Downtown Richmond's 2024 Holiday Calendar

From the floats and giant character balloons at the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade to the holiday lights across Richmond’s skyline at RVA Illuminates; Downtown Richmond is full of things to do and see during the holidays!

​

Events are listed in chronological order, November through December, and are continuously updated with new information.

When: Wednesday, November 13-Saturday, December 21, times vary

Where: Wick & Sip Candle Lounge, 1321 1/2 E. Main Street

Cost: $95

​

This holiday season, enjoy the classic Wick & Sip experience featuring Joy Blooms by Paula. Create a custom candle and floral arrangement—crafted by you! Choose your scent, flowers, and vessel, and enjoy two complimentary beverages while making the perfect gift for you or a loved one.

When: Friday, November 15, 8 PM

Where: Carpenter Theater at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace Street

Cost: Tickets start at $51.50.

​

Join the 10th Anniversary Tour of America’s longest-running drag tour, hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Nina West! You’ll experience live performances by your favorite queens in a special Christmas Edition. Don’t miss the chance to meet the queens in person and celebrate the winners, fan favorites, legends, and Miss Congeniality!

When: Tuesday, November 19, 7 PM

Where: Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace Street

Cost: Tickets start at $39.50

​

See Rudolph, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble, Clarice, and Yukon Cornelius live on stage at the Carpenter Theatre in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. This holiday adventure celebrates the magic of being unique, making it the perfect family tradition for all.

When: Thursday, November 21, 5:30-7:30 PM

Where: American Civil War Museum, 490 Tredegar Street

Cost: Free

​

Join the American Civil War Museum for their second-annual Tredegar Tree Lighting and watch as the 20ft tree in the museum lobby is illuminated! Enjoy live music by the Joe Sarver Trio and get into the holiday cheer(s) with Virago Spirits. As an official Toys for Tots collection partner, ACWM encourages donations of unwrapped toys.

When: Thursday November 21 - Sunday November 24, Times Vary

Where: Gottwald Playhouse, 600 E. Grace Street

Cost: Tickets start at $34.50

​

Experience award-winning actor Gregory Williams Welsch as he brings C.S. Lewis’s transformative journey to life in an unforgettable performance. Enjoy Welsch's profound conversation with Lewis's close friend, J.R.R. Tolkien, as he reshapes his perspective on Christmas. This captivating performance brims with humor, warmth, and heartfelt moments.

When: Friday-Sunday, November 22-24, times vary

Where: Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street

Cost: Tickets start at $16.80

​

Craft + Design, produced by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, has garnered a reputation for showcasing the finest in contemporary arts and craft. Craft + Design kicks off the official holiday shopping season in downtown Richmond, where shoppers spend the weekend browsing the works of artists from all over the country.

When: Saturday, November 23, 1-4 PM

Where: Anne’s Visual Art Studio Gallery, 208 W. Broad Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Come shop for the perfect Christmas gifts and unique art pieces! Enjoy holiday-inspired music, along with cozy refreshments like coffee, tea, cocoa, and hot cider, plus a spread of delicious treats.

When: Saturday, November 23, 2-5 PM

Where: Gold Lion Community Cafe, 1012 Hull Street

Cost: $50

​

Reclaim the holiday spirit with the Gold Lion Community Café Holiday Photoshoot! Just in time to create the perfect holiday card, take professional photos with Drag Santa and Mx. Claus, using festive props for a one-of-a-kind experience.

When: Friday, November 22 - Sunday, December 29, 11 AM-5 PM; Open every day except Monday

Where: Art Works, 320 Hull Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

You’ll love Richmond holiday shopping in the Made in RVA Holiday Shop. It’s filled with local holiday gifts! Everything is handmade, from ceramics, jewelry, candles and soaps to paintings and photography of Richmond’s historical landmarks, the river and unforgettable city scenes.

When: Saturday, November 30 - Monday, December 23, 11 AM-5 PM (open until 8PM on Thursdays)

Where: Studio Two Three, 109 W. 15th Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Does searching for the perfect holiday gift get your tinsel in a tangle? Well, look no further than Studio Two Three and give the gift of local art! From clothing to handmade treasures from local artisans, this market offers goods sure to please anyone on your Holiday gift list!

When: Saturday, November 30

Where: Downtown RVA

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Visit Downtown RVA and support the local shops and small businesses like Odd Bird, Verdalina, TXTUR, Shockoe Bottom Clay, and more for Shop Small Saturday, a nationally celebrated shopping holiday that highlights local and small business owners!

When: Saturday, November 30, Saturday, December 7 and 14, 11 AM-3 PM

Where: Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh Street

Cost: Free

​

The jolliest man in the world is making a stop in Jackson Ward at the Black History Museum! Kids will enjoy meeting and taking pictures with Soul Santa and sharing their lists. Stick around the museum for more holiday cheer for kids. Reserve a timeslot in advance online for free.

When: Saturday, November 30, 3 PM or 8 PM

Where: Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace Street

Cost: Tickets start at $10

​

A Richmond holiday music tradition is back again on Thanksgiving weekend by popular demand! Celebrate the season alongside family and friends with the Richmond Symphony. Carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites! Conducted by Hae Lee.

When: Beginning November 30, 4-6 PM

Where: Downtown RVA

Cost: Ticketed Event

​

Experience Richmond’s delightfully tacky and beautifully decorated holiday lights in your style! Basket & Bike offers festive bike tours through Richmond's lit-up neighborhoods, with stunning views of downtown Christmas lights along the riverfront.

When: Tuesday, December 3, 6:30 PM

Where: The Hippodrome Theatre, 528 N. 2nd Street

Cost: Tickets start at $25

​

Hold onto your Santa hats because Shockoe Records is about to throw a Christmas party that'll leave you rockin' around the chaos! Get ready for A Shockoe Sessions Live! Christmas, where we’re cranking up the volume, tearing down the tinsel, and making this holiday season the wildest one yet, all while supporting the Richmond Animal League.

When: Select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, December 3 - 23

Where: The Queen’s Library Tea Room, 221 E. Clay Street

Cost: Tickets start at $75

​

This December, The Queen's Library Tea Room invites you to a unique holiday tea experience set in a charming 100-year-old historic building. Savor delicious foods paired with classic British holiday teas. Celebrate the season with a special reading of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens while you enjoy your tea.

When: Friday, December 6, 4 - 7 PM; Rain or shine.

Where: Kanawha Plaza, 701 E. Canal Street

Cost: Free

​

Countdown with ABC8 for the tree lighting and illumination of the Downtown Richmond skyline at 5:59 PM when all the lights come ON! Enjoy live performances by by Desire Roots, AJ Jones, and The Falcon Notes of Huguenot High School, food trucks and a little extra sparkle from holiday lights in Richmond, VA.

When: Friday, December 6-15, 5-9 PM

Where: Atlas Gallery, 114 W. Marshall Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Join a thoughtfully curated holiday market, hosted by ART 180. Discover unique gifts from passionate artists, perfect for spreading holiday cheer this season.

When: Friday, December 6, 5-11 PM

Where: Downtown Richmond Arts District

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Head to Downtown Richmond’s Arts District and get into the holiday spirit when you explore the many galleries, shops, restaurants and more! Don’t forget your Holiday shopping list - small businesses have options for all.

When: Friday, December 6, 6-9 PM

Where: Moving Mountains Tattoo Collective, 20 E. Broad Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Bring a puzzle. Take a puzzle. And cross some names off your holiday wishlist! Local vendors and artisans include Fernway Glass, Passion Project RVA, Aaron Tran Art, and Pottery Ghoul.

When: Friday, December 6, Saturday December 7, times vary

Where: Whilom Goods, 26 N, 8th Street

Cost: Tickets start at $65

​

Get into the holiday spirit at Whilom Goods by creating your very own hand-painted ceramic mug! Whether you're crafting a thoughtful gift or treating yourself, it's the perfect way to add a personal touch to this festive season.

When: Friday, December 6, 12-8 PM; Saturday, December 7, 12-8 PM

Where: 26 N. 8th Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Join Jean + Cook and Whilom Goods and shop vintage clothing, accessories, home decor, handmade candles, ceramics, and more! Don’t miss your chance to sip, shop, and snap a photo in front of the vintage-inspired christmas tree!

When: Saturday, December 7, 10 AM

Where: Starts at the Science Museum of Virginia and travels east along Broad St., ending at 7th Street

Cost: Free

​

The Dominion Energy Christmas Parade has become a staple of Richmond’s holiday calendar. The parade starts at the Science Museum of Virginia and travels along Broad Street, ending at 7th Street downtown. Watch as larger than life balloons, marching bands, festive floats and costume characters make their way down the street as holiday music plays. Santa himself makes an appearance on his own float!

When: Saturday, December 7, 11 AM-4 PM

Where: Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Krampus, a mythical creature from Central European folklore, serves as Santa's dark counterpart, tasked with scaring naughty children during the holiday season. Join RVA Krampus (and be on your best behavior!) for an evening of festive shopping, featuring unique, handcrafted creations from talented local crafters and artisans.

When: Saturday, December 7th, 12-3 PM

Where: Echelon Wine Bar, 1209 E. Cary Street

Cost: Free

​

Looking for a special bottle for your holiday dinner? Or a great gift for the wine lovers in your life? Join Echelon Wine Bar for a tasting of 15 wines perfect for the holidays. Reservations are required, and wine will be available for purchase after the complimentary tasting.

When: Saturday-Sunday, December 7 and 8, 12-6 PM

Where: Basic Beer Co., 212 W. 6th Street; Legend Brewing Co., 321 W. 7th Street

Cost: Pay as you shop.

​

This Richmond holiday market features more than 35 local makers with products ranging from candles, clothing, jewelry and works of art. To celebrate the holiday season, this monthly market is adding a festive twist to the event. Head to Manchester’s Basic City Beer Co., a dog-friendly brewery, for an afternoon of shopping and supporting local RVA makers.

When: December 7 - 23, times vary

Where: Dominion Energy Center for Performing Arts, 600 E. Grace Street

Cost: Tickets start at $25

​

Stoner Winslett’s production of the beloved holiday classic has charmed Virginians for more than four decades. With its stunning choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker is a magical experience for audiences of all ages! Tickets can be bought online or at the box office. Tickets can be bought online or at the box office.

When: Sunday, December 8, 10 AM-4 PM

Where: Quirk Hotel/Common House, 201/303 W. Broad Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Quirk Days of Christmas are here again and they've teamed up with Common House to present a Richmond holiday market event in Downtown Richmond’s Arts District! Join Quirk and Common House at both locations for an incredible line up of talent, music and creative libations at their annual Holiday Market.

When: Sunday, December 8, 12-4 PM

Where: The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay Street

Cost: Free

​

Join The Valentine for some winter cheer on their picturesque block of East Clay Street in Downtown Richmond. Hot beverages, family crafts and games and live music and performances by Richmond Ballet's Minds in Motion Ambassadors, the Fox Elementary School Choir, Virginia Opera's Tunes & Tales, and Klezm'Or'Ami'm are all in store. You can also take a self-guided tour of the historic Court End neighborhood and hop on a shuttle to visit nearby cultural sites and museums for open houses and other activities.

When: Thursday, December 12 and Friday, December 20, times vary

Where: Bolling Haxall House, 211 E. Franklin Street

Cost: Tickets start at $24

​

Experience the timeless sounds of classic Christmas carols by the Listeso String Quartet at the beautiful Bolling Haxall House. Enjoy holiday music surrounded by the light of thousands of candles in this enchanting, historic setting.

When: Saturday, December 14, 11 AM-1 PM

Where: The Berkeley Hotel, 1200 E. Cary Street

Cost: $30 per adult, kids 5-10 eat 50% off, kids under 5 eat FREE!

​

Get into the holiday spirit with a festive brunch buffet and photos with Santa at the charming Berkeley Hotel! Reservations are required. It’s a magical experience the whole family will enjoy.

When: Saturday, December 14, 12-8 PM

Where: Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Richmond Night Market’s Holiday Villages is a multicultural holiday market shopping experience featuring local goods, art, food, music and the best of Richmond culture. This market features a family-friendly experience filled with independent artists and vendors. After shopping you can support the Shockoe Bottom restaurants too!

When: Saturday, December 14, 5 PM

Where: Starts at City of Richmond’s Intermediate Terminal, 3101 Wharf Street

Cost: Free

​

Each year, owners decorate their boats and converge on the James River for a parade that lights up the water with color. Grab the family and gather along downtown’s riverfront from the Intermediate Terminal to Rockett’s Landing to see the boats and enjoy holiday entertainment on the river. Rain or shine.

When: Saturday, December 14, 7 PM

Where: Ember Music Hall, 309 E. Broad Street

Cost: $20

​

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, magic, and holiday spirit at the 2nd Annual Holiday Cabaret, hosted by CNTR. Featuring an incredible lineup of performers, this event promises a night to remember. All proceeds support CNTR Cares, helping the organization give back to the community this season.

When: Saturday, December 14, 7 PM

Where: CNTR, 318 W. Broad Street

Cost: $20 advance, $25 at door

​

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, magic, and holiday spirit at the 2nd Annual Holiday Cabaret, hosted by CNTR. Featuring an incredible lineup of performers, this event promises a night to remember. All proceeds support CNTR Cares, helping the organization give back to the community this season.

When: Sunday, December 15, 5-9 PM

Where: Fallout RVA, 117 N. 18th Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Come shop ghoulish goods and creep-tastic creations for the holidays (or any occasion) from Richmond’s own sellers and makers at Fallout RVA. Discover unique gifts for those tricky-to-shop-for people on your list! Ages 18+, no membership required.

When: Thursday, December 19, times vary

Where: Bolling Haxall House, 211 E. Franklin Street

Cost: Tickets start at $24

​

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to the awe-inspiring Bolling Haxall House. Get your tickets now to discover Holiday inspired music under the gentle glow of candlelight!

When: Saturday-Sunday, December 21 - 22, 12-5 PM

Where: Stone Brewing, 4300 Williamsburg Avenue

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Experience this “enchanted” Richmond market with a wintery twist! Browse through vendors’ collections of wellness products, candles, crystals and more. Live music will be played and food vendors will be present. Find the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones here!

When: Saturday, December 21, 10 AM-2 PM

Where: American Civil War Museum, 480 Tredegar Street

Cost: Free

​

Celebrate the season at the American Civil War Museum with a day of cheerful festivities and a visit from Santa! Start by meeting Santa in Tredegar’s lobby, then head inside for holiday crafts and delicious hot cocoa. Fun for the whole family awaits!

When: Sunday, December 22, 12-7 PM

Where: Benchtop Brewing, 434 Hull Street

Cost: Pay as you shop

​

Join Petty Markets and Benchtop Brewing for a last-minute Christmas market! Shop local vendors, enjoy local food and drink, and live music while you cross the remaining few off your holiday gift list.

When: Saturday, December 28, 1-7 PM

Where: Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N 3rd Street

​

Celebrate the season with the Elegba Folklore Society at one of the East Coast's largest annual Kwanzaa celebrations! Enjoy a rich cultural experience featuring a traditional ceremony, live performances, workshops, activities for children, and an African market.

Don't see your event above? Send us a line with details so we can add it to our list.