Merry & Bright in RVA: Your Richmond VA Holiday Event Guide (2023)

The most wonderful time of the year is here! The holiday season is a magical time in the Richmond Region as neighborhoods and storefronts light up with dazzling displays and holiday festivities abound. If you’re looking for holiday cheer, you’ve come to the right place! Check out these festive RVA events, hotel deals and holiday markets to get you in the spiritthis season.

Events & Attractions

Holiday Happenings at Maymont

Maymont

November 18, 2022- January 2023 | (Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year's Day)

Celebrate the season at Maymont and revel in classic Victorian holiday splendor! Tour through the Maymont estate's historic mansion and marvel at the 12-foot Christmas tree, the opulent holiday decorations, and lavish giftsof 1893. Plus, save the date for holiday wreath making workshops beginning November 29,and this year's new Merry Market artisan festival on December 2 and 3! Visit the Maymont website for more details.

(Photo credit:Michael Simon Photography)

Light Up the Tracks Celebration

Downtown Ashland

November 19, 2022- January 1, 2023 | (Select Dates & Times)

Stroll the mile-long holiday light displayin the downtown historic district and see the iconicrailroad tracks adorned with twinkling white lights!Stop in the local shops in this vintage Christmas villagefor holiday specials, and enjoy dinner at one of the charming local restaurants. Plus, don't miss scheduled events including a gingerbread scavenger hunt, live musical performancesand more. For more details, click here.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

November 21, 2022- January 8, 2023 | Open Nightly 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Closed Thanksgiving, Dec. 24& 25)

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts the ultimate holiday extravaganza during theDominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. This annual holiday tradition features one million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains and more. See illuminated figures throughout like unicorns, butterflies and their famouspeacock, plus a live 20-foot Christmas tree inside their Conservatory. Click here for more information..

(Photo credit: Sarah Hauser)

Kings Dominion's WinterFest

Kings Dominion

November 25, 2022- January 1, 2023 | (Select Nights)

See the Kings Dominion park magically transform into a winter wonderland during the ultimate holiday celebration!Kings Dominion'sWinterFestis packed with all the sights, sounds, food, and experiences of the holiday season. The park shines bright with over twomillion shimmering lights, a 300-foot tree and lavish displays while live shows and strolling performers delight guests throughout the park. Plus, a selection of your favorite rides will be open to complete your night of memory making!

45thAnnual Model Railroad Show

Science Museum of Virginia

November 25- November 27, 2022 | (Select Times)

Featuring all the bells and whistles, guests will enjoy unique and traditional model train displays from across the state.Learn how trains work, conduct experiments, check out special demonstrations and enjoy a holiday weekend filled with fun for the whole family.The Model Railroad Show is included with Museum admission. Click here to learn more.

Let It Snow! Richmond Symphony Concert

Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center

November 26 & 27, 2022 | 8:00 pm

Celebrate the holidays with a concert featuring the sounds of the season, now happening on Thanksgiving weekend! Join the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus for this magical holiday tradition the whole family will love. Hear arrangements of famous carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites!! Click here for ticket information.

New Kent County Grand Illumination

Historic New Kent County Courthouse

November 27, 2022 | 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Bask in the joy of the holidays at New Kent County's Grand Illumination event! Bring your friends and family and enjoy caroling and live entertainment,hot beverages and holiday snacks, and a local holiday vendor market. Children can visit with Santa and have their picture taken and enjoy a variety of fun activities. All of this culminates in the illumination of the Historic New Kent County Courthouse. Learn more.

Tacky Lights Tours

December 1- 30, 2022 | (Select Dates)

The festive fun continues throughout Richmond when the region adorns itself with tacky lights for all to see!This tradition of over-the-top holiday decorating can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car, a shuttle, or an open-air TukTuk. Plus, admire the vibrant displays while runningthrough Chesterfield County's Walton Park neighborhoodduring this year'sCarMax Tacky Light 6k Runon December 10! This is one holiday tradition that oooohers and aaaahers of all ages won't want to miss!Don't just take our word for it, Travel + Leisure says Richmond has The Best Christmas Lights in Virginia. To see a full guide ofRichmond's tacky light display locations this year, click here.

(Photo Credit:Michael Simon Photography)

RVA Illuminates​

17th Street Market

December 2, 2022 | 5:00- 7:00pm

Join WWBT NBC12 anchors and live entertainersat 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, performances and food trucks around the market. Free admission. Click here to learn more.

Movies On Brown's Island: Elf

Brown's Island,501 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219

December 2, 2022 | 7:00 pm - 9:00pm

Pack a chair or blanket, find your perfect spot at Kanawha Plaza, and enjoy an evening featuring the movie "Elf",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.This is a free admission eventsponsored by Venture Richmond. Find more information, here.

Dominion Energy Christmas Parade

West Broad Street (Between the Science Museum & 7th Street)

December 3, 2022 | 10:00 am

Theannual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade returns to West Broad Street on December 3to commence the holiday season!Thisbeloved Richmond tradition attractsspectators from near and far each year.Click here for more information about this year's Christmas celebration.

22NDANNUAL TREE LIGHTING

The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen

December 3, 2022 | 4:30 pm

Mark your calendars for this beloved holiday event featuring magical holiday music performances, a toasty bonfire, and of course, a special visit from Santa to light the iconic cedar Christmas tree atThe Cultural Art Center’sentrance!Click here for additional event details.

Holiday Cheer at Scotchtown

Patrick Henry's Scotchtown, Hanover County, VA

December 3,2022 |10:00 am -4:00 pm

Time to get into the holiday spirit at Scotchtown! This family-friendly event will feature holiday-themed crafts, tours and much more! Stick around for story time at the top of every hour withcostumed interpreters, thenwarm up with a cup of hot apple cider. This event will be held outdoors, so warm clothes are encouraged! For tickets and additional event details, click here.

Santa Cares: Sensory Friendly Holiday Event

December 4, 2022 | (Select Times)

Chesterfield Towne Center

Experience the magic of the holidays during this Sensory Friendly Santa Experience. Meet with Santa in a sensory friendlyenvironment while supportingAutism Speaks with any photo experience purchase. For more details, click here.

The Nutcracker

Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center

December 9- December 23, 2022 | (Select Dates & Times)

Get ready for The Nutcracker's triumphant return this holiday season! Don't miss this iconic holiday performance and enjoy beautiful classical music arrangements by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the Richmond Symphony. Tickets start at $25. For more details on upcoming show dates and times, click here.

The FANDistrict Association Holiday House Tour

December10 &11, 2022|12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tour some of the most exciting homes in the Fan Neighborhood during the Fan District Association’s Annual Holiday House Tour! This year is the 60th Diamonds Jubilee and the tour reflects the great diversity and stylish character of the Fan Area Historic District.

Christmas Through The Centuries

Henricus Historical Park

December 10, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Head to Henricus to experience Virginia Christmas from the 17th century through the 19th century. See how Dutch ideas influenced English holiday traditions andcelebrate with carols and hot cider while decorating a Victorian Christmas tree by the fireside!Your festive journey through time will end with a visit from Father Christmas – where you can share your Yuletide wishes! Learn more, here.

Winter Wander: Court End atThe Valentine

The Valentine

December 11, 2022 | 12:00 pm-4:00 pm

Join The Valentine for some winter cheer on thepicturesque block of EastClay Street! Bring your family and enjoy hot beverages, crafts,gamesand live music. You can also take a self-guided tour of the historic Court End neighborhood andvisit nearby cultural sites for open houses and other activities. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.

Holiday Stays

Holiday Getaway Package

The Jefferson Hotel

Marvel in the beautifully decorated Jefferson Hoteland experiencethe joy of the holidays during your 5-star stay. Book a luxurious holiday stay at thisprized hotel in the heart of downtown Richmond and take advantage of their holiday package featuring a Grand Premier room and complimentary self-parking.For more details on Jefferson Hotel holiday offers, click here.

(Offer valid Sunday through Thursday evenings November 14, 2022 through January 5, 2023, excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)

VMFA Stay Packages

Linden Row Inn

Treat yourself this holiday season with a stay at the historic and charming Linden Row Inn. Experience the traditional splendor of the holiday season while staying in luxury and style. Take advantage of Linden Row's new winter packages which featurecomplimentary tickets to acclaimed VMFA exhibit,"Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art". Book your upcoming holiday getaway and receivea special Linden Row keepsake. It's the gift that keeps on giving! For more information on special offers and exclusion details, visit the Linden Row Inn website.

Holiday Shopping

Stony Point Sip & Shop

Stony Point Fashion Mall

November 25 Through December18, 2022 |(Select Dates )

Shop local this holiday season at the Stony Point Fashion Park Sip & Shop market! Browse local crafts and goods from unique RVA vendors and find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Plus, enjoy sips from local wineries, distilleries and breweries on site! For more details, click here.

The Bizarre Bazaar's 46thChristmas Collection

Richmond Raceway Complex

December 1 - 4, 2022 | (Select Time)

A Richmondtradition for 47years, The Bizarre Bazaar features hundreds of vendors offeringuniqueseasonal gifts. Find decorative accessories for the home and garden, gourmet cookbooks, fine linens, designer clothing, toys, artwork, furniture and more.Click here to see this year's shopping time slots and to purchase your tickets.

Holiday Villages 2022: The Richmond Night Market

December 8, 10, &11, 2022| (Select Times)

17th Street Market & The Valentine Museum

The Richmond Night Market returns this holiday season to bring us Holiday Villages- a weekend long outdoor market featuring the best in local and handmade artisans and businesses! Fiind the perfect gift while supporting talented RVA creators during this fun, family-friendly shopping experience. Visit the Richmond Night Market website for more details on this year's market locations and times.

Carytown Holiday Artisan Market

City Stadium

December 10& 11, 2022 | 10:00 am- 5:00 pm

Check out over 100 local vendors showcasing theirunique, handcrafted goods during the Carytown Holiday Artisan Market. Plus, enjoy live music and food trucks while you shop local. For more details on this year's two-day shopping event, click here.

There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate the holiday season in RVA! We hope you willcome visit and experience them for yourself. Click below to begin planning your next trip to the Richmond Region!

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