The holiday season is one of the most festive times of year in Richmond. From twinkling Christmas lights and beloved holiday traditions to seasonal performances, local markets, and winter festivals, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season across RVA and beyond.
Whether you're looking for a festive family outing, a holiday shopping destination, or a fun way to welcome the new year, Richmond's event calendar has something for everyone. We've rounded up some of the season's can't-miss events to help you make the most of the holidays and the months ahead.
✨ December 2026: Christmas Lights, Holiday Markets & Seasonal Traditions
December brings the holiday spirit to life throughout Richmond, with festive performances, Christmas markets, neighborhood traditions, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season.
🎄 December 2026: Holiday Lights, Markets & Richmond Traditions
December is one of the most festive times of year in Richmond. From classic holiday performances and Christmas markets to neighborhood traditions and spectacular light displays, there's something special around every corner.
A Christmas Carol
📅 11.18–12.27 | 📍 The November Theatre
Experience Charles Dickens' timeless holiday classic as Virginia Repertory Theatre brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the true meaning of Christmas back to the stage.
Derek Hough: Dance for the Holidays
📅 12.2 | 📍 Altria Theater
Celebrate the season with an energetic holiday performance featuring incredible choreography, music, and show-stopping dance from entertainer Derek Hough.
The Bizarre Bazaar's Christmas Collection
📅 12.2–6 | 📍 Richmond Raceway Complex
Kick off your holiday shopping at one of Richmond's favorite seasonal markets. Browse hundreds of exhibitors offering handmade crafts, unique gifts, home décor, and festive finds.
RVA Illuminates
📅 12.4 | 📍 Kanawha Plaza
Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Richmond with this annual community lighting celebration.
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
📅 12.5 | 📍 Broad Street
A beloved Richmond tradition, the annual Christmas Parade brings festive floats, giant balloons, marching bands, performers, and plenty of holiday cheer to downtown.
Merry Market
📅 12.5–6 | 📍 Maymont
Shop more than 75 local and regional artisans at Maymont's outdoor holiday market. Enjoy festive activities, seasonal treats, carolers, and a little holiday magic throughout the historic grounds.
The Nutcracker
📅 12.5–23 | 📍 Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
Make it a holiday tradition with Richmond Ballet's beloved production of The Nutcracker, featuring stunning choreography, lavish costumes, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed live by the Richmond Symphony.
Candlelight Celtic Christmas
📅 12.5 | 📍 Perkinson Center
Enjoy an intimate holiday performance featuring traditional Irish music, festive favorites, and storytelling, all set against the warm glow of more than 1,000 candles.
Fan District Association Holiday House Tour
📅 12.12–13 | 📍 The Fan District
Explore the architectural charm of Richmond's historic Fan District while touring beautifully decorated homes and experiencing one of the neighborhood's most treasured holiday traditions.
CarMax Tacky Light Run
📅 12.12 | 📍 Midlothian Mines Park
Put a festive spin on your holiday workout with a fun run celebrating Richmond's famously over-the-top Christmas light displays.
Yuletides at Agecroft: Christmas Open House
📅 12.13 | 📍 Agecroft Hall
Step back in time and experience Christmas traditions from centuries past at Agecroft Hall. Explore the decorated gardens and historic home while enjoying seasonal entertainment, crafts, music, and more.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
📅 12.16 | 📍 Altria Theater
Experience the magic of the holidays through a spectacular combination of live music, breathtaking acrobatics, and dazzling circus performances.
RVA New Year's Eve
📅 12.31 | 📍 CarMax Park
Ring in the new year with an evening of celebration, entertainment, and community festivities in Richmond.
❄️ January 2027: New Year Traditions, Family Fun & Winter Events
The celebrations don't stop when the holidays are over. January brings a fresh calendar of events, from outdoor traditions and home inspiration to family entertainment and live performances.
New Year's Cone Parade
📅 1.1 | 📍 Carytown
Welcome the new year with one of Richmond's quirky local traditions as Carytown celebrates with its annual New Year's Cone Parade.
Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival
📅 1.8–9 | 📍 Meadow Event Park
Explore the world of fly fishing with educational demonstrations, exhibitors, casting opportunities, and wine tastings at this annual festival.
Greater Richmond Home Show
📅 1.9–10 | 📍 Richmond Convention Center
Find inspiration for your next home project with home improvement professionals, landscaping ideas, design resources, and more.
Richmond Fishing Expo
📅 1.15–17 | 📍 Meadow Event Park
A weekend destination for fishing enthusiasts, featuring fishing gear, vendors, professional anglers, and inspiration for your next day on the water.
Dreams of Freedom
📅 1.17 | 📍 Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through an inspiring Richmond Symphony performance featuring music by renowned Black composers.
Richmond Boat Show
📅 1.22–24 | 📍 Richmond Convention Center
Explore a wide variety of boats, boating accessories, and industry exhibitors at one of the region's largest indoor boat shows.
Jurassic Quest
📅 1.29–31 | 📍 Richmond Convention Center
Travel back in time with life-sized dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, prehistoric attractions, and hands-on fun for the whole family.
OZ
📅 1.29–31 | 📍 Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
Experience a creative take on the world of Oz through an aerial and performing arts production presented by SOUL Aerial & Performing Arts Center.
❤️ February 2027: Live Entertainment, Festivals & Winter Adventures
February brings a mix of live performances, seasonal festivals, and opportunities to get out and explore. Whether you're planning a weekend outing or looking for something new to experience, there's plenty happening around the region.
Virginia Opera: Hansel and Gretel
📅 2.5 & 2.7 | 📍 Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
Enjoy a beloved fairy tale brought to life through the music, storytelling, and theatrical experience of Virginia Opera.
Polar Plunge Festival
📅 2.5–6 | 📍 Virginia Beach
Take part in this popular winter tradition, bringing together participants and spectators for a chilly celebration benefiting Special Olympics Virginia.
Richmond Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
📅 2.6 | 📍 Main Street Station
Treat yourself to an afternoon of chocolate, wine, whiskey, and other indulgences at this downtown Richmond tasting event.
Greater Virginia Bridal Show
📅 2.7 | 📍 Greater Richmond Convention Center
Meet local wedding professionals, explore the latest trends in wedding fashion and décor, sample sweet treats, and find inspiration for your big day.
Tchaikovsky: The Man Behind the Music
📅 2.12–14 | 📍 Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
Experience the music and legacy of legendary composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky through a special Richmond Ballet performance with the Richmond Symphony.
Broadway in Richmond: Hamilton
📅 2.23–3.7 | 📍 Altria Theater
Don't miss the award-winning Broadway sensation Hamilton, bringing its celebrated music, storytelling, and unforgettable performances to Richmond.
Beethoven To Beyoncé
📅 2.27 | 📍 Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
Enjoy a genre-bending musical experience as the Richmond Symphony brings together the iconic sounds of Beethoven and Beyoncé.
🌟 All-Season Holiday Attractions & Light Displays
Looking for even more ways to enjoy the holiday season? These seasonal attractions and light displays offer plenty of opportunities to make festive memories throughout the Richmond region.
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
📍 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | 11.23–1.3
Explore millions of twinkling lights, handcrafted botanical decorations, and festive displays throughout the gardens.
Legendary Santa
📍 Children's Museum of Richmond | Holiday season
Visit one of Richmond's most beloved holiday traditions and meet Legendary Santa and the Snow Queen.
Holiday Tea
📍 The Jefferson Hotel | Select dates
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea experience surrounded by the hotel's beautiful holiday decorations. Reservations are required.
WinterWorld presented by SERVPRO
📍 CarMax Park | 11.19–1.3
Experience a winter wonderland featuring more than one million lights, seasonal attractions, and festive entertainment.
Christmas Town
📍 Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Select dates through 1.3
Experience one of the region's most spectacular holiday traditions, featuring millions of twinkling lights, festive entertainment, seasonal treats, and holiday attractions.
Richmond Tacky Light Tours
📍 Various locations | Holiday season
Take a drive through Richmond's neighborhoods to experience the area's famously elaborate Christmas light displays.
Illuminate Light Show
📍 Meadow Event Park | 11.20–1.2
Drive through a dazzling synchronized holiday light display featuring more than three million lights set to festive music.
Light Up the Tracks
📍 Downtown Ashland | 11.21–1.1
Stroll, drive, or cycle through Ashland's historic downtown district as thousands of lights illuminate the railroad tracks and surrounding community.
Conex Winter Wonderland
📍 Conex RVA | 12.2–1.3
Enjoy a festive holiday destination featuring seasonal decorations, an ice-skating rink, local vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
🎅🏻 Experience More of Richmond with Providence Hill Real Estate
From holiday traditions and festive light displays to live performances, local festivals, and winter adventures, there's always something to discover in Richmond and the surrounding communities.
At Providence Hill Real Estate, we believe loving where you live goes beyond the walls of your home. It's about the neighborhoods, local businesses, traditions, and experiences that make a community special.
Whether you're exploring a new neighborhood, planning your next move, or simply looking for ways to enjoy everything our area has to offer, our team is proud to call Richmond home.
Stay tuned to our blog for more local guides, seasonal events, and Richmond real estate insights throughout the year.
