The holiday season is officially upon us! Here’s how to get in the spirit around Richmond this weekend:
The 33rd Annual James Center Grand Illumination, will take place December 1, 2017 at 6pm. This event attracts over 10,000 to downtown Richmond! Come to the James Center and count down the seconds to light up downtown Richmond along with the famous James Center Great Tree & Reindeer! After the Illumination head over to one of RVA’s most famous landmarks – Main Street Station. They will be hosting their 14th Annual Holiday Celebration and the inaugural Illumination of the newly renovated Train Shed! Shop their winter market, enjoy live music and performances, a newly opened art gallery, and of course, a visit from Santa! Outside, you can catch a horse-drawn carriage ride around the neighborhood! The Winter Market will be open Friday Night, December 1st from 4-10pm, Saturday, Dec 2nd from 11am – 7pm, and Sunday, December 3rd from 11am – 6pm.
Head out to Maymont this weekend to celebrate the holiday season in a more old fashioned (but equally impressive) way. The Gilded Age mansion has been elaborately decorated from head to toe including a 12 foot Christmas Tree, ornate trimmings throughout the home, presents and games of the era, and a dining room fit for a holiday feast. Stay for their Christmas party on Sunday, December 3, from 12-4:30 pm and enjoy food and drinks, games, horse drawn carriage rides around the property, and a visit from St. Nick! A Richmond tradition treasured by many! Tours of the mansion will be available!
On Saturday, December 2, the 34th annual Richmond Christmas Parade will take place! The parade departs from the Science Museum on West Broad Street and continues east to 7th Street. With the event drawing over 100,000 spectators annually, make sure to get a good viewing spot well before the parade starts at 10 am! Prime viewing spots are on Broad St. between the Science Museum and Lowe’s. If you’re arriving late, you can view the parade on Broad St. closer to the Coliseum! Or if you’re still planning on going for that early morning jog, why not delay it a little and join The Rotary Club of West Richmond and the Richmond Flying Squirrels at Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run: Odd-K 2k17. This race benefits Junior Achievement of Central Virginia and The Flying Squirrels Charities. The run begins at Moseley Architects, in Scott’s Addition at 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a finish line after party and costume contest back at Moseley after the race!
