More What’s Booming RVA: Dec. 23 to Jan. 1
Curated events, road trips, and event news in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Celebrate holy days and holidays – and relax. It’s a slow week, the last week of the year, time to recuperate from shopping and gatherings. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, December 18 to 25, 2025.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026 – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
December 23 to January 1
Tuesday, December 23
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.
Thursday, December 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Friday, December 26
HAPPY KWANZAA!
Richmond & the Republic: Court End Neighborhood Walking Tour. Commemorate #VA250 with Richmond’s Federal-era history. In the years following the American Revolution, Court End became an affluent area where power players gathered near the new Virginia State Capitol. Learn about Richmond’s early churches, the origins of the Medical College of Virginia, and the legacies of urban slavery. Dec. 26 to 28, meeting at The Valentine, Richmond.
Saturday, December 27
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival. Celebrate the season with the Elegba Folklore Society at one of the East Coast’s largest annual Kwanzaa celebrations. Enjoy a rich cultural experience featuring a traditional ceremony, live performances, workshops, activities for children, and an African market. Dec. 27, 1 to 7 p.m., at Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond.
DreamHaus Caberet. Immersive live entertainment, bold performances of immersive storytelling, unforgettable acts, and a vibrant atmosphere designed to celebrate art, culture, and connection. Plus Italian cuisine, and NA drinks and alcohol options. Dec. 27, and 28, 6 p.m., at DreamHaus, Richmond.
Sunday, December 28
Holiday Liberty or Death Reenactment. Witness Patrick Henry convince his fellow delegates to take up arms against the king. Dec. 28, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Tuesday, December 30
VMHC Used Book Sale. Bring your gently used hardcover and softcover fiction and nonfiction books to the museum store daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Dec. 28. Books should be in good condition and have a historical theme. Sale Dec. 30 to Jan. 11 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Wednesday, December 31
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE!
Boomer presents three NYE events of interest to our readers. You can find a comprehensive listing of events at Richmond.com.
NYE! with Antoine Scott. The Richmond-raised comedian is high-energy, personable, and crowd-driven, blending sharp observations about everyday life with quick improvisation and audience interaction. He leans into relatable experiences, relationships, and social quirks. Dec. 31, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., and Jan. 1, 12:15 a.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Smooth Jazz New Year’s Eve Party. A convivial atmosphere with smooth jazz, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres with Richmond folk music at Congregation Or Ami’s popular NYE Party. This event is ideal for those who want to celebrate but wish to be home by midnight. A Richmond tradition since 2011. Dec. 31, 7:30 to 10 p.m., at Congregation Or Ami, Richmond.
New Year’s Eve Featuring The Jangling Reinharts. Celebrate New Year’s with the Richmond-based roots-rock band presenting covers from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, January 1
First Day Hike. Visit a Virginia State Park for your nature therapy (and to kick off your resolution to be more active in 2026!). FREE entrance and parking for the day. Wander on your own or take part in special activities. Jan. 1 at all Virginia State Parks (including Pocahontas and Powhatan near Richmond).
Road Trip
Buy art, do good
757 Art Can Feed Charity Art Show. Meet and greet local artists and score new art to take home – 100% of profits go to the Norfolk Food Bank, and prints will be available in exchange for food donations. Art available through Jan. 31. Jan. 4, 6 to 8 p.m., at Zeke’s Chesapeake.
News to Know
Virginia natural area expands, welcomes visitors
Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve Nearly Doubled. A property of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding land and protects natural heritage resources, has been expanded by 975 acres. The expansion comes through a partnership with The Conservation Fund, bringing the total acreage to 2,121. Eighteen rare species make their home in the preserve’s forests, wetlands, and grasslands, including three-toothed cinquefoil (Sibbaldia tridentata), and Mountain sandwort (Minuartia groenlandica), both low-growing perennials with white flowers. The property is open to the public.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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