5 Things

Today marks the beginning of December, and you know what that means, right? It’s National Political Correctness Awareness Month! HUZZAH! Oh yeah, there’s also a slew of Christmas-related events: parades, illuminations, bazaars, and…Michael Ian Black?

December 1, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

Richmond’s collective power bill is going into the stratosphere with both the Grand Illumination and the Poe Museum illumination this weekend, to say nothing of the Christmas lights that have, and still have yet to be, put up. Christmas season is in full swing, y’all, so let’s get to it!

1. Christmas Parade

Who doesn’t like a good parade? This Saturday marks the 28th annual Dominion Christmas Parade. This year’s Grand Marshall, Todd “Parney” Parnell, Vice President and COO of the Flying Squirrels. The parade will also feature local high school marching bands, dance troupes, floats, balloons, and even martial artists! Because we’re awesome, we have a guide that will tell you all that you need to know to enjoy the parade this weekend.

Sat., Dec. 3 • 10am – 12pm
Departs from the Science Museum on W. Broad Street, heading east to 7th Street
FREE

2. Grand Illumination

Did you know that Santa will be in town and he’s going to lead a historically-narrated canal cruise? Man, that dude does it ALL! Before that happens though, the Grand Illumination will kick off at 6pm sharp on Friday with lights galore. Afterwards, Santa and the Varina High School marching band will head down to the turning basin where they will perform. THEN Santa will take part in a canal cruise. This is one of the biggest holiday events in the city, that and it’s also free.

Fri., Dec. 2 • 6pm – 9pm
10th and E. Cary streets to the 17th Street Farmers Market
FREE

3. Poe Illumination

After you watch the illumination, head on over to the Poe Museum, as they’re going to get in on the whole “bright lights” action by illuminating the Enchanted Garden. Poe might have been a dark, lugubrious guy, but his garden is going to get lit up like an Alaskan aurora borealis! There will be special exhibits, activities, and music. Free food, cash bar, and very family friendly.

Fri., Dec. 2 • 6pm – 9pm
Poe Museum, 1914 E. Main Street
FREE

4. Bizarre Bazaar

Need to start Christmas shopping? Don’t worry. Over 500 exhibitors will be on hand from all over the country to take part in the Bizarre Bizaar. From gourmet food and cookbooks, fine linens, designer clothing, toys, crafts, furniture, artwork, and jewelry, if you need it then you’ll likely find it at the Bizarre Bazaar. It’ll only be around this weekend, so make sure you take advantage of such a highly concentrated conclave of all sorts of crafty Christmas goodies.

Thur., Dec. 1 – Sat., Dec. 3 (10am – 7pm) and Sun, Dec. 4 (10am – 5pm)
Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
$7

5. Michael Ian Black

If all this holiday hoopla is giving you a mental hernia, then I recommend you take in the cool comedy stylings of Michael Ian Black. You’ve seen him on VH1’s I Love the… TV series, the cult classic show The State, and the best movie EVER MADE, Wet Hot American Summer. He’ll be performing his stand up at the National. Here’s a taste: