The end of the year is nearing and with that comes the holiday season! We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to take a moment to enjoy the happiness November and December bring. If you’re anything like me, this time of year is packed full with things to do. If it’s not holiday parties at the school or dinner prepping for the holidays then perhaps you’re bogged down with the stress of conquering those holiday wish lists. Either way, the holidays can lose their appeal quick when you’re stressed and running around in overdrive trying to accomplish a to-do list.

So lets take a moment and press pause. The holidays are a time we should be feeling thankful. They are also a time that should be spent with family and friends making memories that stay with us forever. So before I get all sentimental let me explain where I’m going with this blog post.

As a mother of two young girls I’m always trying to pack in as much holiday fun as possible. Every year I have multiple people ask me suggestions on holiday activities based off my social media accounts – so this year I thought I would put together a little holiday guide of my favorite activities. Unfortunately, there are a few that did not make the list due to Covid-19 cancellations.

Let me preface this guide by saying that I am a Richmonder so all of my suggestions are going to be for Richmond and the surrounding areas. If you know of something that is fun to do that didn’t make my list – let me know in the comment section! Until next time – Happy Holidays!

Holiday Experiences to Enjoy with Family & Friends

DOMINION ENERGY GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS

The Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a Richmond Holiday tradition located at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. The exhibit features millions of holiday lights, decorations & model trains. You can enjoy hot cocoa by the fire, a stroll through the museum & shopping in the Garden Shop during your visit. This year’s GardenFest is Novemeber 22, 2021 – January 9, 2022 with the theme Naturally Connected.

The Jefferson Hotel

The Jefferson Hotel is a Richmond historic landmark. It is also one of the most beautiful things to visit during the holiday season. Although the annual tree lighting ceremony will not take place this year due to Covid-19, you can still enjoy all of the gorgeous decorations November 29, 2021 – January 9, 2022. For suggestions on The Jefferson Hotel – Check out my previous blog post HERE!

Richmond Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker

Enjoy the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker at the Carpenter Theater. The Richmond Ballet is accompanied by the Richmond Symphony to perform using some of their classic sets and costumes that will be updated following this season. The show will run December 11 – 23, 2021.

Richmond Symphony Presents: Let It Snow!

A Richmond musical tradition at the Carpenter Theater kicks of the holiday season November 27, 2021. The performance will feature classic carols and holiday favorites with a visit from the man himself – SANTA!

Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village

Experience Virginia’s largest synchronized light show from the warmth of your own car at The Meadow Event Park. The show takes approximately 20-30 minutes to experience and features close to 1 million LED lights! Enjoy additional activities & vendors at the end of the show in Santa’s Village. This year’s event is November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022.

King’s Dominion – Winterfest

Step into a Winter Wonderland at this year’s WinterFest! The holiday event has something for the whole family to enjoy. The iconic amusement park transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of lights and festive decorations. The park features holiday shows, themed rides, festive food & so much more! Take a spin on the ice rink and drop off your wish list to Santa and his Elves! The park opens for select dates Novemeber 20, 2021 – January 2, 2022.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

Christmas Town offers one of North America’s largest holiday displays with over 10 million lights! The park truly turns into a holiday paradise that you can experience around the world. Enjoy rides, live entertainment, festive cuisine & activities galore! Take a trip to the North Pole to visit Santa and his Elves at Santa’s Workshop and enjoy holiday shopping with more than 10 festive markets! The park opens for select dates November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022.

Dominion Energy Christmas Parade

Come out and enjoy the 38th Annual Richmond Christmas Parade presented by Dominion Energy. The parade departs from The Science Museum of Virginia on West Broad Street and continues east to 7th Street. The parade features local favorites and is fun for the entire family! This year’s event will be December 4, 2021 at 10 a.m.

The elf on the shelf: A Christmas Musical

For those of you with little ones – The Elf on the Shelf returns to Richmond on November 14, 2021. The musical brings to life the beloved Elf on the Shelf with music children are sure to love! Enjoy this show at Richmond’s Altria Theater.

Carmax tacky light run

Run through the holidays on this festive 6K course presented by Sports Backers! The course shows off Midlothian’s best tacky lights in the Walton Park Neighborhood. Grab your best tacky attire and lace up your sneakers for this fun holiday tradition! The event takes place December 11, 2021 at 6 p.m.

Legendary Santa at the children’s Museum of Richmond

The Legendary Santa of Richmond has been making the dreams of children come true since 1936. Visit him and Richmond’s beautiful Snow Queen at The Children’s Museum of Richmond November 26, 2021 – December 24, 2021. If you can’t make the trip to visit Santa – no need to worry – reserve a visit with Santa virtually!