What’s that in the air? It’s the feeling of a brand new month — one filled with holiday festivities, free banjo shows, andhip-hop ballet. Here’s what we’re recommending you add to your calendar for the month of December. ❄️
Shockoe Illuminates | Friday, Dec. 2 | 5-8 p.m. | 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th St., Richmond | Free | Watch the city light up, shop from local vendors, and snack on food truck treats.
Coffee + Conversation with Justin Smith | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10-11:30 a.m. | The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Ave., Richmond | Free | Register in advance for a cup of coffee and conversation with the founder and curator of Afrovisualism.
ChamberRVA Talent Summit hosted by RVA NOW 2022 | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | VUU Living and Learning Center, 1813 Bath St., Richmond | $60-$75 | Explore the state of the region’s work-based learning opportunities and network with peers.
Hip Hop Nutcracker | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 5-8 p.m. | Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St., Richmond | $25-$120 | See the contemporary, self-expressive retelling of the classic holiday ballet.
Winter Wander | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 12-4 p.m. | The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay St., Richmond | Free | Historic sites will open their doors for a day of free admission and holiday festivities, and Clay Street will be filled with carriage rides, live music, crafts, and inflatables.
History Happy Hour: “Embattled Capital” | Monday, Dec. 12 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Capital Ale House, 623 E. Main St., Richmond | Free | Authors Bert Dunkerly and Doug Crenshaw will take attendees through Richmond history at this American Civil War Museum program.
“Annie JR.” | Friday, Dec. 16-Friday, Dec. 23 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond | $25-$40 | Bring the whole family to see this 90-minute take on the classic musical from Cadence Theatre.
Beers & Banjos | Friday, Dec. 30 | 6 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Travis Randy of The Hot Seats will play a free show to round out your year.
What’s your favorite thing about Richmond in December?
A. Restaurants and bars all decked out in holiday decorations B. Local markets and bazaars C. Catching holiday movies and concerts D. Lights, lights, lights
RVA Illuminates | Friday, Dec. 2 | 4-7 p.m. | Kanawha Plaza, 801 E. Canal St., Richmond | Free | Kelli Lemon will host the city’s grand illumination with music from DJ Lonnie B.
First Fridays for the Whole Family | Friday, Dec. 2 | 5-8 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | Get free admission to the museum and enjoy happy hour, food trucks, music, and family fun.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Broad Street Parade Route, Broad St., Richmond | Free | Make sure to grab a space up front to catch colorful floats, live bands, and Santa himself.
Stony Point Sip & Shop | Saturday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Stony Point Fashion Park, 9200 Stony Point Pkwy., Richmond | Free | Shop from 50 local artisans and businesses while you sample spiked hot chocolate.
Sunday, Dec. 4
Artisan Market | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 1-5 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln., Richmond | Free | Craft beer, live music + local artisans abound at this pet-friendly market.
Susan Greenbaum Band Holiday Show | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7-9 p.m. | The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Rd., Richmond | $25 | See the legendary local singer-songwriter perform holiday classics.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Pro tip: It’s never too early to get started with a financial advisor who is legally bound to work in your best interest. Whether you’re a Gen Z or Baby Boomer, this free service can help you work towards financial freedom.*
Meet the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response — a renamed city department that combines two former offices. The department will dispatch all 911 and nonemergency public safety calls and provide and support public safety infrastructures throughout Richmond. ☎️
Biz
Talk about a comeback.A report from the Greater Richmond Partnership shows that the Richmond area has recovered 100% of the jobs lost during the pandemic. Currently, the nation’s recovery is slightly higher at 102% — though two key Richmond industries, hospitality and personal services, surpass national levels. 📈
Development
A six-story apartment complex is coming to Manchester at 500 Maury St. Developers Fountainhead Real Estate Development + Dodson Development Group were considering a hotel for the property, but are moving forward with apartments featuring a gym, terrace, 48 spaces of bicycle storage, and potentially a pickleball court. (Richmond BizSense)
Arts
Applications are now open for RVA Fashion Week 2023. To apply as a designer, model, boutique, or vender, head to RVA Fashion Week’s site and click on the appropriate application under “Participate.” 👠
Seasonal
Wondering where all the good tacky lights are this year? You’re in luck, thanks to the Richmond Times-Dispatch — scroll for a map. 🎄
Plan Ahead
Here’s one more great December event for you — The Valentine announced its Winter Wander 2022. Head to the Court End neighborhood on Sunday, Dec. 11from 12-4 p.m., for free admission to historic sites as well as music, crafts, and carriage rides. (WRIC)
Richmonder
Richmond’s own Emily Warden was featured in the 12th annual Forbes 30 Under 30. A metalsmither, Emily is on track to reach $2 million in revenue from her jewelry company Emily Warden Designs (peep the bridal rings). 👀
Shop
Your holiday music just got better. 1byoneaudio sells high quality and easy-to-use turntables equipped with incredible sound quality and hi-fi speakers, plus some that connect to Bluetooth headphones. Think: a great gift for the record lover in your life (or even an early present for yourself). 🎶*
Celebrate
We want to wish a happy birthday (on Sunday) to our teammate Robin, RICtoday City Editor. Happy birthday, Robin!
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THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Sarah.
Editor’s pick: If you’re looking to spread the warmth this winter, contribute to RVA Community Fridges + Church Hill Academy’swinter care kits. The kits provide blankets, gloves, socks, hand warmers, and more to the community — donate items on their Amazon wishlist.
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