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Celebrate the Holiday Season in RVA: Your 2024 Guide to Family Fun

Santa sightings, craft fairs, seasonal attractions, and more in Richmond, Hanover & Henrico!

December 3, 2024
Image Credit: Macaroni KID

The holiday magic is back, and Richmond is your go-to destination for family-friendly holiday fun this season! From festive events to spectacular light displays and Santa visits, Macaroni KID Richmond has your ultimate guide to the best local holiday events. Explore our curated list of activities and make your holidays unforgettable.



Kaisorn | Canva


Must-See Holiday Attractions in Richmond

Discover the best holiday attractions and festive experiences in Richmond that will bring cheer and winter magic all season long:


Santa’s Wonderland Returns to Cabela’s, Offering FREE Photos with Santa! (November 3 - December 24)


Santa’s Wonderland Returns to Bass Pro Shops, Offering FREE Photos with Santa! (November 3 - December 24)


Where's Santa (November 14 - December 24)

  • Location: Short Pump Town Center, 11800 West Broad Street, Richmond VA 23233
  • Highlights: Don't miss Santa pictures at Short Pump Town Center! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time.
  • More Info: Where is Santa?


Ice Skating at Stony Point Fashion Park (November 16 - January 5)

  • Location: Stony Point Fashion Park, 9200 Stony Point Pkwy, Richmond VA 23235
  • Highlights: Spin, glide and skate. Throughout the season, enjoy public skating sessions!
  • More Info: Ice Skating at Stony Point Fashion Park


Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights (November 18 - January 4)

  • Location: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden,1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond VA 23228
  • Highlights: Homes & Habitats: A Celebration of Connection invites audiences into the Garden to explore the beauty and importance of interconnected environments with millions of lights.
  • More Info: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights


Christmas with CS Lewis (November 21- November 24)

  • Location: Dominion Energy Center - Libbie S. Gottwald Playhouse, 600 East Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219
  • Highlights: C S Lewis believed in feel-good myths until he met J R R Tolkien, who convinced him the Jesus myth was the one true myth. From that point on, Christmas took on an entirely different meaning for Lewis.
  • More Info: Christmas with C.S. Lewis


Illuminate Light Show @ Doswell (November 22 - December 31)

  • Location: Meadow Event Park13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, VA 23047
  • Highlights: Drive through Virginia’s largest synchronized Christmas light and music show. The over 2-mile route features more than three million Christmas lights synchronized to festive music that plays through your car's speakers.
  • More Info: Illuminate Light Show @ Doswell


Cirque Dreams Holidaze (November 29 - November 30)

  • Location: Altria Theater, 6 N Laurel St, Richmond, VA 23220
  • Highlights: Cirque Dreams Holiday is a brilliant and whimsical family show infused with contemporary circus arts. This family-friendly production features aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, and breath-taking acrobatics.
  • More Info: Cirque Dreams Holidaze


47th Annual Model Railroad Show (November 29 - December 1)

  • Location: Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
  • Highlights: Features elaborate train displays created by hobbyists all over the state, including LEGO displays. A blacksmith will also demonstrate locomotive engine parts using hammers and anvils and the RF&P Forum will transform into a family rail yard. The museum will feature Dinosaur Train episodes throughout the day.
  • More Info: The 47th Annual Model Railroad Show


Kings Dominion's Winterfest (November 29 - January 4)

  • Location: Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
  • Highlights: The park turns into a winter wonderland with millions of lights and breathtaking décor.
  • More Info: Kings Dominion's Winterfest


Letters to Santa (November 30 - December 13)

  • Location: Ashland Branch Library, 201 South Railroad Ave., Ashland VA 23005
  • Highlights: Write your letter to Santa at the library or at home and post it in our special mailbox.
  • More Info: Letters to Santa


On the Air Radio Players present “Dickens in the Jazz Age” (December 3 & 4 @ 10am & 2:30pm)


Cookie Decorating and Letters to Santa (December 4 @ 10am & 2:30pm)

  • Location: Deep Run Recreation Center, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico VA 23233
  • Highlights: Decorate a cookie with holiday accents and write a letter to Santa with your wishes for a special holiday.
  • More Info: Cookie Decorating and Letters to Santa 


Children's Museum of Richmond's 12th Annual Sensitive Legendary Santa (December 4, December 6 & December 12)


Bethlehem Walk 2024 (December 4 - December 8)

  • Location: Bethlehem Walk, 465 Broad St Rd (Parking: 68 Broad St Rd), Manakin Sabot, VA 23103
  • Highlights: Take a Journey through Bethlehem where you can reflect on the blessed birth of Christ.
  • More Info: Bethlehem Walk 2024


Randolph-Macon College Theater Production: “A Christmas Carol” (December 4 - December 8)


Bon Air Christmas Market (December 5 - December 6)

  • Location: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2040 McRae Rd., Richmond, VA 23235
  • Highlights: Live music, fresh food, and lots of great local vendors.
  • More Info: Bon Air Christmas Market


The Santa and Goat Elf Meet and Greet @ Pactamere Farm (December 5 - December 23)


Biltmore Christmas Store (December 6 - December 7)

  • Location: Biltmore Baptist Church, 1300 New York Ave, Glen Allen, VA 23060
  • Highlights: Everything is Christmas! Trees, ornaments, decorations, wreaths, candles, music boxes, snow globes, Christmas villages, bells, placemats, tablecloths, towels, pillows. Have your child's photo taken with Santa on Saturday.
  • More Info: Biltmore Christmas Store


Nutcracker Sweet (December 6 - December 8)

  • Location: Manchester High School, 12601 Bailey Bridge Rd., Midlothian VA 23112
  • Highlights: A family-friendly community production packed with beautiful dancing, gorgeous costumes and guest artists.
  • More Info: The Nutcracker Sweet 


LUXE Show Choir Holiday Spectacular (December 6 - December 7)

  • Location: Center for the Performing Arts, Blackwell Auditorium, 205 Henry St., Ashland, VA 23005
  • Highlights: Attraction highlights here.
  • More Info: LUXE Show Choir Holiday Spectacular


Soul Santa @ the Black History Museum (December 7 & December 14)

  • Location: Black History Museum, 122 West Leigh St., Richmond VA 23220
  • Highlights: Children and families are invited to hear Christmas stories, participate in arts and crafts activities, and have a little treat! Each child who visits can have a photo made with Soul Santa to take home.
  • More Info: Soul Santa @ the Black History Museum 


Santa Brunch 2024 @ Lewis Botanical Garden (December 7 - 8, December 14, December 21-22)


Richmond Ballet's "The Nutcracker" (December 7 - December 23)

  • Location: Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219
  • Highlights: Stoner Winslett’s production of the beloved holiday classic is a magical experience for audiences of all ages with stunning choreography, sets, costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score!
  • More Info: Richmond Ballet's The Nutcracker


Merry Market (December 7 - December 8)

  • Location: Maymont- Carriage House Lawn, 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA 23220
  • Highlights: Local artisans will offer an amazing variety of hand-made gifts for all tastes and interests in a festive setting on Maymont's Carriage House Lawn. The whole family will enjoy a chance to visit with Saint Nicholas and make-your-own craft activities.
  • More Info: Merry Market @ Maymont


"Christmas with the Kranks" @ Henrico Theatre (December 7 & December 13)


Santa Pancake Breakfast @ Busy Bee Play City (December 7 & December 15)

  • Location: Busy Bee Play City, 325 Hill Carter Pkwy Ste. L, Ashland VA 23005
  • Highlights: Children will be able to enjoy a yummy pancake breakfast, a visit from Santa, a special photo opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and time to play
  • More Info: Santa Pancake Breakfast @ Busy Bee Play City


A Festival of Trees Exhibit @ The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen (December 7 - January 5)


Cadence Presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical" (December 13 - December 22)


Visit RVA Santa at Green Top (December 14 - December 21)

  • Location: Green Top, 10150 Lakeridge Pkwy, Ashland, VA 23005
  • Highlights: Get a FREE Keepsake Photo with Santa and don’t forget to bring your list so he can check it twice!
  • More Info: Visit RVA Santa @ Green Top


Carytown Holiday Artisan Market (December 14 - December 15)


"The Polar Express" at Ashland Theatre (December 14, December 20 & December 22)

  • Location: Ashland Theatre, 205 England St., Ashland, VA 23005
  • Highlights: The showing of "The Polar Express" is an annual Ashland Holiday Tradition.
  • More Info: The Polar Express @ Ashland Theatre


"The Grinch" at Henrico Theatre (December 15, December 21-22)


The Sensory Santa Experience (December 19 @ 10:30AM & 6:30PM)


GardenFest Dinners with Santa @ Lewis Botanical Garden (December 22-23)




Terri C | Canva via Pixabay


Upcoming Holiday and Winter Events in Richmond

Looking to find holiday events in Richmond City? Want to know where to meet Santa in Short Pump? Stay updated with the best seasonal events happening throughout Richmond, Hanover & Henrico. From tree lightings to Santa visits and holiday craft fairs, there’s something for everyone in Richmond and surrounding areas.

We’ll update this list frequently as more Richmond, Hanover & Henrico events are announced, so make sure to check back often!

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Parent tip: Event details can change! Always confirm event details before heading out.



Sandor Mejias Brito | Canva via Pexels


More Holiday Fun in Richmond, Hanover & Henrico!

While Christmas is the highlight, don’t miss out on all the winter festivities happening across Richmond this season! Explore more:

Bookmark this page, as we’ll be adding even more Richmond, Hanover & Henrico holiday events and family-friendly activities throughout the season!


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