Downtown to get Lit with the Grand Illumination this Friday

This Friday downtown Richmond will get considerably brighter. Festivities start at 5:50 PM at the James Center and lead up to to the flipping of the switch that turns on the lights on the James Center, surrounding buildings, the massive Christmas tree, and a herd of lovely deer.

The 34^th Annual Celebration of the Holiday Season at James Center! Bring your family to James Center for a beautiful (free) family tradition. At 5:50 p.m. Santa, Snow Queen, Jack Frost, 8News, 103.7 Play and Friends will welcome everyone to James Center and count down the seconds to turn on the downtown office buildings lights AND James Center’s Great Tree & Reindeer! From 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., experience the magic of the holidays with family entertainment. James Center is very excited to present Good Shot Judy as our featured performance!

This year Melissa Chase from 103.7 Play will return as Snow Queen. Jack Lauterback, of Play Mornings will return as Jack Frost! Our entertainment includes: Good Shot Judy, Silly Bus and the Richmond Ballet cast of The Nutcracker!

This year, James Center is bringing awareness to Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). SCAN will be at Grand Illumination collecting toys for 200 Richmond area children. During the holiday season, these children will be coming to James Center so their parents or guardians can “shop” for gifts. Please bring unwrapped gifts for children ages 0-17 to the collection sleigh located in the lobby of One James Center before December 7.

After the Grand Illumination, head over to Kanawha Plaza for a continued “Illumination Celebration!” Carry on the holiday cheer with music, food, kettle corn, hot chocolate and other various entertainment! Festivities will begin at 7:00 p.m., just a block away from the James Center.