Things to do in Richmond this weekend: Christmas markets, speakeasy and more
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A sneak peek of Slack Tide's holiday cocktail bar. Photo: Courtesy of Slack Tide
If you're thawing from the icy week and ready to leave the house, here's what's happening in the Richmond area this weekend.
Pro tip: Since the weather has been unpredictable lately, check that the following haven't been delayed or canceled before you go.
Thursday, Dec. 11
🛷 There's another Christmas parade! This one's the Henrico Holiday Express Tour, which makes its way through Brookland and Fairfield districts. 4:30pm-8:30pm. Check the route here.
🐟 Slack Tide Fish Co. in Scott's Addition has just opened its holiday bar speakeasy through Dec. 20. 5-11pm. Free, but seating is first come, first served.
🎭 For all the Scrooges out there: You can see "A Christmas Carol" at Virginia Repertory Theatre all weekend. Times and prices vary.
Friday, Dec. 12
👻 Red Vein's "Haunted Christmas" runs Friday-Saturday with "evil elves, demented Santa, killer snowmen and the infamous Krampus" at the Hanover Vegetable Farm. 7-10pm. $29.20.
Saturday, Dec. 13
🎅 Southside Church in Chesterfield has transformed into "Santa Land," which includes snowball fights, visiting Mrs. Claus in the kitchen and seeing elves in the workshop. Times vary. $10.
🐶 If you want free pics of your pup with Santa Claus, Santa Paws at Short Pump Park has them, along with pet vendors and s'mores kits. 10am-1pm. Free.
🎄 Christmas on MacArthur Avenue is back with its holiday festival in Northside. 10am-2pm. Free.
🤫 There's a "Naughty & Nice Christmas Pop-up" at Kreggers Tap and Table in Ashland with a Bloody Mary bar. 10am-11pm. Free.
📖 Henricus Historical Park is back with its annual "Christmas Through the Centuries," where you can learn about holiday traditions from the 15th to 20th centuries. 10am-5pm. Free.
🎁 Soul Santa will be at the Black History Museum from 11am-3pm doing story time and pictures with kids. Free, but advance registration for photos is recommended.
🛳 Catch some lit-up boats at the Parade of Lights at Rocketts Landing. 5pm. Free.
🏃🏻♀️ It's a big day for runners who love tacky lights. The CarMax Tacky Light 6K Run is at Midlothian Mines Park. 6pm-9pm. $55 for adults.
🎶 Reggae fans: Sista Nickey & The One Drop Collective is at Révéler in Carytown. 7pm and 9:30pm. $15-$25.
🌟 The Fan's annual holiday house tour is back, and this year includes a look inside Fox Elementary. Saturday-Sunday. Noon-5pm. Advance tickets are $45.
Sunday, Dec. 14
🛍️ Can't stop, won't stop having Christmas markets. This one's at Lakeside Farmers' Market. 11am-3pm. Free.
🎵 Black Iris Social Club in the Arts District will be playing Frank Sinatra, Elvis and Dean Martin to bring in the holiday spirit. 6pm. $12.51.
🏠 The Park near Scott's Addition is having a "Gingerbread House Competition" with a $100 prize for first place. 1-3pm. $14.64.
😱 Henrico Theatre on East Nine Mile Road is playing "Home Alone." 3-5pm. $1 at the box office.