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Today’s Forecast

49º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:24 a.m. | Sunset 5:07 p.m.
 

Get outside without getting too cold

Outdoor activities for a Richmond winter
A view of the Richmond skyline, including a water tower and a smokestack, as seen from Libby Hill park in Church Hill
Libby Hill Park’s proximity to Riverbend Coffee makes it a great option for a morning stroll. | RICtoday
The next few weeks will comprise some of the shortest days of the year, and the freezing temps of the early mornings and late evenings mean that, for anyone trying to get outside, the abridged daylight available is all the more important.

Looking for new ways to get your daily dose of vitamin D? Look no further.

Early mornings

If you’re prepared to bundle up and brave the cold before work, then you’ve got plenty of options. Grab a cup of Lamplighter coffee and take a stroll through Byrd Park, or take a Riverbend latte on a downhill (and then, eventually, uphill) stroll to Great Shiplock’s Capital trailhead.

This is also a wonderful time of year for sunrise-lovers. If you can make it to the Belle Isle Suspension Bridge or Chimborazo Park by ~6:45 a.m., you’ll be rewarded with a River City sunrise any outdoor enthusiast will envy.

Those are just our suggestions. Explore other coffee + park combinations.

The Richmond city skyline above the river at sunrise.

The Richmond city skyline above the river at sunrise.

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Photo by @staboaviation

Lunch breaks

For anyone who specifically wants sunshine, or those just seeking the most hospitable temperatures winter has to offer, a mid-day outing is likely your best best. Quick lunch break-length options include a ride or walk around Bryan Park, Hollywood Cemetery, or Forest Hill Park.

If you’d rather spend your lunch break on, well, lunch, then swing by a restaurant with outdoor seating.

The conservatory at Lewis Ginter, decorated with colored lights.

GardenFest continues nightly through early January.

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Photo by RICtoday

After dark

If you can’t get out in the daylight, but you’re still craving fresh air, then you’ve still got options — just bring a coat.

Night-time activities include seasonal experiences like Lewis Ginter’s GardenFest of Lights or go shopping at one of Richmond’s holiday markets. If you’re looking for dinner but the lack of sun has made it too cold for comfort, then maybe a heated patio is your best bet.
 
Events
Monday, Dec. 11
  • Monday Movie Night: “Ice Age” | Monday, Dec. 11 | 4:30-6 p.m. | RPL Broad Rock Branch, 4820 Old Warwick Rd., Richmond | Free | Bring the family for a movie, popcorn, and drinks.
  • Susie’s Popup | Monday, Dec. 11 | 6 p.m. | Stanley’s, 2601 Park Ave., Richmond | Free entry | Nosh on latkes while sipping tasty wines and maybe a special cocktail or two.
Tuesday, Dec. 12
Wednesday, Dec. 13
  • World War I Christmas Truce | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 10:00-11:30 a.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m. | The Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond | Free | Learn about the historic truce which took place on the battlefields of WWI in 1914, followed by holiday music.
Thursday, Dec. 14
  • Champagne Tasting | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5:30-7 p.m. | The Kitchen Classroom, 9018 W Broad St, Henrico | $65 | This annual blowout features eight true Champagnes, caviar, and local food vendors.
Friday, Dec. 15
  • Dan Schutt Band | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Strangeways Brewing, 3110 W. Leigh St., Richmond | Cost of purchase | The local band will play an evening set.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Shop

Add to cart is the best part 🎁
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Graphic by 6AM City
Jingle bells might be ringing, but the clock is also ticking to snag one (or all) of our best-selling items from our online shop Six & Main.

So, what products are flying off of our virtual shelves? Take a look for yourself…
  1. The Savvy Oak Dough Bowl Candle is unique and smells amazing.
  2. Holiday parties just got better with the savory Appalachian Trail Mix.
  3. Glassware featuring our city’s skyline is a festive way to toast to the holidays.
  4. Celebrate the city and state we all love with artwork great for any home or office.
  5. Perfectly curated gift sets are excellent go-to presents for the holidays.
Don’t leave these items in your cart for too long — order by noon on Friday, Dec. 15 for delivery by Monday, December 25.
Get the good stuff
News Notes
Award
  • Speaking of Lewis Ginter’s GardenFest of Lights,it’s been chosen by USA Today for the “Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights” in the country. The Richmond holiday staple had spent two years as runner-up in this category prior to taking first place. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Eat
  • Brookland Park coffee shop and barbecue restaurant, the Smoky Mug has rolled out a new menu featuring cowboy plates. The meal combos feature a meat, two sides, sauce, pickles, and a tortilla — they’re available for lunch and dinner.
Edu
  • Richmond Public Schools have launched a monthly newsletter called the RPS Express. The newsletter aims to highlight successes of current RPS programs, as well as alumni doing important work around the world.
Number
  • $16 million. That’s how much a mystery bidder offered at auction last Thursday for an unfinished manufacturing plant in Meadowville Technology Park. However, the property won’t officially be sold until a judge approves the transaction. (Richmond BizSense)
Community
  • A local chapter of the national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors — AKA SUN — is looking for more members in Richmond. SUN helps homeowners organize and purchase their solar panels in groups, which can discount costs by up to 30%. (VPM)
State
  • The governor’s office has proposed that, for the next two years, $448 million be put annually towards the state’s early learning and child care system. This is part of Governor Youngkin’s broader state budget plan, which he will present to the General Assembly on Wednesday, Dec. 20. (Virginia Mercury)
Outdoors
  • The Geminids meteor shower is predicted to peak on Wednesday, Dec. 13 + Thursday, Dec. 14. According to NASA, this dazzling annual shower is considered “one of the best and most reliable.” Read up on where and when to catch the cosmic light show. (NASA)
Family
  • The new Children’s Towers is designed with kids + families in mind. Featuring free on-site parking, family amenities, and the region’s only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma center (and 24/7 access to any specialist a child may need), it’s the one place you can count on when you need it most. See why.*
Family
  • Get the little ones moo-ving at the Little Farm exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Richmond’s downtown location. It features interactive elements to support kids’ development as they have fun. Bonus: The Museum is full of interactive exhibits for children of all ages. Plan your visit.*
 
Outdoors

Kid-friendly outdoor options

Kid-friendly activities in Richmond
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Trail Kids RVA is a great outlet for parents and young explorers to meet new people. | Photo by Trail Kids RVA
Planning an excursion and looking to get the whole family involved? These outdoor venues are fun and suitable for Richmonders of all ages.

James River Parks, various locations
Kid-friendly spots include Belle Isle, Floodwall Park, Pony Pasture, and the Virginia Capital Trail. Kids will remember spotting turtles near the T. Pott Bridge.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave. | 🎟️ Family memberships
Construction at the Children’s Garden means upgrades to the WaterPlay area and Klaus Family Tree House. Kids will remember Storytime in the Garden.

Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd.
This Chesterfield park was the largest state park in Virginia when it was created and is home to the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. Kids will remember seeking out adventure with the help of the Junior Ranger Book.

Maymont, 1000 Westover Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships
Interact with animals on the farm, at the Robins Nature Center, and at wildlife habitats. Kids will remember the 34-foot-tall interactive sculpture River Reach.
The Buy

The Buy 12.11.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A stocking stuffer from this unique collection. Think: sleep mist, beard combs, satin scrunchies, and specialty seasoning packs.
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
David
From the editor
I had the pleasure of catching Flock of Dimes at Spacebomb Studios on Thursday night, backed by local guitarist Alan Good Parker. That’s one of my favorite things about Richmond — there’s a great, cheap concert to catch every night of the week.
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