Richmond, Virginia During the Holidays

This week, Richmond's revving up for the holidays! Join in the spirit with these fun events:

Monday, Dec. 8

Bright lights and holiday cheer color the GardenFest of Lights at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., explore the grounds and find scores of glowing flowers, butterflies, birds and more. Kids will be treated to storytelling and s'mores. Adults $10, Children $6. Call (804) 262-9887 for more information.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Pose with Santa Claus at The Shops at Willow lawn for pictures you'll enjoy for years to come. Proceeds from Santa photo sales will benefit Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). Santa will be available for pictures from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a break from 5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call (434) 977-0100 for more information.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

If you love holiday music, then the European Wind Ensemble Holiday Concert will surely delight you and your date. Their free, 7 p.m. performance at St. John's Christian Church (503) Stuart Circle) promises to not only be traditional but beautiful. Call (804) 649-7938 for more information.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Dog owners and dog lovers everywhere should come out to the SPCA Holiday Extravaganza at the Robins-Starr Humane Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This Canine Café happy hour, presented by Car Pool, will also feature their annual Home for the Holidays shopping night. Call (804) 643-6785 for more information.

Friday, Dec. 12

Watch "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," adapted from Barbara Robinson's book and directed by K. Strong, at the Empire Theatre at 7:00 p.m. Laugh as you and your own family follow the chaotic Herdmans destroy their town Christmas Pageant in what has become an annual tradition. Adult Single Tickets: $22; Seniors/Students: $21; Children (0-12): $17. Call the box office at (804) 344-8040.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Gorgeous houses and gorgeous decorations? Sounds like the Fan District Holiday House Tour. Select homes on Grove Ave., Hanover Ave., Grace St., Park Ave., Stuart Ave., and Granby St. will open their doors to the public for the 46th Annual Historic Fan District Holiday House Tour. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the days of the tour, with special group rates available. All proceeds benefit the FDA, which works to preserve one of the largest groups of Victorian period townhouses in America. For more information, call (804) 254-2550.

Sunday, Dec. 14

Start out at the Valentine Richmond History Center and walk through ten historic downtown sites for a touch of holiday fun. Walking tours, historical reenactments, gift shop discounts, children's activities (come out and meet Snow Bear), refreshments, carriage rides, music and more all await you. Come out between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. for a Court End Christmas. Call (804) 649-0711 for more information.