There are so many fun events in Richmond when things are lit and illuminated.  Check out this list – enjoy one or them all!

Friday, November 13th

Santa’s Arrival & Grand Illumination.  7pm.  Short Pump Mall Main Plaza.  The Grand Illumination of Short Pump Town Center’s brand new holiday decor.  Santa will arrive in style along with  holiday characters:  The Gingerbread Boy, Raggedy Ann & Andy, Frosty the Snowman, Toy Solider, Dancing Tree and Elves.  Free.

Saturday, November 14th

Community Tree Lighting.  6pm-8pm.  Stony Point Fashion Park.  Kick off the holiday season with a festive celebration and the illumination of the Community Tree! Enjoy music from The Kings of Swing, characters from Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a visit from Santa and holiday balloon creations!  Plus, don’t miss the countdown to the illumination at 7pm!  Free.   In addition, from November 15th – January 3rd, enjoy nightly animated light shows. Animated light shows take place at the top and bottom of each hour, beginning at 5 pm at the Community Tree.

November 21st – January 2nd

Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village.  Nightly 5:30pm – 10:00pm.   The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia.   The light show consists of hundreds of thousands of LED lights synchronized to music from your car radio, and features an 80-foot tunnel of lights, 50-foot Christmas trees, dancing snowmen, singing trees and Santas and festive decorations.  At the conclusion of the drive, guests can visit Santa’s Village, which will include opportunities for photos with Santa, children’s activities and holiday treats for purchase.  Fee.

Monday, November 3oth

The Jefferson Hotel Tree Lighting.  Live music beginning at 5:30pm, and the lighting of the holiday tree at 6pm.  Free.

December 2nd – 6th

Bethlehem Walk.  Salem Baptist Church/Broad Street Campus, 465 Broad Street Road, Manakin, VA 23103.  An interactive outdoor drama where guests experience first century Bethlehem.  As you enter the city, allow the sights, sounds and smells to carry you to a period of time that changed the world. Journey through the heart of the city to the marketplace that is bustling with activity from over a dozen authentic shops; enjoy samples from the baker’s shop, see the blacksmith at work making crucifixion nails, marvel at the potter’s crafts and listen for the rumor of a king’s birth from excited townspeople.   The tour is outside and takes approximately 45 minutes. Wait times for the event could be anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Dress appropriately for the weather. The rough terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs; however they do have “chariots” to accommodate person who need help. Admission is free and parking is available on the property. Shuttle service is provided to and from satellite parking locations. Donations to help defray the costs of construction and maintenance are accepted.   Visit the website for times and fees.

Friday, December 4th

James Center Illumination.  5:45 pm – 7 pm.  The James Center, between 9th-12th & Cary Streets.  Reindeer and Buildings Illuminate at 6 pm.  Free.

Saturday, December 5th

Annual Tree Lighting.  4:30pm-6:30pm.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  Celebrate the annual tree lighting event at The Cultural Arts CenteTree Lightingr at Glen Allen. We welcome the community to this special holiday event featuring holiday music, a toasty bonfire, hot chocolate, and cookies. Old St. Nick makes his spectacular arrival just in time for the countdown to light a 60-foot cedar tree. Walkerton Tavern will also be open for historic tours from 3-6pm.  Free.

Sunday, December 6th

Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks.  5pm-7:30pm.  In the 18th century, illuminations, which included the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks, were held to celebrate major events, such as great military victories, the anniversary of the reigning sovereign’s birth, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Join Colonial Williamsburg for this special day by strolling the Revolutionary City and viewing all the unique decorations. Enjoy musical performances from multiple stages and delight in the fireworks displays from three different locations.  Free, but some events require paid tickets.

Saturday, December 12th

James River Parade of Lights.  4pm-8pm.  Osborne Park and Boat Landing.  Enjoy holiday music, a bonfire, and activities to celebrate the magic of the season while watching the parade of decorated boats sail by.  Free.