Top 5 Weekend Events For Families: West End Comedy, Gingerbread House Making & More

The rush of the holiday season got you going crazy? Take some time this weekend to relax with a great family activity. From The Nutcracker put on by Richmond Ballet to a great comedy show right here in Short Pump, gingerbread house decorating at West Broad Village to Disney On Ice, there’s sure to be […]

December 17, 2010; 10:56 AM • 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. West End Comedy

Friday, December 17 through Saturday, December 18

West End Comedy kicks off the holiday season with two hilarious shows. Friday, December 17th is an all audiences show. The evening begins with comic John Porter, an audience favorite, offering interactive stand-up and storytelling for the family. Afterwards, West End Comedy will perform a holiday themed short-form improv blitz similar to what you find on Whose Line is It Anyway, featuring suggestions taken from the audience. This is the only improv comedy show in Richmond for families of all ages! Saturday, December 18th is the mature show. We will present phenomenal and hilarious stand-ups during the show.

Who: Friday- Families! Saturday- Adults only
When: 7:00 PM
Where: HATTheatre – 1124 Westbriar Drive. Tickets are $5. Bring two friends and your ticket is free. To make reservations, call (804) 343-6364.
How: call 804-343-6364
Cost: $5

2. The Nutcracker by Richmond Ballet

Friday, December 17 through Thursday, December 23

Richmond Ballet invites you to join Clara on her journey through a holiday dream! This production of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic fantasy is sure to sweep you away along with the twirling snowflakes, adorable marzipan lambs, dancing Chinese dragon, and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. This production was choreographed by Richmond Ballet Artistic Director Stoner Winslett and presented in the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage with Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by Richmond Symphony.

Who: All
When: 7:00 PM (times change)
Where: Richmond Center Stage
How: http://www.ticketmaster.com
Cost: $20 and up

3. Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester

Saturday, December 18

This is the classic children’s story about a tailor from Gloucester who sends his mischievous cat to buy food and a twist of cherry colored silk to complete a waistcoat for the mayor in time for his Christmas morning wedding. Unfortunately, between the trip to the store and the wedding, the tailor has to do some quick thinking! Find out what happens in this fun, family-friendly holiday musical.

Who: All
When: 11:00 AM
Where: The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen , Glen Allen, VA
How: Call 804-261-ARTS
Cost: $12.50
More info: Visit their website at www.artsglenallen.com

4. Disney on Ice

Friday, December 17 through Sunday, December 19

Disney on Ice presents Princess Classics is an amazing journey to the magical lands of Disney classic fairy tales. Travel to a kingdom under the sea, an enchanted French castle, an Arabian palace and more! With special guest Tinker Bell, enter the worlds of your favorite Disney princesses Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and Snow White and see their dreams come true as this royal skating extravaganza brings magic to town.

Who: All
When: 7:00 PM (times change)
Where: Richmond Coliseum
How: Ticketmaster
Cost: $16 and up
More info: http://disney.go.com/disneyonice

5. Sweet Spot’s 1st Annual Gingerbread Decorating

Wednesday, December 22

It’s Sweet Spot’s 1st Annual “Top Gingerbread Decorating” Competition! (Ages 6-100) Competition Times: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Form a team of up to 3 friends/family or anyone creative and compete against two other teams for the spot of “Top Gingerbread Decorators”Sweet Spot will provide the assembled gingerbread house, white icing and candy! You provide the creativity! You may bring ONE secret ingredient per team from home (think hard on this, it can be food coloring for the icing, cookies for the rooftopyou will have 5 minutes to collaborate & and 20 min to decorate your house.

Who: All
When: 1:00 PM (additional times also)
Where: Sweet Spot Candy Store – West Broad Village
How: Please reserve your spot by calling 360-7768 or stopping by the store to sign up with your team name and member names. First to sign up compete.
Cost: $15 per team
More info: The only tool you can use is a plastic knife (Sweet Spot will provide)