5 things

Yes, I know we usually run 5 things on Thursday, but, who are we kidding? We know Richmond will be way too busy stuffing its collective face to read anything. So here are your hip holiday weekend happenings a day early…

November 25, 2009; 12:00 PM • by Valerie Catrow

Yes, I know we usually run 5 things on Thursday, but, who are we kidding? We know Richmond will be way too busy stuffing its collective face to read anything. So here are your hip holiday weekend happenings a day early…

1. Thanksgiving

You might have heard that this was coming up. I plan on spending my day watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (9am on NBC), eating my weight in green bean casserole, and passing out in a small puddle of drool on my dad’s couch. I suggest you do the same – except maybe on your dad’s couch instead of mine. Thursday, all day, a place of your choosing.

2. Black Friday

Nothing terrifies me more than the circumstances of Black Friday. (Except maybe vampires. Well, except for one. EDWAAAAARD!) Think about it: thousands of people all in one space, ferociously battling for the same prize/goal/end/Wii Fit. We all remember the stampedes of yore, don’t we? But, I understand that times are tough – you do whatcha gotta do, am I right? Just remember to stay classy, RVA, ok? For specifics on deals you can find around town, check out Alison’s RVA Deals Black Friday round up.

3. GardenFest of Lights

Once the turkey has settled and your credit cards have cooled off, why not spend some time soaking up some holiday goodness with the fam. Lewis Ginter’s GardenFest of Lights features more than half a million lights arranged in botanical themes, and promises music and family-friendly events as well. Runs Friday, November 27th through Tuesday, January 11th. 1800 Lakeside Avenue. $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $6 for kids (3 and under get in free). Special discounts for members. See website for details.

4. Movies & Mimosas: The Muppet Movie

After you express thanks through gluttony and mass-consumerism, you must spend the remainder of Thanksgiving weekend watching movie. Don’t ask me why; I don’t make the rules. But seriously, Movieland is delivering in a big way on this one. I mean, THE MUPPET MOVIE. Talk about creating memories that last a lifetime. See?

Saturday, November 28th and Sunday, November 29th, doors open at 10:30, movie starts at 11am, 1301 N. Boulevard, $5.50 ($4.50 with your Criterion Club Card). Mimosas cost extra. And drink responsibly, especially if you’re bringing your kids. We don’t want to create those kinds of memories.

(If The Muppet Movie isn’t your kind of flick – although I don’t see how that’s possible – check out this Susan’s guide on what movies are playing where.)

5. Santa Fling and Brunch

Screw you, Thanksgiving! Once we get you out of the way, it’s time for The Real Deal. Spend the morning with Santa and his crew and enjoy food, music, crafts, and balloon art! There will also be a performance by Jonathan the Juggler and special magic show by Santa (because he’s not already MAGICAL enough). This will surely hype your kids up into a proper Christmas frenzy. Saturday, November 28th, 10:30am to 12:30pm, Willow Lawn, 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. Free to get in, but food and pictures with Santa cost extra. Proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network. See website for details.

Of course, these aren’t all RVA has to offer this weekend. Stop by our events calendar for more.

And as usual, if you’d like to give special shout-outs to happenings this weekend, leave them in the comments!

(Don’t forget: If you’ve got an event in the works that you’d like to see featured, send it our way.)

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, 2009 12:00 PM 0