This unseasonably cold snap in Richmond has kept most of us indoors recently, but since  warmer weather is heading our way in the next few days, here are some RVA holiday events worth exploring. 

The Dominion Energy Gardenfest of Lights is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. This annual tradition features over one million lights, handcrafted decorations, model trains, and a twenty foot tree in the Conservatory. Voted best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the country by USA today, this year’s theme is Home and Habitats: a Celebration of Connection. Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and are $12 and $22 for adult members and nonmembers, $8 and $12 for youth members and nonmembers. 

Each year my favorite cocktail bar, The Jasper, turns into a Christmas pop-up bar called Miracle on Cary. They’ve created a holiday themed cocktail menu served in matching glassware. Nothing says Christmas more than drinking a Crooked Antler out of a hollow Santa head. It’s a popular spot that opens at 5:00, odds for entry improve with a 4:45 arrival. Pro tip: they do take a reservation for their one large table, so round up 6-12 of your favorite cocktail connoisseurs and skip the line. 

Richmond has a reputation for grand houses, but it has a national reputation for some of the best tacky house tours in the south east. The Times Dispatch publishes a list of the best tacky houses in town if you want to create your own tour, or you can book a tour through Richmond Limousine and let them do the driving. 

The Christmas Open House at Agecroft Hall will take you back to 17th century England with their holiday festival. It’s a family friendly event taking place on the grounds in the hall December 8th from 12:00-5:00. It’s free, all you need to do is go to the Agecroft site and register to reserve a spot.

It’s always worth a Holiday stop in at the Jefferson Hotel at 101 West Franklin Street. They pull out all the stops when it comes to decorating, and TJ’s bar and lounge is a great place to enjoy the view and people watch. They also have holiday tea, but if you’re reading about this now they are wildly popular and are more than likely booked up for the year. You can still get on the waiting list, and groups of 20 or more are still open. 

So this season be bright, be merry, and when you decorate, be contrary. Enjoy!