Top 5 Weekend Events For Families: Grand Illumination, Christmas Parade & More

Christmastime is here! There’s so much to do and see during this, the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday spirit kicks into full gear this weekend with the James Center Grand Illumination, the Dominion Christmas Parade, a Chanukah celebration at SkateNation Plus, and more! There’s something to suit every family, no matter your […]

December 3, 2010; 12:23 PM • by Carissa Garabedian

Our family events contributor Carissa Garabedian has the full rundown of all the great family-friendly activities this weekend.

For an amazing list of dozens more, be sure to check out our family events contributor Carissa Garabedian’s website, Macaroni Kid of Richmond.

1. James Center Grand Illumination

Friday, December 3

A great family event, so many things to do on over 2 blocks, including Richmond’s Children Choir, Characters from the Nutcracker, Varina High School marching band and Radio Disney games and more!

Who: All
When: 5:45 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: 17th St Farmer’s Market 100 N 17th St
How: Just go!
Cost: FREE

2. Dominion Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 4

Come share in this Holiday Tradition with floats, balloons, bands and of course , Santa!

Who: all
When: 10:00 AM
Where: Science Museum is the start and it travels down to 7th Street
How: just go ( bring some gloves, it is going to be cold!)
Cost: FREE

3. SkateNation Plus Celebrates Chanukah

Sunday, December 5

Chanukah on Ice is a Chanukah celebration at SkateNation Plus that includes ice skating, arcade games, food and the lighting of a beautiful giant ice menorah celebrating the 5th night of Chanukah. Admission is free and skating tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the door. Food costs are extra.

Who: All
When: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: SkateNation Plus – Pouncey Tract Road
How: Just go!
Cost: Admission is FREE. Skating tickets are $7 in advance and $9 at the door. Food costs are extra.
More info:

4. Velveteen Rabbit

Friday, December 3 through Wednesday, January 27

Based on the Book by Margery Williams. In this delightful and moving adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit, a beautiful velveteen rabbit is gifted to a young boy on Christmas morning. On his first night in the nursery, the velveteen rabbit meets all the other toys ands learns about becoming real. Soon the velveteen rabbit and the boy are having adventures in Africa and flying through the clouds! When the boy becomes ill, the velveteen rabbit must help him recover. After the boy is better, Nana declares all his toys must be burned because they are full of germs.

Who: Kids and adults ages 3 and up
When: Varies
Where: Barksdale Theatre, located in The Shops at Willow Lawn at 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 301-E
How: Call for tickets at 282-2620
Cost: $14-$18

5. Lewis Ginter Garden Fest of Lights

Friday, December 3 through Thursday, January 6

“GardenFest of Lights has become a family tradition for many and our on-going partnership with Dominion helps keep it fresh and exciting each year,” said Frank Robinson, Executive Director of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. “It’s a natural fit for Dominion to be title sponsor of an event powered by electricity while at the same time focused on energy savings.”

Who: All
When: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – Lakeside Avenue
How: Just go!
Cost: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $6 kids under 3, FREE, members free
More info: There is lots to do and see this holiday season at Lewis-Ginter, see the site for all that is happening at www.lewisginter.org