More What’s Booming RVA: Nov. 26 to Dec. 4
Curated events and a road trip in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Oodles of entertainment and lots to give thanks for: holiday events, student concerts, local shopping, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, November 26 to December 4, 2025.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
November 26 to December 4
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Wednesday, November 26
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Classic Christmas hits from the holiday albums, as 15 musicians play more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of multimedia effects. November 26, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Thursday, November 27
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Friday, November 28
Black Friday Buy Nothing Event. Take what you need, leave what you don’t. Shun capitalism! FREE. Nov. 28: donations taken between 10 a.m. and noon; take what you want from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at First UU Church, Richmond.
Made in RVA Holiday Shop. Handmade gifts crafted by local artisans, including candles, soaps, prints, jewelry, pottery, totes, cards, and more. Nov. 28, 11 a.m., through Dec. 28, plus opening reception for new exhibits from 6 to 8 p.m., at Art Works, Richmond.
David Koechner. Audiences often know Koechner for his roles in “The Office” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” His adult-oriented humor encourages audience rowdiness, blending crowd work and stand-up. Nov. 28 and 29 at Funny Bone Comedy, Richmond.
Model Railroad Show. The 48th annual celebration of model train displays and train-themed programming, in a grand old train station, presents elaborate displays of landscapes and cities and trains. Nov. 28 to 30 at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
#OptOutside. See Boomer’s top picks.
Christmas at The Inn Arts and Craft Show. Local crafters showcase handmade treasures throughout the decorated historic home, accompanied by tea, baked goods, Brunswick stew, and more. Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Virginia Cliffe Inn, Glen Allen.
Winter Market. Satisfy your gift list with local art, from clothing to handmade treasures by local artisans. Nov. 28 to Dec. 23 at Studio Two Three, Richmond.
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Saturday, November 29
Shop Small Saturday. Support local shops and small businesses on this nationally celebrated shopping holiday. Nov. 29 at independently owned businesses in the Richmond region.
Thanksgiving Food and Drink Traditions of Early Virginia. See how English settlers gave thanks for a successful harvest and the bounty of Virginia. Learn how English food and feasts were influenced by other cultures and places – Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including interactions with the Powhatan Indians. Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Henricus Historical Park, Chester.
Christmas Together. Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Cece Winans present selections spanning the artists’ expansive Christmas repertoires with traditional classics and others from their holiday albums. Nov. 29, 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
An Evening of Legendary Hits and Holiday Cheer! See Boomer’s top picks.
Pops: “Let It Snow.” Richmond Symphony and Chorus celebrate the season with holiday traditions, including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Nov. 29, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
Sunday, November 30
Pops: Holiday Brass. Richmond Symphony presents holiday hits played on brass instruments. Nov. 30, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Celtic Sound Experience with Colin MacLeod. Blending meditation, imagination, and live fiddle for a restful, immersive sound journey designed to help listeners relax and recharge. Nov. 30, 4 p.m., at Soulshine Studios, Richmond.
Advent 2025. Celebrate the birth of Christ with worship services every Sunday and other special events: Classics and Cocoa, Christmas Village, Gloria Choir Concert, and Christmas Eve service. At First Baptist Church, Richmond.
Monday, December 1
Chamber Ensembles. Musical performances by student instrumentalists, vocalists, and pianists. FREE. Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Tuesday, December 2
Classic Holiday Game Show. Have you ever wanted to be a contestant on a TV game show? Have fun winning prizes by playing a variety of pricing or matching games. Ages 18+. Dec. 2, 10 to 11 a.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Open Studio Fun. Sample two different methods of creating festive and fun holiday décor. Design and burn a slice of precut wood, and make an acrylic pour glass ornament. Ages 18+. Dec. 2, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at The Springs Recreation Center, Henrico.
VCU Choirs Fall Concert. Performances by Choral Arts Society, Vocal Chamber Ensemble, Vox Concordia, and Commonwealth Singers. Dec. 2, 7 to 9 p.m., at Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Richmond.
A Shockoe Sessions Live Christmas. See Boomer’s top picks.
“Les Misérables.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Holiday Tea Experience. Enjoy a unique Old English Tea Flight, featuring unlimited tea, a tea tower of sweet and savory British holiday classics, and a reading of “A Christmas Carol,” highlighting seasonal love and hope. Dec. 2 to 23 at The Queen’s Library Tea Room, Richmond.
Wednesday, December 3
“Poison Powder: The Kepone Disaster in Virginia and Its Legacy.” In December 1975, Virginia Governor Mills Godwin closed the James River to fishing in response to the environmental disaster caused by pesticide contamination. Historian Gregory Wilson examines the lasting effects of the disaster on Virginia’s environment. FREE, registration required. Dec. 3, noon, at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
“Reformation.” VCU Symphony presents Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, a work conceived as a victory of Protestantism over Catholicism. Also a flute version of Khachaturian’s violin concerto and a brass medley of pieces by Argentinian tango composer Astor Piazzolla. Dec. 3, 7 p.m., in the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Richmond.
University Symphony Orchestra. A varied program of repertoire, featuring cellist Ethan Rodgers-Gates and clarinetist Adam Kasti, winners of the orchestra’s 2025 Concerto Competition. FREE. Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Jolly Holidays with OTARP. On the Air Radio Players presents an old-time radio show including live music and sound effects. Dec. 3 and 4, 7 to 8 p.m., at Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
“Table of Resilience.” A new exhibition honors the kitchen table as a powerful symbol of Black life, a site of resistance and renewal, and a space where stories are passed down, movements are born, hair is braided with love, and memories are etched into history. Opens Dec. 3 at the Black History Museum, Richmond.
Thursday, December 4
“The Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution.” Dr. Zara Anishanslin, Associate Professor of History and Art History, examines how artists helped forge revolutionary ideals, risking their reputations and their lives to support independence. Dec. 4, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“Goodwill” Opening. Thirteen artists whose works reflect generosity in spirit, through color, experimentation, or transformation. Exhibition runs through Jan. 10, 2026. Opening reception on Dec. 4, 5 to 7 p.m., at Bond Millen Gallery, Richmond.
My Memories of AIDS in Richmond, 1980s to 1990s. Beth Marschak, Richmond native, activist, historian, and co-author of “Lesbian and Gay Richmond,” shares the history of Richmond’s AIDS epidemic through personal stories and historical context, highlighting how the community, healthcare providers, and activists responded. Dec. 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Bon Air Library, North Chesterfield.
Holiday Music with FluteForte. The local flute choir performs a selection of seasonal music. Dec. 4, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at North Courthouse Road Library, North Chesterfield.
Spending Christmas with Alicia Witt. A classically trained, award-winning pianist and Billboard Top 30-charting singer-songwriter, Witt’s full-length Christmas album (2024) features originals and holiday standards. She is familiar to Christmas movie fans for 10 holiday movies. Dec. 4, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Atlanta Rhythm Section. For more than 50 years, the band has entertained audiences all over the world, with a sound all their own, as in “So Into You,” “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight,” and “Imaginary Lover.” Dec. 4, doors at 6:30 p.m., at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
VCU Percussion Ensemble. FREE. Also available online. Dec. 4, 7 p.m., at W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, Richmond.
The Bizarre Bazaar 50th Christmas Collection. More than 450 juried exhibitors from across the country showcase their latest gift lines, holiday décor, gourmet foods, books, handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories, crafts, lotions, and more. Dec. 4 to 7 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
Road Trip
Colonial British cheer
“A Christmas Carol” Tea or Dinner with Dickens. Take in a cherished seasonal tradition as Gerald Dickens, great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, delivers his captivating one-man performance of “A Christmas Carol.” Paired with a signature White Christmas Blend Tea at 1:30 p.m., or a three-course dinner paired with wine at 6 p.m.. Dec. 2 and 3 at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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