Winter Festivals & Events In Richmond, VA (2022/2023)
The temperature is slowly dropping, but Richmond still has plenty going on. Fill your calendar with everything from icy swims to light shows to food and drink festivals. Here is Discover Richmond Tours’ guide to winter festivals and events in Richmond. (Note, this is an evolving list. If there is an event we missed, please send us a note!)
Looking for more things to do? See our winter activities guide!
Kings Dominion Winterfest: November 25-January 1
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Kings Dominion’s WinterFest! The park transforms into a winter wonderland of your dreams with millions of lights and lavish displays, a 300-foot-tall Christmas Tree (The Eiffel Tower’s holiday outfit), and an ice-skating rink!
RVA Illuminates: December 2
Mark your calendars for RVA Illuminates, a Richmond tradition! Head to Kanawha Plaza on the first Friday in December to kick off the holidays as the city lights up with the first winter festival of the season! The event is brought to you by the City of Richmond and WRIC 8News. The lights create quite a sight from across the river, so be sure to check out the view from Richmond’s south side this year. The Illumination is a free event and makes a great way to kick off the holiday season!
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade: December 3, 10AM
The 39th annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade is back again! The festivities will include colorful floats, high school and college marching bands, costumed characters, and returning fan favorites like the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the VCU Peppas, and Legendary Santa! It kicks off at the Science Museum of Virginia at 10:15 am and will head eastbound on Broad St., ending at 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum.
Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker: December 9-23
If you’ve never had the chance to watch the Richmond Ballet, taking in Tchaikovsky’s most famous work is the perfect introduction. And with more than a dozen performances throughout December, you have plenty of opportunities to do so! This year’s “next magical evolution” will feature brand new scenery designed by Alain Vaës, a new Chinese dance choreographed by Ma Cong, and refreshed costumes.
Jewish Food Festival: TBD
Get your fill of corned beef, schwarma, knish, and more at what is possibly the tastiest winter festival in Richmond! Come get a taste of Jewish culture at Weinstein Jewish Community Center every January, when it hosts the annual Jewish Food Festival. And if you’d like to try more food than you can stomach (and trust us, you probably will), you can take it to go!
Shiver In The River: TBD
Jumping in an ice cold body of water – on purpose? We’re guessing that some of you this think it’s a crazy idea, and some of you think it sounds awesome. If you’re among the latter, know that you’ll have two chances this winter to take an icy plunge. The first is Shiver in the River, taking place at historic Tredegar.
Virginia Wine Expo: February 25-March 3
With hundreds of Virginia-based wines, beers, and ciders to try, the Wine Expo might just be the best place to spend a day. This 8-day event has food-themed nights each year. Make sure to check the website for information about the Expo’s signature events, which will be held at Richmond’s gorgeous Main Street Station and other unique and historic venues throughout the Richmond area.
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