1. Busch Gardens Annual Christmas Town
Feeling the need for Christmas cheer with a side of an adrenaline rush? Busch Gardens’s sixteenth annual Christmas Town is the experience for you. From Nov. 14th – Jan. 4th, you can chat up Santa in his workshop, hop on over twenty five rides and coasters, feast on various Christmas delights, and enjoy watching classic holiday family-friendly shows. Christmas Town is a separately ticketed event.
2. Dominion Energy Gardenfest of Lights
If you enjoy beautiful sights and have not quite met your step goal, Dominion Energy Gardenfest of Lights fills all the boxes. This year’s theme, from Nov. 7th – Jan. 4th, takes on the elements with millions of lights across the beautiful Lewis Ginter Gardens. If cold noses and toes are a concern, as you take in the lights, stroll on over to the warming fire located in the Cochrane Rose Garden. The walk is not just ordinary paths, climb your way up their homemade natural wood tree houses to get the best view of the terrain of glistening lights. Advance tickets are required and parking is limited, consider getting cozy with your group and carpooling.
Getting that stir of nostalgia again? Dive into the classic story of the nutcracker while supporting our driven Richmond dancers. This is a great way to include the whole family to sit back and take in all the holiday cheer. Prepare for an engaging experience of storytelling and talent displayed in front of you and leave with a cheerful mood. The Richmond Ballet’s Nutcracker will be available to the public from Dec. 6th – 23rd. Sauté into the holiday season and get your tickets early.
More of a history buff? The one hundred and twenty nine year old, Jefferson Hotel, is adorned with thousands of holiday decorations that will be sure to impress even the Grinches. Although the theme is not released until early Dec., expect to see their classic holiday traditions, such as the Jerfferson gingerbread display, holiday photography, and delish meals. If you are looking for a classical Christmas outing and an excuse to wear that fancy outfit rotting in your closet, the Jefferson is the place to be this holiday season.
Stumped with gift selections? The Bizarre Bazaar is filled with unique gifts, with personal touches scattered throughout their productions. Containing over four hundred vendors, the Bizarre Bazaar offers something for everyone in your life. It is impossible to leave without all of your holiday check list checked off and some treats for your hard work this season. This wonderful shop is only open from Dec. 4th to 7th, and it is an event you do not want to miss. The Bizarre Bazaar has such a selection, Santa’s elves are left defeated by the production each year.
What says winter more than gliding across a sheet of ice with your loved ones? Richmond Ice Zone offer a budget friendly way to do just that. Order some hot coco and rent a pair of figure or hockey skates to take the ice with friends and family. The ice is always vibrating with laughter and the cheerful sound of Christmas music. Whether you are headed to the Olympics or can not skate forward, Richmond Ice Zone offers a safe and fun experience for all age groups. If your toes turn to ice, warm up in the cafe or give the many arcade games a go. Most public skating sessions occur on Friday, Saturday and Sundays all season.
Always wanted to time travel? Agecroft offers a holiday experience that takes all of its attendees back through 17th-century England, 19th-century London, and 20th-Century Richmond Virginia. You will get to indulge yourself into various Christmas traditions from each era. As you journey through the historical acres of Agecroft, witness residents during the 1600s reenacting popular Christmas literature, music, and more. This event is completely free and no registration is required, making this an easily accessible educational experience for every individual. Place yourself into this historical event and watch the weight of the present fall off your shoulders.
Yearning for the holiday trifecta of food, shopping, and Christmas decorations? Light Up the Tracks in downtown, Ashland should be on your destination list this season. From Nov. 22nd – Jan. 1st, make your way through a mile long magical scene of a historic Christmas town. Grab a bite to eat while you shop till you drop or simply window shop, surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns and holiday lights.
Find yourself lost in city lights? Prepare to be blinded by Christmas cheer at RVA Illuminates. This free event, on Dec. 5th, gathers the Richmond community together to witness the lighting of thousands of Christmas lights on Richmond’s beautiful skyline. As you build up adrenaline for the big moment, fill your belly with food from delicious local food trucks and your ears with live music. At 5:59pm your spirit will lighten along with the skyline.
10. Altria Theater
Sick of viewing your holiday films from your couch? Altria Theater offers a wide range of holiday shows, including a little bit of something for everyone. Enjoy dressing up and viewing a classic or brand new holiday showing with a beautiful historical venue. With live bands providing the soundtrack, Altria Theater ensures that you will feel as if you are inside the story itself. Browse the many offered holiday showings on their website for more information and to purchase your tickets, you do not want to miss out on a classical experience such as this one.
