Richmond area tree lightings are scheduled around town – mark your calendars and enjoy them all!

Saturday, November 8th

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 Nutcrackrer, strolling holiday carolers, giveaways for kids 10 and under while supplies last, a visit from Santa, and more! Plus, don’t miss the countdown to the illumination at 7pm!  Free.

Friday, November 14th

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.

November 14th – January 3rd

Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village.  Nightly 5:30pm – 10:00pm.   The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia.   A dazzling 1.5 mile drive-through synchronized light show. Guests will turn their radio to a special frequency and watch as the lights dance along with the music. 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.

Friday, November 21st

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting.  7pm.  Westchester Commons at 288 and Midlothina Turnpike.  Free horse drawn carriage rides, seasonal music, cookies and warm beverages.  Santa will appear.  The first 100 children, 10 and under, will receive a free giveaway.  The event is free and weather permitting.

Monday, December 1st

The Jefferson Hotel Tree Lighting.  Live music beginning at 5:30p.m., and the lighting of the holiday tree at 6pm. There will also be a parade of beloved children’s characters, sing-alongs, and complimentary refreshments in the Empire Room.  Free.

December 3rd-7th

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.   he 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 we do have “chariots” to accommodate you. 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 5th

James Center Illumination.  5:55 pm – 7 pm.  Between 9th-12th & Cary Streets.  Reindeer and Buildings Illuminate at 6 pm.  Free.

Saturday, December 6th

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-foot cedar tree at The Center’s entrance. mark yoru calendars to attend this holiday tradition!   A fun treat for all ages.
Free.

Sunday, December 7th

Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks.  4:45pm.  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.

Saturday, December 13th

James River Parade of Lights.  4:30pm-8:30pm.  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.