5 Things

This weekend is about kids. The kids you have, the kids you want to have, the kids you don’t want to have, and the kids within you that are trying to get out (gross?).

December 13, 2012; 6:44 AM • by Susan Howson

This weekend is about kids. The kids you have, the kids you want to have, the kids you don’t want to have, and the kids within you that are trying to get out (gross?). Make the holiday special for your little ones by establishing some wicked cool traditions now. You can always get some adult time at some of these other events after they’ve hit the hay later on.

1. RVA Fashion Week Winter Gala

Every winter needs a gala. This winter’s is brought to you by RVA Fashion Week, which, in turn, brings you the hottest looks from Richmond’s chicest stores and local designers. Load up on cocktails for the first hour, then watch stuff from Pink, Roan, Phoenix, Lex’s, and more get strutted down the aisle. All proceeds benefit Dress for Success.

Thurs. Dec. 13 • 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Flames231, 423 N. 18th St.
$20

2. The Nutcracker

OMG, it’s Nutcracker time! The tenth year of the Richmond Ballet’s spectacular restaging is upon us, and they promise to do it up right. Follow Clara as she embarks on a possibly mulled-wine-induced dream journey to the Land of Sweets. Strange things happen that mostly involve candy doing dances, toys coming to life, and rats being bested by shoe missiles. It’s weird, but in a good way. This Saturday, take your little one to Clara’s Tea Party after the matinee performance, and get up close and personal with the actual Sugar Plum Fairy while eating actual non-dancing sweets.

Beginning Dec. 14 • see site for times
Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage, 600 E. Grace St.
$20-$125, Clara’s Tea Party: $25

3. Church Hill Holiday Weekend

The holidays are no trifling matter in Richmond’s oldest neighborhood. The Church Hill Association does it up right with a candlelight walk on Friday night, their annual party on Saturday night, and the Holiday House Tour on Sunday. All are welcome, even if you’re not from the Hill, although you may be recruited. Don’t fight it. Just give into the history. Give into the glow of candles. Give into the mistletoe. That’s right. Now make an offer on a house, you can do it.

Fri. Dec. 14 – Sun. Dec. 16 • see site for various events/times
All over the Hill
Free – $35

4. Dominion GardenFest of Lights

Christmas has got to be Dominon’s favorite time of year. The time when, lo! 500,000 carefully positioned lights lead hundreds of wise men, women, and children through Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. You’ll also find some super cool stuff inside the Conservatory, including train sets and mazes. This twinkling family favorite is a tradition among the “people who like beautiful things” set.

Daily through Jan. 7 • 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave.
Free – $11 (members get discounts)

5. Madeline’s Christmas and Dine with Madeline

Twelve little girls thought Christmas was rad, and the youngest one was Madeline! If your little Madeline or…whatever the male version of Madeline is…has a good time reading about the scrappy antics of Ludwig Bemelmans’s famous character, then she or he will be stoked on the Virginia Rep’s production of Madeline’s Christmas. This one hour production involves songs, dance, and Miss Clavel. You can also treat your fledgling theatre-goer to tea with Madeline and Snow Bear on Saturday.