Looking for holiday fun that’s a little different this year? Richmond is full of magical experiences that step outside the usual Santa visits and tree lightings. Whether your kids love building, exploring, running through glowing neighborhoods, or being wowed by giant gingerbread creations, these family-friendly stops offer something fun, festive, and totally unexpected.
🍰 Gingerbread Grandeur at The Jefferson Hotel
When: December 1 – January 4 | Where: 101 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA
The Jefferson Hotel turns into a storybook scene. Its grand lobby is home to an enormous, professionally crafted gingerbread display, where kids can spot all kinds of edible details. Outside, the hotel dresses up with twinkle lights, wreaths, garlands, poinsettia plants, and a glowing 30-foot Christmas tree. It’s a magical stop for families seeking a classic but elegant holiday moment. There are also opportunities for Holiday Teas and Brunches.
🚂 The Model Railroad Show: Tiny Worlds, Big Wonder
When: November 28–30 | Where: Science Museum of Virginia
This is no ordinary train display — the Model Railroad Show brings to life detailed, miniature landscapes full of charm and hidden surprises. Families can reserve timed tickets (especially helpful for curious little engineers), enjoy hobbyist-created layouts, and soak in a peaceful yet enchanting scene.
🌟 The CarMax Tacky Light Run: A Neon Holiday Parade
When: Saturday, December 13 | Where: Walton Park, Midlothian
A 6K run (or walk), glowing Christmas lights, and wild holiday costumes — this event is a joyful, bright, and slightly quirky way to celebrate the season. With a Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run, a virtual option, and income-based registration, it’s a light-filled, inclusive adventure for families.
⛸️ Stony Point Fashion Park Ice Rink
When: November 22 through January 19 | Where: 9200 Stony Point Parkway, Richmond, VA (Triangle Park, near Anthropologie)
If your family’s looking for a festive, outdoor ice-skating escape that’s not your typical ice arena, the Stony Point Ice Rink is a perfect choice. Here’s what makes it special:
- It’s a seasonal outdoor rink located inside Stony Point Fashion Park, giving you a shopping + skating combo.
- Public skating sessions run throughout the season.
- The rink is about 2,500 square feet, which brings a cozy, charming feel.
- General Admission & Skate Rental – $16.00
This makes skating here more than just a winter activity — it becomes part of a bigger, joyful outing.
🔨Home Depot Kids Workshops: Hands-On Holiday Crafting
When: 9am the First Saturday of Every Month | Where: Your local Home Depot Store (check here for registration details and openings)
A totally different kind of holiday activity — one where kids build, hammer, decorate, and create tangible keepsakes they can take home.
Home Depot’s free monthly Kids Workshops give families an alternative to traditional holiday crafts. Kids get to use simple tools to build items. The next events are listed below.
Nov 29: Teddy Bear Ornament & Dec 6: Holiday Cocoa Mug
