Richmond's big holiday weekend is here

🎄 RVA Illuminates, formerly known as the Grand Illumination, is Friday at Kanawha Plaza, starting around 4pm with the lighting up part hitting around 6pm.

• There will be live music, food trucks and a free plaza screening of "The Grinch."

🥁 Dominion Energy Christmas Parade is Saturday beginning at 10:15am in front of the Science Museum and running east down Broad to Seventh.

• Fun fact: One never knows what's going to happen at the Christmas Parade. It could be a burst Rudolph balloon traumatizing children or, as was the case in 1990, Paul Simon, Chevy Chase and Steve Martin turning out to film a music video.

Bonus picks: 🚂 A train full of toys will be leaving Main Street Station Friday at 10am bound for Newport News and kids in need as part of Amtrak Virginia's Stuff a Train for Toys for Tots.

• You can participate by dropping a gift at the station through tonight.

🎅 Soul Santa will be at the Black History Museum on Saturday from 1-4pm doing story time and pictures with kids.

• The event is free, but advance registration for photos is recommended.

You can find more holiday events here.