5 things

Despite the fact that it’s not even Thanksgiving, it seems Richmond decided that now is the time to bring out the holiday cheer. I’ve decided not to fight it. So here you go: 5 things to help you properly ring in the holidays, RVA-style.

November 18, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Despite the fact that it’s not even Thanksgiving, it seems Richmond decided that now is the time to bring out the holiday cheer. I’ve decided not to fight it. So here you go: 5 things to help you properly ring in the holidays, RVA-style.

1. RENT

I know what you’re thinking: “Sure, nothing says ‘Happy holidays!’ like the story of a group of struggling artists living in New York’s East Village.” But the play’s first and last scenes take place on Christmas Eve, so it totally goes with this week’s theme of “OMG IT IS THE HOLIDAYS!” And anyone who wants to claim that Season’s of Love doesn’t have “Put me in constant rotation on Lite 98 starting Thanksgiving Day” written all over it knows nothing. Plus, it’s a rock musical/opera that has won both a Tony and a Pulitzer Prize. Hard to go wrong there.

• Thursday, November 18 through Sunday, November 21 (evening and matinee performances available)
• Alice Jepson Theatre at the Modlin Center (University of Richmond)
• Adults $18, Seniors $15, Children $9, UR Employees: $15, UR Students $10

2. Trans-Siberian Orchestra

I should have saved this for last because it’s impossible to top. Sorry things 3, 4, and 5!

• Friday, November 18 (8pm)
• Richmond Coliseum (601 E. Leigh Street)
• $26.00-$58.00

3. White Christmas

I’ve actually only seen the movie, not a stage version, but the prospect of having all of that Christmas right up in my face sounds awesome. However, if Snow, snow, snow, snow, snooooooooow isn’t included, I’m walking out. Just kidding. (Totally not kidding.)

• Opens Friday, November 19 (8pm) and runs through January 9
• Empire Theatre (114 W. Broad Street)
• Adults $46, Seniors (65+) $43, Youth (18 & under) $19

4. 2010 Craft + Design Show

Organized by the wonderful folks over at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, the annual Craft + Design show gives you the chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts (for loved ones or yourself) created by some of the nation’s preeminent artists. 70 artists will be setting up shop to showcase their work from a broad spectrum of media — jewelry, clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, and more. Check out their website for a sneak peek at some of the items that will be available for purchase.

• Saturday, November 20 (10am to 6pm) and Sunday, November 21 (11am to 5pm)
• Science Museum of Virginia (2500 E. Broad Street)
• $15 for general public; $12 for members; $20 for a weekend pass

5. Community Tree Lighting

If you’re looking for something to get the kids EVEN MORE stoked about the holidays, this is where it’s at. Carolers, an outdoor skating rink, characters from the Nutcracker, a Toy Soldier Stilt Walker, and a visit from The Big Man in Red himself.

• Saturday, November 20 (6pm to 8pm; countdown to the tree lighting starts at 7pm)
• Stony Point Fashion Park (9200 Stony Point Parkway)
• Free!

None of these up your alley? Stop by the RVANews Events Calendar to check out other options in and around town.

As the editor of RVANews, Valerie Catrow spends most of her time wrangling people over email and muttering to herself about the content calendar. She also contributes to our parenting column while maintaining her own blog, Made in Richmond. It should be noted that she loves tots, both the potato and child varieties.

November 18, 2010 6:00 AM 3