More What’s Booming RVA: Dec. 14 to 21
A week of events, announcements, and a link to future fun
More of What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, December 14 to 21, 2023. Find your fill of holiday fun, favorite performances, and events highlighting the history of the season.
Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA, browse the week ahead below, or go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
December 14 to 21
Thursday, December 14
“Cabaret.” The 1961 musical explores the dark and heady life of bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. December 14, 16, and 17 at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.
Chanukah Celebrations. Events marking the Festival of Lights include a pop-up shop, latkes, services, parties, a community race, lighting of the menorah, learning events, musical performances, and more. Through Dec. 15 at various locations, Richmond.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. The classic holiday tale comes to stage, including memorable music, spectacular sets, and beloved characters – from the Grinch to Max to Cindy Lou Who. Through Dec. 17 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
“Scrooge in Rouge.” A merry, madcap, and melodious take on a Victorian-era music hall version of “A Christmas Carol.” Seventeen of 20 cast members have taken ill, leaving only three to play all roles in the show, with the inevitable resulting gaffs and antics. Filled with bad puns, bawdy malapropisms, naughty double-entendres, and witty songs. Through Dec. 23 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond Triangle Players, Richmond.
“Greetings.” A humorous and touching play exploring faith, religion, family, and the holidays. Through Dec. 23 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
“The Nutcracker.” Richmond Ballet revives the choreography of Stoner Winslett in the classic ballet production, accompanied by the Richmond Synphony. Through Dec. 24, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond
Friday, Dec. 15
Burlesque Right Meow. Bad witches, enticing evildoers, sinners, and scoundrels don costumes and share captivating backstories. For audiences 18+. Dec. 15, 8 to 10 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
“The Nutcracker,” presented by Stavna Ballet. Falling snowflakes, twirling flowers, and spinning stars guide Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to the land of the sweets. Featuring dancers from the Stavna Youth Ballet and the professional company. Dec. 15 to 17 at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Boston Tea Party Commemorations. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
18th-Century Chocolate-Making Demonstrations. Learn how chocolate was prepared and enjoyed in 18th-century Virginia – and how it tasted! FREE. Every Saturday in December at 11 a.m. at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Pet Pictures with Santa at RAL. Get a memorable picture of your pet in exchange for donations of money or supplies and aid the cause. Dec. 16, noon to 4 p.m., at RAL’s Loving Spay & Neuter Clinic, Richmond.
GBS Fest. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Holiday Wreath Laying Events. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“The Muppet Christmas Carol.” The hilarious and heartwarming 1992 Jim Henson take on the classic Dickens tale. Dec. 16, 7 p.m., at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
No BS! Brass Canned Food Drive and Performance. Get your blood pumping to the music and your heart swelling with generosity. Prabir Trio opening. Dec. 16, 8 p.m., at The Broadberry, Richmond.
Gospel Nativity. Virginia Rep presents a new holiday show, presented as a workshop. The story of the birth of Jesus comes to life using dance and gospel music for families across all faith, cultural and social lines. Dec. 16 and 17, 7 p.m. both nights, at Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education, Richmond.
“White Christmas.” Watch the classic Irving Berlin holiday film on the big screen. Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Mechanicsville Coin Show. U.S., foreign, and ancient coins and currency available. The show will be small but adequate merchandise available. FREE parking, admission, and appraisals. Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., inside Jewelry and Watch Works, Mechanicsville.
First Annual Santa Visit to Tredegar. A day of jolly festivities: Santa in Tredegar’s lobby, kids’ crafts, all-day showings of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and hot cocoa and mimosas. FREE. Dec. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
Virginia House Holiday Open House. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Jolabokaflod – Books & Chocolate Exchange with Books & Brews. One hour of talking about books – whatever book you want to discuss – followed by an Icelandic tradition of gifting books and chocolates. Dec. 17, discussion from 4 to 5 p.m., exchange of wrapped books and chocolates from 5 to 6 p.m., at Intermission Beer Company, Glen Allen.
Service of Remembrance. Hymns, scripture, prayer, candle lighting, and fellowshipping to offer hope and help in overcoming the darkness of the world around. Dec. 17, 4 p.m., at Reveille UMC chapel, Richmond.
A Festival of Carols. The Christmas story through readings and carols. Reception following. FREE. Dec. 17, 5 p.m., at All Saints RVA, Richmond.
A Motown Christmas. Featuring Motown & More. Dec. 17, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Firehouse Radio Players. Original comedies performed in the style of an old-time radio show: versatile voice actors bring dozens of characters to life, like daffy detectives and spacey science fiction heroes, while a maestro of sound effects creates footsteps, thunder, and more. Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Monday, Dec. 18
Henrico Concert Band Holiday Concert. Fill your soul with favorite holiday tunes. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Henrico Theater, Henrico.
Tuesday, Dec. 19
Candlelight Concerts. Live holiday music at a festive location. Dec. 19 and 20 at Bolling Haxall House, Richmond.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
The Taters: Shiny & Brite Holiday Show. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Thursday, Dec. 21
VMFA Shop Holiday Bazaar. Festive shopping celebrating art and culture: unique gifts, including five local artisans. Dec. 21, noon to 7 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Enjoy George Bailey’s Christmas epiphany on the big screen. Dec. 21, 6 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Relive the Chevy Chase hilarity as the Griswolds manage their inevitably disastrous holiday. Dec. 21, 7 p.m., at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
Susan Greenbaum Band Holiday Show. A big voice and talent in a little body with a lot of soul and RVA love. Dec. 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Virginia Theatre Machine’s “A Christmas Carol.” One musician, two actors, and 10 puppets play multiple characters of all ages, genders, and ghostly varieties, exploring emotions that transport the audience from hope, to laughter, to pity, to shock, to love, to despair. Dec. 21 to 23 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Road trip
Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination. Tour the historic area, take in musical performances on multiple stages, and ooh and ahh to fireworks displays. Dec. 16 in Colonial Williamsburg.
News worth knowing on December 14
TSCOR Move & Wood-Working History
The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond Is Moving. The 40-year-old nonprofit that serves older citizens through lifelong learning programs and transportation to medical appointments will be taking up residence at 5101 Monument Ave. on Jan. 1. “We hope our new site will give us more visibility in the community and facilitate our serving older citizens,” says Julie Adams-Buchanan, executive director.
2024 Working Wood in the 18th Century Conference. Explore how 18th-century craftspeople passed down their craft through a combination of written materials and oral tradition. Tradespeople, curators, and scholars from Colonial Williamsburg will be joined by guest presenters Christopher Schwarz, woodworker, author, and publisher of “Lost Art Press”; Dan Faia, master cabinetmaker and educator; and Whitney L.B. Miller, author of “Henry Boyd’s Freedom Bed.” Jan. 25 to 28, virtually and in-person in the Hennage Auditorium at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
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