More What’s Booming RVA: Dec. 18 to 25
Curated events, road trips, and event news in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Countdown to Christmas with a weekend of holiday events and music, plus road trips, sober drivers, and “King James.” What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, December 18 to 25, 2025.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- December 18 to 25 – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
December 18 to 25, 2025
Thursday, December 18
Mac McAnally. See Boomer’s top picks.
Richmond Jazz Society Holiday Party. See Boomer’s top picks.
Holiday Movies on the Big Screen. Head to Richmond’s historic movie theaters to catch the Christmas spirit with classic movies to lift you with nostalgia.
- Ashland Theatre. Through Dec. 24, Ashland.
- The Byrd Theatre. Through Dec. 24, Richmond.
- Henrico Theatre. Through Dec. 22, Highland Springs.
Friday, December 19
WNC Lagniappe Shine On – “The Golden Gift of Sisterhood.” Lunch break for inspiration and networking with women leaders. FREE to attend (dining separate). Dec. 19, 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Eggspectation, Richmond.
Movie Mythbusting LIVE – “National Treasure.” A live screening of excerpts of the action-adventure film “National Treasure” (2004), with live commentary from VMHC staff on what’s true, what’s not, and unique connections to the VMHC collection. Dec. 19, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Dale Jones. High-energy, physical, unpredictable comedy marked by rapid-fire punchlines, expressive movement, and absurd observations about everyday life, mixing clean, clever jokes with animated storytelling. Dec. 19 and 20 at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Holiday Hoops Classic: 4 Tha Culture. A women’s college basketball showcase celebrating talent, competition, and excellence. In addition to basketball, the event will feature curated cultural experiences and community programming that highlight Black voices in sports, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Dec. 19 to 21 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center, Henrico.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings. Performed by string quartet Listeso, the Candlelight concerts return for a holiday performance including Christmas classics. Dec. 19, 6:30 and 8:45 p.m., at John Marshall Ballrooms, Richmond.
Celebrate Christmas Tour. Natalie Grant & Danny Gokey serve up reimagined holiday favorites and powerful worship-filled moments. Dec. 19, 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
“The Nutcracker.” The Stavna Ballet presents the magical Christmas tale, filled with dazzling snowflakes, mischievous mice, and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy, accompanied by breathtaking dancing, stunning costumes, and the unforgettable music of Tchaikovsky. Dec. 19 to 21 at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Saturday, December 20
Build Workshop with LEGO Bricks. Teams collaborate to build famous moments from the American Revolution. The workshop provides tips for building with LEGO bricks. Suitable for all skill levels. All ages. Dec. 20, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Holiday Music with La Primavera Strings. An award-winning string quartet performs beautifully arranged Christmas classics. FREE. Dec. 20, 3 to 5 p.m., at Trapezium Brewing, Petersburg.
DreamHaus Cabaret. Immersive live entertainment, bold performances of storytelling, unforgettable acts, and an atmosphere designed to celebrate art, culture, and connection. Plus Italian cuisine and NA drinks and alcohol options. Dec. 20, 21, 27, and 28, 6 p.m., at DreamHaus, Richmond.
The KOS Band Holiday Show. See Boomer’s top picks.
Strangeways Holiday Market. Local artists and makers sell handmade home décor, art, jewelry, woodworking, vintage, handmade apparel, and more. Indoor and outdoor event. Dec. 20 and 21, noon to 5 p.m., at Strangeways Brewing in Scott’s Addition, Richmond.
“The Nutcracker” from the Concert Ballet of Virginia. Presenting the troupe’s 49th annual full-length performance of the classic Tchaikovsky holiday ballet. Dec. 20 and 21, at Benedictine Schools of Richmond.
The Miracle of Christmas: Live at the Zoo. Three live nativity pageants each evening, with musical performances presented by local churches and performing arts groups. Doughnuts and hot chocolate on sale to benefit local charities; canned food drive on site. FREE. Dec. 20 to 22, 7, 7:45, and 8 p.m., each evening, at Metropolitan Richmond Zoo, Amelia.
Sunday, December 21
The Wright Sister: The Life of Katherine Wright Haskell. In 1903, the Wright Brothers built their airplane without government support, but through the earnings from the Ohio bicycle shop. Katherine, their sister, was the unsung partner who greatly helped make their dream of flight a reality. All ages. Dec. 21, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Winter Black Market. Shop ghoulish goods and creep-tastic creations for the holidays (or any occasion) from Richmond’s own sellers and makers at Fallout RVA. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts that you almost certainly won’t be able to find anywhere else. Ages 18+. Dec. 21 at Fallout RVA, Richmond.
Mumming, Morris Dancing, and Merriment. The special focus tour looks at several unique and spirited Christmas traditions: a Mummers’ play, exuberant English Morris dancing, and the long history of theatre at Christmas. With a chance to participate in a brief play. Dec. 21, 4 to 5 p.m., at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
Winter Solstice Celebration. Celebrate the first night of winter. Take a chair and a story, poem, or song to share. Dec. 21, 5 p.m., on Belle Isle, Richmond.
R4ND4ZZO BIGB4ND Holiday Special. See Boomer’s top picks.
Susan Greenbaum Band – Holiday Show. The Richmond legend presents songs for the season. Dec. 21, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, December 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Holiday Road Trips
Two diverse Virginia picks
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Thomas Jefferson’s Retreat Home. Tour the historic home as it’s decked out in Federal-period holiday flair and learn how the Jefferson and enslaved families celebrated. Refreshments after the tour. Explore during the day or on the evening candlelight tours. Reservations required. Dec. 11, 12, 18, and 19, at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m., at Poplar Forest, Forest.
Grand Illumination. Celebrate the holidays with tradition and contemporary fun: Christmas tree lighting and weekend events, including the Celebration of the Yule Log, Grand Illuminations with fireworks, and an abundance of music, caroling, and cheer. Throughout December in Colonial Williamsburg.
News to Know
NYE rides home and “King James”
Sober Ride Home. To support safe travel on New Year’s Eve, Allen & Allen is offering Lyft Passes for up to $25 off rides home on Dec. 31. The law firm will distribute 50 Lyft Pass codes every Friday in December and on Tuesday, Dec. 30. To receive a code, follow Allen & Allen on Instagram (@allenandallenlaw), where a link will appear in the firm’s Instagram Stories each Friday morning.
“King James.” Richmond Shakespeare presents the comedy by Rajiv Joseph, set against the story of LeBron James’s years playing in Cleveland. The play follows two men from very different backgrounds whose unlikely friendship is forged and tested through their shared devotion to basketball. “King James” explores the role sports play in our relationships and how the stories we obsess over reveal who we are and who we hope to become. Jan. 15 to Feb. 1 at Virginia Rep’s Theatre Gym, Richmond.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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