5 Things for Families: Skates, lights, Santa-induced happy tears, and more

“And now,” cried Richmond, “let the wild rumpus start!”

November 24, 2015; 11:46 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. RVA on Ice

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Richmond with a great view of the city’s skyline, RVA on Ice is proof that sometimes we can have nice things.

• Wednesday, November 25th through Sunday, January 3rd • hours vary throughout the season; see website for details
• 6th and Broad Streets
• $5 admission; $3-$5 for skate rentals

2. Dominion GardenFest of Lights: H2Whoa!

We’ll have all the details on this local holiday favorite early next week, but here’s the basic deal: one of Richmond’s most beautiful spots covered in over 500,000 lights celebrating water in all of its forms. Do it!

• Friday, November 27th through Monday, January 11th • 5:00 – 10:00 PM
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue
• $12 for adults; $11 for seniors; $8 for children ages 3 to 12, Free for children Under 3, Garden Members get discounted admission

3. 38th Annual Model Railroad Show

Tiny trains, regz trains, and the chance to meet a real blacksmith and pet a Clydesdale. Man, Christmas could be a total letdown after this one. Proceed with caution, guys.

• Friday, November 27th through Sunday, November 29th • 9:30 AM — 5:00 PM Friday and Saturday; 11:30 AM — 5:00 PM Sunday
• Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
• Free with admission ($8-$12; free for members)

4. Union Bank & Trust LolliPops: The Snowman

Oh this is just fantastic: the Richmond Symphony will accompany a screening of The Snowman, the Academy Award-winning animated film telling the story of a little boy’s magical adventures to the North Pole after his snowman comes to life. I already feel wistful. Anyone else feeling wistful?

• Saturday, November 28th • 11:00 AM
• Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
• $12-$17

5. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society presents Miracle on 34th Street

Three reasons why you need to take your kids to see this movie…

1. Natalie Wood as the no-nonsense Susan Walker is one of the best performances by a child actor ever.
2. We lost Maureen O’Hara this year, so any chance to celebrate one of film’s most talented, funny, and statuesque women must be taken.
3. The final courtroom scene will make you cry.

Oh, and the drunk Santa at the beginning is never not funny. So that’s four reasons. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT JEEZ.

• Saturday, November 28th • 1:30 PM
• Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary Street
• $8 in advance (available cash or check only at Chop Suey Books); $10 at the door

November 24, 2015 11:46 AM 0