5 Things for Families

I tried to not overload you with yuletide activities this week, but you know what, guys? I think we all should go ahead and surrender to the season. Happy holidays!

December 3, 2014; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. Celebrate the Peace

In December 1914, just a few months after WWI began, German and British soldiers put down their weapons and shared in an unofficial, temporary cease-fire. Carols were sung, gifts were exchanged, and the troops shared a brief time of peace before the battle resumed. Come celebrate this moment in history–and take advantage of the opportunity to teach your kids that life isn’t always black and white–with special music and hanging of greenery at one of Richmond’s most beautiful spots.

• Friday, December 5th • 5:00 — 7:00 PM
• Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere Street
• Free

2. Main Street Station Annual Holiday Open House & Illumination

Looking for a place to set up camp for the Grand Illumination? Main Street Station has gotcha covered. Join them for an open house complete with music, snacks, children’s train rides, and a 6:45 PM screening of The Polar Express on a 40-foot inflatable screen.

• Friday, December 5th • 5:00 — 9:00 PM
• Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street
• Free

3. Santa’s Christmas Miracle

This musical comedy takes place back in the 1880s in Broken-Bone, Montana where the sheriff has…DUN DUN DUN…outlawed Christmas. But buck up little cowboys/girls! A “bungling bandit” named Big Bad Bart will save the day–all to a soundtrack chock-full of country music. It all sounds so kooky and hodge-podgey that I’m not sure how it could be anything less than delightful. FYI: The show lasts an hour and is recommended for ages 4 and up.

• Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 28th • showtimes vary, so see website for details
• Virginia Rep’s Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn, 1601 Willow Lawn Drive
• $20

4. Nutzy’s Rotary Funn Run

Why can’t it be a “Funn Runn”? I mean, they already threw the extra n on “fun”, why not just go for it? Anyway, join Richmond’s (maybe the world’s?) favorite flying rodent for a 5K benefiting UMFS and the Children’s Museum of Richmond Book Bank. After crossing the finish line, you can hop on the shuttle to a special heated tent for a VIP viewing of the Dominion Christmas Parade (more on that below).

• Saturday, December 6th • 8:00 — 10:00 AM
• The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
• $35 for adults; $17.50 for ages 17 and younger

5. 2014 Dominion Christmas Parade

I know the Rudolph balloon gets all the attention, but I can’t stop giggling over the fact that apparently the Science Museum (the launching location for the whole parade, no less) has…a giant fruitcake balloon. I love this town so much some times.

• Saturday, December 6th • 10:00 AM
• Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street (continues down to 7th Street)
• Free

December 3, 2014 6:00 AM 0