Downtown Richmond Grand Illumination

The Richmond skyline will be outlined in lights once again this year beginning Friday evening. The epicenter of the magic will happen at the James Center, where The RockNRoll Chorus and the VCU Peppas will help keep things festive just before Snow Queen Katie Dupree of WRIC 8 News, Santa, 103.7 Play’s morning crew Melissa and Jack, and WRIC’s Juan Conde will host the official countdown to illuminate the James Center’s reindeer and Christmas tree along with the downtown skyscrapers.

When: Friday, December 2nd; 5:30 PM (illumination follows at 6:00 PM) | Where: The James Center in Downtown Richmond | Cost: FREE | More info: Event article

— ∮∮∮ —

Dominion Christmas Parade

Santa’s most trusted helper will serve as the official master of ceremonies for the 33rd annual Richmond Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3rd, organizers announced. Buddy The Elf will spread Christmas cheer at the beloved Richmond event Saturday morning, starting at the Science Museum of Virginia. Let’s hope there aren’t any inflatable catastrophes like The Great Rudolph Incident of 2010 in which Richmond made the national news.

When: Saturday, December 2nd; 10:00 AM | Where: West Broad Street from the Science Museum of Virginia to the Marriott | Cost: FREE | More info: Event article

— ∮∮∮ —

RVA Krampusnacht in Carytown

In a festive season chock-full of lighthearted characters like Santa, Frosty, and gingerbread men, one of the last things that comes to mind is a horned, devil-like creature as a symbol of the holidays. Enter Krampus–and a walk in Carytown (this Saturday, December 3rd) dedicated to the mythical beast–RVA Krampusnacht. There are a bunch of other events taking place this weekend outside of the walk itself, which kicks off at 5:30 on Saturday.

When: Saturday, December 2nd; 5:30 PM | Where: Citizen Burger Bar in Carytown | Cost: FREE | More info: Event article

— ∮∮∮ —

St. Catherine’s Holiday House Tour

The Richmond Chapter of the St. Catherine’s Alumnae Board is coordinating a tour of some of Richmond’s most beautiful homes this holiday season. The St. Catherine’s Holiday Hours Tour takes place Sunday, December 4th and features five beautifully decorated homes you can explore for a great cause–all proceeds benefit St. Catherine’s scholarship fund.

When: Sunday, December 3rd; 1:00 – 4:00 PM | Where: Locations throughout the Near West End | Cost: $30 | More info: Event article

— ∮∮∮ —

Ongoing holiday events:

Richmond Tacky Lights Tour

Richmond is home to some of the most highly illuminated homes in the nation, as profiled by many articles and TV shows over the years, and it’s time to, well, get lit! There are dozens of decked out houses around town. You can enjoy a guided tour with any of the local limo or bus tour companies, or just drive around on your own accord. The RTD has a great guide to all of the homes that would make Clark Griswold proud at the link below.

When: Nightly through New Year’s Day | Where: Locations all around Richmond | Cost: FREE | More info: RTD guide

— ∮∮∮ —

Dominion GardenFest of Lights

This year’s Lewis Ginter’s Dominion GardenFest of Lights is entitled “Living Color.” More than a half a million lights will decorate an already beautiful botanical garden. Holiday decorations bring a special magic to for those walking around. This magic, combined with traditional model trains, holiday dinners, firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate (for purchase), and regular family activities, make it a must-do holiday event.  It all starts Friday evening.

When: Nightly through January 7th (see schedule) | Where: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue in Northside | Cost: Tickets start at $8 | More info: Event article

— ∮∮∮ —

Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village

Illuminate Light Show is a unique, six-week celebration of Christmas lights and music. Guests tune their car radio to enjoy over a mile of dancing, sparkling choreographed lights, complete with dazzling tunnels and laughing Santas. After the light show, you can visit Santa’s Village for children’s activities, shopping and holiday entertainment. The lights shine brightly for guests nightly including holidays, and are enjoyed from the cozy comfort of a vehicle.

When: Nightly from 5:30 – 10:00 PM throughout the holidays | Where: The Meadow Event Park, 13048 Dawn Boulevard in Doswell | Cost: Tickets start at $22 per carload | More info: Online ticketing page

— ∮∮∮ —

The Rink at West Broad Village

A new ice rink has opened for the holidays, located in Short Pump at West Broad Village. Now in its second season, The Rink at West Broad Village is open nightly throughout the winter. No skates? No problem. The venue has you covered with hundreds of rental pairs. A little unsteady on your feet? Lessons are available, too!

When: Nightly through the holidays; 3:00 – 7:00 PM | Where: West Broad Village shopping center in Short Pump | Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for kids under 10; $4 to rent skates| More info: Facility website