Sunday, November 15th – Sunday, January 3rd

Animated Light Shows.  5pm Nightly.  Stony Point Fashion Park.  Animated light shows take place at the top and bottom of each hour, beginning at 5 pm at the Community Tree.

Friday, November 27th – Monday, Jan. 11th (Closed Dec. 24 & 25)

Dominion GardenFest of Lights H2Whoa!  Nightly 5pm–10pm.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Dominion GardenFest of Lights is a holiday tradition featuring more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, holiday activities & more.  The first illumination will be 5pm-10pm on the 27th.  Fee.

Tuesday, December 1st – Sunday, January 3rd

Illumination: A Festival of Trees.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  Themed artisan Christmas trees deck the
Center’s halls as we celebrate our fifth Illumination! Most trees are available for purchase! Plus, don’t forget the scavenger hunt or you’ll miss out on a special treat at the end!  The Center’s annual Tree Lighting is Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 5-7pm . Santa and his elves will be on site!

Tuesday, December 1st

Tinker Tuesdays.  Children’s Museum of Richmond – All Locations.  Activity times vary by location.  Kids can take part in an fun Math or Science project every Tuesday!  Free with museum admission.

Time to Sing. 10am. Cartwheels and Coffee, Carytown.  You and your little ones will enjoy singing, dancing, and making music together. Kids will use simple instruments and movements to learn new songs as well as sing along with their favorites. FREE with admission.

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

Children’s Storytime. 11am. Barnes and Noble Chesterfield. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 am. Free.

Family Jump Night.  6pm-8pm.  Pump It Up, 9555 Kings Charter Drive, Suite I, Ashland , VA.  Come play on the giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables during Family Jump Time, then enjoy a pizza dinner together! Pizzas and 2-liter drinks can be ordered at check-in, and food will be available later in the playtime. Check the calendar for any schedule changes. Fee.

Wednesday, December 2nd

Art Workshop Wednesday.   Children’s Museum of Richmond – All Locations.  Activity times vary by location.  Kids can head to the Art Studio for an instructor-led art activity every Wednesday!  Free with museum admission.

Mad Science in Lab Workshop.  10am to 11am.   Mad Science Lab in Innsbrook.  Science workshops will be held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:00 AM for elementary age students. These workshops are perfect for homeschoolers. Workshops are $10 each,
last approximately 60 minutes and include a take home science activity. Check the website for the
list of scheduled topics and to register.

Move with Me. 10am. Cartwheels and Coffee, Carytown.  Clap your hands, stomp your feet, move your bodies to the beat! Miss Sarah Ruppel, of the Richmond Ballet, leads a creative and energetic movement time for your little dancers every Wednesday at 10. Free with admission.

Story Time.  11am.  bbgb tales for kids, 3003 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221.  A local children’s bookstore in Carytown with story time every Wednesday at 11am.

Wednesday, December 2nd – Sunday, December 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.

Thursday, December 3rd

Thoughtful Thursdays.  Children’s Museum of Richmond – All Locations.  Activity times vary by location.  Kids can take part in an activity that focuses on helping others every Thursday!  Free with museum admission.

Fit Tots. 10am.   Cartwheels and Coffee, Carytown.  It’s never too early to instill the importance of leading healthy and active lifestyles! Participants will be lead through various activities that help develop flexibility and hand-eye coordination.  Free with admission.

Mad Science Preschool Workshop.  10am to 10:40am.  Mad Science Lab in
Innsbrook.  Science preschool workshops will be held on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 10 AM for preschool age students. Preschool workshops are $7 each, last approximately 40 minutes
and include a take home science activity. Check the website for the list of scheduled topics and to
register.

Children’s Storytime.  10:30am.  Barnes and Noble Short Pump.  Every Thursday. On the fourth Thursday of each month, enjoy a special visit from Seymour and the folks from the Children’s Museum.  Free.

Children’s Storytime. 11am. Barnes and Noble Chesterfield. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 am.  Free.

Tap Into Christmas.  6:30 to 7:30 pm.  Next Star Performing Arts Center, 2630 New Market Rd, Henrico VA, 23231. A Free Tap dance class for the entire family. A professional Tap dancer will be on hand that evening to teach basic tap dance techniques. Come with your family and friends and enjoy an evening tap dancing to Christmas Music!!! Only requirement is to come in dress shoes and a merry heart! A light refreshment will be served.

Thursday, December 3rd – Saturday, December 26th

Holiday Memories by Truman Capote.  Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sunday 12/13 and 12/20 at 2pm.  Grace Street Theatre, 934 W Grace Street, Richmond VA 23220.  Presented by Quill Theatre, Adapted by Russell Vandenbroucke, and Directed by Dr. Jan Powell.   In the play, Buddy, a young boy, has an eventful Christmas as Sook leads him and their dog Queenie on the kinds of adventures a child will always remember, including baking 31 fruitcakes as gifts for everyone they can think of, such as Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt! Charming, hilarious, touchingly moving, this modern-day classic tale will warm the hearts of all your family, and deepen the meaning of beloved holiday rituals.  Fee.

Friday, December 4th

Storytime. 10am. Cartwheels & Coffee, Carytown.  Sponsored by bbgb tales for kids and lead by Miss Hannah, story time will take you to far away lands, introduce you to new friends with all sorts of interesting creatures, and allow you to discover a world of imagination inside your favorite books!   Free with admission.

Special Night for Special Needs -Sensitive Santa.  5:30pm-7:30pm.  Children’s Museum – Central.  Special Night for Special Needs is an evening especially for the families of children with special needs age 10 and under.  Visitors enjoy all the museum has to offer and benefit from the availability of adapted materials, special activities, a cool-down space and reduced number of visitors.  Free.

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

Kid’s Fun Night.  6pm-8pm.  All Fired Up, Short Pump & Midlothian.  On the first Friday of each month, All Fired Up is hosting Kids’ Fun Night! Drop the kids (ages 6 to 12) off between 6 to 8pm for a fun-night of pottery painting. Enjoy your time while letting your kids have a fun night out on their own at All Fired Up!   The cost is $25 per child and is for ages 6 and up. Reservations are required and space is limited.  Fee.

Parent’s Night Out.  6:30pm-10:30pm.  Pump It Up, 9555 Kings Charter Drive, Suite I, Ashland , VA.  The kids will be happy with an evening of jumping, games, dinner and a movie! 4-12 years old.  Fee.

The Nutcracker Sweet.  7pm-9pm.  Hanover High School – 10307 Chamberlayne Ave, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.  Entertainment for all ages performed by children from all around Richmond. Tickets are $18 in advance or at the door.  For tickets visit: www.tututix.com/ pdmproductions.  All proceeds benefit PDM Productions.  PDM Productions is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. The mission is to create opportunities in the arts for anyone who has a desire to perform.  Fee.

Friday, December 4th – Sunday, January 3rd

The Velveteen Rabbit.  Visit the website for show times and fees.  Virginia Rep’s Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn.  In the world of toys, life begins when humans leave the room. When one group of toys discovers a velveteen rabbit, they discover what it means to be truly loved. Adapted from the classic book by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of the unconditional bond between a boy and his toy bunny and the meaning of becoming “real”.  Suggested for ages 3 and up.  1 hour.  Fee.

Saturday, December 5th

Build a Holiday Block Stacker – Kids Workshop.  9am-Noon. Local Home Depot Stores. FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered at all 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.

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.

Dominion Christmas Parade.  10am.  The parade will depart from the Science Museum on W. Broad Street and continue east to 7th Street.   The parade will feature holiday floats, marching bands, huge helium balloons, and, of course, Santa himself!   Rain or Shine.

Stories at the Museum.  11am.  Virginia Historical Society.  Special educator-led readings of children’s history books.  Free and open to all ages.

Jingle Jam Holiday Music Class.  11:45am-12:15pm.  Melody Magic Music Studio, 3041 Lauderdale Drive.  Celebrate the holidays through music in a 3-week class that will get your kids dancing, singing, and playing to all kinds of holiday favorites. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the season and will leave you with unforgettable memories with your child. Ages 0-6 yrs with parent; Advance registration required at www.melodymagicmusic.com

Arena Racing.  2pm.   Richmond Coliseum.  Professional stock car racing inside and under the lights.  Driver meet and greet one hour before the race.   Get a FREE kid’s general admission ticket (age 15 and under) with each paid adult general admission ticket purchased.

The Nutcracker Sweet.  2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm.  Hanover High School – 10307 Chamberlayne Ave, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.  Entertainment for all ages performed by children from all around Richmond. Tickets are $18 in advance or at the door.  For tickets visit: www.tututix.com/ pdmproductions.  All proceeds benefit PDM Productions.  PDM Productions is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. The mission is to create opportunities in the arts for anyone who has a desire to perform.  Fee.

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.

Home for the Holidays.  5pm.  Altria Theater, 6 North Laurel Street.  Celebrating the Holiday season through song and dance.  Free to all.

Sunday, December 6th

Old-Fashioned Christmas.  Noon-5pm, Maymont Mansion and Carriage House Lawn.  Celebrate a charming, old-fashioned Christmas and experience a tradition enjoyed by generations of families. Guests can enjoy horse drawn carriage rides, St. Nick’s Party with Maymont’s Christmas Fairy, good food and drink, festive music, a roaring bonfire and more. Free activities for families include ornament making, games, photo opportunities with St. Nick or Maymont’s Victorian sleigh, close encounters with a miniature pony, and entertainment by living historian Lamar Bannister. New in the Victorian village, shoppers will find “street vendors” with fresh holiday greenery and aromatic herbal soaps and candles. Guided mansion tours: $5 per person/$4 members and children age 12 and under. Carriage rides: $5 per person/$4 members and children 12 and under. For reservations, visit maymont.org or call804-358-7166, ext. 310.

St. Nick’s Party.  2:30-4pm.  Maymont Garden Hall.  The entire family is sure to enjoy an afternoon of merriment and surprises as St. Nick joins Maymonts Christmas Fairy to host a party filled with magical wishes, games and crafts, special treats, animal friends and a visit to the enchanting home of Major and Mrs. Dooley. $15 per person/$10 adults and children 12 and older. Advanced registration required; register online at maymont.org or call 804-358-7166, ext. 310.

Open Studio Sundays.  1pm-4pm.  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Art Education Center.  Go by the studios anytime between 1pm and 4pm to enjoy “make-it, take-it” art activities inspired by objects from the VMFA collection. A new art project offered every month, with assistance from VMFA volunteers! (For groups of eight or more children, please email youthstudio@vmfa.museum.)  Free, no registration required.

The Nutcracker Sweet.  4pm-6pm.  Hanover High School – 10307 Chamberlayne Ave, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.  Entertainment for all ages performed by children from all around Richmond. Tickets are $18 in advance or at the door.  For tickets visit: www.tututix.com/ pdmproductions.  All proceeds benefit PDM Productions.  PDM Productions is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. The mission is to create opportunities in the arts for anyone who has a desire to perform.  Fee.

Jingle Jam Holiday Music Class. 5-5:30pm. Melody Magic Music Studio, 3041 Lauderdale Drive. Celebrate the holidays through music in a 3-week class that will get your kids dancing, singing, and playing to all kinds of holiday favorites. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the season and will leave you with unforgettable memories with your child. Ages 0-6 yrs with parent; Advance registration required at www.melodymagicmusic.com.

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.