Happy December, Richmond. ✨ If you’re anything like us, you’re ready to embrace annual traditions and winter at our doorstep — and with all that excitement, you’re also looking for fun local events to attend. Read on for all the top events happening this month in River City.
All month long
Ansel Adams: Compositions in Nature | Every day | All day | VMFA | $8+ non-members, members free | View the drama and splendor of the American landscape through the photography of Ansel Adams.
Man Ray: The Paris Years | Every day | All day | VMFA | $8+ non-members, members free | Explore 100+ portrait photographs from the artist’s time in France.
Dineo Seshee Bopape: Ile aye, moya, là, ndokh…harmonic conversations…mm | Through Dec. 19 | All day | Institute for Contemporary Art | Free | Video, sculpture, installation, and animation are all involved in this exploratory exhibit.
Jeremy Toussaint-Baptiste: Set It Off | Every day | All day | Institute for Contemporary Art and 1708 Gallery | Free | This multi-site exhibition features large-scale sonic installations.
Doing Language : Word Work | Opens Dec. 10 | All day | Institute for Contemporary Art | Free | A multi-part curatorial project inspired by Toni Morrison’s Nobel Prize Lecture.
Columbia Pike: Through the Lens of Community | Every day | All day | Library of Virginia Exhibition Gallery | Free | Explore the Columbia Pike Documentary Project through photography. 📸
Of Mud & Blood | Every day | All day | Visual Arts Center of Richmond, 1812 W Main St. | Free | The exhibit features collaborative pieces by local tattoo artists and ceramicists.
Barefoot in the Park | Opens Dec. 10 | Times vary | Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd. | $48+ | The play that made Neil Simon’s Broadway career. 🎭
Open Mic Night | Every Wednesday | 6 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free | Beginners + seasoned musicians can step up to the mic. 🎶
Isley Open Mic Night | Every Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | Isley Brewing Company, 1715 Summit Ave. | Free, RSVP | Listen to others take the stage or grab the mic and show off your own singing skills.
Hump Day HaHa’s | Every Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. | Isley Brewing Company, 1715 Summit Ave. | Free | Watch local comedians or try out your own material. 🎤
Sticky Rice Karaoke Night | Every Tuesday | 10:30 p.m. | Sticky Rice, 2232 W Main St. | Free entry | Live out your singing dreams + enjoy beer and drink specials all night long.
Karaoke Night | Every Thursday | 7 p.m. | Boil Bay Cajun Seafood and Bar, 8161 Brook Rd. | Free, RSVP | Sing your heart out with fellow Richmonders.
Trivia Knight | Every Thursday | 7 p.m. | Castleburg Brewery and Taproom, 1626 Ownby Ln. | Free | Pro tip: You can get a prize for best team name, so get creative. 🧠
Isley Trivia Night | Every Tuesday | 7:30 p.m. | Isley Brewing Company, 1715 Summit Ave. | Free | Enjoy happy hour prices on different beers for each round of play. 🍺
Huguenot-Robious Farmers Market | Every Thursday | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Great Big Greenhouse, 2051 Huguenot Rd. | Free entry | Shop over 2 dozen local businesses at this year-round market in Chesterfield.
Lakeside Farmers Market | Saturdays + Wednesdays | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wed. | 6110 Lakeside Ave. | This year-round market is located one block south of Lewis Ginter.
Winter Market | Through Dec. 24 | 11 a.m-5 p.m. | Studio Two Three, 3300 W. Clay St. | Free entry | Shop around and choose from hundreds of potential gifts created by local artists.
Bizarre Market | Wednesdays-Sundays through Dec. 24 | 12-6 p.m. | Richmond Young Writers, 2707 W. Cary St. | Free entry | Go to public hours or make a 30-minute private shopping appointment.
Sip & Shop | Weekends through Dec. 19 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., 12-6 p.m. Sun. | Stony Point Fashion Park | Free entry | Sip while you shop local + check out new vendors every weekend.
Legendary Santa | Through Dec. 24 | Times vary | Children’s Museum of Richmond | Free | Pro tip: CMoR admission is not necessary to visit Santa. 🎅
Richmond Holiday Light Show | Select dates through Dec. 30 | Times vary | Richmond Raceway Complex | $20+ | Drive through thousands of lights as they sync up to holiday music. 💡
Wednesday December 1 – Sunday December 5
Wednesday, Dec. 1
Beyond “Mary Bowser": Researching & Writing a Biography of Black Activism in 19th Century Virginia | Wed., Dec. 1 | 12 p.m. | Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St. | Free | Dr. Lois Leveen will discuss her research at this VA Humanities research fellow talk. 📝
Last Holiday | Wed., Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | See the holiday classic starring Queen Latifah + LL Cool J on the big screen. 🎥
Roving on the Moon and Mars | Wed., Dec. 1 | 12 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Learn about space exploration from Dr. Yajaira Sierra Sastre in this Lunch Break Science program from the Science Museum.
Thursday, Dec. 2
Suggesting Rhythm | Thurs., Dec. 2 and Fri., Dec. 3 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 623 E. Main St. | $20 | See the six-piece local band with grooves akin to the Grateful Dead. 🎸
Turkauz | Thurs., Dec. 2 | 8 p.m. | The National | $22+ | Wild horn arrangements + interminable grooves. 🎶
The Sequels Duo | Thurs., Dec. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Live tunes + beer. 🍺
Sunset Solo: Addison Liming, Bob Keel + more | Thurs., Dec. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free | Tunes with a view + Intergalactic Tacos. 🎶
Preschool Storytime | Thurs., Dec. 2 | 10:30 a.m. | RPL Main Library, 101 E. Franklin St. | Free | An outdoor reading event for kids ages 3-5. 📚
Book Talk with Jonathan White: My Work Among the Freedman | Thurs., Dec. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Professor Jonathan W. White will discuss his work at this Civil War Museum program.
Friday, Dec. 3
American Aquarium with Tommy Prine | Fri., Dec. 3 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $18+ | Jam to an alternative country vibe all the way from Raleigh, NC.
Suggesting Rhythm | Fri., Dec. 3 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall | $20 | The second night for this local six-piece. 🎸
Muscadine Bloodline | Fri., Dec. 3 | 8 p.m. | The National | $13+ | A night with the country duo. 🎶
Craigslist Jerry Hippie Happy Hour Show | Fri., Dec. 3 | 4 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free | Enjoy eats from Tiffany’s Smokehouse + Legendary Provisions.
Reveille Ringers | Fri., Dec. 3 | 6 p.m. | VMFA | Free | Drop in to the Cochrane Atrium to hear a Christmas music extravaganza. 🔔
RVA Krampusnacht | Fri., Dec. 3 | 5 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St. | Free entry | Art from local artists, live music + a burlesque show at 8 p.m.
First Friday Art Reception | Fri., Dec. 3 | 6:30 p.m. | RPL Main Library, 101 E. Franklin St. | Free | Work by local artists + music from Mike Klemen and Adwela & the Uprising.
JULIE, MONSTER: a queer baroque opera | Fri., Dec. 3 and Sun., Dec. 5 | 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday | Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad St. | $30+ | A one-of-a-kind story about Julie d’Aubigny, an opera singer + swordswoman in France. 🎭
Out of Uniform | Fri., Dec. 3 | 6 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery West Creek, 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr. | Free | Jam out to this Bluegrass band + enjoy Strawberry St. Cafe and Salt & Forge food trucks. 🎶
Sammy Lee | Fri., Dec. 3 | 5-7 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Ln. | Free | Grab a beer + listen to this blues musician. 🍺
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play | Fri., Dec. 3-Sun., Jan. 2 | 2-8 p.m. | The November Theatre, Marjorie Arenstein Stage, 114 W Broadway St. | $39 | This holiday favorite tells a beloved story in the form of a live 1940s radio broadcast. 🎄Ⓟ
Saturday, Dec. 4
38th Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade | Sat., Dec. 4 | 10 a.m. | Broad Street | Free | The parade starts at the Science Museum and continues east to 7th Street.
RVA Brazilian Music Festival | Sat., Dec. 4 | 8 p.m. | The National | $80+ | The show features Edson & Hudson, Ze Ricardo & Thiago, and Pablo Rocha.
Night Idea, Spooky Cool, Hotspot | Sat., Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St. | $10 | Get ready to rock out with these bands. 🎶
Sincerely, Iris | Sat., Dec. 4 | 6:30 p.m. | Isley Brewing Company, 1715 Summit Ave. | Free | The singer-songwriter just released his fourth album, “I’m Not the Same.” 🎶
Liberated Flow 3rd Annual Charity Art Gala | Sat., Dec. 4 | 7-11 p.m. | Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. | $50 | Proceeds from the night of art + music will support BHMVA.
Richmond Night Market Holiday Villages | Sat., Dec. 4 | 1-6 p.m. | Brookland Park Blvd. + North Ave. | Free entry | Artists and makers + DJ PROLIFIC, Artz by Tre, and Chan Hall Jazz. ❄️
Ginter Park Show | Sat., Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Recreation Association, 3421 Hawthorne Ave. | Free entry | Grab all your holiday gifts from local artisans, business owners + culinary specials.
Gellman Room Concert: The Sweet Potatoes | Sat., Dec. 4 | 2 p.m. | RPL Main Library, 101 E. Franklin St. | Free | A free show from The Sweet Potatoes. 🎹
Elf | Sat., Dec. 4 | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $5 | Before the screening, enjoy a holiday sing-along with Bob Gulldge on the Mighty Wurlitzer.
Stories at the Museum | Sat., Dec. 4 | 10 a.m. | VMHC | $3+ | Pre-K and early elementary learners can read “Hanukkah Hamster” and make a menorah. 🐹
Virginia History Day Student Research Workshop | Sat., Dec. 4 | 10 a.m. | Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St. | Free, RSVP | Students can register for an in-person or virtual workshop to help their research into Virginia history.
Official Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl | Sat., Dec. 4 | 2-9 p.m. | Various bars | $15 | Kick off the winter holidays with your finest duds at seven local bars.
Sneed’s Outdoor Holiday Maker’s Market | Sat., Dec. 4 | 12-5 p.m. | Sneed’s Nursery, 8756 W. Huguenot Rd. | Free entry | Live music, food trucks + Santa puppy pictures.
RVA Moon Market Pop-up | Sat., Dec. 4 | 12 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Rd. | Free entry | Enjoy treats from Sunflower Gardenz Vegan Bakery & Cafe. 🌻
Holidaze Market | Sat., Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-4p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St. | Free entry | Bring an unwrapped toy to the market for the Red Vein Army toy drive.
Sunday, Dec. 5
Downhaul, Barely Civil, Closetspace | Sun., Dec. 5 | 7 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St. | $10 | Join the local rockers Downhaul along with two punk crews. 🎶
Flag on the Moon | Sun., Dec. 5 | 8 p.m. | The Broadberry | $20+ | Explore Richmond’s independent hip hop artists.
Mipso with Lowland Hum | Sun., Dec. 5 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 623 E. Main St. | $18 | Vibe with this Chapel Hill quartet to end the weekend.
Carytown Farmers Market | Sun., Dec. 5 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | City Stadium | Free entry | Buy directly from local producers at the last market of the season.
Richmond Makers Market: Holiday Cheers | Sun., Dec. 5 | 12-5 p.m. | Basic City Beer Co., 212 W. 6th St. | Free entry | Make sure to bring a mask to this indoor/outdoor, dog-friendly market.
Shop For A Reason | Sun., Dec. 5 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Rumors Boutique, 723 W. Broad St. | Free entry | 20% of sales will be donated to RVA Community Fridges + there will be a canned food drive.
Monday December 6 – Sunday December 12
Monday, Dec. 6
The Office & Sitcom Trivia Night | Mon., Dec. 6 | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free entry | Test your knowledge of “Arrested Development,” “Schitt’s Creek,” and more.
Can’t Swim | Mon., Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Canal Club, 1545 E. Cary St. | $15+ | American rock out of New Jersey. 🎶
Tuesday, Dec. 7
Wingtips, S Y Z Y G Y X | Tues., Dec. 7 | 7 p.m. | Fallout, 117 N. 18th St. | $10 | Fallout membership is not required to attend this goth pop get-together.
Holiday Movie Tuesday: A Christmas Story | Tues., Dec. 7 | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free | Be sure to drink your ovaltine + catch this holiday classic.
Book Babies | Tues., Dec. 7 | 10:30 a.m. | RPL Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street | Free | Perfect for caregivers and babies up to 17 months old.
Nothing with Bambara & Midwife | Tues., Dec. 7 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 623 E. Main St. | $18 | Rage with these three punk crews. 🎶
Jingle Bell Bazaar | Tues., Dec. 7 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Richmond Country Club, 12950 Patterson Ave. | Free | All proceeds go to GoochlandCares.
Wednesday, Dec. 8
Literary Virginia Book Group | Wed., Dec. 8 | 6 p.m. | Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St. | Free | Read and debate “The Other Madisons” by Bettye Kearse at the library or virtually through Zoom. 📚
The Archaeology of Connections | Wed., Dec. 8 | 12 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Learn about the indigenous history of the Middle Atlantic shell trade in this Lunch Break Science program from the Science Museum of Virginia.
Love Actually | Wed., Dec. 8 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | See the Christmas classic on the big screen.
Adam Melchor | Wed., Dec. 8 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 623 E. Main St. | $15+ | Catch live performances of Adam’s new songs, “Moon in the Morning” + “Last Song on Earth.”
Hip Hop Nutcracker | Wed., Dec. 8 | 7 p.m. | Altria Theater | $38+ | The classic story you know with a contemporary dance twist. 🐭
Thursday, Dec. 9
Preschool Storytime | Thurs., Dec. 9 | 10:30 a.m. | RPL Main Library, 101 E. Franklin St. | Free | For ages 3-5 + be sure to bundle up for this outdoor reading event. 📚
Exploring White House History | Thurs., Dec. 9 | 3:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Join in the discussion with the White House Historical Association at this VMHC program for educators.
Caiola, Airpark & Kirby Sybert | Thurs., Dec. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St. | $20+ | A trio of indie-rock legends on the rise. 🎶
Chatham County Line: Electric Holiday Tour | Thurs., Dec. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $18+ | This bluegrass band has brought you country tunes for over 20 years.
Ingrid Andress | Thurs., Dec. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | The National | $20+ | See the Grammy-nominated country artist on her “Feeling Things” tour. 🎶
Friday, Dec. 10
Full Moon Fever: A Tom Petty Tribute | Fri., Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $18+ | Don’t back down from getting tickets for this tribute to a legend. 🎶
RapJack | Fri., Dec. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 623 E. Main St. | $15 | Spend the evening with this band, formerly known as Blind and Dirty.
Tasha, Mini Trees + S. Raekwon | Fri., Dec. 10 | 9 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St. | $15 | A poetic night of indie music + political thought.
Jaye Jayle, Snack Truck, Dumbwaiter, Roadhouse | Fri., Dec. 10 | 8 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St. | $10 | Jam out with these acts in Jackson Ward. 🎶
Hashbury Trio Hippie Happy Hour | Fri., Dec. 10 | 4 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free | Americana and folk rock on the indoor stage. 🍺
The Ruby and Jay Trio | Fri., Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free | The father-daughter trio rocks the indoor stage. 🎶
Taps & Tuneage | Fri., Dec. 10 | 6 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free | Live music from Woody Woodworth & The Piners, food from La Bête food truck + the Dank Air Collab beer release.
Santa at Tuckahoe | Fri., Dec. 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Coco + Hazel, 411 N. Ridge Rd. | $10 | One ticket needed per family to take photos with Santa. 🎅
Saturday, Dec. 11
Polar Express | Sat., Dec. 11 | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $5 | See the animated Robert Zemeckis classic on the big screen. 🚂
Korine, Johnny Dynamite & the Bloodsuckers, FM Skyline | Sat., Dec. 11 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 623 E. Main St. | $10 | Rock out to 3 synth-pop bands in one night. 🎶
William Elliot Whitmore | Sat., Dec. 11 | 7 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St. | $15 | Come chill with this Iowan folk singer with a side of blues.
Kbay Presents: Benét, Special Guest & Matthew E. White | Sat., Dec. 11 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $15+ | A fully local-based musical night of sick beats + groovy tunes.
Ghost of POP | Sat., Dec. 11 | 6 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St. | $10+ | Don’t miss out on this live indie pop show — proceeds go towards the HomeAgain organization.
Nikki Glaser | Sat., Dec. 11 | 7 p.m. | The National | $35+ | The comedian stops by Richmond on her tour.
Fangirl Fantasy: 5SOS vs One Direction Party | Sat., Dec. 11 | Canal Club, 1545 E. Cary St. | $15+ | Dance all night to the best songs ever. 🎶
Junior Wilson | Sat., Dec. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Isley Brewing Company, 1715 Summit Ave. | Free | See the New Kent native perform a set of gospel and the blues. 🎶
Monster Drawing Rally | Sat., Dec. 11 | 4 p.m. | Virtual | Cost of purchase | Follow 1708 Gallery’s annual event as they post original artworks for sale to the first buyer on Instagram. ✍️
Richmond Night Market Holiday Villages | Sat., Dec. 11 | 1-6 p.m. | Forest Hill Park | Free entry | Artists and makers + DJ Wyld Stackz, Ron Stokes, and High Definition Band. ❄️
COTU Christmas Market | Sat., Dec. 11 | 2-6 p.m. | Center of the Universe Brewing Co., 11293 Air Park Rd. | Free entry | Head out to Ashland for shopping + eats from Freekin’ Rican. 🛍
Carytown Artisan Market | Sat., Dec. 11-Sun., Dec. 12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | City Stadium | Free entry | Food trucks, live music, and over 100 vendors. 🛍
2nd Anniversary Oyster Roast | Sat., Dec. 11 | 12-10 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free entry | Help celebrate Starr Hill RVA’s second birthday with live music + the Anniversary Oyster Stout. 🍺
CarMax Tacky Light Run | Sat., Dec. 11 | 6-9 p.m. | $27-47 | Midlothian Mines Park, 13301 N Woolridge Rd. | Participants are encouraged to dress up in their brightest, tackiest gear to celebrate the event.*
Sunday, Dec. 12
Elf | Sun., Dec. 12 | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $5 | Before the screening, enjoy a holiday sing-along with Bob Gulldge on the Mighty Wurlitzer. 🍿
Dopapod | Sun., Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $18+ | The rock band will play a show featuring Pipesleeve. 🎶
Sweet Lonesome | Sun., Dec. 12 | 3 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free | Live tunes + eats from Tiffany’s Smokehouse. 🎶
Winter Wander! | Mon., Dec. 12 | 12-4 p.m. | The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay St. | Free | Enjoy warm beverages and live entertainment + explore the historic Court End neighborhood. ❄️
Carytown Artisan Market | Sun., Dec. 12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | City Stadium | Free entry | The second day of the market will feature photos with Santa + an open jam for local musicians. 🛍
Monday December 13 – Sunday December 19
Monday, Dec. 13
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | Mon., Dec 13 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | Get there early for a holiday sing-along led by Bob Gulledge on the Mighty Wurlitzer. 🎬
Holiday Screenings: Elf | Mon., Dec. 13 | 6 p.m. | Ellwood Thompson’s, 4 N. Thompson St. | Free entry | See this holiday classic at The Beet cafe. 🍿
Harry Potter Trivia Night | Mon., Dec. 13 | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free entry | You’re a wizard, Harry — but are you a trivia master? ⚡️
Tuesday, Dec. 14
From Jamestown to Revolution: Virginia in the Colonial Era | Tues., Dec. 14 | 10 a.m. | Virtual, RSVP | A student webinar about historical colonial Virginia from the VMHC.
Movie Mythbusting: A Christmas Story | Tues., Dec. 14 | 7 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Watch the holiday classic + learn about how mid-20th century Richmonders celebrated Christmas from the VMHC.
Holiday Movie Tuesday: Elf | Tues., Dec. 14 | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free | Wear your ugly holiday sweater and watch a Christmas classic.
Holiday Screenings: How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Tues., Dec. 14 | 6 p.m. | Ellwood Thompson’s, 4 N. Thompson St. | Free entry | See this holiday classic at The Beet cafe. 🍿
Food Pop-Up: Ita’s Flavors | Tues., Dec. 14 | 6 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free entry | Island flavors to pair with your pint.
Wednesday, Dec. 15
White Christmas | Wed., Dec. 15 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | Watch the 1954 classic on the big screen. 🍿
Holiday Screenings: A Charlie Brown Christmas | Wed., Dec. 15 | 6 p.m. | Ellwood Thompson’s, 4 N. Thompson St. | Free entry | See this holiday classic at The Beet cafe. 🍿
Betcha, 90’s Kids. Broke Royals | Wed., Dec. 15 | 7 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St. | $10 | Jam out with these hard rockers + their latest album, “Feels like We’ve Been Here Before.” 🎶
Thursday, Dec. 16
Holiday Screenings: A Christmas Story | Thurs., Dec. 16 | 6 p.m. | Ellwood Thompson’s, 4 N. Thompson St. | Free entry | See this holiday classic at The Beet cafe. 🍿
Preschool Storytime | Thurs., Dec. 16 | 10:30 a.m. | RPL Main Library, 101 E. Franklin St. | Free | For ages 3-5 + be sure to bundle up for this outdoor reading. 📚
Friday, Dec. 17
Punks for Presents | Fri., Dec. 17 | 6:30 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 623 E. Main St. | $10 | Jingle jam out to your favorite hits with a holiday twist. 🎄
The Vegabonds with The Stews | Fri., Dec. 17 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $18+ | These two Alabama bands will take the stage with their southern rock.
Colt Ford | Fri., Dec. 17 | 8 p.m. | The National | $23+ | The country singer-songwriter takes the stage.
Wonka Wonderland | Fri., Dec. 17 | 8 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St. | $15 | Cosplay is encouraged for this one-night-only celebration of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” 🍫
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack | Fri., Dec. 17 | 8 p.m. | Canal Club, 1545 E. Cary St. | $15+ | The band will play with Mud Fork Collective + Everybody Gets One.
Hippie Happy Hour with Danny James | Fri., Dec. 17 | 4 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free | Listen to live music + eat food from Tiffany’s Smokehouse + Smokie Joe’s BBQ.
Just Cakin’ It | Fri., Dec. 17 | 8 p.m. | Your Expectations Banquet, 9925 Hull Street Rd. | $125 | Make a holiday-themed cake with Raina at this decorating social. 🍰
Saturday, Dec. 18
Carbon Leaf | Sat., Dec. 18 | 8 p.m. | The National | $20+ | Enjoy the poetic sounds of the band’s ether-electrified porch music.
Listen Local | Sat., Dec. 18 | 8 p.m. | Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St. | Free | Enjoy music written by Richmond-area composers including Colton Dodd, David Robbins, Curt Sydnor, and Donovan Williams.
Savage Hands’ Annual Holiday Show | Sat., Dec. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Canal Club, 1545 E. Cary St. | $12+ | The all-ages bash will include VRSTY, Set For Tomorrow, Followship, and Rest Aside.
A Christmas Story | Sat., Dec. 18 | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $5 | We triple-dog-dare you to see this festive classic at the Byrd. 🎄
Kansas - Point of Know Return | Sat., Dec. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Altria Theater | $54+ | Jam out with one of America’s iconic classic rock bands from the 70s.
Plant Party: Holiday Cocktail Bitters-Making Workshop | Sat., Dec. 18 | 3 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St. | $20 | Learn how to harvest + use dry plant materials to spice up your cocktails.
Stories at the Museum | Sat., Dec. 18 | 10 a.m. | VMHC | $3+ | Pre-K and early elementary learners can read “Santa’s Sleigh is on its way to Virginia” and make Christmas ornaments. 🎁
Richmond Night Market Holiday Villages | Sat., Dec. 18 | 1-6 p.m. | 17th Street Market | Free entry | Artists and makers + Hip Hop Henry, Jowarnise, and The Fuzz Band. ❄️
Sunday, Dec. 19
This Christmas | Sun., Dec. 19 | 3 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | See the Christmas comedy on the big screen. 🍿
The Bishop’s Wife | Sun., Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | This 1947 film stars Cary Grant and Loretta Young. 🎞
Gladys Knight | Sun., Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | Altria Theater | $84 | The Empress of Soul takes the Richmond stage.
Roddy Walston Presents: Christmas to the Bone | Sun., Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $30+ | Get your festive hard rock fix. 🎄
Sullivan King | Sun., Dec. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | The National | $23+ | Keaton Prescott is the man behind the metal-bass music project. 🎶
Richmond Night Market Holiday Villages | Sun., Dec. 19 | 1-6 p.m. | 17th Street Market | Free entry | Artists and makers + DJ Mike Metic, 80 by Design, and Legacy Band. ❄️
Christmas Festival | Sun., Dec. 19 | 12-5p.m. | Richmond Diversity Center, 1407 S. Sherwood Ave. | The Black Village of RVA is throwing their last pop up shop of the year with raffles, music + food trucks.
S.S. Holiday Ice Show | Sun., Dec. 19 | 6 p.m. | SkateNation Plus, 4350 Pouncey Tract Rd. | $8+ | Bundle up + cruise around the world at this ice show. ⛸
Monday December 20 – Sunday December 26
Monday, Dec. 20
Elf | Sat., Dec. 20 | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $5 | Before the screening, enjoy a holiday sing-along with Bob Gulldge on the Mighty Wurlitzer. 🍿
Nerd Out Trivia Night | Mon., Dec. 20 | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free entry | Calling all MCU fans, Jedis-in-training, and hobbit heads.
S.S. Holiday Ice Show | Mon., Dec. 20 | 6 p.m. | SkateNation Plus, 4350 Pouncey Tract Rd. | $8 | Bundle up + cruise around the world with this ice show. ⛸
Tuesday, Dec. 21
Common Ground Virginia History Virtual Book Group | Tues., Dec. 21 | 6 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Read and discuss “Steel Drivin’ Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of American Legend” by Scott Reynolds Nelson. 📕
Holiday Movie Tuesday: The Grinch | Tues., Dec. 21 | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free | There will also be Drag Bingo in the beer hall + eats from Auntie Ning’s.
Exit 245 | Tues., Dec. 21 | 8 p.m. | The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Rd. | $23+ | Come out and listen to James Madison University’s award winning a capella group.
Wednesday, Dec. 22
Love Actually | Wed., Dec. 22 | 3 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | See the Christmas classic on the big screen.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | Wed., Dec 22 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | A Christmas comedy on the big screen. 🎬
Vexine Holiday Show | Wed., Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln. | Free | Festive attire is encouraged for this show, which features special guests The Santamaria Brothers.
Crys Matthews | Wed., Dec. 22 | 8 p.m. | The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Rd. | $23 | Americana, folk, funk + more. 🎸
TSoul presents Home for the Holidays | Wed., Dec. 22 | 6 p.m. | Addis Ethiopian Restaurant, 9 N. 17th St. | $10+ | Vibe to live music and performance by TSoul from NBC’s “The Voice.”
Thursday, Dec. 23
Polar Express | Thurs., Dec. 23 | 11 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $5 | See the animated Robert Zemeckis classic on the big screen. 🚂
White Christmas | Thurs., Dec. 23 | 3 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | Watch the 1954 classic on the big screen. 🍿
It’s a Wonderful Life | Thurs., Dec. 23 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | Catch this 1946 holiday favorite starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. 🍿
Friday, Dec. 24
It’s a Wonderful Life | Fri., Dec. 24 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | Catch this 1946 holiday favorite starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. 🍿
Saturday, Dec. 25
It’s a Wonderful Life | Sat., Dec. 25 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | Catch this 1946 holiday favorite starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. 🍿
Sunday, Dec. 26
It’s a Wonderful Life | Sun., Dec. 26 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | Catch this 1946 holiday favorite starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. 🍿
Fighting Gravity | Sun., Dec. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | The National | $20+ | Richmond-based reggae, rock + pop.
Monday December 27 – Friday December 31
Monday, Dec. 27
Carol | Mon., Dec. 27 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | Travel to 1950s New York in this film starring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. 🎬
A Real Salsa Social | Mon., Dec. 27 | 7 p.m. | Three Notch’d Brewing Company, 2930 W. Broad St. | $5+ | Get a 30 minute salsa lesson + dance into the night. 💃
Tuesday, Dec. 28
Holiday Movie Tuesday: The Holiday | Tues., Dec. 28 | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St. | Free | See the festive rom-com in the beer hall.
Wednesday, Dec. 29
Little Women | Wed., Dec. 29 | 11 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | See the 90s version of the classic story on the big screen. 🍿
Batman Returns | Wed., Dec. 29 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | Tim Burton’s “Batman” follow-up starring Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Danny DeVito. 🐧
Between the Lines Junior Book Club | Wed., Dec. 29 | 11 a.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Ages 7-12 will discuss the Virginia Mysteries series book “Spies at Mount Vernon” in this VMHC program. 📚
Thursday, Dec. 30
TAUK with LITZ | Thurs., Dec. 30 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $18+ | Vibe with this band’s all-instrumental set list. 🎶
The Infamous Stringdusters | Thurs., Dec. 30 | 9 p.m. | The National | $38+ | A night of bold bluegrass.
Last Train Home | Thurs., Dec. 30 | 8 p.m. | The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Rd. | $28+ | Roots-rock fronted by bandleader Eric Brace. 🎸
New Year’s Eve Celebration | Thurs., Dec. 30 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School, 5400 Wyndham Forest Dr. | $65 | Raise a glass + celebrate the new year. 🍷
Friday, Dec. 31
Sleepless in Seattle | Fri., Dec. 31 | 11 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $5 | Nora Ephron’s romantic classic starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. 🧸
Trading Places | Fri., Dec. 31 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $8 | See the John Landis comedy on the big screen. 💸
The Infamous Stringdusters | Fri., Dec. 31 | 9 p.m. | The National | $38+ | A night of bold bluegrass. 🎻
All That Glitters New Year’s Eve Party | Fri., Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St. | $22 | Your ticket includes a champagne toast + music by Ayinde Williams jazz trio and DJ Olnudi.
RVA Bachata New Year’s Eve | Fri., Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Tabol Brewing, 704 Dawn St. | $30+ | Ring in the new year + dance to music with Ruddy Rivera.
NYE 2022 Masquerade Celebration | Fri., Dec. 31 | 9 p.m. | SWITCH Pop-Up Bar, 13 W. Broad St. | $20+ | Admission includes access to three venues, party favors + live midnight drops.
Richmond Virginia Official New Year’s Silent Party | Fri., Dec. 31 | 9:30 p.m. | 4360 S. Laburnum Ave. | $7+ | Listen to different DJs through headphones or chat + drink with friends.
New Year’s Eve at Drive Shack Richmond | Fri., Dec. 31 | Drive Shack Richmond, 1647 Four Rings Dr. | $249+ | Each package comes with unlimited BayPlay till close + party favors. ⛳️