Naughty + Nice: The Grownup’s Holiday Guide to Richmond
By Sarah Nowak
The holidays are here, and we’re ready for them.
When December hits the city, things comes to life in a different type of way. Twinkling lights wrap their way around Cary St, wreaths dot the balconies along Monument Ave, and a massive, ornately decorated tree shines brightly inside The Jefferson Hotel – beckoning you to escape the cold weather for a seasonal cocktail.
The first drops of snow have officially fallen here in Richmond, VA – which means it’s time to start feeding into all of the holiday feels. To help you better prepare, we’ve put together a guide that’s going to take you through all of our favorite, festive spots guaranteed to show you a great time; regardless if you’ve been naughty or nice this year.
Catch a Burlesque Show
Various locations
Lean into your sexy side. Megan wrote about the burlesque movement in Richmond earlier this year. Switch up your agenda for a typical night-out. Boom Boom Basics regularly hosts events around town and the region. You can also sign up for classes to put on your own show. You’ll sparkle more than your Christmas tree.
Get Gourmet
December 11 | Mise En Place | $65 a person
104 Shockoe Slip, Richmond, VA 23219
Mise en Place is holding a cocktail party for all your foodie friends. You’ll leave with a few tips and tricks to bring back to your own kitchen. If this date doesn’t work then you can sign up for a class at another time to make a mess in someone else’s kitchen.
Quirky Sweater Party
December 19th | | 5 p.m. | Quirk Hotel
201 West Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
Stop by Quirk Hotel‘s Maple and Pine bar and restaurant for an ugly sweater competition. Doors open at 5, and there will be prizes handed out to the best dressed (or worst; depending on how you look at it).
Skate Through the City
Daily | 17th Street Farmers Market | $10 admission
Corner of Broad St. and 6th St.
RVA on Ice has opened up at the 17th Street Market – and they have s’mores! This is one of my favorite, nostalgic activities Richmond has to offer around this time of year. Learn more here.
Catch a Classic Movie
Various times | Byrd Theatre | $4 Admission|
2908 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
After you grab a cocktail from one of of the Holiday popups, stop by the ornate Byrd Theatre for a holiday flick. Don’t be afraid to get dressed up to blend in with the surroundings of this classic theater. You’re balling on a budget for a $4 admission fee, but you don’t have to look like it. Megan suggests Princess Bride as a classic to see if you haven’t or rewatch if you have.
All of the Lights
Take yourself on a ride or hire a driver to see Richmond’s infamous tacky lights. The Richmond Times Dispatch comes out with a list every year with all of the must-see light displays around town. Megan will be heading out with a crew on a James River bus tour. Word on the street is that it’s the most fun option.
The Fanciest Happy Hour in Town
Monday – Friday | 4-6:40pm | The Jefferson
101 W. Franklin St. Richmond, VA 23220
Although normally veering towards the pricey side – Lemaire at the Jefferson Hotel has an incredible happy hour that all of us can appreciate this time of year. The magnificent evergreen that towers over guests in the lobby isn’t a bad holiday touch either. Get glammed up for the gram. Learn more here.
Miracle on Cary Street
Daily | The Jasper
3113 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
Did you catch this article Megan wrote in Style Weekly? The Jasper has transformed; think Santa’s workshop meets your favorite local speakeasy – changing from the Richmond’s beloved craft cocktail bar into a whimsical Christmas escape that will be referred to as Miracle on Cary St until the first of the New Year.
Holiday Bites
Daily | Rapp Session
18 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
The no-frills, equally delicious younger brother restaurant that sits adjacent from Rappahannock, has also transformed into as holiday hotspot. As you know, Megan loves her oysters. Head here to slurp them down with a bit of holiday cheer. Learn more.
A Sparkling Garden
$11 Admission
1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228
This was a classic that by prerequisite we felt necessary to include. Thousands of sparkling lights decorate the Botanical Gardens this time of year, bringing it to life in a completely unique way. This is the perfect way to enjoy the cold weather with the people you love. Learn more.
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