Celebrate the Holiday Season in Downtown Richmond
The city of Richmond will host a number of citywide events in celebration of this holiday season. City residents and visitors can enjoy the spirit of the season at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market’s Grand Illumination celebration on Friday, December 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Local crafters and food vendors will be highlighted at the event, and the Salvation Army International Brass Ensemble will perform a variety of holiday classics. Main Street Station will host its annual Holiday Open House on Friday, December 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the train station. The event features a Polar Express theme and includes free kiddies’ train rides, hot cider and cookies, decorations, tree lighting and live entertainment. This year’s event will focus on literacy. Professional storytellers will be on hand to read to children, as they enjoy cookies and cider by the fireplace. The Richmond Public Library will also donate books to the first 300 children in attendance. For information on Main Street Station, call (804) 646-5607. City residents and visitors can also enjoy mid-day caroling from Richmond Public Schools youth choirs. Eighteen of the city’s elementary, middle and high schools will be singing the “Sounds of the Season” each weekday from December 7 through December 17. Most performances are at 12:00 noon on the first floor of City Hall. Please check the city’s website at www.RichmondGov.com for the lineup of the schools and the times. Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772
Holiday celebrations will still be in full swing on Saturday, December 12 at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., over 80 tuba players will perform in four-part harmony at this year’s Tuba Christmas. Singing Santa will also be at the event, caroling the crowd. This is a must see holiday event for the entire family. For more information on the 17th Street Farmers’ Market, call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.