The Family Calendar: December 2025
BY THE RVAX TEAM
Think of The Family Calendar monthly series as your go-to roundup of our top recs for kid-friendly events and happenings, fun things to do around RVA with your household crew in tow, and family-centric city guides.
Here’s what we’ve scoped out for December!
PS: Are we missing an event? Submit it here!
A few to-dos in partic that caught our eyes
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one thing, yes, but Richmond’s classic Christmas parade is another. Post up on the parade route along Broad St, beginning at Science Museum of Virginia, and enjoy this River City holiday season staple featuring colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses, superheroes, and Santa himself.
Location: Starts at 2500 W Broad St (Museum District, traveling eastbound)
Cost: Free to attend
Date & time: Saturday, December 6; 10:15 am - 12:30 pm
>> Learn more <<
Illuminate Light Show
We can never get enough of the festive lights, from Garden Glow to GardenFest to all the twinkling homes throughout the city. If you’re feeling the same way, pack the fam in the car (maybe with some to-go cocoa?) and catch the Illuminate Light Show, featuring lots of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday-themed displays.
Location: 13111 Dawn Blvd (Doswell)
Cost: $30+ per carload
Dates & times: Daily, now through Saturday, January 3; 5:30 - 10 pm
>> Learn more <<
Hardywood Noon Year’s Eve
There’s a ball(OON) drop to kick off the party at noon, and we can barely contain our “that’s too cute!” excitement over that, but stick with us. The event will also feature Jonathan the Juggler, Silly Bus rides, yummy eats, and more. Celebrate NYE with the kiddies way before midnight, then break out the champagne after (their) bedtime.
Location: 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr (Tuckahoe)
Cost: $5.49 per ticket
Date & time: Wednesday, December 31; 11 am - 3 pm
>> Learn more <<
Live music, parties & then some
Keep the family fun going
