The 2019 Holiday Guide to Events in Richmond, VA
Right about now, you’re probably planning out your go-to answer to a series of vaguely intrusive questions from grandma, high school pals, and coworkers: “what have you been up to?” or “so, are you seeing anyone now?” If you live in Richmond, you can answer with a quick story about one of many cool events you just attended. As you unbutton your pants and refill your drink, know the intrusion is temporary and you have something to do tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that. Below is a curated Richmond holiday event guide you can refer to again and again throughout the 2019 season. Support local businesses. Get cool gifts. Meet new people. Frolick and be fucking merry. You have my official permission.
Bookmark this page to use it as a reference throughout the season. We’ll add more as events come in that we love.
The Pig that Stole Christmas Launch Party
November 29, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
LUNCH. and SUPPER
The Urban Roost
3023 W Marshall Street
You can’t spell Christmas without cocktails! Join LUNCH. and SUPPER as they launch their Christmas Cocktail program along with delicious appetizers and drinks available for purchase. My roommate is the mad scientist behind this menu. I’ll be there with bells on–perhaps literally.
West Broad Holiday Market
November 30, 10 a.m.to 4 p.m.
2015 West Broad St.
RVA Small Business Pop-Up Shop
November 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chesterfield Towne Center
11500 Midlothian Turnpike
Shop around various local Richmond businesses who are coming together in one place. Discover some that may only be available online normally. My guess is you’ll have good conversations and discover something for all kinds of people on your gift list.
Maven Made: Fifth Year Anniversary
December 5, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Focal Point
2622 Hull Street
Come and celebrate Maven Made, a brand I’ve written about a few times here and in magazines. Enjoy product-inspired craft cocktails, treats, free swag, as well as complimentary tarot and astrology readings. Twenty percent of sales will be donated to Marijuana Justice Virginia.
Shockoe Holiday Market and RVA Illuminates
December 6, 5 p.m.
Kanawha Plaza
801 E. Canal St.
I’ve been going to the big downtown Illumination since I was in middle school. I used to travel all the way from Louisa for the spectacle. Hosted by the James Center for 34 years, it’s now migrated to the Kanawha Plaza. There will be a countdown to the illumination at 6 p.m. by Mayor Levar Stoney who will flip the switch to light up downtown office buildings outlined in lights. Listen to music by No BS! Brass Band (a personal fav) and more. Simultaneously, the 17th Street Market (100 N. 17th St.) will have a market from 5 to 9 p.m. and a Shockoe Bottom happy hour when you can purchase drinks from nearby restaurants like Havana ’59 or C’est le Vin and take them into the market plaza. Buffer in stress-free time for traffic before and after the event (Read: don’t make any strict dinner plans).
RVA Illuminates Happy Hour & After Party
December 6, 4 p.m. to 2 p.m.
SWITCH
13 Wet Broad Street
Come to my neighborhood after you finish up with your downtown festivities. SWITCH is hosting a festive after party in its latest pop-up versions: Winter is Coming (upstairs) and Naughty or Nice (Downstairs). Happy hour specials will last until 8 p.m. Music starts at 9 p.m. Let’s get frostyyyy.
Winter Print Fair
December 7-8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Studio Two Three
3300 West Clay Street
Fresh prints, baby–except without Will Smith. Sad, I know, but this will honestly be kind of awesome. Art with a story is one of the most thoughtful gifts to give and receive, in my opinion. Fortunately, we live in a city full of artists. Shop a variety of creations from local makers and creatives. While you’re there, enjoy comfort food at the grilled cheese and hot soup bar!
Greenery Collective Plant Pop-Ups
December 8, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
West Elm in Carytown
December 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Brunch Market in Scott’s Addition
Another way to get your greens for you and one for your friends. Stop by both of Greenery Collective’s pop up shops to find all the plant essentials. The pop-up plant specialists are my new Instagram obsession. After stopping by, you can check out other local vendors who are popping up along with the green thumbs during both events.
12 Bars of Charity
December 13, 8 p.m.
Start at River City Roll
A pub crawl that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy? Sounds lovely. You might have a headache the next day, but you will have done a great thing. This new local pub crawl asks you to pick a team to support for $25 and $15 will go toward the charity of your choosing including Richmond SPCA, Make a Wish, and Special Olympics. Show up the day of the event between 6 and 10 p.m. to get your shirt with your friends. Head to bars including Lady Nawlins, PBR and The Hof to enjoy drink specials just for you.
Christkindlmarkt
December 14, 12 p.m.
Blue Bee Cider
1320 Summit Avenue
Sip award-winning ciders, chew on First Stop Donuts apple cider donuts, and munch on chilled cheeses from Truckle Cheesemongers in the magical Blue Bee courtyard. Shop items like herb-infused culinary salts, original artwork, jewelry, skincare, novelty mugs, and candles from vendors like Hummingbird Gardens, Dayum This is My Jam, Figure Form,
Nina Zabal and Guy Piper Handmade.
Tapped and Wrapped
December 15, 12-6 p.m.
Hardywood West Creek
820 Sanctuary Trail, Henrico
It’s not often you can buy all of your gifts and have them wrapped in one place. I missed last year, but I’m excited to head to the 3rd Annual Tapped & Wrapped Holiday Shop complete with food trucks and vendors like Burn Down For What candles, In Between Dreams woven dream catchers, Liberatus Jewelry, and L&M leggings.
Modern Market
December 15, 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Stone Brewing Tap Room
4300 Williamsburg Avenue
I love it when something new comes around my way. This market sounds so cool and I love the Stone Brewing venue. In it’s fourth year, the Modern Market will connect difference conscious goods maker and sellers. We’re talking custom knife blades for dad, botanical bitters and waste-free instant coffee. I’m in!
