5 things

December, guys! And as you know, the good ol’ RVA does it up this time of year. Take a look at a our picks of hip-hep-happenings this weekend.

December 3, 2009; 12:00 PM • by Valerie Catrow

December, guys! And as you know, the good ol’ RVA does it up this time of year. Take a look at a our picks of hip-hep-happenings this weekend.

1. Art Karma

Ok, we had to offer something that didn’t beat you about the head and shoulder with holiday cheer. Spend an evening enjoying exotic snackies, a cash bar featuring Cirrus Vodka Karmatinis, Richbrau beer and Virginia wines, and a silent auction for crafts, services, and more from your fellow Richmonders. Thursday, December 3, 7pm, Planet Zero (E. 4th Street), $25 or two for $40. Tickets can be purchased online right here.

2. 25th Anniversary of the Grand Illumination at the James Center

This is just one of those “have-to’s” that come with living in this town. Join your fellow Richmonders (and, hoo boy, they will ALL be there) to see the buildings downtown light up all at once. Despite my snark, it really is a pretty sight and a nice way to kick-off the holiday season. They’ve also got free horse and carriage rides going on at the 13th Street and Cary Street Fountain. Talk about getting into the spirit. Friday, December 4, 6pm, James Center (901 E. Cary Street), free!

3. A Christmas Carol

Who doesn’t love a Christmas musical? Bring the little ones for this kid-friendly adaptation of Dicken’s beloved holiday tale. And try not to get a wee bit teary as Tiny Tim chirps “And God bless us, everyone!” Opens Friday, December 4, 7pm, Empire Theatre 114 W. Broad Street, $22, $21 for students, $18 for kids. Runs through Sunday, December 20 with varying show times. See website for details and to purchase tickets.

4. The Annual Ukrop’s-Supervalu Richmond Christmas Parade

I know the forecast for Saturday isn’t great, but the Ukrop’s Richmond Christmas Parade is a tradition. And you don’t monkey with tradition! In addition to the customary floats, bands, and an appearance by St. Nick, the Harlem Globetrotters will be serving as this year’s Grand Marshals, so there’s sure to be some tomfoolery going on. Saturday, December 5, 10am, starting at the Science Museum and moving down to 7th Street. It’s free of course, but they will be accepting food and monetary donations for the Central Virginia Foodbank. For more on the parade, check out our Ukrop’s Richmond Parade guide.

5. Art-Free-For-All: Present Factory

Learn how to make your own wrapping paper, holiday cards, felt hair clips, and more. ALL FOR FREE! Visual Arts Center of Richmond, you are a Christmas miracle. Sunday, December 6, 1pm to 4pm, 1812 W. Main Street, free (as I mentioned).

And since I’m in a giving mood, here’s a bonus event for you…

Bonus! Live at Ipanema featuring The Diamond Center

Sunday marks the December installment of one of our best series: Live at Ipanema. This week, our favorite basement bar will be filled with the dreamy, psychedelic sounds of The Diamond Center. Definitely an experience worth having. Sunday, December 6, 917 W. Grace Street, 10pm, free!

If none of these are to your liking, be sure to check out our The RVANews Holiday Guide or the Events Calendar for more ideas.

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.

December 3, 2009 12:00 PM 0