HO! HO! HO! Be in the know! We know you’re cozy and content in your new Main Street Home, but you shouldn’t miss any of these “very Richmond” events around town. Get out there and discover where holiday meets happy in RVA.

Dec 1-4: Bizarre Bazaar Where can you find forty years of fabulous? Look no further than the Bizarre Bazaar, a marketplace for unique treasures. Shoppers have flocked to the Richmond Raceway for the last forty years to stuff their stockings with distinctive presents. Seasonal gifts and decorative accessories are the draw for Richmonders looking for home and garden gifts, gourmet food, artsy crafts, unique artwork, and homemade goodies. Learn more: www.thebizarrebazaar.com

Dec 2: Grand Illumination You know the holidays are here when downtown Richmond lights up the night during the Grand Illumination. Once the sun has set, Richmonders gather to enjoy a panoramic view of the RVA skyline. The holiday lights click on amid fanfare, fire pits, and hot cider. Arrive before they flip the switch at 6 p.m. and stakeout your spot along 212 West 6^th Street. Learn more: www.thejamescenter.comDec 3: Dominion Christmas Parade Bundle up and get downtown - rain or shine - for the 33^rd annual Christmas Parade! Where else can you find festive floats, holiday balloons, marching bands, and dance troupes in one spot? Special guests this year include Darth Vader, the Harlem Globetrotters, and Legendary Santa. Boasting more than 100,000 spectators annually, you’ll need to claim your spot along the parade route that departs from the Science Museum on W. Broad Street and continues east to 7^th Street. The fun starts at 10:00 a.m. Learn more: www.richmondparade.orgDec 10-23: Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker Nothing says Christmas like a Russian Bear, Chinese Dragon, and Mouse King twirling around the classic, young Clara in The Nutcracker. Richmond Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker is a staple of the Carpenter Center’s holiday lineup. Featuring local dancers of all ages, it’s a distinctive event worth celebrating. For an extra holiday treat, join Clara and friends for a seated tea party in CenterStage’s festive Rhythm Hall.   (Clara’s tea party is a separate ticketed event). Learn more at www.richmondballet.com

Dec 10: James River Parade of Lights There’s nothing more Richmond than the James River, so what better way to sail into the season than a lighted boat parade? Starting at 4:30 p.m., Henrico Recreation & Parks will host a viewing arena at Osborne Park, complete with a bonfire, holiday music, and activities. Preceding the boat parade, the Battlefield Ruritans will kick-off a toy parade at 3 p.m. on Osborne Turnpike with concessions and entertainment. Learn more: http://www.henricorecandparks.com/ Dec 10: Car Max Tacky Light Run If you think you can jingle while you jog, consider Car Max’s Tacky Light Run in Midlothian on December 10. It’s a fun and festive run, and all you need are your jogging shoes and some spirited holiday attire. Learn more: www.sportsbackers.org

TWINKLE TWINKLE If it’s tacky lights you’re looking for, Richmond Times Dispatch publishes a list of homes in Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover and Richmond that would make Clark Griswold proud. To make the list, homes must have at least 40,000 lights. You can take your own tour using the RTD map, or James Limousine can do the driving for you. Learn more: www.richmond.com/holiday/tacky-lights/ or www.jameslimousine.com/tacky-lights-tour.htm. Of course, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is famous for its holiday extravaganza of lights, a longstanding Richmond tradition featuring over a half million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trans, holiday dinners, fire pit with s’mores, and hot chocolate. Learn more: www.lewisginter.org ICE ICE, BABY Take a break from your holiday shopping and skate your way into the season at one of RVA’s newest outdoor skating rinks. The West Broad Village Ice Rink is situated near the stores and restaurants at West Broad Village in Short Pump (http://www.westbroadvillageicerink.com). Picking up some holiday gifts at Stony Point? No worries. There’s an outdoor rink there, too (http://www.shopstonypoint.com/events/outdoor-skating-rink). If you are heading downtown for one of the many holiday happenings, check out RVA On Ice, nestled in the heart of downtown at the corner of Broad and 6^th Street (www.RVAonIce.net). Main Street Homes is proud to call Richmond home, and we hope you have the opportunity to get out and enjoy all RVA has to offer this holiday season. From our home to yours, Happy Holidays!