Christmas Events for Kids in Richmond, VA (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

The Richmond, VA area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond on November 23 to Legendary Santa in Richmond, which runs through December 24. 11 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Virginia, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Richmond, VA for 2026, in Richmond, North Chesterfield, Petersburg, Chesterfield and Henrico
  • First: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, Richmond, November 23. Runs latest: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, Richmond, through January 3
  • Free: Victorian Holiday Ornament Decorating, Holiday Music Bingo, "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Movie and Crafting Event, Gingerbread Village, Henrico Holiday Express, Holiday Party, Holiday Karaoke Party, Santa Story Time, Story Crafters: Gingerbread, Solstice Pajama Story Time and Gingerbread Man Day
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Virginia Christmas train rides page.

Richmond, VA Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Richmond, North Chesterfield, Petersburg, Chesterfield and Henrico
Season
November 23, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
11
Kinds of events
holiday story time, holiday crafts, holiday show and breakfast with Santa
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Richmond, VA Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond on November 23; the last runs to December 24. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Richmond, VA? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Richmond

7 confirmed events for kids in Richmond, soonest first.

Richmond: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights

Breakfast with SantaLewis Ginter Botanical Garden · Richmond

Host
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228
When
Monday, November 23, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly season; members-only preview Nov 20 to 22)
Cost
Ticketed; peak and non-peak pricing varies by date
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

GardenFest of Lights fills Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with millions of lights built around an Otherworldly theme of fairy tales, legends and faraway worlds, and this season it expands into new gardens and the enlarged Conservatory. Inside the Conservatory Exhibition Hall, kids can look for the volunteer-made Fairy Village, and the Kelly Education Center has model train displays. Hot chocolate, seasonal treats and a fire pit with s'mores are available along the way.

For a visit with Santa, the garden offers a Santa Brunch on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 and a Santa Dinner on December 20 and 21, booked separately. Performance nights are November 24 and December 1, 8 and 15. Note that December 2, 3 and 30 are adults-only GardenFest for Grownups nights, and some Mondays are dog nights.

Parent tip: Tickets are limited by arrival window and popular nights sell out, so buy online in advance. The event runs rain, shine or snow and tickets are non-refundable.

See dates and details from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)

Richmond: Legendary Santa

Santa visitChildren's Museum of Richmond · Richmond

Host
Children's Museum of Richmond (opens in a new tab)
Where
Children's Museum Downtown, 2626 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220
When
Fri November 27, Wed December 2 (5:30 to 8 pm), Fri December 4 (5:30 to 8 pm) and Thu December 10 (5:30 to 8 pm), 2026
Cost
$35 per family of up to 6 (Regular Visit), $75 Chimney Visit; museum admission not included
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Legendary Santa has been a Richmond tradition since 1936 and now welcomes about 25,000 children each year at Children's Museum Downtown. Families hear sleigh bells, watch Santa's feet appear in the chimney, and see him make his descent. The Snow Queen greets each visitor and gives the youngest guests a Snowflake of Courage, and Santa calls each child by name to hear their wish.

Visits must be reserved ahead. A Regular Visit is $35 for up to six family members with one emailed photo, and a Chimney Visit is $75; weekend Chimney Times are already sold out. Neither ticket includes museum admission. Sensitive Santa sessions for families of children with disabilities run December 2, 4 and 10 from 5:30 to 8 pm, with a sensory guide on the museum's site. Questions go by email to santa@cmorva.org, since the museum does not take phone inquiries about Santa.

Parent tip: Book a timed ticket online and arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time. No flash photography is allowed in Santa Land.

See dates and details from Children's Museum of Richmond (opens in a new tab)

Richmond: Holiday Music Bingo

Holiday eventFreeRichmond Public Library · Richmond

Host
Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Ginter Park Library, 1200 Westbrook Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Ginter Park Library celebrates the upcoming winter holidays with a game of music bingo. Instead of calling numbers, the game plays classic carols, and players mark the songs they recognize.

The program is listed for all ages and runs one hour after school on a Friday. No registration is shown. Kids who know their holiday songs will have an edge, and it is an easy way for grandparents and grandkids to play together. The library asks anyone who needs accommodations to call Ginter Park Library at 804-646-1236. To plan your trip, Ginter Park Library is at 1200 Westbrook Ave in Richmond, VA, and this listing comes from the Richmond Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Fri, Dec 4, 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

Parent tip: For accommodations, call Ginter Park Library at 804-646-1236.

See dates and details from Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Richmond: "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Movie and Crafting Event

Holiday showFreeRichmond Public Library · Richmond

Host
Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Westover Hills Library, 1408 Westover Hills Blvd, Richmond, VA 23225
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages, children and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Westover Hills Library hosts a family movie afternoon built around The Muppet Christmas Carol, the Muppets' take on the Dickens holiday story. The film runs 1 hour and 27 minutes.

Along with the movie, families can enjoy hot chocolate and a festive ornament crafting session. The program is listed for all ages, children and families, and runs for two hours on a Saturday afternoon. No registration is shown on the library calendar. It is a gentle introduction to A Christmas Carol for younger kids, with plenty of songs and humor. To plan your trip, Westover Hills Library is at 1408 Westover Hills Blvd in Richmond, VA, and this listing comes from the Richmond Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Sat, Dec 5, 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

Parent tip: The movie is 1 hour 27 minutes; plan for about two hours with crafts.

See dates and details from Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Richmond: Gingerbread Village

Holiday craftsFreeRichmond Public Library · Richmond

Host
Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Richmond Main Library, Children's Department, 101 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219
When
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 3 to 5 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Children and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Main Library's Children's Department invites families to embrace the winter season by building gingerbread houses from recycled materials. Families work together to find creative ways to build and decorate their houses.

When the house is done, you can take it home or add it to the library's gingerbread village, which will be displayed at the library. It is a drop-in program, so come any time between 3 and 5 pm. The library lists it for children and families, and no registration is shown. To plan your trip, Richmond Main Library, Children's Department is at 101 E Franklin St in Richmond, VA, and this listing comes from the Richmond Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Tue, Dec 8, drop in 3 to 5 pm.

Parent tip: Drop in any time between 3 and 5 pm. Houses can go home or stay for the library display.

See dates and details from Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Richmond: Holiday Party

Supper with SantaFreeRichmond Public Library · Richmond

Host
Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Ginter Park Library, 1200 Westbrook Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 3 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Families, children, tweens and teens
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Ginter Park Library celebrates the winter holidays with a two hour party on a Saturday afternoon. The plan includes food, games and crafts, and the highlight is a special visit from Santa.

The library lists the party for families with young children, school age kids, tweens and teens, so siblings of different ages can all find something to do. No registration is shown on the library calendar. Bring a camera if you would like your own photo during Santa's visit, and give yourself time to browse the children's shelves for holiday books before you head home. To plan your trip, Ginter Park Library is at 1200 Westbrook Ave in Richmond, VA, and this listing comes from the Richmond Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 3 pm.

Parent tip: No registration is listed. Bring your own camera for Santa photos.

See dates and details from Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Richmond: Story Crafters: Gingerbread

Holiday story timeFreeRichmond Public Library · Richmond

Host
Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hull Street Library, 1400 Hull St, Richmond, VA 23224
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Grades K to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Hull Street Library's monthly Story Crafters program pairs a story with a matching craft. In December, the session starts with a fun, modern twist on the classic tale of the Gingerbread Man.

After the story, kids make a gingerbread person craft to take home and snack on some gingerbread to get into the holiday spirit. The program is designed for grades K to 5 and runs one hour after school on a Thursday. No registration is shown on the library calendar. To plan your trip, Hull Street Library is at 1400 Hull St in Richmond, VA, and this listing comes from the Richmond Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Thu, Dec 17, 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

Parent tip: Designed for grades K to 5. Gingerbread is served, so mention allergies to staff.

See dates and details from Richmond Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in North Chesterfield

2 confirmed events for kids in North Chesterfield, soonest first.

North Chesterfield: Victorian Holiday Ornament Decorating

Holiday craftsFreeChesterfield County Public Library · North Chesterfield

Host
Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bon Air Library, 9103 Rattlesnake Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23235 (near Richmond)
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Toddlers through grade 5
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Bon Air Library and the Bon Air Historical Society invite children to step back in time with a Victorian holiday crafting session. Kids decorate Victorian inspired ornaments to take home while learning about the holiday traditions of Bon Air's Victorian past.

Each child also makes a special ornament to hang on the Christmas tree at Hazen Memorial Library (8634 Rockaway Road) during the annual Greening of Bon Air celebration that same Saturday. The library encourages families to head there right after their session to see the display. There are two one hour sessions, and registration is required for each child. To plan your trip, Bon Air Library is at 9103 Rattlesnake Rd in North Chesterfield, VA, and this listing comes from the Chesterfield County Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Sat, Nov 28, 11 am or noon sessions.

Parent tip: Register only the children who will craft. After your session, visit Hazen Memorial Library for the Greening of Bon Air.

See dates and details from Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

North Chesterfield: Holiday Karaoke Party

Holiday showFreeChesterfield County Public Library · North Chesterfield

Host
Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23236 (near Richmond)
When
Monday, December 14, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Fun for all ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

North Courthouse Road Library hosts a holiday karaoke party where families and friends can sing all of their favorite holiday songs together. Kids who love to perform can take the mic, and shy singers can join in from their seats.

Hot chocolate and toppings are provided. The library describes the party as fun for all ages, with audiences listed from babies to adults, and it runs for two hours on a Monday evening, so you can drop in for part of it. No registration is shown on the library calendar. To plan your trip, North Courthouse Road Library is at 325 Courthouse Rd in North Chesterfield, VA, and this listing comes from the Chesterfield County Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Mon, Dec 14, 5 to 7 pm.

Parent tip: Come and go during the two hour window. Hot chocolate is provided.

See dates and details from Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Petersburg

2 confirmed events for kids in Petersburg, soonest first.

Petersburg: Santa Story Time

Story time with SantaFreeChesterfield County Public Library · Petersburg

Host
Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 4501 River Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803 (near Richmond)
When
Monday, December 14, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free, registration required (opens Nov 30)
Ages
Babies through grade 5
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Ettrick-Matoaca Library in southern Chesterfield County welcomes Santa as the special guest at an evening story time. Santa reads to the children, and families are invited to bring a camera to snap a photo with him afterward.

The program runs one hour on a Monday evening and is listed for babies through elementary grades. Registration opens November 30 on the library calendar, and holiday story times with Santa tend to fill, so sign up early. The library's playful listing promises plenty of puns along with the stories. To plan your trip, Ettrick-Matoaca Library is at 4501 River Rd in Petersburg, VA, and this listing comes from the Chesterfield County Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Mon, Dec 14, 6 to 7 pm.

Parent tip: Registration opens Nov 30. Bring your own camera for photos with Santa.

See dates and details from Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Petersburg: Gingerbread Man Day

Holiday story timeFreeChesterfield County Public Library · Petersburg

Host
Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 4501 River Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803 (near Richmond)
When
Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 10 am to noon
Cost
Free, registration required (opens Dec 8)
Ages
Babies through grade 2
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Ettrick-Matoaca Library hosts a Gingerbread Man themed morning during winter break. The fun starts with a special story time featuring the runaway cookie, and then kids stay for a set of Gingerbread Man inspired activities.

The program runs from 10 am to noon on a Tuesday and is listed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary kids through grade 2. Registration opens December 8 on the library calendar. It is a good way to fill a weekday morning once school is out for the holidays. To plan your trip, Ettrick-Matoaca Library is at 4501 River Rd in Petersburg, VA, and this listing comes from the Chesterfield County Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Tue, Dec 22, 10 am to noon.

Parent tip: Registration opens Dec 8 on the library calendar.

See dates and details from Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Chesterfield

1 confirmed event for kids in Chesterfield, soonest first.

Chesterfield: Solstice Pajama Story Time

Holiday story timeFreeChesterfield County Public Library · Chesterfield

Host
Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chesterfield Central Library, 7051 Lucy Corr Blvd, Chesterfield, VA 23832 (near Richmond)
When
Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Babies through grade 5 with families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Chesterfield's Central Library marks the winter solstice with a special campfire pajama story time. Kids learn about the solstice, the longest night of the year, through stories in a cozy campfire setting.

The evening ends with a lantern walk to light up the night. The program runs one hour on a Monday evening during winter break and is listed for babies through elementary grades along with their adults. No registration is shown. Pajamas are encouraged, but bring a warm layer for the lantern walk. To plan your trip, Chesterfield Central Library is at 7051 Lucy Corr Blvd in Chesterfield, VA, and this listing comes from the Chesterfield County Public Library events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Mon, Dec 21, 6 to 7 pm.

Parent tip: Pajamas welcome; bring a coat for the lantern walk.

See dates and details from Chesterfield County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Henrico

1 confirmed event for kids in Henrico, soonest first.

Henrico: Henrico Holiday Express

Holiday paradeFreeHenrico County Recreation and Parks · Henrico

Host
Henrico County Recreation and Parks (opens in a new tab)
Where
Deep Run Recreation Center (Dec 8 end point), 9910 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico, VA 23233 (near Richmond)
When
Tue December 8, Wed December 9 and Thu December 10, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Henrico County's Holiday Express Tour is a parade of merry and bright vehicles from Recreation and Parks, Police, Fire, Public Utilities and Libraries that brings Santa Claus through county neighborhoods. Each night covers a different part of the county, and families can meet Santa at the night's ending location.

On Tuesday, December 8 the tour covers the Three Chopt and Tuckahoe districts and ends at Deep Run Recreation Center. On Wednesday, December 9 it visits Varina and ends at Dorey Recreation Center. On Thursday, December 10 it covers Brookland and Fairfield and ends at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center. Each night runs from 5 to 8 pm. Questions go to Rec-EventsTeam@henrico.gov. To plan your trip, Deep Run Recreation Center is at 9910 Ridgefield Pkwy in Henrico, VA, and this listing comes from the Henrico County Recreation and Parks events calendar. The date and time to put on the family calendar: Dec 8, 9 and 10, 5 to 8 pm (different district each night).

Parent tip: Pick the night for your district and head to that night's ending location to meet Santa. Dress warmly, since this is outdoors.

See dates and details from Henrico County Recreation and Parks (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Virginia Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Virginia Beach. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Richmond, VA Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Richmond, VA in 2026?

We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Richmond, VA for 2026 on each host’s own page: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond (November 23), Legendary Santa in Richmond (November 27), Victorian Holiday Ornament Decorating in North Chesterfield (November 28), Holiday Music Bingo in Richmond (December 4), "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Movie and Crafting Event in Richmond (December 5), Gingerbread Village in Richmond (December 8), Henrico Holiday Express in Henrico (December 8), Holiday Party in Richmond (December 12), Holiday Karaoke Party in North Chesterfield (December 14), Santa Story Time in Petersburg (December 14), Story Crafters: Gingerbread in Richmond (December 17), Solstice Pajama Story Time in Chesterfield (December 21) and Gingerbread Man Day in Petersburg (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Richmond, Virginia?

For families in and around Richmond, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights (Evenings, Nov 23, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, ticketed; peak and non-peak pricing varies by date); Legendary Santa (Black Friday through Christmas Eve; Sensitive Santa Dec 2, 4 and 10, 5:30 to 8 pm, $35 per family of up to 6 (regular visit), $75 chimney visit; museum admission not included); Holiday Music Bingo (Fri, Dec 4, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free); "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Movie and Crafting Event (Sat, Dec 5, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, free); Gingerbread Village (Tue, Dec 8, drop in 3 to 5 pm, free); Holiday Party (Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 3 pm, free); Story Crafters: Gingerbread (Thu, Dec 17, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Richmond section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in North Chesterfield, Virginia?

For families in and around North Chesterfield, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Victorian Holiday Ornament Decorating (Sat, Nov 28, 11 am or noon sessions, free, registration required); Holiday Karaoke Party (Mon, Dec 14, 5 to 7 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the North Chesterfield section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Petersburg, Virginia?

For families in and around Petersburg, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa Story Time (Mon, Dec 14, 6 to 7 pm, free, registration required (opens nov 30)); Gingerbread Man Day (Tue, Dec 22, 10 am to noon, free, registration required (opens dec 8)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Petersburg section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Chesterfield, Virginia?

For families in and around Chesterfield, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Solstice Pajama Story Time (Mon, Dec 21, 6 to 7 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Chesterfield section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Henrico, Virginia?

For families in and around Henrico, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Henrico Holiday Express (Dec 8, 9 and 10, 5 to 8 pm (different district each night), free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Henrico section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Richmond, VA?

Yes. 11 of the 13 events here are free: Victorian Holiday Ornament Decorating in North Chesterfield, Holiday Music Bingo in Richmond, "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Movie and Crafting Event in Richmond, Gingerbread Village in Richmond, Henrico Holiday Express in Henrico, Holiday Party in Richmond, Holiday Karaoke Party in North Chesterfield, Santa Story Time in Petersburg, Story Crafters: Gingerbread in Richmond, Solstice Pajama Story Time in Chesterfield and Gingerbread Man Day in Petersburg. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Richmond, VA this December?

Santa appears at Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond (November 23), Legendary Santa in Richmond (November 27), Henrico Holiday Express in Henrico (December 8), Holiday Party in Richmond (December 12) and Santa Story Time in Petersburg (December 14). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Richmond, VA?

Holiday story times on this page: Santa Story Time in Petersburg, Story Crafters: Gingerbread in Richmond, Solstice Pajama Story Time in Chesterfield and Gingerbread Man Day in Petersburg. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Richmond, VA?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond (Evenings, Nov 23, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027) and Holiday Party in Richmond (Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 3 pm). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Which Richmond, VA Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Victorian Holiday Ornament Decorating in North Chesterfield (Toddlers through grade 5).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Richmond, VA on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond (through January 3) and Legendary Santa in Richmond (through December 24).

How much is Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond?

Ticketed; peak and non-peak pricing varies by date. Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is on Monday, November 23, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly season; members-only preview Nov 20 to 22) at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Legendary Santa in Richmond?

$35 per family of up to 6 (Regular Visit), $75 Chimney Visit; museum admission not included. Legendary Santa is on Fri November 27, Wed December 2 (5:30 to 8 pm), Fri December 4 (5:30 to 8 pm) and Thu December 10 (5:30 to 8 pm), 2026 at Children's Museum Downtown. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Victorian Holiday Ornament Decorating in North Chesterfield?

Free, registration required. Victorian Holiday Ornament Decorating is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm at Bon Air Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Music Bingo in Richmond?

Free. Holiday Music Bingo is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Ginter Park Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Movie and Crafting Event in Richmond?

Free. "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Movie and Crafting Event is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Westover Hills Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Village in Richmond?

Free. Gingerbread Village is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 3 to 5 pm at Richmond Main Library, Children's Department. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Henrico Holiday Express in Henrico?

Free. Henrico Holiday Express is on Tue December 8, Wed December 9 and Thu December 10, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Deep Run Recreation Center (Dec 8 end point). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Party in Richmond?

Free. Holiday Party is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 3 pm at Ginter Park Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Karaoke Party in North Chesterfield?

Free. Holiday Karaoke Party is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at North Courthouse Road Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Story Time in Petersburg?

Free, registration required (opens Nov 30). Santa Story Time is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Ettrick-Matoaca Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Story Crafters: Gingerbread in Richmond?

Free. Story Crafters: Gingerbread is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Hull Street Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Solstice Pajama Story Time in Chesterfield?

Free. Solstice Pajama Story Time is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Chesterfield Central Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Man Day in Petersburg?

Free, registration required (opens Dec 8). Gingerbread Man Day is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 10 am to noon at Ettrick-Matoaca Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Richmond, VA?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Richmond, VA Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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