'Tis the Season

Thursday, December 03, 2009

If you are ready to lift your holiday spirit, Richmond has a busy calendar of weekend festivities. From finding the perfect Christmas tree to carriage rides in the city, there’s an array of free festive outings to choose from. Below are highlights from a few nearby events:
 
Friday, December 4

25th Annual Grand Illumination at the James Center
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A staple of Richmond holiday traditions, the Grand Illumination at the James Center marks the moment downtown dresses up for the season in a display of lights, reindeer and the James Center Christmas tree. Two city blocks will be closed off for celebrations including the countdown of lights, the Legendary Santa, Richmond-native band Timbason, the VCU trombone choir, harpist Rickie Denton, holiday sing-a-longs and more. Illumination happens at 6:25 p.m., so be sure to arrive on time.
 
Holiday Market at The Farmer’s Market in Shockoe Bottom
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

If you still need to purchase a Christmas tree, head down to the Farmer’s Market at Shockoe Bottom where trees from Floyd County, Virginia, will be on sale, as well as handmade wreaths and freshly cut mistletoe. The Market will also feature handmade ornaments, hand-carved toys, artisan jewelry, baked desserts and more. The Henrico Pops and the internationally acclaimed Salvation Army International Brass Honor Band will provide holiday entertainment.
 
Main Street Station Holiday Open House
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The century-old and meticulously restored train station on Main Street in Shockoe Bottom hosts a Polar Express-themed holiday gathering. Enjoy their holiday tree lighting, children’s train rides, music by The Angels and storytellers beside the fireplace. Stroll through the lighted Cathedral Walk and view the exhibition of huge holiday cards created on wooden doors by children in the Metro Richmond-area public and private schools.
 
Capitol Square Tree Lighting
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Who knew there were so many tree lightings happening in one night?! The state Christmas tree will light up on Capitol Hill in a festive gathering. The Governor’s Executive Mansion, the oldest continually inhabited governor’s residence in the country, will also host an open house starting at 5:30 p.m.
 
Free Horse and Carriage Rides
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Travelling around the River District by horse and carriage might be a great way to visit all the holiday events. The 12-person carriages loop around Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom, and are complete with holiday decorations and jingle bells. One round-trip ride per person. Rides are also available Dec. 5.
 
Saturday, December 5

The 26th Annual Ukrops-Supervalu Richmond Christmas Parade
10:00 a.m.

Another Richmond staple, the annual parade runs along Broad Street from The Science Museum down to 7th Street and features an array of floats, marching bands, antique cars, Richmond-area Christmas mothers, the premier of Rocky the Flying Squirrel Balloon (the new mascot for Richmond’s Flying Squirrels baseball team) and more. The temperature is supposed to be a bit chilly, so be sure to bring jugs of hot cocoa to complete the morning.