11/9/22
Celebrate the season with the many downtown holiday events in Richmond, VA!
From the floats and helium 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!
Made in RVA Holiday Shop at Art Works
ART WORKS, 320 HULL STREET
Friday, November 25–Saturday, December 31, 11 AM-5 PM, Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
​
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.
Free Event.
​
Find more Made in RVA Holiday Shop details here.
Christmas in Early America Guided Tours
John Marshall House, 818 E. Marshall Street
Friday, November 25–Friday, December 23, times vary
​
Enhance your winter holiday with a visit to the historic John Marshall House. Set off on a 45-minute guided tour and see the Chief Justice’s 1790 home bedecked in period garnish and ornament. Themed youth scavenger hunts and coloring sheets will be available to take on tour, and special holiday gifts can be found in the Museum Shop.
Standard admission applies.
​
Find more Christmas in Early America details here.
Shop Small Saturday
DOWNTOWN RICHMOND
Saturday, November 26, 11 AM-6 PM
​
Visit Downtown Richmond and support local shops and small businesses for your holiday shopping on Shop Small Saturday, a nationally celebrated shopping holiday that highlights local and small business owners!
​
Find the perfect gift by checking out our list of shops in Downtown Richmond.
Richmond Symphony presents Let It Snow!
DOMINION ENERGY CENTER, 600 E. GRACE STREET
Saturday, November 26, 8 PM and Sunday, November 27, 3 PM
​
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 at the Carpenter Theatre. Carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites! Conducted by Chia-Hsuan.
Fee for tickets.
​
Find more Let It Snow! details here.
Christmas with C.S. Lewis
LIBBY S. GOTTWALD PLAYHOUSE, 600 E. GRACE STREET
Thursday, December 1–Sunday, December 4, times vary
​
Find C.S. Lewis at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve as he hosts a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England. Viewers will experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulate a whole range of emotions–curiosity, laughter, gladness, and even some tears.
Fee for tickets.
​
Find more Christmas with C.S. Lewis details here.
RVA Illuminates
KANAWHA PLAZA, 801 E. CANAL STREET
Friday, December 2, 4-7 PM
​
Join the anchors of WRIC ABC 8News and live entertainers DJ Lonnie B and Kelli Lemon at the annual RVA Illuminates 2022 at Kanawha Plaza! Count down with ABC8 for the tree lighting and Downtown Richmond skyline lights at 5:59 PM when all the lights come ON! Enjoy live performances, food trucks and a little extra sparkle from holiday lights in Richmond, VA.
Free event.
Elf at Kanawha Plaza
KANAWHA PLAZA, 801 E. CANAL STREET
Friday, December 2, 7-9 PM
​
Pack a chair or blanket, find your perfect spot at Kanawha Plaza, and enjoy an evening featuring the movie Elf, starring Will Ferrell, while taking in the stunning views of Downtown’s holiday skyline. Seating is first come, first served. Bringing blankets and/or chairs for comfort is recommended. No seating is provided. Food vendors on site. Show starts at 7:15 PM.
Free event, sponsored by Venture Richmond.
Shockoe Illuminates
17TH STREET MARKET, 100 N. 17TH STREET
Friday, December 2, 5-7 PM
​
Join WWBT NBC12’s Anthony Antione, WanMor, Young Dylan, and Virginia Theater Machine at 17th Street Market as they kick off the holiday season in Shockoe Bottom! Happenings include the countdown and lighting of the 17th Street Market tree, live performances, roller skating, shopping and food trucks around the market. Free admission.
Free event.
RVA First Friday
DOWNTOWN’S ARTS DISTRICT ALONG BROAD STREET
Friday, December 2, 5-11 PM
​
Get into the holiday spirit as you explore galleries, shops, restaurants, nonprofits, and more at RVA First Friday along and around Broad Street.
Free to attend, fees for shopping.
​
Find more RVA First Friday details here.
​
Christmas Under the Clocktower
MAIN STREET STATION, 1500 E. MAIN STREET
Friday, December 2–Sunday, January 1
​
Christmas Under the Clocktower is back for its third year! Local nonprofits will show off their creativity by decorating Christmas trees. Trees will be unveiled at the Open House on Friday, December 2 at 7 PM. Stop by Main Street Station and vote for your favorite!
Free event.
​
Find more Christmas Under the Clocktower details here.
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
STARTS AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA, TRAVELS EASTBOUND ON BROAD STREET, ENDS AT 7TH AND MARSHALL STREETS DOWNTOWN
Saturday, December 3, 10 AM
​
Welcome back the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade for its 39th annual parade celebration featuring colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses, superheroes and returning favorites including the trademark Wells Fargo stagecoach, VCU Peppas and Legendary Santa! The parade airs live on WTVR CBS 6 News and WTVR.com. Rain or shine.
Free event.
​
Find more Dominion Energy Christmas Parade details here.
Soul Santa
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh Street
Saturday, December 3, 12 PM - 4 PM
​
Time for Soul Santa! BHMVA is thrilled to present our favorite guy in a red suit in person this year. Children will be invited to take a picture with Soul Santa as well as listen to a Christmas story and participate in crafts.
Reservations required.
​
SOLD OUT
Quirk Holiday Market
QUIRK HOTEL, 201 W. BROAD STREET
Sunday, December 4, 10 AM–4 PM
​
Quirk Days of Christmas are here again as they present a Richmond holiday market event! Join Quirk for an incredible line up of talent, music and creative libations.
Free event.
​
Find more Quirk Holiday Market details here.
Bike the Holiday Lights Tours
BASKET AND BIKE, 301 E. CARY STREET
Monday, December 5–Sunday, January 8, 3-5:30 PM
​
Join Basket & Bike and RVA on Wheels for a Holiday Biking Tour of Downtown Richmond. On this afternoon/early evening bike tour, take to the avenues and bike lanes for a seasonal ride along the riverfront. You’ll discover new ways to tell the story of our beautiful region and river. As dusk approaches, you’ll pass through the holiday lights as you return to Shockoe Slip, where your tour includes a beverage voucher for a free wine, beer, tea, or coffee at locally owned neighbors Urban Farmhouse.
Fee for tickets.
​
Find more Bike the Holiday Lights Tours details here.
Richmond Night Market: Holiday Villages
The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay Street and 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th Street
Thursday, December 8, 2-7 PM at The Valentine
Saturday, December 10-Sunday, December 11, 12-5 PM at 17th Street Market
​
Shop local artists and support surrounding Shockoe Bottom restaurants at Richmond Night Market: Holiday Villages, a fresh open air platform for handmade and independent artists. Entertainment and programming include live music, cultured and diverse programming and activities for all ages! Richmond Night Market is a monthly, open-air night market held at the 17th Street Market and features a family-friendly experience filled with music, programming and vendors.
Free to attend, fees for vendors.
​
Find more Richmond Night Market: Holiday Villages details here.
Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker
DOMINION ENERGY CENTER, 600 E. GRACE STREET
Friday, December 9-Friday, December 23, times vary
​
Brand new scenery designed by Alain Vaës, a new Chinese dance choreographed by Ma Cong, and refreshed costumes make their much-anticipated debut! While these stunning designs will delight with their vibrant colors and fantastical imagery, they extend from the same storybook vision for which Stoner Winslett’s production is so beloved. Don’t miss your chance to experience this next magical evolution to The Nutcracker this holiday season!
Fee for tickets.
​
Find more Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker details here.
Richmond Makers Market: Holiday Cheers
BASIC CITY BEER CO., 212 W. 6TH STREET
Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11, 12-6 PM
​
This Richmond holiday market features new makers monthly ranging from candlemakers and crafters to confections and works of clay. Head to Manchester’s Basic City Beer Co., a dog-friendly brewery, for an afternoon of shopping and supporting local RVA makers.
Free event.
​
Find more Richmond Makers Market: Holiday Cheers details here.
Richmond Boat Parade of Lights
STARTS AT ROCKETTS LANDING
Saturday, December 10, 4:45 PM
​
Each year, owners decorate their boats and converge on the James River for a parade that marks the beginning of the holiday season. Grab the family and gather at one of the several viewing sites to see the boats and enjoy holiday entertainment. Rain or shine.
Free event.
​
Find more Richmond Boat Parade of Lights details here.
Winter Wander: Celebrate Court End
THE VALENTINE, 1015 E. CLAY STREET
Sunday, December 11, 12-4 PM
​
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 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 for open houses and other activities.
Free event.
​
Find more Winter Wander: Celebrate Court End details here.
Holiday Trivia at Hatch Local
Hatch Local Food Hall, 400 Hull Street
Thursday, December 15, 7 PM
​
Join Hatch Local for a holiday themed trivia night! Win exciting prizes and sip on festive drinks while you put your holiday trivia knowledge to test!
Free event.
​
Find more Holiday Trivia at Hatch Local details here.
Kismet Holiday Market
Richbrau Brewing, 5 S. 20th Street
Saturday, December 17, 1–6 PM
Head to Shockoe Bottom and join Richbrau Brewing for their Kismet Holiday Market! Peruse 20+ artists & makers while you sip on a magical mash-up of flavor with one of their many delicious beers!
Free event.
​
Find more Kismet Holiday Market details here.
Wonderland on Hull Street
Hatch Local Food Hall, 400 Hull Street
Saturday, December 17, 12-6 PM
​
Hatch Local Food Hall is back with another holiday market, right in time for your last minute holiday shopping! Shop tons of talented vendors, enjoy delicious food from the Hatch Locals and sip on specialty cocktails from the bar. Free garage parking at 4 E. 5th Street with 2 hour validation.
Free event.
​
Find more Wonderland on Hull Street details here.
Breakfast with Santa
Southern Kitchen Restaurant, 541 N. 2nd Street
Sunday, December 18, 9–11 AM & 11:15 AM–1:15 PM
​
Join Southern Kitchen Restaurant this holiday season for Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a buffet style breakfast with homemade waffles, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit, pastries, treats for kids and so much more!
Reservations are required.
​
Find more Breakfast with Santa details here.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival
Greater Richmond Convention Center - Exhibit Hall B, 403 N. 3rd Street
Friday, December 30, 5–11 PM
Celebrate the season with Elegba Folklore Society and the creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, at one of the largest annual Kwanzaa events on the East Coast! Come to enjoy a cultural ceremony, performances, workshops, engagement for children, and an African market.
Tickets start at $5.
​
Find more Capital City Kwanzaa Festival details here.
New Years Eve Bash at Bryant's Cider
Bryant’s Cider RVA, 2114 E. Main Street
Saturday, December 31, 8 PM–12:30 AM
​
Ring in the new year at Bryant’s Cider in Shockoe Bottom! Music, food & drink specials, giveaways and more are all in store. Top off your NYE with a cider toast just as the clock strikes midnight!
Free event.
​
Find more New Years Eve Bash details here.
