The holiday season is hustling and bustling! We know that holiday visits from family or friends are common this time of year. We also know that it can be hard to please everyone! Luckily, there’s always something happening and there’s so much to choose from. If you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few highlights of the exhibits, performances, and other experiences happening this month.

FOR THE KIDS - School is out for winter break, but what are you going to do with that free time?

• The RVA Winter Puppetfest is the solution to the lull between Christmas and New Year’s! Choose a show and date that works for your schedule.  (December 27-January 4, with shows at 10:30am and 1pm)

• It’s finally New Year’s Eve but maybe you have little ones who can’t quite make it to midnight. Celebrate during the day at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Family Frolic! (Tuesday, December 31, 2-5pm)

• Your local public library has a lot to offer that you might not know about! The East End Richmond Public Library is screening The Polar Express, the West End Branch will show the newest Nancy Drew movie, and the Ginter Park Branch has an arts and crafts corner ready for all ages to enjoy!

EXHIBITS - A wonderful aspect of our arts and culture scene is that there are a variety of exhibits for folks with interests of all kinds!

• The Virginia Museum of History and Culture has two great exhibits to visit this month!

  • “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!” explores the classic TV special and also delves into the world of the famed cartoonist, Charles Schulz. (Open through January 12)

  • Did you or a family member see Hamilton when it was in town and are you now totally obsessed? Learn more about the founding fathers and the musical they inspired at “Founding Frenemies: Hamilton and The Virginians”.  (Open through February 2)

• If photography is more your style, check out “Beyond the Lens: Jackson Ward” at the Black History Museum! This is also an extra special exhibit because it displays the work of budding artists and photographers from Oakwood Arts. (Closes on December 21)

• Still need a few more gifts? Visit Art Works to explore their winter exhibits as well as the RVA Holiday Gift Shop filled with handmade gifts created by local artists. (Exhibits open through January 18; Holiday Shop open through December 31)

MARKETS – Speaking of shopping, we encourage you to support local artists this holiday season!

• Stop by the Holiday Market at Alma’s RVA! On Saturdays there are also special pop-ups (and complimentary mimosas)! (Holiday Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11am-7pm)

• While you’re waiting for your table at Lunch and Supper, check out The Brunch Market. From jewelry to bath products to art prints, there’s something for everyone on your list. Check out the list of vendors here. (Sunday, December 22, 11am-4pm)

• Venture upstairs the next time you’re at Chop Suey to peruse the Bizarre Market and find ceramics, accessories, cards, and more that you’ll need for those one-of-a-kind gifts! (Open through December 24)

LIVE PERFORMANCES - Experiences also make for a great gift; enjoy live music, dance, and theater with loved ones!

• Have a fun night out at Poor Boys and enjoy live music too! The RnB Garden showcases passionate bands, vocalists, and musicians. (Friday, December 20, 7pm)

• The Richmond Concert Band’s last concert of the holiday season is approaching! Enjoy this free concert with friends and family of all ages. (Sunday, December 22, 4pm)

• Presented by K Dance, the YES! Dance Festival returns once again to the Firehouse Theatre! (December 20—21)

• Enjoy the classic musical “Gypsy” at the Weinstein JCC! (You can also mention CultureWorks at the door to get $5 off general admission!) (Runs through December 22)

• TheatreLAB is bringing the laughs this holiday season with “Urinetown”! RVA Magazine says it’s a “hilariously memorable spectacle that’ll take your mind off all your troubles.” (Runs through December 28)

• The Swift Creek Mill Theatre production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” is worth seeing; Style Weekly says it’s a “perfect holiday diversion for families and friends to enjoy.” (Use the code “Culture 10” online to get $10 off your ticket!) (Through December 28)

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS - There are a variety of holiday celebrations happening for everyone to enjoy!

• Exploring the GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is always a must, but we recommend going on December 19 when the City Singers Youth Choir will be caroling!

• Kick off the first night of Hanukkah by celebrating at Carytown Hanukkah. Perly’s is bringing latkes, there will be games and sweets, and guests are encouraged to bring their menorah for a special lighting with others! (Sunday, December 22, 4-7pm)

• Join others at the Weinstein JCC for a delicious pancake breakfast! (Wednesday, December 25, 9am)

• Celebrate Kwanzaa with the community at the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. There will be performances, speakers, children’s activities, and more to celebrate the holiday! (Saturday, December 28, 1-8pm)

NEW YEAR’S EVE - Want a fun way to ring in the new year? Look no further!

• Have a rocking New Year’s Eve at the Tin Pin with the Significant Others! This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle of downtown Richmond (tickets $45-50)

• Experience a blast from the past at the Broadberry with an 80s Prom themed night! (tickets $35-45)

• Dance the night away with RVA Bachata at Tabol Brewing Company! This event is family friendly and children under the age of 15 get in for free. (tickets $20+)

Phew! That’s a lot to do! Hopefully you now have plenty of ideas for how to spend any days off and everyone is able to find something they enjoy. Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you in 2020!