Artsline: Virtual Edition || December 21, 2020
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” ~Norman Vincent Peale
The holidays are usually marked with togetherness. So how can we celebrate this year when we can’t be together? Even though it’s different, even though it’s smaller, the magic of the holidays is still around us - from the glittering lights in our neighborhoods to the festivities in our own homes. Throughout this pandemic, our arts and culture community has done amazing work to bring local performances, exhibits, and experiences that hold us together, even if we are apart. This week, set aside past traditions and create new ones to enjoy this season while keeping our community safe.
1. DOMINION ENERGY GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS
Visual Arts
Thru January 10, 4-10pm nightly
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, 23228
Seasonal Tickets $8-$18/person
A favorite tradition at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens featuring lights, decorations, outdoor model trains, dinners, hot chocolate (for purchase) & more! All displays are outdoors with social-distancing measures in place. Masks required. Tickets for pre-purchase only, with 30-minute arrival window. Masks are required. Closed December 24-25.
2. STUDIO TWO THREE’S WINTER MARKET
Visual Art
Through December 24
Studio Two Three, 3300 West Clay Street, Richmond, 23230
In non-pandemic years, Studio Two Three hosts a wild and wondrous three-day event with tons of folks crammed in their space to buy local art. This year, they have converted their event space into a Winter Market so the community can shop safely distanced and masked. Studio Two Three’s Winter Market is open daily 11am-5pm and features an avalanche of artwork created by a bevy of local artists.
3. PARAMOUNT AT THE MOVIES PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS STORY
Film
December 23, 3pm & 7pm
Paramount Theatre, 215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
$5-8
Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) dreams of the perfect Christmas present—a Red Ryder air rifle. Rejected by his cranky father, protective mother, and even Santa Claus himself, Ralphie fears the Red Ryder will never be his. Pursued by the neighborhood bullies and causing mischief of his own, it will be a Christmas miracle if Ralphie can make it through the holidays with his glasses intact. Based on the semi-fictional writings of author Jean Shepherd, this film directed by Bob Clark has become a holiday classic for the ages. Presented by The Paramount. Greatly reduced capacity for this event. Order TICKETS online.
4. WILTON HOUSE HOLIDAY AUDIO TOURS
History, Visual Art
December 24, 5-7pm
Wilton House Museum, 215 S Wilton Rd, Richmond, 23226
$5/person
Book a self-guided audio tour of the Wilton House this Holiday Season. This evening tour gives you the unique opportunity to see Wilton after hours. Bring Your Own Device! Wilton's audio tour can be played from any mobile device with an internet connection or ability to connect to our Wi-Fi. If you don't have a Device of your own, a Wilton I-Pad is available to rent to take you through the house. RESERVE your space online.
5. MOVIE MYTHBUSTING: LIBERTY'S KIDS
Film, History
December 22, 7pm
Online
Did you know that George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River happened on Christmas Day? On this special Christmas edition of Movie Mythbusting, join The Virginia Museum of History and Culture for a family-friendly discussion of Episode 119 of Liberty’s Kids – "Across the Delaware." Registration is not required for this pre-recorded event. Tune in to the premiere on VMHC’s YouTube channel when it’s released or watch with friends and family whenever works for you over the holidays!
6. WINTER WONDER WALK
Visual Arts
Through December 31, 7am-10pm
IX Art Park, 522 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, 22902
A festive forest is coming to the IX Art Park in Charlottesville. In lieu of large events, IX Art Park is filling the outdoor mural park with seasonal art, lights and decorations for safe outings this December. Wear a mask and observe social distancing on a leisurely walk through our winter wonderland.
7. VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS GHOST STORIES
Storytelling, Literary Arts
December 21, 8:30pm
Online
Part of celebrating Christmas in the Victorian Era often involved gathering around a fire to share ghost stories! To honor that tradition, Haunts of Richmond brings you abridged versions of two of the ghastly tales from Christmases past: "The Kit-Bag" by Algernon Blackwood published in 1908, and "The Signal-Man" by Charles Dickens published in 1866. Join them on Facebook Live. Questions and comments are welcome!
8. THE NUTCRACKER
Dance, Music
Through December 26
Online
$25/stream (Bonus packages are extra)
For the first time in history, The Richmond Ballet is releasing a recording of their beloved production of The Nutcracker, that will allow you to bring its magic home this holiday season. To purchase your virtual tickets, please visit etix.com or call their Nutcracker hotline at 804.344.0906 x161.
9. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: A FOUR COUNTY PLAYERS MUSICAL REVUE
Music, Theatre
Daily thru January 3
Online
Pay-what-you-can
Four County Playersis excited to bring audiences near and far the magic and charm of a classic holiday special to the comfort of your very own homes! Professionally filmed, Home for the Holidays brings you the warmth and joy of the most wonderful time of the year through song, memories, and humor, all brought to life by some of your favorite local performers and special guests–-including The Jolly Old Elf himself! It’s perfect fun for the whole family! Purchase ACCESS online.
10. BEGINNER-FRIENDLY JAZZ ROUTINES
Dance
December 22, 7pm
Online and RVA Swing Studio 6114C Lakeside Ave, Henrico VA
$10
RVA Swing offers a different short, fun jazz routine each week in this beginner-friendly dance class. This class is specifically aimed at beginner and novice dancers who want to increase their vernacular jazz vocabulary & just have fun moving to music. Classes will be held in-person and on Zoom. Advance REGISTRATION required. You can use code HELPINGHAND at registration to save 50% off of the online version of class.
If you are an arts or cultural organization with social-distance-safe events such as online classes, virtual exhibitions or concerts, or even book readings, submit your events to Artsline here. If you are an artist or an arts or cultural organization in need of resources and tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
