5 things

I know this week has been rough, what with the sudden and soul-crushing cold, but we’re looking at a slight warm-up this weekend — just in time for you to get out and enjoy Richmond during this most wonderful time of the year. Here are 5 things to keep you entertained while enjoying to warmer(ish) temps. (There’s a giveaway too!)

December 9, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Ok, kiddos. I know this week has been rough, what with the sudden and soul-crushing cold (and it’s not even winter yet!), but we’re looking at a slight warm-up this weekend — just in time for you to get out and enjoy Richmond during this most wonderful time of the year. Here are 5 things to keep you entertained while enjoying to warmer(ish) temps.

1. The Nutcracker

It’s classic, it’s beautiful, and it’s just one of those things you need to see before you leave this planet.

• Opens Friday, December 10 (7pm) and runs through Thursday, December 23 (weekend performances only, see website for complete list of show times)
• Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage (600 E. Grace Street)
• $20.95-$139.20

2. Church Hill Candlelight Walk

The Greater Richmond Pipes and Drums will lead this walk through Church Hill, starting in Jefferson Park and winding its way to E. Grace Street at St. John’s Church where they will be joined by church members attending the Vespers Service. From there the route ends at Libby Hill Park overlooking the James River where holiday carols will be sung. Candles will be given out at Jefferson Park and St. John’s Church. Dress warmly. And be prepared for your mind to be blown because it sounds amazing.

• Friday, December 10 (7:30pm)
• Starts at Jefferson Park at the corner of Mosby and Princess Anne
• Free

3. Movies & Mimosas: It’s a Wonderful Life

Jimmy Stewart! Donna Reed! Clarence! One of the most charming scenes in film history (in my humble opinion)!

• Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12 (doors open at 10:30; movie starts at 11am)
• Movieland (1301 N. Boulevard)
• $5.50 ($4.50 with your Criterion Club Card)

4. Save Our Food Holiday Festival

The Save Our Food Holiday Festival is back for its second year of offering you, you, and even you the chance to enjoy Virginia foods, wines, and specialty items and gifts from more than 70 vendors and 13 Virginia wineries. Festivities include a talk by Todd Schneider, executive chef in the Virginia governor’s mansion, on on planning the perfect holiday party and incorporating Virginia foods, wines and other products. The Children’s Museum will also be there with tons of fun stuff for the kiddies.

• Saturday, December 11 (noon to 7pm)
• Farm Bureau Center at The Meadow Event Park (off I-95 exit 98, 1.5 miles east of Kings Dominion)
• $5 for adults; free for Farm Bureau members, kids under 18, and anyone who brings two non-perishable food items benefit the Salvation Army Central Virginia Area Command’s food pantry

We’ve got two sets of tickets to the Save Our Food Festival to give away. To enter, leave a comment telling me your favorite type of wine (if you don’t drink, tell me I’m pretty or something). We’ll pick the winner at 2pm today. When commenting, make sure to use a valid email address so we can contact you. You must be able to come by the RVANews office (1500-block of Main Street) either this afternoon or Friday to pick up your tickets.

5. Live at Ipanema: Englishman

According to their Facebook page, this (currently) Kentucky-based band creates “music made in a home spun and unpretentious spirit, in the hopes that it will find its way into the ears and hearts of the people who love it.” If you’d like to get a better idea of what they’re about, check out this video of their appearance at the first installment of The Listening Room.

• Sunday, December 12 (10pm)
• Ipanema Cafe (917 W. Grace Street)
• Free

Keep in mind, these events are just a snippet of the fun happening in RVA this weekend. Stop by our Events Calendar to see what else is going on. And if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the holly-jollyness, check out our list of holiday events.

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.

December 9, 2010 6:00 AM 5