5 Things: Christmas stuff, Kwanzaa stuff, Boxing Day stuff, theatre stuff, fruitcake stuff

The holidays may be winding down but the activities surely are not.

December 24, 2015; 11:45 AM • by Rachel Marsh

1. Capital City Kwanzaa Festival

Reggae music! Films! People singing! People dancing! People singing while dancing! People lighting candles! Vendors selling clothes! Activities for children! Activities for adults! Culture! Never celebrated Kwanzaa but always wondered what it was all about? Or do you always celebrate Kwanzaa and love what it’s all about? Check out the traditional Kwanzaa merriment this year at the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival.

Saturday, December 26th, 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Altria Theatre, 6 N. Laurel Street
$6 online, $8 at the door

2. Monument Avenue After Dark Walking Tour

If you’re among those that believe Christmas isn’t over after Christmas Day, and you want to savor the last bit of holiday spirit that the world has to offer, take a stroll down Monument Avenue. Learn about the history and traditions of the houses on one of our most momentous streets in Richmond, while looking at all the sparkly, shiny, glittery things.

December 26th and 27th, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Robert E. Lee Monument, 1701 Monument Avenue
$15, or $5 for members of the Valentine Museum

3. Theatre

3a. The Fourth Wall

If you didn’t see too much Nutcracker and you’re not sick of plays yet, you just might enjoy The Fourth Wall. Having nothing to do with a young girl who falls in love with a wooden doll and everything to do with a woman who’s so convinced the CIA is watching her that she rearranges her living room furniture, The Fourth Wall is an entertaining and comical poke at theatrical stereotypes.

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through January 31st
Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad Street
$35 general admission

3b. This Wonderful Life

Whoa, It’s a Wonderful Life is now a play?! Alright that’s probably old news. But whoa–It’s a Wonderful Life is now a play performed by one man?! New news to me. In this Christmas classic adaptation, Scott Wichmann not only adapts It’s a Wonderful Life into a play, but encompasses each character himself. No special effects here, just pure talent and enviable multitasking skills.

Through January 10th
Virginia Repertory Theatre
$38, subscribers $28

4. Fruitcake Science

Haven’t you always wondered what it looks like when a fruitcake is instantly frozen? Or burned? Or when it’s catapulted through the air? SO HAVE I. And we’re in luck. This weekend, the Science Museum of Virginia is dedicating its powers of chemistry to satisfy these lifelong curiosities of America’s favorite gift to regift.

December 26th – 30th, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
$11

5. Manchester United Soccer Game

Your living room is littered with wrapping paper, your leftover cookies are still sitting out, and those green and red decorations are starting to expire. So what better time to leave your house and watch a soccer game?! Penny Lane Pub, the Liverpool oasis of Richmond, is opening early on Boxing Day to show the Manchester United soccer game, plus a bunch of others.