More What’s Booming RVA: December 7 to 14
A week of events, announcements, and a link to more fun
More of What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, December 7 to 14, 2023. Find your fill of holiday fun and humor, favorite performances, and events highlighting the history of the season – plus author events, exhibitions, and yeah, even more non-holiday happenings.
Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA, browse the week ahead below, or go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
December 7 to 14, 2023
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, December 7
“Good Will” Art Exhibition Opening. Group exhibition from Page Bond Gallery features 20 regional and national artists. Wine and conversation with artists Sarah Irvin, Roberto Jamora, and Sarah Boyts Yoder. December 7, 5 p.m. wine tasting, 6 p.m. conversation, at 3North, Richmond.
“Fate at Petersburg.” Pamplin Park Roundtable presents Dr. Sean Heuvel on the story of Col G. L. Prescott, 32nd Mass., before and during the Civil War. December 7, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
Salsa Fun and Book Event. Nab a signed copy of “100 Things to Do in Richmond Before You Die,” take a salsa dancing lesson, and dance the night away. Salsa lessons are $5 – but FREE with purchase of a book! December 7, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (dancing continues after) at Havana ’59, Richmond.
On the Air Radio Players Present a Hearthside Holiday. Old-time radio performances on holiday themes for all ages. December 7, 7:30 to 9 p.m. both days, at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
“Hollywood” Launch Party with Author Howard Owen. The newest Willie Black crime novel delves into two possibly coincidental deaths, including one on a tombstone in Hollywood Cemetery. December 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Sam Miller Café, Richmond.
Chanukah Celebrations. Events marking the Festival of Lights include a pop-up shop, latkes, services, parties, a community race, lighting of the menorah, learning events, musical performances, and more. December 7 to 15 at various locations, Richmond.
Friday, Dec. 8
Lunch & Learn: Victorian Christmas Traditions. Discover the origin of some beloved Christmas traditions and hear accounts of Civil War Christmases. Dec. 8, noon to 1 p.m., at American Civil War Museum at Tredegar, Richmond.
Wreath Workshop. Use local greens and seasonal ribbons to create wreaths. Dec. 8, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.
A Vieri Mieri Fieri Holiday Extravaganza: REDEMPTION (For Charity). See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Merry Market at Maymont. Twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, cozy fire pits, adult cheer or hot cocoa, hundreds of gift items for sale, live music, roaming carolers, and food trucks. Dec. 8 and 9 at Maymont, Richmond.
K Dance presents SHORTS: Theatre Inside and Out. Plays, dance, and music explore themes of auditioning, waiting to go onstage, and how to be a good audience member. Dec. 8 and 9 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
“The Nutcracker.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Breakfast with Soul Santa. Buffet, holiday activities, and a visit with Soul Santa in his workshop, plus a gift for each child. For kids 5 and younger. Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, Richmond.
Christmas Celebration. Living Civil War historians sharing soldiers’ stories, crafts, visit from Santa, and more. Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
Santa Paws. Take your dog for a free picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Breakfast food truck available. Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to noon, at Short Pump Park, Henrico.
Woodland Cemetery Tour. Join a walking tour highlighting the influential African Americans buried here and learn of the ongoing recovery efforts. Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Woodland Cemetery.
Christmas Through the Centuries. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Winter on the Green. Grand illumination ceremony, horse and carriage rides, visits with Santa, winter character experiences, vendors, and more. Dec. 9, 5 to 8 p.m., at Historic Hanover Courthouse Green, Hanover.
Richmond Boat Parade of Lights. Festively decorated boats navigate the James River. Dec. 9, 5 p.m., from Rocketts Landing to Osbourne Landing, Richmond.
18th-Century Chocolate-Making Demonstrations. Learn how chocolate was prepared and enjoyed in 18th-century Virginia – and how it tasted! FREE. Every Saturday in December at 11 a.m. at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Merry TubaChristmas 50th Anniversary Celebration. Tuba and euphonium players around the world come together at their local venues for a distinctive concert experience. Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Secrets & Symbols: Hidden Messages in Decorative Objects. A new display explores symbolic imagery, hidden messages, and other private references contained in a small selection of items from the museum’s collection. Dec. 9 to Oct. 20, 2024, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Sunday, Dec. 10
RRRC Candy Cane 5k. A ½-mile fun run and 5k, with proceeds donated to Girls on the Run Greater Richmond. Dec. 10, 8:30 and 9 a.m., at Bryan Park, Richmond.
Breakfast with Santa and Friends. Dave & Buster’s presents a breakfast buffet for families alongside options such as crafts, a Santa shop, photos with Santa, and games. Dec. 10, 9 to 11 a.m., at Dave and Buster’s, Glen Allen.
Yuletides at Agecroft Hall: Open House. Experience the Christmas season from three different eras: 17th-century England, 19th-century London, and 20th-century Richmond. Period actors and décor, crafts, cider, sweets, entertainment. FREE. Dec. 10, noon to 5 p.m., at Agecroft Hall & Gardens, Richmond.
Winter Wander. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
GreenSpring’s Annual Holiday Concert: “Making Spirits Bright!” The harp ensemble and choristers present beloved holiday classics. Proceeds benefit Sound Experiences, a music education program for underserved youth. Dec. 10, 2 to 3 p.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richmond.
Paint Your Pet at Wine and Design. Support the SPCA and paint a portrait of your pet, guided by experienced staff. Dec. 10, 2 to 4:30 p.m., at Wine and Design, Fan District, Richmond.
Yellow Brick Joel – A Face to Face Tribute Concert. Feel like you’re right there with the classic pairing of Elton John and Billy Joel. Dec. 10, 2 and 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, Dec. 11
Profs & Pints Richmond: How Outrage Drove Dickens. Besides its story of personal transformation, “A Christmas Carol” reflected Charles Dickens’ suffering in the past, anger at the present, and hope for a better future. Learn how Dickens responded to the world around him by becoming famous as an advocate for Victorian children, early education, and second chances. Dec. 11, 6 to 8 p.m., at Triple Crossing Fulton, Richmond.
Tuesday, Dec. 12
Ashland Theatre’s 1948 Film Series: “The Red Shoes.” The theater celebrates its 75th anniversary with 1948 films each month. Dec. 12, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Controversy / History: Beyond Politics: Voicing Our Ideas. What can history tell us about our future and how can it help shape tomorrow? This series looks at controversial topics in history that are relevant to current issues. FREE, Dec. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Valentine Museum, Richmond.
Movie Mythbusting: “October Sky.” Watch the movie on your own time, then join a virtual discussion of the movie. Hosted by the Museum of History & Culture. FREE, registration required. Dec. 12, 7 p.m., online.
Genealogical Virtual Event. New Year’s DNA Resolutions. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Dec. 12, 7 p.m., online.
Henrico Pops Chorus Holiday Concert. Holiday favorites at this annual concert. Dec. 12, 7 to 8 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Santa’s Symphony Soirée. Support the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra while enjoying musical ensembles, accompanied by festive food, craft cocktails, thematic glassware, and holiday cheer and décor. Festive or tacky holiday garb welcome. Dec. 12 to 14, 6 p.m. each night, at Model Tobacco Lofts, Richmond.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
Introduction to Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR). Learn how to help community cats. Compassionate volunteers trap cats in humane traps, transport them to a veterinary hospital to be sterilized and vaccinated against rabies and return them to the location where they were trapped. Improve the lives of free-roaming, unowned cats by preventing reproduction and safeguard public health. FREE, registration required. Pizza will be provided. Dec. 13, 6 to 8 p.m., at Richmond SPCA auditorium, Richmond.
Words on Fire: Happy Hour Poetry. River City Poets host inspiration and camaraderie, with drinks, mingling, feature performances, and open-mic poetry. Dec. 13, 6 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Thursday, Dec. 14
“In a Constitutional Way: Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and the Meaning of a Loyal Opposition.” In a democracy, how do you disagree with government policy? What is a loyal opposition? See what hyper-partisan political battles of the 1790s suggest. Led by author and historian John A. Ragosta. Presented by the John Marshall Center for Constitutional History & Civics. Livestreaming option available. Dec. 14, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Road Trips
Art and Seasonal Lights
A Shared Vision: The Macon and Joan Brock Collection of American Art. Works by artists such as Winslow Homer, Childe Hassam, John La Farge, Thomas Wilmer Dewing, John Singer Sargent, and many more. Dec. 8 to March 10, 2024, at Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk.
Lights at the Lake. Drive through the park’s campground and beach area for a winter presentation of lights and displays. Plus s’mores kits, campfire, and crafts. Admission: a new, unwrapped toy or monetary contribution for the Cumberland Christmas Mother. Dec. 9 and 10, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. each night, at Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland.
Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination. Tour the historic area, take in musical performances on multiple stages, and ooh and ahh to fireworks displays. Dec. 9 and 16 in Colonial Williamsburg.
News Worth Knowing
Tea Party anniversary, ticket pre-sales, and an enlightening event and exhibition
Revolutionary 250th Anniversary Tea Party Events. A lecture and a seated tea commemorate the Boston Tea Party on Dec. 16. Lecture at 2 p.m. by Dr. Richard Bell, historian and history professor at the University of Maryland. Tea for 250 at 3 p.m. features Bohea tea (which was dumped into the Boston harbor), bakery treats, and period music. At the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Candlelight Concerts Going Fast. A few tickets remaining for live holiday music at striking locations. Dec. 19 and 20 at Bolling Haxall House, Richmond.
January Literary Virginia Book Group. The virtual group discusses “This Boy We Made: A Memoir of Motherhood, Genetics, and Facing the Unknow” by Taylor Harris (a People’s Choice Awards finalist in Nonfiction), on Harris’ journey as a Black mother of a small boy with an unknown illness. Navigating systemic racism in the health care system and caring for her other children, Harris experiences despair, hope, and community. FREE, registration required. Jan 10, 6 p.m., online.
An Evening with David Sedaris. The renowned humorist and author returns to Richmond, offering all-new readings and recollections, a Q&A session, and a book signing. April 10, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond. TICKET PRESALE THROUGH DEC. 7, 10 P.M.
Holiday pre-sale for Broadway in Richmond. Nab your tickets early for “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” (April 2 to 7) and “Beetlejuice” (June 4 to 9) at Altria Theater, Richmond. Pre-sale runs Dec. 11, 10 a.m., to Dec. 15. Subscribe to the e-newsletter here and select “Broadway” to ensure notice of the access code for the online presale when it becomes available.
“Sanctuary Road.” Virginia Opera announces a production inspired by the Underground Railroad. The compelling and historically resonant opera, composed by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec, with a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Mark Campbell, brings to life the harrowing and inspiring tales of those who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad. Feb. 9 and 11 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
“Indigenous Perspectives” Now Open. The multimedia exhibition highlights the commonwealth’s Indigenous history and how the tribes remain a vital part of Virginia’s culture today. Includes video interviews, archival records, and objects contributed by tribes. Through Aug. 17, 2024, at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
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