There are lots of monthly event updates, giveaways, and other information in our newsletters. Click here for a sample of archived newsletters, and sign-up to be added to our newsletter email list!

To submit and event to our calendar send an email to email@completelykidsrichmond.com.

Month Long Events At:

The Children’s Museum of Richmond

Legendary Santa Opens.  The Children’s Museum – Central.  Visit Richmond’s Favorite Santa Claus.  A visit with Legendary Santa is free to the public.  There are also special ticketed programs like Sunrise, Sunset or Tea with Santa. Through December 24th.

Block by Block: National Tour.  Children’s Museum Chesterfield location.  This exhibition features ten landmark skyscrapers from around the world and visitors can create their own architectural marvels with blocks.  Through Dec 31st.  Free with museum admission.

The Science Museum of Virginia

Identity: An Exhibition of You.  Science Museum of Virginia.  Challenge your perception of personal identity. Discover the connection between our thoughts and relationships with our genes, brains and all things scientific!  Through January 4th.  Included with exhibit admission, free for members.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Dominion GardenFest of Lights.  Nightly, 5pm-10pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.   Featuring more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, holiday dinners, family activities and more. This is a “rain or shine” event and is only closed for extreme inclement weather.  Through Monday, January 13th (Closed Dec. 24 & 25.  )Fee.

Stony Point Fashion Park

Outdoor Skating Rink.  Stony Point Fashion Park.  Bring the kids to Stony Point Fashion Park to skate, spin and glide. View  operating hours here.  Through January 5th.  Fee.

Live Holiday Entertainment.  Stony Point Fashion Park.  Enjoy live holiday entertainment every Saturday and Sunday at Stony Point Fashion Park through December 24th.  Free.

Nightly Holiday Light Shows.  Stony Point Fashion Park.  Nightly animated light shows take place at the top and bottom of each hour, beginning at 5 pm at the Community Tree.  Through January 5th.  Free.

Theatres Around Town

Fiddler on the Roof.  The Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre (formerly the Empire).  Visit the website for show times and fees.  Through January 14th.

’Twas the Night Before Christmas.  The Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn.   This charming Christmas musical is complete with a jolly Santa, reindeer on the roof, moonlight on the snow, Ma and Pa in their caps, and sugarplums dancing in the dreams of hopeful children.  Visit the website for show times and fees.  Through December 29th.

Hello Dolly. Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Avenue, Richmond.  December 12th – 22nd.  Visit the website for fees and show times.

Other Holiday Fun

RVA on Ice.  The entrance, skate rental desk and the ticket box office are located near the entrance to Richmond CenterStage located at 600 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219. All children MUST BE accompanied by an adult. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted. Call 804-592-3400 for more information.  Through January 20th.

ChristmasTown.  5pm-10pm.  Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA.   Celebrate the season as you explore the winter wonders of the premier Christmas experience. See six million twinkling lights, dazzling shows and a magical 50-foot Christmas tree. Visit the website for hours and fees.  Through January 5th.

Today - December 15th

Ring Around the Rosy Holly Days Sale.  Oxbridge Square Shopping Center, 9939 Hull Street Rd.  Richmond, VA 23236.  At the intersection of Hull Street & Courthouse Rd. Next to Martin’s.  Shop for Holiday Wear, Winter Clothing, Toys, Books, DVD’s, Home Decor, Holiday Decor and gifts, coats, Women’s Clothing & Accessories, shoes, Infant Equipment & Supplies, Furniture and Much Much More!!!Now Accepting ALL Major Credit Cards.  (NO MINIMUM PURCHASE!)

Sunday, December 1st

Open Studio Sundays.  Noon-4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Family Programs.  Enjoy “make-it, take-it” art activities inspired by objects from the VMFA collection.  Free.

Thomas & Friends™ are pulling into the station!  1pm-5pm.  Community Idea Station, 23 Sesame Street, North Chesterfield, VA.  An open house event where families can come in during the day to meet Thomas and enjoy many other activities.   Meet & Greet Times: 1:20-2:20 p.m., 2:40-3:30 p.m., and 4:00-5:00 p.m.  Overflow parking is being offered at Huguenot Park.  Free.

Welcome to Whoville: A Grinch Storytime.  2pm-4pm.  Chesterfield Barnes and Noble.  Don’t miss this Grinch-themed Storytime, featuring a reading of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, fun activities, treats and more!  Free.

Hanukkah Storytime.  4pm-6pm.  Chesterfield Barnes and Noble.  Local author Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt helps celebrate Hanukkah with great stories, a lighting of the menorah, fun activities and snacks! Free.

Monday, December 2nd through Saturday, December 21st, variety of times

Jingle Jam Holiday Music Classes!  Melody Magic Music Studio, 3041 Lauderdale Drive.  Celebrate the holidays through music! This 3-week class will get your kids dancing, singing, and playing to all kinds of holiday favorites. Ages 0-7 years, with a parent. $30/child for the 3 weeks, and advance registration is required. There are class times all throughout the week and weekend, so check the schedule to see what works for you! Register online at www.melodymagicmusic.com.  Fee.

Tuesday, December 3rd

Kids Club powered by National Geographic Kids.   9am-11am.  Chesterfield Towne Center.  A great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Great entertainment, fun giveaways for the adults, and free breakfast for children 12 years or younger. (Breakfast tickets are given out until 10:30 a.m. and are valid until 10:45 a.m. on Club Mom event days.).  One time dollar donation that goes to Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) is required.  This month – Betsy Q (www.betsyq.com).  Free.

Kid’s Club.  9am-10:30am.  Chick-fil-A at Westchester Commons.  Crafts, games and story time. Free fun for parents and kids.

People, Places, and Things.  10am-11am.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Fee.

Your Youngster and You.  10am-6pm.  All 3 All Fired Up locations.  Staff will help you get the perfect foot print from your infant or toddler on a large rimmed dinner plate, and turn it into an adorable “mistletoes” or menorah keepsake. Call 804-355-3412 to register. Fee.

Kids Club Storytime with Dr. Mom.  11am-1pm.  Chesterfield Barnes and Noble.  Elizabeth Vantre, local Dr. Mom and author, will be reading her favorite stories and talking about her book, Ready, Set, Parent.

The Negotiation Years (Parents/Caregivers of Children 5-12 yrs.).  6pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

The Continentals in Concert.  7pm.  Hermitage High School, 8301 Hungary Springs Road, Henrico, VA23228.  Join The Continentals as they bring you the best of the big band sound, holiday style!  Free.

Holiday Concert. 7pm.  Linwood Holton Elementary   School, 1600   W. Laburnum Ave, Richmond. The Richmond Concert Band, Richmond’s oldest and largest community band, presents four Christmas concerts. All concerts are free, and handicapped accessible.

Wednesday, December 4th

Enchanting Icicles.  3pm-4pm.  Three Lakes Nature Center.  For Ages 4-5. Hanging from the rooftop draped like sheets of shimmering glass, icicles add a touch of magic to winter days.  Find out how these icy marvels are formed. Fee.

Thursday, December 5th

Hannukah Storytime. 10:30am.  Barnes & Noble Short Pump, 11640   W. Broad St., Richmond. 360-0103.  Free.

Happy, Sad, Smiley, Glad!  11am-Noon.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Fee.

Lines of Ancient America  4:15pm-6pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Kids Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Printmaking  4:15pm-6pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Kids Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Making Sense of Preschool Meltdowns (Parents/Caregivers of Children 2-4 yrs)  6pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Henrico Community Band Holiday Concert.  7:30pm.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  The band will perform a concert of festive holiday music for the entire family! Reservations are required and can be made beginning November 4th at 804-501-5859.  Free.

Thursday, December 5th – Sunday, December 8th

Bizarre Bazaar.  Richmond Raceway Complex.  A holiday marketplace with 500 juried exclusive exhibitors.  Find fabulous unique gifts for everyone on your list.  Free parking.  Fee.

Friday, December 6th

Admissions Program and Tours.  8:30am-10am.  The New Community School, 4211 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA23227.  Our educators, parents and students will share details about our unique blend of a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and academic skills development for middle and upper school students. NEW 5th grade curriculum beginning fall 2014.  Free.

Costume Illustration 5pm-6:30pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Teen Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Special Night for Special Needs.  5:30-7:30pm.  CMoR Central.  An evening especially for children 10 years old and younger who have special needs and their families.  Enjoy museum exploration, adapted materials, special activities, and reduced number of visitors on this special night. Children will have access and learning opportunities, but most importantly they’ll have fun!  Free.

First Friday Samplers.  5:30pm-8:30pm.  Visual Arts Center of Richmond.  Engage in a night of family creativity with a variety of artistic options at very reasonable prices. Call 804-353-0094 for more information. Fee.

Bingo Time.  5:30pm.  Sweet Spot Candy Shop.  Listen to holiday music, play bingo for candy prizes and catch some holiday spirit. To make a reservation, call at 360-7768 or send us an email at parties@shopsweetspot.com.

Kids Fun Night.  6pm-8pm. All 3 All Fired Up locations.   Kids create a project from wet clay and glaze a ceramic piece plus a pizza dinner is included. Registration required.   Fee.

Concert Ballet of Virginia Presents.  6pm-7pm.  Eastern Henrico Recreation Center.  All ages. Registration of a paying adult is required. Come see the Concert Ballet of Virginia present dance and music selections from the “Nutcracker.” Young viewers will enjoy watching dancers perform in full ballet attire. The evening will conclude with refreshments and time to meet the dancers. A very special guest will also be on site to greet the children.  Fee.

Poe Illumination.  6pm-10pm.  Poe Museum. Thousands of lights fill the historic Enchanted Garden, enjoy hot cider and music. Free.

Mad Science Winter Party.  6pm-10pm.  Enjoy a nice night out while Mad Science entertains your kids.  The night will include pizza, a fun science show, radioactive atomic glow slime making, fun games and activities, and a fun winter holiday movie!  Cost $30 per child ($25 siblings).  Grades K-5.

Polar Express Pajama Party and Storytime.  7pm.  Chesterfield Barnes and Noble.   All aboard the Polar Express! On Friday, December 6 at 7:00 pm, enjoy a reading of the holiday classic The Polar Express, along with fun activities and holiday treats. Come in your pajamas for a special treat!

2nd Stage – An Evening of Sleighbells and Snowflakes.  7pm.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen – Cardinal Ballroom.  Featuring the Richmond Men’s Chorus and the Richmond Women’s Chorus. Food and beverages available for sale before and during the performance.  Fee.

Salzburg Marionette Theatre, The Magic Flute.  7:30pm.  University of Richmond, Alice Jepson Theatre.  Fee.

Richmond Symphony: Handel’s Messiah.  7:30pm.  Richmond CenterStage.  Fee.

Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th

Elf (2003) PG.  Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.  Fri, Dec 6 at 7pm & Sat, Dec 7 at 2 & 7pm.  $1.

The Gift of The Magi.  Ashland Firehouse Theatre.   Friday, December 6th at 7pm and Saturday, December 7th at 4pm & 7pm.  Join The Whistle Stop Theatre Company for a one-act production of The Gift of The Magi. Appropriate for ages 8+. Admission $5. Stay after the show for a holiday reception and carol sing along by Frederick D. Horn. Make your reservation at whistlestoptheatre@gmail.com.

Saturday, December 7th

Breakfast with Santa and the Holiday Characters.  8am.  Short Pump Mall Food Court.  Rise and Shine with Santa, our Holiday Characters & the Chick- fil-A Santa Cow! Short Pump Pals members ages 6 & under eat FREE for breakfast at Chick-fil-A!

Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run 5k.  8am.  The Diamond.   Registration is open! Go nuts with Nutzy at the 2nd Annual Nutzy’s Rotary FUNN Run 5k to benefit United Methodist Family Services and the YMCA. Children eight and older can run without mom and dad. Fee.

Build The Home Depot’s Tic-Tac-Toe Game.  9am-Noon. Local.  Home Depot Stores. FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered at all The Home Depot stores. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.  Register online.  Free.

Gingerbread Tea and Tour.  10am-Noon.  Virginia House, 4301 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond.   Design and build your own gingerbread house, and cider and cookies will be served as staff talk about holiday traditions.  For families with children 5 and under. Reservations required: 804-353-4251. Fee.

Dominion Christmas Parade.  10am.  The 30th annual Dominion Christmas Parade starts at the Science Museum of Virginia on W. Broad Street and continues east to 7th Street. It is filled with huge helium balloons, holiday floats, marching bands and Santa himself!  Free.

Stories at the Museum.  11am-Noon.  Virginia Historical Society.  Special educator-led readings of history books related to famous Virginians and a craft.  No pre-registration required.  Free.

“Christmas Through the Ages” Open House.  1pm-4pm.  Magnolia Grange, 10020 Iron   Bridge Road.  Enjoy the holiday season by experiencing 19th-century life at historic Magnolia Grange house museum elegantly decorated for the holidays just as it was in 1822. The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia hosts this free Christmas open house with a special appearance by Santa Claus. Children may have their picture taken for free. Start your Christmas shopping in the elegant Magnolia Grange museum store.  Free

Inspiration Workshop.  3pm-4pm.  Richmond Main Library.  Workshop with Eliza Childress and Girls Rock! RVA. Learn to draw inspiration from music, poetry, and images to create you’re a personal work of art.  Free.

The Mountain Road Corridor Holiday Celebration.  Take a tour down Mountain Road starting with historic Courtney Road Service Station. Proceed down the corridor to the early 19th-century Forest Lodge Cupola. Enjoy an open house at Walkerton Tavern and Virginia Randolph Museum. Attend the annual tree lighting ceremony at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Finish the day with historic lantern tours at Meadow Farm Museum.  Visit the website for more details.  Free.

Annual Tree Lighting.  4:30pm-7pm.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  Along with The County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks, The Center welcomes the community to this very special holiday event featuring holiday music, a toasty bonfire and of course Old St. Nick! Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as Old St. Nick makes his arrival via fire truck to light the 60-ft. cedar tree at the Center’s entrance.  Santa and his elves will be on site from 5-7pm! Curator Yvonne Hopkins, present a beautiful bounty of Christmas Trees, each with its own special theme from Trains to Musicology 101. A fun treat to all ages.
Free.

Taylor’s Magical Holiday Night.  Ages 3-5: 4:30pm – 6:00pm, Ages 6 -11: 6:30pm – 8:30pm.  Hanover CSP SportsPlex, 8175 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.   Enjoy make and take crafts, activities, singing, and dancing and play in a life-size Candyland game.  Light holiday refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required.  For information 804-365-7150.  Fee.

Arena Racing.  7pm.  Richmond Coliseum.  Exciting family entertainment watching drivers in ½ scale stock cars racing around a high-banked race track, turning laps in under 8 seconds flat while competing side-by-side bumping, rubbing, flipping and racing.  Fee.

Richmond Symphony Genworth Symphony Pops: Let it Snow!  8pm.  Richmond CenterStage.  Fee.

Sunday, December 8th

27th Annual Court End Christmas. Noon-5pm.  Ten historic downtown sites host a free holiday open house, featuring tours, living history and reenactments, gift shops, children’s activities, refreshments, carriage rides, music, and special guest appearances. Participating sites – Valentine Richmond History Center and the Wickham House, the John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capitol, the Virginia Executive Mansion, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House, and St. John’s Church. Free.

Old-Fashioned Christmas.  Noon -5pm.  Maymont.  Celebrate a charming, old-fashioned Christmas and experience a tradition enjoyed by generations of families. Victorian ladies and gentlemen graciously welcome you into the Dooleys’ home to marvel at the grand Christmas tree and the beautifully decorated formal rooms, to see the gifts and games of 1893 and to stop by the Belowstairs, where holiday preparations abound. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with St. Nick, good food and drink, festive music, a roaring bonfire and special activities that are sure to fill everyone with a merry holiday spirit. Fees for some activities.

Yuletides at Agecroft Hall.  12:30pm-5pm.  A Christmas Open House – Characters and entertainment include “A Christmas Carol” reading by Charles Dickens and an appearance by Father Christmas. Help them decorate and watch them prepare the house for a holiday feast.  Puppet shows, storytelling, dancers and craft activities are also on the agenda.  Free.

St. Nick’s Party.  2pm-3:30pm.  Maymont - Garden Hall.  The entire family is sure to enjoy lots of merriment as St. Nick, Mrs. Bomboy and Maymont’s favorite winter animals fill the afternoon with activities, games, songs, refreshments, holiday crafts and a visit to the enchanting home of Major and Mrs. Dooley. Advanced registration required.  Fee.

Richmond Symphony Genworth Symphony Pops: Let it Snow!  3pm. Richmond CenterStage.  Fee.

Candlelight Service. 5pm & 8pm.  University of Richmond, Cannon Memorial Chapel, Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond. 40th annual Candlelight Services of Lessons and Carols. Two university choirs, Schola Cantorum and Women’s Chorale, will present new and familiar Christmas carols and anthems in the tradition of the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, first held at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England, on Christmas Eve 1918. Pre-service music will be provided by City Singers Children’s Choirs led by Leslie Dripps. For information call 289-8500.  Free and open to the public.

Monday, December 9th

Homemade Holiday Candy.  6pm-7:30pm.  The Armour House & Gardens.  Ages 10+. Registration of a paying adult is required with participants under 16. Come and share in making some holiday homemade chocolate candy-making fun. Space is limited. Information: 343-3506. Fee.

Henrico Concert Band Holiday Concert.  7:30pm.  Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.  Festive music for the entire family! Reservations are required at 501-5859.  Free.

Monday, December 9th – Tuesday, December 10th

Shop Jingle Bell Bazaar for holiday gifts, clothing, jewelry, artwork, food, and more while avoiding the holiday mayhem at the local malls. Hosted by Goochland Free Clinic & Family Services (GFCFS), shopping begins Monday, December 9th at 10:00am to 6:00pm and then on Tuesday, December 10th, at 10:00am to 5:00pm. Free to the public, this annual event is at the Richmond Country Club located at 12950 Patterson Avenue (just off the 288) with free & easy parking. For more information, visit www.goochlandfreeclinicandfamilyservices.org or call 804.556.6260.

Tuesday, December 10th

Kid’s Club.  9am-10:30am.  Chick-fil-A at Westchester Commons.  Crafts, games and story time. Free fun for parents and kids.

People, Places, and Things  10am-11am.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Short Pump Pals Clubhouse Meeting.  11am.  Short Pump Mall Food Court.  Enjoy this puppet show by Barefoot Puppets as two tales rolled into one make for twice the fun!  Fee.

Richmond’s First Annual Sensitive Legendary Santa.  5pm-8pm.  Children’s Museum of Richmond – Central.  Families with special needs children to have a sensory-friendly visit with Legendary Santa.   Space is limited in order to provide a calm, quiet experience.  Register at www.RVASensitiveLegendarySanta.eventbrite.com or call 804-353-2571.  Free.

Transitions: A Survival Guide (Parents/Caregivers of Children 2-6 yrs)  6pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Ceramics: Old World Santa.  6:30pm-8pm.  Ages 18+. Come and create a beautiful ceramic Santa figurine. Bisque pieces are prepared and ready for you to paint and personalize. Space is limited. Information: 343-3506.  Fee.

The Fresh Beat Band Live in Concert.  6:30pm.  Landmark Theatre.  Fee.

Holiday Concert.  7pm. River Road United Methodist Church, 8800 River Road, Richmond.  The Richmond Concert Band, Richmond’s oldest and largest community band, presents four Christmas concerts. All concerts are free, and handicapped accessible.

Tuesday, December 10th & Wednesday, December 11th

On the Air Radio Players.  7:30pm.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  “Christmastime Around the Dial” – an old-time holiday radio show! Come be a part of the studio audience for this hour-long taping featuring live music and sound effects. All ages welcomed!  Free.

Wednesday, December 11th

Mommy & Me and Daddies Too.  10am–11:30am.  Willow Lawn Plaza.  A free morning out with live entertainment and activities designed to enhance parents´ interaction with their children.   This month -  Hope Harris and the Cousins Jamboree.  Free.

Susan Greenbaum: Carols in the Library.  6pm- 7pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – Education and Library Complex .  Richmond’s favorite singer/songwriter Susan Greenbaum performs and you can sing along, too.  Free with garden admission.

Discipline Decisions: Choosing a Behavior Modification Plan (Parents/Caregivers of Children 3-9 yrs)  6pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Holiday Stories and Crafts with Mrs. Claus.  6:30-7:30pm.  The Armour House & Gardens.  Ages 3-6. Registration of a paying adult is required. Celebrate the holiday season with Mrs. Claus. Enjoy holiday stories and fun craft activities. Bring along your wish list for Santa, and Mrs. Claus will be sure to deliver it for you! Information: 343-3506.  Fee.

Thursday, December 12th

Happy, Sad, Smiley, Glad!  11am-Noon.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Connecting with Your Teen  12:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Series of Blocks.  4:15pm-6pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Kids Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Ceramics: Holiday Ornaments.  6:30-7:30pm.  The Armour House & Gardens.  Ages 10+. Registration of a paying adult required with participants under 16. Paint a festive ceramic ornament to hang on your tree this holiday season. Information: 343-3506.  Fee.

Friday, December 13th

Gingerbread Houses.  5pm-7pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Kids Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Costume Illustration.  5pm-6:30pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Teen Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Maymont By Moonlight.  5:30pm-9:30pm.  Enjoy an enchanting holiday evening at Maymont…by moonlight! Elegantly costumed Victorian ladies and gentlemen welcome you to the home of Major and Mrs. James H. Dooley to witness the excitement of Christmas 1893. The Dooleys’ gracious family, guests and domestic staff bring to life the busy preparations for a special celebration – the first Christmas in their new home. A horse-drawn carriage ride under the stars, seasonal refreshments and joyful carol singing by the bonfire make this an evening to remember!  Reservations required.  Fee.

Friday, December 13th – Saturday, December 14th

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) PG.  Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.  Fri, Dec 13 at 7pm and Sat, Dec 14 at 2 & 7pm.  $1.

Saturday, December 14th

Free Upward Cheerleading Clinic.   9am-12:30pm.  Bethia UMC, 10700 Winterpock Road.  For ages K5-8th grade. Come and learn dance steps, cheers, and motions. You can also register to cheer during the 2014 Upward basketball season. Contact Tammy Zabrosky (tzabrosky@gmail.com) for more information or to register for the clinic.  Free.

Reindeer Games.  10am-11am.  Three Lakes Nature Center.  Ages 4-5. December brings to mind images of reindeer pulling a sleigh through the snowy night skies. But reindeer don’t really survive on rations of milk and cookies. Learn where these deer live, what they eat, and more. Information: 262-5055.  Fee.

Build a Train Engine.  10am.  Local Lowes Stores.   The holidays are right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this festive Train Engine!  Registration required.  Free.

Felting Frenzy.  1pm-4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

The Gift of Art.  1pm-4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Kids Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Ornament Making and St. Nick.  1pm-3pm.  Meadow Farm Museum.  Join Meadow Farm Museum’s sewing guild and make your own Victorian ornament. Get cozy and sit by the fire while you listen to our 1840 St. Nick read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Information: 501-2130.  Free.

Berkeley’s Colonial Christmas.  1pm-3pm.  Berkeley Plantation, 12602 Harrison Landing Road, Charles City.  Partake in the festive atmosphere created by colonial music and decorations from the gardens. Costumed guides tell stories about Christmas hospitality over 200 years ago. Reservations required: 888-466-6018. Fee.

Holiday on Parade—An Eastern Henrico Celebration.  Spend the day soaking in the holiday spirit of Eastern Henrico. From historical to present day, many fun, nostalgic, and exciting events are in store for your holiday season. Children can enjoy a craft and bake Christmas cookies at Hidden Creek Recreation Center. Take a trip down memory lane at the Clarke-Palmore House, decked out with vintage 1930-40’s holiday decorations, and listen to the sounds of the season from that era. Enjoy sweet treats and make a vintage holiday decoration to take home! Tour the Armour House, circa 1917, and enjoy mantelpieces and trees adorned with period holiday decorations. Children’s craft activities and refreshments will surely put you in the spirit of the season. Tour “The Barn” while children can decorate a pine cone and enjoy holiday refreshments at Dorey. Take in a show at the Henrico Theatre and wrap up the evening at the James River Parade of Lights at Osborne Park.  Free.

James River Parade of Lights. 4:30pm – 8:30pm. Osborne Park.  Looking for a unique holiday event for the entire family?  You won’t want to miss the James River Parade of Lights sponsored by the James River Advisory Commission in cooperation with Henrico Recreation and Parks.  Henrico County’s viewing celebration will take place at Osborne Park.  Enjoy the bonfire, holiday music and activities to celebrate the magic of the season.  Beginning at 3pm, the Toy Parade sponsored by the Battlefield Ruritans will precede the Parade of Lights.  Entertainment and concessions will follow the Toy Parade.  Free.

Saturday, December 14th – Monday, December 23rd

Richmond Ballet’s Nutcracker.  Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage.  A beloved holiday tradition returns to Richmond, when Richmond Ballet presents Stoner Winslett’s full-length The Nutcracker. Heralded as “one of the country’s most perfect [Nutcracker productions]” by The New York Times, The Nutcracker will feature the company’s full roster of professionals, as well as 26 trainees and over 150 accomplished students from The School of Richmond Ballet.  This grand Richmond tradition returns with live music by Richmond Symphony, with 13 performances in the grand Carpenter Theatre. Make your holiday season complete and share the fun of the Mouse King, the Chinese Dragon, the Russian Bear, and much, much more!  Visit the website for fees and show times.

Sunday, December 15th

Gingerbread Tea and Tour.  10am-Noon.  Virginia House, 4301 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond.   Design and build your own gingerbread house, and cider and cookies will be served as staff talk about holiday traditions.  For families with children 5 and under. Reservations required: 804-353-4251. Fee.

Holiday Open House.  1pm-3pm.  Visual Arts Center of Richmond.  Bring your family to make and take sweet origami ornaments, printmaking workshops, and leather cuff making.   Shop for unique items from the VisArts Clay Guild at the craft sale.

Holiday Concert. 4pm.  Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1925 Grove Ave., Richmond. The Richmond Concert Band, Richmond’s oldest and largest community band, presents four Christmas concerts. All concerts are free, and handicapped accessible.

Monday, December 16th

Parenting an Anxious Child (Parents/Caregivers of Children 2-8 yrs)  6:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.  Fee.

Tuesday, December 17th

Kid’s Club.  9am-10:30am.  Chick-fil-A at Westchester Commons.  Crafts, games and story time. Free fun for parents and kids.

People, Places, and Things  10am-11am.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Jingle Bell Rock.  6pm-7:30pm.  Belmont Recreation Center.  Ages 2-7. Registration of a paying adult is required. Join us for live music and a relaxing holiday dinner. Cindy and Shelley will present kids holiday songs and holiday songs from around the world. Registration ends Dec 13. Information: 501-5809.  Fee.

Ceramics: Old World Santa.  6:30pm-8pm.  Ages 18+. Come and create a beautiful ceramic Santa figurine. Bisque pieces are prepared and ready for you to paint and personalize. Space is limited. Information: 343-3506.  Fee.

Holiday Concert. 7pm.  Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Ave, Richmond. The Richmond Concert Band, Richmond’s oldest and largest community band, presents four Christmas concerts. All concerts are free, and handicapped accessible.

Henrico Pops Chorus Holiday Concert.  7:30pm.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  A holiday concert for the entire family! Under the direction of Bobbie Moore, the chorus will perform many of your favorite “Holiday Traditions.” Reservations are required and can be made beginning November 4th at 804-501-5859.  Free.

Wednesday, December 18th

My Face, Your Face.  11am-Noon.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

My Face, Your Face  1pm-2pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Preschool Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

Concert Ballet of Virginia Presents.  6pm-7pm.  Deep Run Recreation Center.  All ages. Registration of a paying adult is required. Come see the Concert Ballet of Virginia present dance and music selections from the “Nutcracker.” Young viewers will enjoy watching dancers perform in full ballet attire. The evening will conclude with refreshments and time to meet the dancers. A very special guest will also be on site to greet the children.  Pre-register.  Fee.

Thursday, December 19th

Barn Days.  11am-Noon.  Dorey Park & Recreation Center, Henrico County.  Tour the barn with farmer Sheila, preschoolers will make a cow craft and go through the hay bale obstacle course. Register: 804-501-7275. Fee.

Chester’s Reading Play Date.  11am/11:30am.  Chesterfield Towne Center – Creek Crawl Play Area, During Chester’s Reading Play Date each child will receive a coloring book and crayons.  For children pre-K thru second grade.  “Chester” the Reading Retriever, and Chesterfield Towne Center’s official mall ambassador, loves to meet and greet with area kids every opportunity he gets.  Free.

Is It Art?  4:15pm-6pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Kids Programs.  Registration required.  Fee.

The Taters Do Christmas.  7pm.  Henrico Theatre.  Call for reservations: 328-4491.  Free.

Friday, December 20th

YA Movie Day and Popcorn.  4pm-5pm.  Richmond Main Library.  School is out, begin your winter break & join your friends for a movie and popcorn.  Free.

Maymont By Moonlight.  5:30pm-9:30pm.  Enjoy an enchanting holiday evening at Maymont…by moonlight! Elegantly costumed Victorian ladies and gentlemen welcome you to the home of Major and Mrs. James H. Dooley to witness the excitement of Christmas 1893. The Dooleys’ gracious family, guests and domestic staff bring to life the busy preparations for a special celebration – the first Christmas in their new home. A horse-drawn carriage ride under the stars, seasonal refreshments and joyful carol singing by the bonfire make this an evening to remember!  Reservations required.  Fee.

LiveSky: Hollywood in Space.  6:30pm.  Science Museum of Virginia.   Star Wars, Gravity, Armageddon and many movies involve space, but do these sci-fi films get it right? Find out as we look at these Hollywood blockbusters through the lens of science! After the show, join members of the Richmond Astronomical Society at 7:30 pm, weather permitting, as they point telescopes up into the vastness of space! $5, free for members.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) PG.  7pm.  Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs. $1

Saturday, December 21st

Winter Day of Fun.  9am-12:30pm.  Kids will go to Sweet Spot for cookie decorating, then walk to All Fired Up and they will do fingerprint snowman mugs and finish at Spirited Art with Stocking painting. Pre-registration is required online at www.myspiritedart.com or by calling 804-360-5909.  $60 per day.

Holiday Holly Jump.  9:30am-11:30am.  Pump it Up – Chesterfield location.  Enjoy time with Rudolph and

Center Season – A Christmas Carol.  11am and 1pm.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  Theatre IV on Tour presents this adaptation of Dickens’ classic that is perhaps the best loved holiday story of all time. Recount as Scrooge comes face to face with ghosts and visions of his past, present and even his future. Join Scrooge in Christmas morning as he wakes up a changed man, thanking the spirits who helped him see the real truth about all life has to offer beyond wealth. Suitable for all ages.  Fee.

Holiday Holly Jump.  6:30pm.  Pump it Up -Hanover location.  Enjoy time with Rudolph and bouncing, jumping and sliding or making a holiday craft. Fee.

Saturday, December 21st – Sunday, December 22nd

Kids Fun Shops.  All Fired Up – Carytown & Midlothian locations.   Kids will create festive Christmas crafts. Call for specific hours and advance registration: 804-355-3412. Fee.

Saturday, December 21st – Monday, December 23rd

The Miracle of Christmas.  Richmond Metro Zoo.  A live nativity pageant with special musical performances.  Shows at 7pm, 7:45pm, 8:30pm.  Visit the website for details.  Free.

Sunday, December 22nd

Winter Day of Fun.  1pm-4:30pm.  Kids will go to Sweet Spot for cookie decorating, then walk to All Fired Up and they will do fingerprint snowman mugs and finish at Spirited Art with Stocking painting. Pre-registration is required online at www.myspiritedart.com or by calling 804-360-5909.  $60 per day.

Thursday, December 26th – Monday, December 30th

Fruitcake Science.  Science Museum of Virginia. Richmond. ‘Tis the season for fruitcake and a perfect chance to test its ability to burn, float, conduct electricity and react to gravity and dry ice. Included with admission, free for members.

Saturday, December 28th

Capital City Kwanzaa Festival. Presented by Elegba Folklore Society, featuring candle lighting, performances, speakers, The African Market, workshops, special children’s activities and African-inspired cuisine all to mark the year’s end Kwanzaa holiday of thanksgiving and recommitment.

Arena Racing.  7pm.  Richmond Coliseum.  Exciting family entertainment watching drivers in ½ scale stock cars racing around a high-banked race track, turning laps in under 8 seconds flat while competing side-by-side bumping, rubbing, flipping and racing.  Fee.

Monday, December 30th

WWE Monday Night RAW.  Richmond Coliseum.  Fee.

Tuesday, December 31st

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration.  10am-1pm.   Science Museum of Virginia.   Bring in the noon year with a party complete with a countdown to noon, a drop of 2014 brightly colored bouncy balls and cooking in the Boost! Kitchen, complete with tasty, healthy samples! Included with exhibit admission, free for members.

New Year’s Eve Bash. 10am-2pm.  Children’s Museum of Richmond – all locations. Fun games and art activities with Seymour and other special guests who will help “countdown to noon” followed by a celebratory juice box toast. All events are included with museum admission.

New Year’s Eve Family Frolic.  2pm-5pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – Education and Library Complex.  Family activities, crafts & live music.  Those who attend the New Year’s Eve Family Frolic and who are already in the Garden can stay to attend Dominion GardenFest of Lights (5 -10 p.m.)  Regular garden admission; all activities included with regular Garden admission

Harlem Globetrotters 2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour.  2pm.  Richmond Coliseum.  The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters have been thrilling families and millions of fans for 88 years, all the while innovating the game in exciting new ways.  Fee.