Don’t Miss…

Fruitcake Science. Science Museum of Virginia. Celebrate the season with a week chockful of science during this quirky, annual holiday event – December 26 – 30! Free with museum admission.

December 6th and 13th

Romp n’ Roll has a fun and festive Jolly Jam on December 6th at the West End location, and December 13th at the Midlothian location! Kids will have special one-on-one time with Santa and while you are waiting, the energetic staff will be entertaining you and your kiddos with holiday games, activities, and treats. Choose between 3 party times. This is a grown-up inclusive event. Price: Member 1st Child: $20, NonMember 1st child: $25, Each Additional child: $10. Register Here: https://rompnroll.com/midlothian/camps-events
https://rompnroll.com/glen-allen/camps-events

Sunday, December 1st

42nd Annual Model Railroad Show. 9:30am-5pm. Science Museum of Virginia. Nov 29th – Dec 1st. Featuring all the bells and whistles, guests will enjoy unique and traditional model train displays from across the state. Meet Clydesdales horses, watch a blacksmith in action and take a ride on the Teddy Bear Express! Learn how trains work, conduct experiments, check out special demonstrations and enjoy a holiday weekend filled with fun for the whole family. Free with museum admission.

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Bobcat Presentation. 2pm. Maymont, Bobcat Habitat. Free.

Monday, December 2nd

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

The Jefferson Hotel Tree Lighting.  5pm. This time-honored tradition at The Jefferson is in its 32nd year. The evening’s festivities begin at 5:00pm with holiday musical performances. The Tree Lighting ceremony begins at 5:35pm and includes a host of holiday characters. The ceremony concludes with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus for the lighting of the tree. This event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to the Empire Ballroom following the ceremony to enjoy complimentary refreshments. Guests of the event will also be the first to enjoy the annual Gingerbread Display prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Sara Ayyash and her talented team. Thousands of pounds of gingerbread, royal icing and candy are used to create classic holiday scene. The display will be in the Palm Court Lobby through Sunday, January 5, 2019.

Merry Mondays. 5pm-8pm. Lewis Ginter Botnaaical Gardens. Bring the kids for Santa “sightings” in the Conservatory from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays through Dec. 23, and Storytime fireside with the Garden Keeper in the Library Reading Room, at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. Free with garden admission.

Tuesday, December 3rd

Toddler Playtime and Storytime. 10am-11:30am. Pump It Up Hanover. Fee.

Countdown ‘Till Santa. 10:30 to 11:30am. All Fired Up. Get excited for SANTA coming to town and join us as they read aloud 10 Things You Never Knew about Santa Claus by Giles-Paley Phillips. After the story make your own little plaques for your family to count down the days until Santa arrives! Cost is $18 plus tax per painter and the event is for ages 5 and under. Call to sign up.

Weekly Storytime.  11am.  Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall.  Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

THE ELF ON THE SHELF: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL. 6pm. Carpenter Theatre. When the top Scout Elf of his graduating class is sent to a disconnected, multi-generational family struggling to rediscover Christmas spirit, he’s got to find a way off the shelf and into their hearts. Visit the website for ticket prices.

Wednesday, December 4th

Family Classic Movies – The Christmas Story.  10am.  The Byrd Theater.  $4 per ticket.

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Luminary Lab. Dec 4, 11, or 18. 4–5 pm. VMFA Art Education Center. For ages 2 ½–5. Be inspired by illuminated artworks in the galleries. Let your light shine while creating shimmering, light-filled projects. $18 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $15). Advance registration required.

Thursday, December 5th

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Let It Shine. 4-5pm. VMFA Art Education Center. For ages 14–30 months. Investigate all that shimmers and shines. Discover dazzling jewels and stars that light up the night. $18 per toddler/adult pair (VMFA members $15).

Friday, December 6th

Storytime in the Garden. 10-11am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, meet in the Lora Robins Library every Friday, September through May. Free with garden admission.

Open Jump & Glow Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Special Nights. 5:30pm – 7:30pm, Children’s Museum Downtown. The Children’s Museum opens its doors for evenings especially for families with children 15 years old and younger who have challenges or disabilities. You’ll find museum exploration, adapted materials, a cool-down space, and a reduced number of visitors. Free admission for families of children with behavioral health and development challenges. No reservation required.

Kids Fun Night. 6pm-8pm. All Fired Up. Drop off the kids to create a clay art project, paint, AND enjoy a pizza dinner! The cost is $25 per child and is for ages 6 and up. Reservations are required and space is limited, so call and sign up today.

$1 Movies – Home Alone (PG). Fri, Dec 6 at 7pm & Sat, Dec 7 at 2 & 7pm. Henrico Theatre.

Kids Night Out. 6pm-9pm. Romp n’ Roll – Midlothian and West End locations. Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do the parents! Parent’s get an evening to themselves while the children, ages 2 to 5, get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner! Children do not need to be potty-trained. To reserve your space call 804.364.6363. Fee.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH. 7:30pm. Carpenter Theatre. The Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus performing Handel’s masterwork, a holiday classic that has delighted Richmonders for generations. Visit the website for ticket prices.

Saturday, December 7th

Kids Workshop – Christmas Countdown Calendar.  9am-Noon.  Local Home Depot stores.  Join the hands-on Kids Workshop and you and your child can build a special project.  All kids get to keep their project, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and must be accompanied by an adult  Registration required – select your local store.  Free.

One Great Morning of Raking. 9am-Noon. Maymont, Japanese Garden. Volunteers assist the horticulture staff rake the fallen leaves covering the garden. Please register online to let us know you are coming, and bring your own rake.

Family Classic Movies – Elf.  10am.  The Byrd Theater.  Featuring a classic WB cartoon & Mighty Wurlitzer concert before each show. $4 per ticket.

Bright, Light, and Beautiful – Infants. 10:30–11:45am. VMFA Art Education Center. For ages 3–13 months or ages 14–30 months . Discover light-filled gallery spaces and illuminated works of art. Then create lightinspired projects in the studio. $24 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $20)

Stories at the Museum.  11am.  Virginia Museum of History & Culture, formerly the Virginia Historical Society.  Enjoy a group reading of a history-themed book and a craft activity during Stories at the Museum.   Included with admission.

Bobcat Presentation. 2pm. Maymont, Bobcat Habitat. Free.

$1 Movies – Home Alone (PG). Fri, Dec 6 at 7pm & Sat, Dec 7 at 2 & 7pm. Henrico Theatre.

Annual Tree Lighting. 4:30pm.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  Enjoy magical holiday music performances, hot chocolate and cookies, a toasty bonfire and, of course, a special visit from Santa to light the 60-foot cedar Christmas tree at The Center’s entrance! Free and fun for the whole family.

LET IT SNOW. 8pm. Carpenter Theatre. Celebrate the holidays with a concert featuring the sounds of the season! Join the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus for this magical annual holiday tradition the whole family will love. Visit the website for ticket prices.

Sunday, December 8th

Bobcat Presentation. 2pm. Maymont, Bobcat Habitat. Free.

St. Nick’s Christmas Party. 3pm. Maymont Garden Hall. The entire family is sure to enjoy an afternoon of merriment and surprises as St. Nick joins Maymont’s charming Christmas Fairy to host a party filled with magical wishes and animal friends, games, crafts and special treats! Advance registration required. Fee.

LET IT SNOW. 3pm. Carpenter Theatre. Celebrate the holidays with a concert featuring the sounds of the season! Join the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus for this magical annual holiday tradition the whole family will love. Visit the website for ticket prices.

Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks.  In the 18th century, illuminations–the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks–celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Join Colonial Williamsburg for this special day by strolling the Historic Area and viewing all the unique decorations. Enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout the Historic Area and fireworks displays from the Capitol, the Magazine, and the Palace.

Monday, December 9th

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Merry Mondays. 5pm-8pm. Lewis Ginter Botnaaical Gardens. Bring the kids for Santa “sightings” in the Conservatory from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays through Dec. 23, and Storytime fireside with the Garden Keeper in the Library Reading Room, at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. Free with garden admission.

Family Classic Movies – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  7pm.  The Byrd Theater.  $4 per ticket.

Tuesday, December 10th

The Gingerbread Man. 10:30-11:30am. All Fired Up. Bring this children’s holiday classic alive in a new way. Each kiddo will get to paint their very own gingerbread man to bring home for the holidays. Cost is $18 plus tax per painter and the event is for ages 5 and under. Space is limited so please call to sign up.

Weekly Storytime.  11am.  Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall.  Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

PJ Masks Live. 6pm. Altria Theater. An all new super-heroic, live musical show, featuring the heroic trio from your favorite series. Visit the website for ticket prices.

Wednesday, December 11th

Mommy and Me and Daddy, too. 10am.  Inside Va Rep.  Join Willow Lawn on the second Wednesday of EVERY month from 10am to 11:30am as they  host a free morning out with live entertainment and activities designed to enhance parents´ interaction with their children.

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Luminary Lab. Dec 4, 11, or 18. 4–5 pm. VMFA Art Education Center. For ages 2 ½–5. Be inspired by illuminated artworks in the galleries. Let your light shine while creating shimmering, light-filled projects. $18 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $15). Advance registration required.

Thursday, December 12th

Kids Club – Storytime With Santa. 10am-11:30am. Regency Mall. Cookies and Cocoa. Free.

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Let It Shine. 4-5pm. VMFA Art Education Center. For ages 14–30 months. Investigate all that shimmers and shines. Discover dazzling jewels and stars that light up the night. $18 per toddler/adult pair (VMFA members $15).

Inspired by Stained Glass. 4:30–6pm. VMFA Art Education Center. For ages 5–8. Be illuminated by stunning stained-glass windows and objects from the collections. Explore the effects of color and light when making artwork that mimics the effect of stained-glass windows. Fee.

Friday, December 13th

Storytime in the Garden. 10-11am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, meet in the Lora Robins Library every Friday, September through May. Free with garden admission.

Homeschool Clay Class. 1pm – 2pm. All Fired Up. Students will create a poinsettia shaped votive holder from wet clay. The cost is $10 plus tax per participating child. Reservations recommended but walk-ins are welcome!

Open Jump & Glow Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

CarMax $1 Dollar Night.  5pm-7:30pm.  Children’s Museum Downtown.  Museum admission is only $1 per person for the entire family! Visit the website to get your voucher.

Holiday Gingerbread House Workshop. 5pm-7pm. Young Chefs Academy. Imagine you’ve happened upon a magical cottage of sweetest proportions…where rooftops are sugared with frosted shingles and chocolate doors are adorned with fruity wreaths. Licorice-lined windows entice you to peek inside while the salty bark of a tree stands at attention alongside sugary gumdrop bushes…It’s not a fantasy! Join the holiday fun with Young Chefs Academy as we share decorating tips and tricks to bring your one-of-a-kind sugar-coated gingerbread house to life! Ages 7 and up. $45 each child

Kids Night Out. 6pm-9pm. Romp n’ Roll – Midlothian and West End locations. Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do the parents! Parent’s get an evening to themselves while the children, ages 2 to 5, get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner! Children do not need to be potty-trained. To reserve your space call 804.364.6363. Fee.

Saturday, December 14th

Boot Camp for New Dads.  9am-Noon.  Varied locations.  Facilitated by the Relationship Foundation of Virginia.    This unique father-to-father community-based workshop prepares and equips expectant dads to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates, and navigate their transformation into dads.  $25 Suggested donation. Scholarships available.

Family Classic Movies – The Christmas Story.  10am.  The Byrd Theater.   Featuring a classic WB cartoon & Mighty Wurlitzer concert before each show. $4 per ticket.

Bright, Light, and Beautiful – Preschoolers. 10:30–11:45am. VMFA Art Education Center. For ages 2 1/2–5 years. Discover light-filled gallery spaces and illuminated works of art. Then create lightinspired projects in the studio. Fee.

Visit with Father Christmas. Noon-5pm. Henricus Historical Park. Celebrate Three Centuries of Virginia Christmas at Henricus Historical Park. Begin in 1619 and experience what early Christmas traditions may have been like for the English colonists, then move on to 1771 and explore what the first Christmas would have been like for Revolutionary patriots of Virginia coming home from the War of Independence. Fee.

Bobcat Presentation. 2pm. Maymont, Bobcat Habitat. Free.

$1 Movies – The Grinch 2018. Sat, Dec 14 at 2 & 7pm. Henrico Theatre.

James River Parade of Lights. 4pm-8pm. Osborne Park and Boat Landing, 9530 Osborne Turnpike. Celebrate the season with a lighted boat parade. Free.

CarMax Tacky Light Run. Step into a tacky wonderland filled with lights, elves, Santa…and more! Fee.

Sunday, December 15th

Bobcat Presentation. 2pm. Maymont, Bobcat Habitat. Free.

Monday, December 16th

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Merry Mondays. 5pm-8pm. Lewis Ginter Botnaaical Gardens. Bring the kids for Santa “sightings” in the Conservatory from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays through Dec. 23, and Storytime fireside with the Garden Keeper in the Library Reading Room, at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. Free with garden admission.

Family Classic Movies – How The Grinch Stole Christmas.  7:15pm.  The Byrd Theater.   $4 per ticket.

Tuesday, December 17th

Toddler Playtime and Storytime. 10am-11:30am. Pump It Up Hanover. Fee.

Weekly Storytime.  11am.  Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall.  Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Wednesday, December 18th

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Luminary Lab. Dec 4, 11, or 18. 4–5 pm. VMFA Art Education Center. For ages 2 ½–5. Be inspired by illuminated artworks in the galleries. Let your light shine while creating shimmering, light-filled projects. $18 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $15). Advance registration required.

Family Classic Movies – White Christmas.  7:15pm.  The Byrd Theater.   Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Sing-a-long. $6

Thursday, December 19th

Open Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Let It Shine. 10:30–11:30 am. VMFA Art Education Center. For ages 14–30 months. Investigate all that shimmers and shines. Discover dazzling jewels and stars that light up the night. $18 per toddler/adult pair (VMFA members $15).

Friday, December 20th

$1 Movies – The Polar Express (G). Fri, Dec 20 at 10am, 2pm, & 7pm. Henrico Theatre.

Storytime in the Garden. 10-11am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, meet in the Lora Robins Library every Friday, September through May. Free with garden admission.

Open Jump & Glow Jump.  Various Times. Pump It Up Hanover.  Fee.

Kids Night Out. 6pm-9pm. Romp n’ Roll – Midlothian and West End locations. Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do the parents! Parent’s get an evening to themselves while the children, ages 2 to 5, get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner! Children do not need to be potty-trained. To reserve your space call 804.364.6363. Fee.

Saturday, December 21st

Special Showing: The Polar Express. 10am and 4pm. Science Museum of Virginia. Gather your family, don your favorite PJ’s, grab a cup of hot chocolate and celebrate the holidays at the Museum with a 10 am or 4 pm showing of the holiday classic, The Polar Express, in the Dome. Tickets go on sale early for members. Fee.

Jolly Old St. Nicholas. 10am & 11:30am. Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen. Presented by VA Rep on Tour! Book by Ron Barnett and Dawn Westbrook, Music and Lyrics by Ron Barnett. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas is an original holiday tale. Tuck and his father prepare for Christmas as Mr. Grumpasaurus strives to thwart all Christmas merriment. But with the help of Santa and his elves, Christmas turns out to be the best one yet, even for Mr. Grumpasaurus. Treat the whole family to this holiday musical, with tickets at just $15!

Family Classic Movies – The Polar Express.  10am.  The Byrd Theater.   Family Classics include a Warner Bros Cartoon and Bob Gulledge at the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ with a Holiday Sing-a-long!. $4 per ticket.

Stories at the Museum.  11am.  Virginia Museum of History & Culture, formerly the Virginia Historical Society.  Enjoy a group reading of a history-themed book and a craft activity during Stories at the Museum.   Included with admission.

Family Classic Movies – The Polar Express Sensory Friendly Screening.  2pm.  The Byrd Theater.  $3 per ticket.

Bobcat Presentation. 2pm. Maymont, Bobcat Habitat. Free.

MILK & COOKIES WITH SANTA. 4pm. Wear your favorite pajamas and enjoy a holiday story. Milk & Cookies will take place in space 193, located next to LensCrafters. Please register for this event by December 7.

Christmas with KOS & Susan Greenbaum. 4pm and 7pm. Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road. An evening filled with holiday favorites. Fee.

Sunday, December 22nd

Bobcat Presentation. 2pm. Maymont, Bobcat Habitat. Free.

Family Classic Movies – ELF.  2pm.  The Byrd Theater. Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Sing-a-long $6 per ticket.

Monday, December 23rd

Family Classic Movies – ELF.  2pm.  The Byrd Theater. Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Sing-a-long $6 per ticket.

Merry Mondays. 5pm-8pm. Lewis Ginter Botnaaical Gardens. Bring the kids for Santa “sightings” in the Conservatory from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays through Dec. 23, and Storytime fireside with the Garden Keeper in the Library Reading Room, at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. Free with garden admission.

Tuesday, December 24th

Weekly Storytime.  11am.  Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall.  Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.

Family Classic Movies – It’s a Wonderful Life.  7:15pm.  The Byrd Theater. Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Sing-a-long. $6 per ticket.

Wednesday, December 25th

Family Classic Movies – It’s a Wonderful Life.  7:15pm and 9:45pm.  The Byrd Theater. Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Sing-a-long. $6 per ticket.

Thursday, December 26th

Fruitcake Science. Science Museum of Virginia. Celebrate the season with a week chockful of science during this quirky, annual holiday event – December 26 – 30! Free with museum admission.

Friday, December 27th

Storytime in the Garden. 10-11am. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, meet in the Lora Robins Library every Friday, September through May. Free with garden admission.

Fruitcake Science. Science Museum of Virginia. Celebrate the season with a week chockful of science during this quirky, annual holiday event – December 26 – 30! Free with museum admission.

Kids Night Out. 6pm-9pm. Romp n’ Roll – Midlothian and West End locations. Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do the parents! Parent’s get an evening to themselves while the children, ages 2 to 5, get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a pizza party dinner! Children do not need to be potty-trained. To reserve your space call 804.364.6363. Fee.

HOLIDAY DREAMS! A Spectacular Holiday Cirque. 7pm. Altria Theater. Holiday Dreams is not your average holiday show! It harnesses the magic of Christmas to create an awesome holiday spectacle, using projection mapping, and hologram technology to create a truly unique show. The story is elegant in its simplicity and designed to be followed by audiences of all ages. Visit the website for ticket prices.

Saturday, December 28th

Family Classic Movies – An American Tail.  10am.  The Byrd Theater. Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Sing-a-long. $6 per ticket.

Fruitcake Science. Science Museum of Virginia. Celebrate the season with a week chockful of science during this quirky, annual holiday event – December 26 – 30! Free with museum admission.

Bobcat Presentation. 2pm. Maymont, Bobcat Habitat. Free.

Sunday, December 29th

Fruitcake Science. Science Museum of Virginia. Celebrate the season with a week chockful of science during this quirky, annual holiday event – December 26 – 30! Free with museum admission.

Bobcat Presentation. 2pm. Maymont, Bobcat Habitat. Free.

Monday, December 30th

Fruitcake Science. Science Museum of Virginia. Celebrate the season with a week chockful of science during this quirky, annual holiday event – December 26 – 30! Free with museum admission.

Merry Mondays. 5pm-8pm. Lewis Ginter Botnaaical Gardens. Bring the kids for Santa “sightings” in the Conservatory from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays through Dec. 23, and Storytime fireside with the Garden Keeper in the Library Reading Room, at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. Free with garden admission.

Tuesday, December 31st

Noon Year’s Eve. 10am -1pm. Science Museum of Virginia. Watch 2,020 bouncy balls, paper streamers and confetti bring the Rotunda to life for a special ball drop to celebrate the New Year. Free with museum admission, but limited to the first 2,500 guests.

Noon Year’s Eve Bash. 10am – 2pm. At all Children’s Museum locations. Ring in the new year Children’s Museum-style with a countdown to the noon year, special activities, and more! Free with museum admission.

Weekly Storytime.  11am.  Pottery Barn Kids, Short Pump Mall.  Kids can enjoy some of their favorite books read aloud. Free.

New Year’s Eve Family Frolic. 2pm-5pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Family activities in the afternoon with live entertainment and crafts. (Enjoy Dominion GardenFest of Lights in the evening from 5 – 10 p.m.). Free with garden admission.