Birthdays
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To submit and event to our calendar send an email to email@completelykidsrichmond.com.
ALL Month…
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. Santa’s Village Dates: November 14, 2014 – December 24, 2014. Light show through January 3rd. Open rain or shine, including all holidays. Fee.
Dominion GardenFest of Lights 2014. Nightly 5 – 10 p.m. (closed Dec. 24 & 25). Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Holiday tradition features more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, holiday dinners, family activities and more. Visit often to fully experience Dominion GardenFest of Lights — the region’s ultimate holiday extravaganza! Dominion GardenFest of Lights is a “rain or shine” event and is only closed for extreme inclement weather. Through January 12th. Fee.
Santa’s Christmas Miracle at The Children’s Theatre of Virginia. Through December 28th. Fee.
Mr Dickens’ Christmas Carol. 8pm. Grace Street Theater. The classic story of transformation and redemption. Through Dec 21st. Fee.
Legendary Santa. Children’s Museum of Richmond – Central Location. Through December 24th. A visit with Santa is free.
Drifty’s Snow Dance. Swift Creek Mill Theatre. Visit the website for show times and fees. Through December 22nd.
Visit the Mindbender (see our review here) and Boost Exhibits at the Science Museum. Or see Polar Express, Rocky Mountain Express or Great White Shark at The Dome.
At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Forbidden City: Imperial Treasures from the Palace Museum, Beijing. (see our review here)
Tuesday, December 9th
“Toddler Time”. 10:30-11am. Ginter Park Library, 1200 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, VA, 23227. FREE Interactive early literacy storytime with music and movement for ages 18-36 months with an adult. Indoor playtime and crafts at the conclusion. Located at . For questions and info. Call Miss Tori at 804.646.1236. Free.
CommuniKids Preschool Open House. 10:30am. CommuniKids Preschool, 3111 Lauderdale Drive. CommuniKids offers a full language-immersion preschool program in French or Spanish for children ages 2 to 5, with extended care available. They also offer language classes for children ages 1 ½ to 10 in Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese. Free.
Short Pump Pals Meeting. 11am. Short Pump Mall, Food Court. Sing Along with Betsy Q. Free.
Young @ Art: The Emperor’s Palace. 11am-Noon. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center. For ages 2 ½ – 5. Diverse objects from imperial China will inspire your own extravagant creations. Fee.
All Ages Holiday Carft-A-Thon. 6pm. North Park Library. Relax and enjoy some holiday cheer and crafting for all ages! Drop by to make a gift or decoration. Refuel with holiday snacks. Families are welcome! Free.
Henrico Pops Chorus Holiday Concert. 7:30 pm. Henrico Theatre. The chorus is celebrating their 20th season of making music! Under the direction of Bobbie Moore, the chorus will perform seasonal classics and holiday favorites. Call for reservations: 501-5859. Free.
Tuesday, December 9th & Wednesday, December 10th
Sesame Street Live “Make a New Friend”. Carpenter Theatre. Fee.
Wednesday, December 10th
Mommy and Me. 10am-11:30am. Willow Lawn – Outside on the Plaza. Join The Shops at Willow Lawn on the second Wednesday of every month as they host a free morning out with live entertainment and activities designed to enhance parents´ interaction with their children. This month – Chris Campbell – Music for Kids. Free.
Young @ Art: The Emperor’s Palace. 11am-Noon. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center. For ages 2 ½ – 5. Diverse objects from imperial China will inspire your own extravagant creations. Fee.
Play. Learn and Grow. 4pm. Gayton Library. Play is how our youngest children learn! Join the playgroup to develop early literacy skills, to make new friends, and have fun! Ages 6-24 months. Free.
Susan Greenbaum: Carols in the Library. 6:30pm- 7:30pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Richmond’s favorite singer/songwriter Susan Greenbaum performs and you can sing along, too! Location: Kelly Education Center- Library. Dominion GardenFest of Lights admission is required.
Christmas Party. 7pm. Varina Library. The annual Christmas Party with stories from Mrs. Claus, a craft, and maybe a visit from Santa! Free.
Holiday Cheer with Joshua Allen. 7pm. Fairfield Library. Join local musician Joshua Allen as he celebrates the Yule season with a variety of traditional songs. Joshua will sing and perform on a number of different instruments, including hand-carved horn pipes. Free.
Teen Fav Awards. 7pm. Dumbarton, Tuckahoe and Twin Hickory Libraries. Vote online from November 1 to December 1 for your favorite teen books, movies, music and more of 2014. Find out who won at one of the three simulcast awards ceremonies hosted by the Northside, Northwest, and West End TABs. Refreshments will be served and dressy attire is encouraged! Ages 11-18. Free.
Thursday, December 11th
“Stories with Miss Tori”. 10:30-11:15am. Ginter Park Library, 1200 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, VA, 23227. FREE Interactive early literacy family storytime with songs, stories, and rhymes for the whole family to enjoy. Indoor playtime and crafts at the conclusion. For questions and info. Call Miss Tori at 804.646.1236. Free.
Inspired by China. 4:15 – 6pm. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center. For ages 9 – 12. 3 sessions. After discovering ancient Chinese traditions such as shadow puppetry and woodblock printing, explore the culture and ways of thinking that influence these art forms. Fee.
Imperial Treasures. 4:15–6pm. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center. For ages 5 – 8. Investigate the art and culture of China in Forbidden City: Imperial Treasures from the Palace Museum, Beijing to inspire your own artistic creations. Fee.
HoliDads. 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Romp n’ Roll – All Richmond Locations. HoliDads is a special night for Dads and their children and will include holiday story time, Christmas-y musical games and activities in the gym, a special keepsake Holiday craft project and pizza too! This event is for dads and their children, ages 5 and under. $12 per child for enrolled members and $17 per child for non-members. Call (804) 364-6363 to reserve your spot!
Henrico Theatre Company presents It’s a Wonderful Life. 8pm. The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. This clever, live radio play adaptation invites you to experience Frank Capra’s beloved story in a refreshingly new and intimate way. Join us live in the studios of WBFR Radio on Christmas Eve, 1946. There the dozens of characters and locations of the classic movie will be brought to life by the long-lost radio formula of five actors, a live sound effects artist, and your imagination. Fee.
Friday, December 12th
Mad Science Parents Night Out. 6pm to 10pm. Mad Science Lab in Innsbrook. Want to get out without bringing the kids too? Enjoy a nice night our while Mad Science entertains your kids. But beware, they may be having so much fun they don’t’ want to go back! The night will include pizza, a fun science activity, take home activities (slime and more), fun games and activities, and a fun movie! The Parents Night Out goes from 6 pm to 10 pm. The cost is $30 per child ($25 for additional siblings). Grades K – 5. Check out our website for the list of scheduled topics and to register.
Henrico Theatre Company presents It’s a Wonderful Life. 8pm. The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. This clever, live radio play adaptation invites you to experience Frank Capra’s beloved story in a refreshingly new and intimate way. Join us live in the studios of WBFR Radio on Christmas Eve, 1946. There the dozens of characters and locations of the classic movie will be brought to life by the long-lost radio formula of five actors, a live sound effects artist, and your imagination. Fee.
Friday, December 12th & Saturday, December 13th
For All Who Truly Believe – Jump Aboard The Polar Express. Various show times. Henrico Theatre. Come see holiday favorite The Polar Express at historic Henrico Theatre. Visit the train exhibit, meet the conductor, and receive your golden boarding ticket and bell. Information: 328-4491. $1
Experience the true meaning of Christmas. Camp Hanover is located at 3163 Parsleys Mill Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. Two magical nights of music and drama at Camp Hanover.This unique celebration of the birth of Jesus is open to the public 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and is suitable for all ages and physical abilities. More than just another live nativity, Hanover Christmas invites you to be part of the greatest story ever told as you experience the music, drama and fellowship with other travelers: shepherds, kings, angels, and other visitors. The event takes place in both indoor and outdoor locations. Refreshments will be available. A donation of $10 per person is appreciated.
Saturday, December 13th
Making ‘Fairy Houses’ with Dried Natural Materials (Adult/Child). 8:30am or 12:30pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Fee.
Boot Camp for New Dads. 9am-Noon. Locations vary. Delivered by First Things First of Greater Richmond. A 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. Fee.
Lego My Library. 10am-Noon. Ginter Park Library, 1200 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, VA, 23227. We will meet one Saturday a month to build, build, build! Shoot and edit your own LEGO Movie! Build on the virtual map with Build With Chrome! This activity is open to children ages 5 up. All Legos are provided. For questions and info. Call 804.646.1236. Free.
Holiday Train Engine. 10am. Local Lowe’s Stores. The holidays are right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this festive Train Engine! Preregistration required. Free.
Paws To R.E.A.D. Program. 10am – 12:30pm. Ginter Park Library: 1200 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, VA, 23227. Do you love dogs? Come and read to Harvey, our resident Greyhound! Parents, this is a wonderful program that allows children to read aloud, increase their self-esteem, and learn about the human-animal connection. Call for times and registration to read to Harvey or to one of his canine buddies @ 646-1236. Every Saturday. Free.
Sir Thomas Dale’s Colonial Christmas. 10am-5pm. Henricus Historical Park. This event will demonstrate first-person character interpretation of the etiquette, norms, customs, and laws regarding Christmas in Elizabethan-Jacobean English households in the early 17th-century. Experience holiday traditions of different socio-economic homes and enjoy period dance and song in the hospital. Free.
CommuniKids Preschool Open House. 10:30am. CommuniKids Preschool, 3111 Lauderdale Drive. CommuniKids offers a full language-immersion preschool program in French or Spanish for children ages 2 to 5, with extended care available. They also offer language classes for children ages 1 ½ to 10 in Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese. Free.
Geek “The Hobbit”. 11am. North Park Library. Get ready for the premier of the final “Hobbit” movie with a marathon viewing of the first two installments. Free.
Saturdays with the Grinch at CMoR! 11am. CMoR Central, Chesterfield, and Fredericksburg. Join the Grinch for a special reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Free with museum admission.
Henricus Colonial Christmas Camp. 1pm-4pm. Henricus Historical Park. For ages 5 – 10. Make historic decorations and crafts and participate in games and traditional holiday activities of the Colonial Virginia era. Help us decorate your home and Henricus! Parents can do their Christmas shopping while kids are at camp. They can also visit our well-stocked gift shop featuring Colonial and Virginia Indian items! Registration required by December 10 by calling 804-318-8797. Fee.
Meet & Shrink Masterpieces. 1pm-4pm. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center. Ages 6 – 9 | Recreate mini versions of your favorite masterpieces! Draw images on Shrinky Dink® sheets and watch what happens when the instructor heats the material. Then turn works into decorative magnets to share with friends and family. Fee.
Engineering 101. 2pm-4pm. Engineering For Kids of Central VA, Glen Allen Learning Center, 1586 Mountain Road. Free.
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.
Kids Night Out. 6pm-8pm. Engineering For Kids of Central VA, Glen Allen Learning Center, 1586 Mountain Road. Fee.
Holiday Kid’s Night Out. 6pm to 9pm. Romp n’ Roll, All Richmond Locations. Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do you, especially during the busy holiday season! Take a night off to relax or get out and pick up those last few stocking stuffers while the kids run, jump and have a blast at Romp n’ Roll! The night even includes a super special pizza party! Ages 2-5. Potty training not required. Member Pricing: $20 for one child, $35 for 2 siblings, $40 for 3 siblings. Non-Member Pricing: $25 for one child, $40 for 2 siblings, $45 for 3 siblings. Call (804) 249-5001 to register or visit us online for more information –http://rompnroll.com/westend/kids-fun-camps/kids_night_out.
CarMax Tacky Light Run. 6pm. RVA holds the bragging rights for tacky holiday lights, a festive craze that has made our city a holiday destination. Join us in revamping this Richmond tradition with the CarMax Tacky Light Run in Midlothian. Gather your friends to form a team and share the fun (and save $$$ This is a stroller-friendly event, and children in strollers do NOT have to register. Fee.
Richmond Symphony Handel ’s Messiah. 7:30pm. Carpenter Theatre. Fee.
Henrico Theatre Company presents It’s a Wonderful Life. 8pm. The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. This clever, live radio play adaptation invites you to experience Frank Capra’s beloved story in a refreshingly new and intimate way. Join us live in the studios of WBFR Radio on Christmas Eve, 1946. There the dozens of characters and locations of the classic movie will be brought to life by the long-lost radio formula of five actors, a live sound effects artist, and your imagination. Fee.
Sunday, December 14th
PBS Kids Holiday Hoopla. 1pm-4pm. WCVE PBS, 23 Sesame Street, North Chesterfield. This event is for children ages 2-8 years old and their families. With winter and holiday games, crafts and activities, there will be lots to do. The Silver Rail Club is scheduled to set up an O-scale model train layout which includes a model Thomas, the Tank Engine. Each child will receive a giant Thomas, the Tank Engine sticker book!
Seymour from the Children’s Museum, will be here too! Tickets: $5 per person. Free for ideaKIDS Club members.
Henrico Theatre Company presents It’s a Wonderful Life. 2:30pm. The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. This clever, live radio play adaptation invites you to experience Frank Capra’s beloved story in a refreshingly new and intimate way. Join us live in the studios of WBFR Radio on Christmas Eve, 1946. There the dozens of characters and locations of the classic movie will be brought to life by the long-lost radio formula of five actors, a live sound effects artist, and your imagination. Fee.
Eastern Henrico Holiday Extravaganza. 2:30pm-5pm. The Armour House & Gardens & Dabbs House Museum. Join in some holiday celebrations and experience traditions and holidays past. Information: 343-3506. Free.
