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‘Tis the season to be jolly! Although finals are right around the corner and we might be spending long nights in the library, it is important to keep the holiday spirit! Richmond has a handful of Christmas activities that can momentarily keep your mind off of schoolwork. With a variety of activities ranging from a walk through the festive Maymount Mansion to the Dominion Christmas Parade, there is something for everyone.
RVA on Ice!
Did you know Richmond had an outdoor ice skating rink? RVA on Ice is located in the heart of downtown; right on the corner of 6th and Broad, just a few steps away from Centerstage. The rink opens on Saturday, November 23rd and doesn’t close until January 20, 2014. Bring your family, friends or your boyfriend and enjoy hot coco, s’mores, movies, special guest, holiday music and even a pit fire! On November 25th at 5 p.m., Mayor Dwight C. Jones along with special guests will be hosting the grand opening ceremony, followed by a free skating session.Â
Season pass: $20.00
General Admission is $5.00
Skate Rental: $5.00
Tree Lighting Celebration at Willow Lawn
The shops at Willow Lawn will be having their 2nd annual Tree Lighting Celebration on November 23rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Willow Lawn Plaza. There will be live music by Silly Bus, “Santa and me” photos, horse-drawn wagon rides for the kids, balloon art, face painting and special merchant giveaways for the adults. However, the event is weather permitted so keep your eyes open for the forecast.
Maymont Mansion Holiday Tours
“Experience the wonders of the season.”
Starting on November 22nd and ending on January 5th, Maymont has redecorated its Victorian decor for the holidays! Major & Mrs. Dooley’s beautifully decorated mansion brings the holiday spirit right to their doorstep. The home will include a 12-foot Christmas tree and a beautifully decorated antique dining room table perfect for a Christmas Day feast. Join the Maymont team during their Wreath Workshop where they show guests how to make one of the spectacular wreaths displayed around the property. Admissions fee is $30 per person. If greenery isn’t your thing and you’re looking for a romantic date night idea for you and the mister, check out the other tours Maymont is offering!
- Candlelight Mansion Tour
Thursday, December 19th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Maymont Mansion
This after-hours tour includes a festive carriage ride and Victorian ladies and gents dressed in the finest costumes for your enjoyment. Enjoy being immersed in the Christmas traditions of 1893.
- Maymont by Moonlight
December 13th from 5:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m. at the Hampton Street Entrance
Horse drawn carriage rides under the stars, seasonal refreshments are served and a bonfire awaits.
Dominion Christmas Parade
On Saturday, December 7th at 10 a.m., the 30th annual Dominion Christmas Parade will commence, starting at the Science Museum at 2500 West Broad Street and ending on 7th Street. Each year more than 100,000 people from the surrounding Richmond area come out to see this parade, filled with cartoon characters like Snoopy to Santa Clause himself. This would be a great event to attend with your friends or younger family members with a mug of hot chocolate.Â
Have a blast being a kid again and don’t let finals week turn you into a Grinch! Until next time, collegiettes.