5 things

Is anyone even reading this? Probably not, considering you’re all currently stuffing your faces, which is fine by me (because I’m likely doing the same thing). But once you’ve awakened from your tryptophanic comas, roll yourselves out the door and see what Richmond has to offer this Thanksgiving weekend!

November 25, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Is anyone even reading this? Probably not, considering you’re all currently stuffing your faces, which is fine by me (because I’m likely doing the same thing). But once you’ve awakened from your tryptophanic comas, roll yourselves out the door and see what Richmond has to offer this Thanksgiving weekend!

1. 32nd Annual Model Railroad Show

That sound you just heard was my two-year-old’s head exploding. Stop by the Science Museum (which was once a train station, as you may or may not know) and see model trains scooting through detailed dioramas and/or take part in a model train workshop taught by model train enthusiasts.

• Friday, November 26 through Sunday, November 28 (open from 9:30am to 5pm on Friday and on Saturday from 11:30am to 5pm on Sunday)
• Science Museum of Virgina (2500 W. Broad Street)
• With museum admission (see website for pricing options)

2. Legendary Santa

The turkey isn’t even cold yet and the Christmas frenzy has already begun! Starting the day after Thanksgiving and running through Christmas Eve, kids can visit with “the one and only Legendary Santa” and his Snow Queen to take part in a Richmond tradition that’s been going strong for 74 years. Please note: the wait time to see Santa can be INSANE (we’re talking two hours at times), so please plan your visit accordingly. Santa leaves promptly at closing time as he is obviously very busy this time of year and isn’t trying to spend even more time away from Mrs. Claus.

• Friday, November 26 through Friday December 24 (see website for hours of operation and for information on Sunrise, Sunset, and Tea with Santa)
• Children’s Museum of Richmond (2626 W. Broad Street)
• Prices vary (see website for details)

3. Dominion GardenFest Illumination

You want holiday magic? This is where it’s at. Seriously, you will experience Emotions and Feelings, what with all the holiday joy. GardenFest has a “Fire & Ice” theme this year, and the kick-off celebration on Friday will be making the most of it: luminaries, ice sculptures created right before your eyes (WITH CHAINSAWS), and a Crystal Concert from Dean Shostak where he will play instruments made out of glass. Special guests will flip a giant switch at 5:30pm to turn on the half-million lights scattered around the garden. See? MAGIC.

• Runs November 26 through January 10 (5pm to 10pm; closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (1800 Lakeside Avenue)
• $10 for adults; $9 for seniors; $6 for kids ages 3 to 12 (free for members)

4. Nunsense

Nuns who sing, dance, and tell jokes. The possibilities are endless.

• Runs Friday, November 26 through Sunday, February 6 (8pm and 2pm performances)
• Barksale Theatre at Hanover Tavern (13181 Hanover Courthouse Road)
• $38 (seniors and students are $35)

5. WNRN Presents: Ben Kweller with Julia Nunes

Well, they’re just adorable.

They left Richmond off their list of tour dates, but their enthusiasm certainly makes up for it.

• Sunday, November 28 (7pm)
• The Camel (1621 W. Broad Street)
• $20

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

(Photo by Greg Garner, courtesy of Barksdale Theatre)

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 25, 2010 6:00 AM 0