, hilarity, love, and chaos. And maybe a little more alliteration! Dec. 6, 8 p.m., at CSz Richmond Theater, Henrico.
Saturday, December 7
Jingle Bell Bazaar. Books, crafts, food, jewelry, home décor, baked goods, and raffle prizes. Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Ecoff Elementary School, Chester.
Christmas Through the Centuries. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Breakfast with Santa. Breakfast buffet, Santa photo op, unlimited video game play. Dec. 7, 9 to 11 a.m., at Dave & Buster’s, Short Pump.
Fresh Holiday Sprays. Create a holiday adornment using freshly cut greenery like cedar and magnolia. Bring garden shears and gloves. Age 16+. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon, at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Ornament Making. Choose from a selection of holiday ornaments for youth to adult – painting on wooden shapes, yarn trees, and more. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon, at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Holiday in the Warehouse All Ceramic Show and Sale. Join more than a dozen local potters for an all-clay show and sale. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Clayworks Supplies, Richmond.
Richmond Christmas Parade. Immerse yourself in the holiday season with the 41st annual holiday 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.
“100 Things to Do in Richmond Before You Die.” Author and Boomer editor, Annie Tobey, shares insider views of Richmond and highlights places and experiences from her recent book. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to noon, at Tuckahoe Library, Henrico.
Christmas Village. A variety of vendors, Santa, and kids’ activities. Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church, Richmond.
Christmas Open House at Magnolia Grange. Kids’ crafts, music, refreshments, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. In celebration of the 275th anniversary of the founding of Chesterfield County, families can test their local history knowledge with the County Fun Facts Treasure Hunt throughout the house. FREE. Dec. 7, 1 to 4 p.m., at Magnolia Grange, Chesterfield.
Quilts to Build a Dream On: The History of Quilts. For centuries, quilters imbued symbols onto these beloved and necessary household items. Get a glimpse of history through cloth. Dec. 7, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum, Glen Allen.
Holiday Pet Photos with Santa – Benefitting Friends of Kat Simons Foundation. Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa and support a cause. Dec. 7, 2 to 5 p.m., at The Virginia Cliffe Inn, Glen Allen.
Our Secrets of Christmas. The Virginians, the Richmond Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, have been performing a capella chorus in the Richmond area since 1952. The show blends traditional and memorable Christmas music from a mixed ensemble of singers and chapter quartets. Dec. 7, 3 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Blended Voices Holiday Concert & “Elf” Movie. Holiday performance by the award-winning therapeutic recreation program and performers from Henrico Theatre Company, followed by a screening of the Christmas movie. Dec. 7, 3 to 5 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Holiday Performances and Tree Lighting. Music, face painting, Santa, Christmas ventriloquist, scavenger hunt, sweets, and more. FREE. Dec. 7, 4:30 to 7 p.m., at Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
Legends on Grace: A Jazzy Holiday! Desirée Roots and Georgia Rogers Farmer present a holiday cabaret, accompanied by a jazz combo led by Dr. Weldon Hill. Dec. 7, 8 p.m., and Dec. 8, 2 p.m. at Bob & Sally Mooney Hall at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
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.
“The Nutcracker.” 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” (staged reading and film screenings), “The Polar Express,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “The Grinch,” and “Home Alone.” Through Dec. 24 at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Sunday, December 8
Winter Wander. Tour historic Court End and hop on a free trolley for activities at other nearby cultural sites. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and partake in refreshments and family crafts. Performances from the Fox Elementary School Choir, Richmond Ballet’s Minds in Motion Ambassadors, Virginia Opera’s Tunes & Tales and Klezm’Or’Ami’m. FREE. Dec. 8, noon to 4 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
Yuletides Open House. Historic reenactors demonstrate holiday traditions common in 17th-century England, 19th-century London, and 20th-century Richmond, Virginia, with activities and performances inside and outside the museum. Explore the museum, gardens, and grounds of the Tudor manor house. FREE. Dec. 8, noon to 5 p.m., at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
Holiday Artisan Market at Strangeways. Local vendors present handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more. Dec. 8, noon to 5 p.m., at Strangeways in Scott’s Addition, Richmond.
“Casablanca.” The screening honors VMFA’s special exhibition, “American, born Hungary: Kertész, Capa, and the Hungarian American Photographic Legacy.” Hungarian-born director Michael Curtiz displayed a superb sense of cinematography and composition in this high-water mark of Hollywood cinema. Dec. 8, 1 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Fresh Holiday Sprays. Create a holiday adornment using freshly cut greenery like cedar and magnolia. Bring garden shears and gloves. Age 16+. Dec. 8, 2 to 4 p.m., at Deep Run Park & Recreation Center, Henrico.
Clarke-Palmore Christmas Open House. Craft station, games, tours, train ride (2 to 3 p.m.), and fire pit for s’mores, plus cider and Santa. Dec. 8, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Clarke-Palmore House Museum, Henrico.
Friendship Circle of VA – Disability and Adaptive Fashion Show. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Christmas with the Richmond Choral Society. Seasonal music with pieces by Felix Mendelssohn, Andre Thomas, and others. Dec. 8, 4 p.m., at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Henrico.
Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. Schola Cantorum and guests join organ and brass to lead a Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the tradition of King’s College at Cambridge. Readings, carols, and seasonal music set a contemplative and celebratory tone for the holiday season. FREE. Dec. 8, 5 and 8 p.m., at Cannon Memorial Chapel, University of Richmond.
Joy to the World: Christmas Choir Concert. An hour of carols from around the world from the adult choir, youth choir, orchestra, and handbell choir. FREE. Dec. 8, 7 p.m., at First Baptist Church, Richmond.
A MoTown Christmas feat: MoTown and More. Talented local artists perform favorite Motown songs by legendary artists including Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Four Tops, and more. Dec. 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Tuesday, December 10
Blast from the Past Book Club. Pairing a book and a visit to a Henrico County historic site every other month. This week: “Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us from Missiles to the Moon to Mars” by Nathalia Holt. Dec. 10, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Hidden Creek Recreation Center, Henrico.
Henrico Pops Chorus Holiday Concert. Holiday favorites. Dec. 10, 7 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
New Year’s DNA Resolutions. Working with DNA results using concepts previously explored by the group. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Dec. 10, 7 p.m., online.
Spending Christmas with Alicia Witt – Album Release Show. Piano-driven pop music, with “sharply personal, boldly melodic pop originals in the Carole King/Billy Joel vein,” said the Philadelphia Inquirer. Dec. 10, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Henrico Holiday Express Tour. Catch the Recreation and Parks Parade Float along with a decorated firetruck, dump truck, library van, school bus, and Santa.
- Three Chopt & Tuckahoe Districts. Dec. 10, leaving from Twin Hickory Library at 5 p.m., stopping at Deep Run Recreation Center around 8 p.m.
- Varina District. Dec. 11, leaving Varina Library at 5 p.m., stopping at the Henrico Theatre around 8 p.m.
- Brookland & Fairfield Districts. Dec. 12, leaving Libbie Mill Library at 5 p.m., stopping at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center around 8 p.m.
“Mamma Mia!” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Wednesday, December 11
Literary Virginia Book Group. The online book group features Virginia authors. Up this week, “Crossing the River Styx” by Russ Ford. Loaner books available at the Library of Virginia security desk. Dec. 11, 6 p.m., online.
Albert Castiglia & Gabe Stillman. Two accomplished blues musicians bring their talents to Richmond. Dec. 11, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, December 12
Teacher Program – Process, Position, and Point-of-View: Thinking Like an Artist. Showing educators how to infuse artistic habits of mind into their practice, including art-making processes of featured contemporary artists in VMFA’s collection who use artistic enhancement in their teaching practice. Dec. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
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.
Puddles Pity Party. The sad seven-foot clown with a voice like a musical legend has become known for his YouTube performance and nearly 900k subscribers as well as shows around the world. Dec. 12, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Road Trips
Light up the season
Lights at the Lake. Visitors drive through the park’s campground and beach area to experience a wonderland of lights and community displays – this year in honor of first responders – plus activities and refreshments. Dec. 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15 from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland.
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. 7, 14, and 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.
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