December Briefs 2021

GardenFest of Lights At Lewis Ginter Botanical

This year’s GardenFest is open nightly from 4 till 10 pm through January 9, except on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Tickets are available online only, and must be purchased in advance with a specific arrival time. Children under age three do not need a ticket.

This year’s theme is Naturally Connected. The show highlights how we are all connected to each other and nature. The popular maze of lights is designed as a spider web. Other displays include lights showing the lifecycle of a butterfly, oversized flower forms, and familiar favorites including the peacock.

The Poems of Positivity light installation from Orlosky Studio is a community-centered project featuring three sculptural towers with light shining through words cut out of black acrylic. The words were crowd-sourced through a social media invitation for people to share in a few short words, “what is something that makes you feel positive?”

Decked out in a botanical theme, a 25-foot live tree in the Conservatory promises to be a favorite photo opportunity. Model trains return to the Kelly Education Center with a new “Farm to Table” theme.

Trees decorated by Henrico County Public School students brighten the Lora Robins Library, and botanical decorations grace the cozy Library Reading Room.

The Kelleher Warming Fire in the Children’s Garden is a great spot to warm up, and drink hot chocolate and roast s’mores, which are both available for purchase at the nearby Carriage House.

The Garden Café in the Visitors Center offers casual dining, snacks, and drinks, while the Robins Tea House affords guest seated holiday dinners overlooking the lights. Reservations for the Tea House are suggested and are online only. 

We are encourage universal indoor masking while in public spaces for all patrons regardless of vaccination status. For those who are not fully vaccinated, masks are required indoors at all times and outdoors when 6-foot social distancing is not possible.

For more information please visit https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/events/dominion-gardenfest-of-lights/tips-for-visiting-dominion-gardenfest-of-lights/ 

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

1800 Lakeside Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23228

Second Annual Hermitage Richmond Illumination on the Lawn

This holiday season, Hermitage Richmond is inviting everyone to bundle up and enjoy some festive fun and holiday magic. The upscale senior living community in historic Ginter Park is inviting the community to join them for their second annual Illumination on the Lawn.

Through January 6, the grounds at Hermitage Richmond will be transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland display of holiday lights and reindeer from 6 till 9 pm. each evening. This ongoing event is free to attend for the whole family, including pets. 

“We are thrilled to once again bring to life our new Richmond annual tradition, and look forward to bringing the joy of the holidays to everyone with our festive light displays,” says Amy Chapman, executive director of Hermitage Richmond. “There are brand new displays this year that are sure to amaze our residents, as well as new and returning guests of all ages!”

Hermitage Richmond 

1600 Westwood Avenue

Richmond, VA 23227

The Blue Guitar Performance Dates

December 19 and January 2 from noon till 3,  at Cul’s Courthouse Grille, 10801 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030. January 7 from 6:30 till 9 at Richmond Main Public Library, 101 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23219. January 8 from 7 till 10 at Castleburg Brewery and Taproom, 1626 Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA 23220.

Legendary Santa At Children’s Museum

As Richmond icons since 1936, Legendary Santa and the Snow Queen have been delighting families for 85 years. It all started on the 7th floor of the historic Miller & Rhoads department store. That tradition continues at the Children’s Museum of Richmond through Christmas Eve. 

When it’s your child’s turn to walk onto the stage, they are first greeted by the Snow Queen who gives a Snowflake of Courage to Santa’s smallest visitors. Eyes widen and jaws drop when Legendary Santa leans from his green and gold throne to call each child by name to come tell him what they want for Christmas.

An emailed professional photo is available with the Legendary Santa ticket; additional packages are also available for purchase. No flash photography is permitted inside Santa Land.

Admission to the Children's Museum is not included with the Legendary Santa visit. 

Make your reservations now as there are limited spots available. For more information visit https://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/legendary-santa/ 

Almost thirty years ago, NORTH of the JAMES photographer Rebecca D’Angelo had the honor of playing the Snow Queen. She remembers one little girl in particular. 

As the child approached, Rebecca bent down toward her and, in a faint whisper, asked, “What do you want for Christmas?”

“A hidden talent,” the girl responded.

Then Rebecca, adopting a sort of Glenda the Good Witch voice, said:  "Well, everybody has a hidden talent; don't worry you will find yours one day."

“I will always remember the day that little girl asked me that,” Rebecca told me recently.

Children’s Museum of Richmond

2626 West Broad Street

Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 474-7000

Concert Ballet of Virginia’s 45th Performance of The Nutcracker 

Richmond’s oldest running production of The Nutcracker returns after last year’s COVID hiatus. For nearly half a century now Concert Ballet of Virginia has presented Richmond’s most beloved rendition of The Nutcracker. Under the guidance of Scott Boyer, this classic has become a Richmond holiday tradition. The full Nutcracker Ballet will be performed at Atlee High School in Hanover County on Saturday, December 18 and 19. For more information call (804) 798 0945, or visit http://concertballet.com/