If you’re looking for even more magical evenings this holiday season, there’s no shortage of adult-only things to do in Richmond, VA to make the season bright! Whether you’re looking for a fancy night on the town or a bit of history to add to the holiday, there’s plenty to do for everyone to enjoy the holiday season.
Check out some of these Christmastime favorites in Richmond, VA for a jam-packed month of fun this December!
Crazy Fun Grown-Up Things to Do in Richmond Va in Christmas!
Christmas at Richmond Hotels
If you’re looking for a romantic holiday date night, there are plenty of opportunities to get dressed up for a night in town at Christmas! Grab your significant other (and an Uber!) and head to these top holiday bars and restaurants for a holly jolly good time!
The Jefferson Hotel
There are plenty of options to enjoy some holiday fun at The Jefferson Hotel in downtown RVA. This five star hotel features a full bar, fine dining restaurant, afternoon tea, Sunday champagne brunch, and much more. And spending the holidays here is one of the most classic things to do things to do in Richmond during Christmas.
Holiday themed afternoon tea at The Jefferson starts the day after Thanksgiving and features their special holiday tea blends as well as Santa Claus himself!
Reservations for Santa Tea are required and generally sell out quickly, so if you missed your chance at tea this year, you can join the waitlist or try again next year! Although afternoon tea might not be a reality this year, guests can still make a reservation at the restaurant to enjoy dinner with friends and loved ones.
For the remainder of 2021, only guests with reservations will be permitted inside the hotel so if you are trying to get a Christmas card photo in front of the famous Jefferson Hotel Christmas tree, make sure you plan ahead!
Quirk Hotel
Believe it or not, Quirk Hotel is one of Richmond’s most popular spots to enjoy the nightlife! You don’t have to stay overnight at the hotel to enjoy public areas like the bar or the posh rooftop.
Ttheir posh rooftop bar overlooking the city is definitely one of the highlights of this hotel. However, it might be a little too chilly to enjoy this spot on cold winter nights. Luckily their lobby bar is the perfect spot for a couples date night or even drinks with friends.
During the holiday season, the lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a PINK Christmas tree to match the modern lobby decor. The lobby bar is open to the public 7 days a week, giving you plenty of opportunity to sip on an Aperol spritz or one of their Private Labels wines with the one you love!
If you’re looking for more than just drinks, check out their brunch and dinner options offered on weekends by reservation only!
The Jasper
This popular mixology bar is right in the heart of Carytown, perfect place to stop for a Christmas cocktail! During December, The Jasper transforms into Miracle on Cary Street and the entire bar becomes a cozy winter wonderland.
This bar goes all out with Christmas decorations, a crackling fireplace, and a themed cocktail menu. Featured drinks include Snowball Old Fashioned or Christmas Carol Barrel. This is easily one of the most popular Christmas activities in Richmond.
Remember, seating is on a first come, first served basis so don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line for a while before gaining entry! Since you’ll be waiting in line outside, make sure you dress warmly. Throw on your best tacky sweater, grab your friends, and get ready to enjoy some holiday cheer!
SWITCH Pop-up bar
If you’re not familiar with pop up bars, now is your chance to try out something new! Located on Broad Street in downtown RVA, the physical address of this bar never changes, but the theme does.
Every few months, the bar transforms into a new theme with elaborate decorations, specialty cocktails, and plenty of Instagram worthy photo ops! Some of their most popular past themes were Welcome to the 90s, Alice in Wonderland, and Nightmare on Broad Street.
Entry to the bar is free, but their specialty cocktails can be on the expensive side… That’s the price you pay for the experience! There are two floors, each with a different theme, and you never know what the next theme will be until it opens. Of course, there’s always guaranteed to be a Christmas pop up.
Weekends can get a little busy, so we suggest to make a reservation online ahead of time. Once that’s taken care of, grab your friends and prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland!
Richmond Christmas Lights
Everyone loves holiday light displays, but if the Tacky Lights Tour didn’t fulfill all of your holiday light needs, don’t worry! There are plenty more holiday light events in and around the city to enjoy a night under the stars. Check out one or more of these Christmas light events for a magical evening.
James River Parade of Lights
If you’re looking for a unique Christmas light experience, check out the James River Parade of Lights at Osborne Boat Landing.
During this event, boaters decorate their vessels with hundreds of twinkling lights before the floating parade begins.
The event starts at 3pm with a bonfire, a toy parade, and more before the boats take off after dark. Participants have a chance to win prizes for categories like best theme, most original, and more.
There’s nothing more spectacular than seeing the lights reflected on the water during a calm evening. This Richmond Christmas event is free and fun for the whole family. So why not taking the kids and experience the magic of the Parade of Lights!
RVA Illuminates
If you’re looking for a way to ring in the holiday season, what’s better than being a part of RVA Illuminates at Kanawha Plaza on Canal Street?
RVA Illuminates takes place the first Friday evening in December. During the event, participants gather around the plaza to enjoy musical performances, street vendors, and carriage rides before the lights come on at 6pm.
This event marks the beginning of the holiday season once the mayor flips the switch and lights up the entire RVA skyline for the first time this year. The event is free and open to the public. , so stop by and enjoy the start of Christmas in the city!
James Center Lights
James Center light have been one of the most popular Christmas light displays for as long as I can remember. This Richmond tradition features an outdoor light display complete with a gigantic Christmas tree. Likewise, there are dozens of dazzling lighted reindeer displayed in the plaza.
Parking in the area is limited, but this is the perfect place for a quick holiday stroll with a nice cup of hot chocolate. This is an outdoor light display, so make sure you dress accordingly. And please, don’t forget to bring a camera to snap some Christmas card photos!
Historic Holidays in Richmond
If you’re looking for a different kind of holiday tradition, why not check out a historic, educational holiday event? Richmond is full of history and Christmas is one of the best seasons to take in a little learning! Prepare to be transported back in time at these top historic holiday destinations!
Holiday Merriment at Maymont
Maymont Park is one of the most popular attractions in Richmond, VA. Inside this 100-acre park you will find the Victorian era mansion that the previous estate owners inhabited in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The mansion was completed in 1893 and has been a perfectly preserved representation of Gilded Age design. What better time than the holidays to appreciate its charm?
During Christmas, the mansion is elaborately decorated with Victorian-era charm. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided audio tour of the mansion with tickets starting at just $8 for adults. Maymont also features holiday events like their wreath making workshop and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Purchase tickets for mansion tours and wreath making online in advance.
Historic Christmas at Hanover Tavern
About 20 miles outside of the city of Richmond you will find the Hanover Tavern. This colonial era tavern is one of the oldest establishments in the United States. And, of course, each Christmas they feature special holiday events that are fun for the whole family.
One of their most popular events is the Fes-tea-val featuring an elegant Christmas tea party. It even includes sweet treats, champagne cocktails, and tempting teas. Get the tickets for the event online for $45 and the event takes place on December 19th from 2pm-4pm.
After the tea party, made a reservation at Hanover Tavern Restaurant & Pub to enjoy chef curated, seasonal meals in an elegant and educational venue.
Yuletides at Agecroft Hall – Virginia House
This 15th-century Tudor home is truly a sight to see during the holidays! Their Christmas decor and costumed actors will make you feel transported back in time to holidays of years past.
Yuletides at Agecroft features Victorian carolers, parlor games, a live reading of A Christmas Carol, and of course… Santa Claus himself! This year’s free event takes place on Sunday, December 12th from 12:30pm-5:00pm. Visitors are encouraged to RSVP online in advance.
Make sure you leave enough time to check out the Virginia House just next door. Head there with the kids to build your own gingerbread house!
Have you decided which of all these stunning Richmond Christmas activities will you be taking part in?
