Experience the charm of Richmond during the holidays with our guide. Whether you're deeply connected to Richmond or just making connections, this guide enhances your holiday adventure.
Popular events abound in Richmond this season, starting with the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, where you can stroll through stunning displays of holiday lights in the beautiful landscape of the gardens. Adding to the festivities, The Nutcracker brings to life a timeless tale with enchanting performances that captivate audiences of all ages. And the Let It Snow Richmond Symphony Concert is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a delightful repertoire of holiday music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Richmond
- Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
- The Nutcracker
- Bizarre Bazaar' Christmas Collection
- Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville)
- Let It Snow Richmond Symphony Concert
- Carytown Holiday Artisan Market
- Holiday Villages 2023: The Richmond Night Market
- Bluegrass Christmas Market (Lexington)
- HOLIDAY ILLUMINATION: 25TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING
- New Kent County Grand Illumination
See these and even more events listed below!
Richmond Holiday Light Displays
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and model trains in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights features millions of lights, botanical decorations, model trains, festive dinners, and interactive displays celebrating interconnected environments.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Richmond Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Happening Craft Show
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed crafts and baked goods sold by local vendors.
Description:
The Holiday Happening Craft Show at the Old Richmond Mall features an array of holiday-themed vendors selling unique crafts and baked goods.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Holiday Happening Craft Show
Elizabethtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local shopping with a focus on community support.
Description:
The Elizabethtown Holiday Market is a 7-hour event hosted by the Elizabethtown Junior Women's Club, featuring local handmade goods, delicious treats, and direct sales brands. All proceeds support the community.
Where: Elizabethtown | More Info: Elizabethtown Holiday Market
Bluegrass Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with over 25 vendors.
Description:
The 4th Annual Kentucky Mercantile Christmas Market is a unique holiday shopping experience featuring over 25 vendors offering handmade crafts, delicious eats, and festive cocktails. Located at The Fifth Quarter in Somerset, this event promises a wide variety of unique gifts and memorable experiences.
Where: Lexington | More Info: Bluegrass Christmas Market
Holiday Villages 2023: The Richmond Night Market
What to Expect:
Community-driven market with live art activations and diverse vendor offerings.
Description:
The Richmond Night Market is an open-air market held every 2nd Saturday from 5pm-9pm at the 17th Street Market in Richmond, VA. It showcases creativity, commerce, and community by featuring artisan villages, creative kids' hangouts, live music, and maker space experiences. The event supports unique independent artists and small business owners, bringing together the best of Richmond's arts, culture, and restaurants.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Holiday Villages 2023: The Richmond Night Market
Carytown Holiday Artisan Market
What to Expect:
Unique handmade artistic products by local artisans.
Description:
The Carytown Holiday Artisan Market is a juried event featuring artisans, makers, and food trucks at City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia. It showcases handmade, unique artistic products, making it a premier destination for holiday shopping.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Carytown Holiday Artisan Market
Maysville Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique vintage and boutique items amidst a festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Maysville Christmas Market at H&H Homestead features a variety of hand-picked vendors, food trucks, live music, and seasonal activities on a 50-acre farm in Maysville, GA.
Where: Maysville | More Info: Maysville Christmas Market
Madisonville Christmas Town
What to Expect:
Custom-curated Christmas decor and festive food options in a chic boutique setting.
Description:
Madisonville Christmas Company offers a unique holiday experience with designer-curated Christmas decor, themed rooms, and festive food options. Guests can shop for traditional and new home decor items, enjoy holiday-themed eats, and participate in fun activities like cornhole and photo ops with oversized Christmas decorations.
Where: Madisonville | More Info: Madisonville Christmas Town
Bizarre Bazaar' Christmas Collection
What to Expect:
Unique holiday gifts from top craft and gift shows.
Description:
The 49th Christmas Collection at The Bizarre Bazaar features 475 juried exhibitors showcasing unique gifts, gourmet foods, fine art, and jewelry. This holiday marketplace offers a wide array of exclusive items perfect for the season.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Bizarre Bazaar' Christmas Collection
Paducah Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Early holiday shopping with local vendors.
Description:
The Santa's Elves Holiday Bazaar in Paducah, Kentucky, offers a variety of holiday gifts and seasonal items. This event is perfect for early Christmas shopping, with vendors selling unique gifts and festive decorations. Admission is $5 for adults, and children 12 and under are free.
Where: Paducah | More Info: Paducah Holiday Bazaar
Elizabethtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Supporting local vendors and community.
Description:
The Elizabethtown Holiday Market is a 7-hour event hosted by the Elizabethtown Junior Women's Club, featuring local handmade goods, delicious treats, and favorite direct sales brands. All proceeds are donated directly into the community.
Where: Elizabethtown | More Info: Elizabethtown Holiday Market
Richmond Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Let It Snow Richmond Symphony Concert
What to Expect:
Holiday concert with special appearances by Soul Santa and local choirs.
Description:
The Richmond Symphony presents "Let It Snow!" at the Carpenter Theatre, featuring conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin, vocalist Desirée Roots, and special appearances by Soul Santa, the Greater Richmond Children's Choir, and the James River Ringers. Enjoy a holiday concert filled with carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Let It Snow Richmond Symphony Concert
HOLIDAY ILLUMINATION: 25TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live music and Santa visit.
Description:
The 25th Annual Tree Lighting at The Cultural Arts Center features holiday music performances, a toasty bonfire, and a special visit from Santa to light the iconic cedar Christmas tree.
Where: Richmond | More Info: HOLIDAY ILLUMINATION: 25TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker, choreographed by Stoner Winslett and featuring Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic score, is a holiday classic that has charmed Virginians for over four decades with its stunning choreography, lavish sets, and costumes.
Where: Richmond | More Info: The Nutcracker
Richmond Other Holiday Activities
New Kent County Grand Illumination
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa, live music, and courthouse illumination.
Description:
Join the New Kent County Grand Illumination for a festive evening of caroling, live entertainment, holiday snacks, and a local vendor market. Children can take photos with Santa and enjoy various fun activities, culminating in the illumination of the Historic New Kent County Courthouse.
Where: Richmond | More Info: New Kent County Grand Illumination
Colonial Heights Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Unique holiday celebration with festive floats and performances.
Description:
The 71st Annual Colonial Heights Christmas Parade features a nighttime procession along the Boulevard, celebrating the theme "Candy Canes and Christmas Carols" with festive floats, bands, and holiday characters.
Where: Colonial Heights | More Info: Colonial Heights Christmas Parade
Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with snow tubing and festive activities.
Description:
Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom features over one million lights, festive decor, and activities like making reindeer food, meeting Santa, and snow tubing down a 175-foot hill.
Where: Louisville | More Info: Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Nicholasville (18 miles)
- Lexington (19 miles)
- Lexington-Fayette (23 miles)
- Georgetown (35 miles)
- Frankfort (44 miles)