Glen Allen is THE Center for Holidays
Holiday magic for all ages
From a spectacular festival of trees and a beloved free community tree lighting to toe-tapping blues and a Christmas concert by one of Richmond’s favorite bands, The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen is serving up holiday magic for everyone.
There are two kinds of holiday discoveries: the ones that cost a small fortune, require a parking strategy worthy of a military operation, and leave you wondering whether the magic was worth the effort—and the ones that make you wonder how you didn’t discover them sooner.
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen belongs firmly in the second category.
Imagine wandering through beautiful galleries transformed by festive holiday displays, gathering with family and neighbors for a free community tree lighting, and capping the evening with live music that makes it impossible to sit still. Now imagine doing all of that without traveling far from home or spending a fortune to make the season memorable.
Welcome to holiday season at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, where artistic beauty, community connection, and festive fun come together to create a destination worth adding to your December traditions.
And the best part? You don’t have to buy a ticket to experience some of the season’s most enchanting sights.
A Festival of Trees Worth Getting Dressed Up For
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 5, when The Center unveils Illumination – A Festival of Trees, a festive exhibit running through January 4, 2027.
The grand opening takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. during the 28th Annual Tree Lighting celebration. The exhibit offers another reason to step inside and explore The Center’s beautiful gallery spaces, where the spirit of the season meets the creativity of the arts.
Think of it as an invitation to slow down, take in the details, and enjoy the kind of seasonal beauty that makes you want to bring a friend back for a second look. Holiday displays deserve more than a hurried glance on the way to the next shopping stop, and The Center offers a lovely setting in which to appreciate them.
Even better, the festival is free to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a festive family outing, a seasonal date, a new tradition with friends, or simply an excuse to get out of the house and soak up some holiday cheer, this is a wonderful place to start.
The exhibit remains on display from December 5 through January 4, giving visitors multiple opportunities to experience the holiday atmosphere beyond opening night.
Santa, Music, and a Little Community Magic
The festivities begin outdoors at Center Field with the 28th Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 5, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is free, and the entire community is invited.
Presented in partnership with the County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks, sponsored by Blue Jay Pediatric Dentistry and Dominion Energy, this beloved annual event brings neighbors together for an evening filled with holiday music, family-friendly fun, and a very special visitor.
Yes, Santa is expected to make an appearance!
The highlight of the evening will be Santa’s visit to light The Center’s new cedar tree at the Center Field stage. There is something wonderfully timeless about gathering beneath a tree, listening to holiday music, and sharing that first big seasonal moment with the people around you.
For families with young children, it is a chance to make memories without an admission fee. For longtime residents, it is an opportunity to revisit a favorite tradition. For newcomers to the area, it is an easy way to meet the community and discover a local gathering place that celebrates the arts and the people who make the region special.
And when the tree is glowing and the festivities are underway, visitors can head inside for the grand opening of Illumination – A Festival of Trees.
One evening. Two festive experiences. Absolutely no admission charge.
Now that is a holiday gift.
Keep the Music Playing: Holiday Blues With Bobby BlackHat
The seasonal celebration continues Tuesday, December 8, at 7 p.m., when the Bobby BlackHat Band brings its unmistakable blues energy to The Center’s Cardinal Ballroom.
Tickets are $25 for this indoor 2nd Stage performance.
Known as Virginia’s Blues Ambassador, Bobby BlackHat is an award-winning recording artist, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, comedian, and producer. His performances blend Chicago, Memphis, Piedmont, and Delta-style blues with a touch of Gospel, creating a sound that is rooted in tradition but never predictable.
And that’s part of the fun.
With toe-tapping rhythms, expressive harmonica, and a playful stage presence, Bobby and his band promise the kind of evening that reminds you live music is an experience, not simply something to hear in the background. You never quite know what will happen at a Bobby BlackHat show, which makes it an especially appealing choice for anyone who loves discovering an artist in an intimate setting.
Wine, beer, and snacks will be available for purchase, making it easy to turn the concert into a full evening out.
Consider this your permission call 804-261-ARTS or visit ArtsGlenAllen.com and trade another night on the couch for a little rhythm, a little laughter, and a whole lot of blues.
Make It a KOS Christmas
Then comes the holiday concert many local music fans will want to circle on their calendars: the KOS Band’s A KOS Christmas, taking the stage Monday, December 21, and Tuesday, December 22, at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $25, and the performances are part of The Center’s season lineup.
For more than 40 years, this 11-piece powerhouse has entertained audiences up and down the East Coast. The group’s versatility is a major part of its appeal, with a repertoire that moves from Top 40 hits and Motown to classic rock and beach favorites. The band has also earned three Richmond Times-Dispatch honors as Best Local Band.
That musical range makes A KOS Christmas an enticing holiday outing for groups of friends, couples, families with music-loving older children, and anyone who appreciates a band capable of bringing an entire room to life.
Expect a festive celebration shaped by the group’s signature energy, musicianship, and ability to get audiences moving. If your ideal holiday soundtrack includes more than background carols—and you prefer your seasonal cheer with a generous helping of live-band excitement—this is one to put on your list.
With two performance dates, there is an opportunity to choose the evening that works best for your holiday schedule. But don’t wait until the last minute to call 804-261-ARTS or scroll through ArtsGlenAllen.com: popular seasonal performances can fill quickly, and checking ticket availability early is always a smart move.
Your Holiday Season, Beautifully Simplified
What makes The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen such a compelling seasonal destination is the variety. You can visit for the free displays, bring the family to the annual tree lighting, or make an evening of a live performance. You can celebrate the traditions you already love while discovering something new.
And you don’t have to do everything at once.
Stop by to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Invite a friend to explore the Festival of Trees. Make December 5 a family tradition. Treat yourself to a night of blues, or plan a Christmas concert with the people who make your holidays brighter.
The Center offers something increasingly precious during a busy season: an opportunity to connect with art, music, and community without making every outing an elaborate production.
So, if your December plans need a little more sparkle, put The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen on your holiday itinerary. The galleries are ready to welcome you, the community is invited, and the music is waiting.
Your next favorite holiday tradition might be closer—and more affordable—than you think.
Plan your holiday visit: Explore upcoming events, check concert availability, and purchase tickets at ArtsGlenAllen.com. For more information, call 804-261-ARTS.
The 28th Annual Tree Lighting is free and open to the public. The Festival of Trees is on display December 5, 2026, through January 4, 2027. Tickets for the Bobby BlackHat Band and KOS Band performances are $25.