Sing a song

Dec. 1, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m., Reveille Ringers at the VMFA, Cochrane Atrium.

Hear joyful sounds of the handbell choir from Reveille UMC. The Reveille Ringers will play three sets of holiday music at 6 p.m. and then again at 7 p.m. Drink specials from Best Café at 5:30 p.m. Free, no tickets required.

Life’s a parade

Kick off the holiday season with the 40th Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

The parade begins at the Science Museum of Virginia at 10:15 a.m. Traveling eastbound on Broad Street, the parade will conclude at 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum. The parade also airs LIVE on WTVR

CBS6.

Find joy at Jefferson

Through Jan. 7 — The Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St. will be decorated for the holidays with live poinsettias, garlands, wreaths and twinkle lights. Signature displays and more than 20 decorated trees will be placed throughout the hotel.

The decorations and displays are free to view with no reservation required. For more details, please call (804) 649-4750 or visit www.jeffersonhotel.com/holidays.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights

Nightly through Sunday, Jan. 7 — A favorite tradition of Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 1800 Lakeside Ave. featuring lights, botanical decorations, model trains, warming fire, hot chocolate and s’mores, and more!

Select nights Nov. 28-Jan. 2 will have live music performances.

Santa Brunches will be on Saturdays and Sundays in December with seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. GardenFest Dinners with Santa will be Dec. 17, 18 and 19 with seating at 5 p.m. Advance tickets are required and are available online only (no walk-ups).

Maymont’s Merry Market

Dec. 1 – Dec. 12 — Ring in the holiday season with Maymont at the Maymont Carriage House Lawn, 1700 Hampton St.

Enjoy twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, cozy fire pits and live music. Grab some food and beverages to fuel your shopping in a curated local artisan market.

Dates are as follows:

Weekend One: Friday, Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

Weekend Two: Friday, Dec. 8, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

For more information, please call (804)525-9000 or visit

www.maymont.org/calendar/merry-market-2023.

The Joy of Illumination

Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. — In partnership with the County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks, the Glen Allen Arts Center, 2880 Mountain Road, will host its free 25th annual tree lighting and illumination holiday event featuring holiday music performances, a bonfire and kids scavenger hunt. Santa will take photos with kids and light the Christmas tree at The Center’s entrance. After the tree lighting, parents can explore the holiday gift shop and festive exhibits.

For more information, please call (804) 261-2787.

Soul Santa at the Black History Museum

Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 1 p.m - 4 p.m. — Soul Santa is back for another year at the Black History Museum of Virginia to take photos. To register, visit

www.blackhistorymuseum.org/event/soul-santa-2023.

Don’t forget your wish list!

Richmond Night Market’s Annual Holiday Villages

Dec. 2, 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. — The Richmond Night Market Kicks off its 3rd Annual Holiday Villages at Main Street Station

Dec. from noon to 8 p.m. Shop among 75 artisans and small business owners. Hear live music by the Fuzz Band and a soundtrack by DJ J. Kirven and DJ Billy Crystal Fingers. Also, enjoy a wine lounge and a live art installation gallery.

“Holiday Villages offers the premiere holiday shopping experience for our region. This extension of the Richmond Night Market has created a home for both local and visiting artisans, makers, creators and small business owners,” says Adrienne Cole Johnson, co-founder of the Richmond Night Market.

“Additionally, it has served as a venue for our performing artist community to showcase their talents and provide holiday cheer. It truly makes for the perfect date, time spent with family and presents the opportunity for you to attend solo and meetup with friends.”

For more details, contact richmondvanightmarket@gmail.com.

Petersburg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert

Dec. 3, 2023, 3101 Johnson Road, Petersburg.

Enjoy the seasonal sounds of the holiday featuring Desiree Roots, James “Saxmo” Gates, and Weldon Hill in concert with the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra.

Naima Burrs will be the music director.