Richmond, Virginia, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of holiday getaways, but let me tell you—it should be. I recently spent four festive days in this charming Southern city, and Richmond showed all the way out for the holiday season. From enchanting light displays to quirky Christmas markets and events that celebrate both the magic of the season and the queer community, Richmond has mastered the art of spreading holiday cheer. If you’re searching for the best Christmas events in Richmond, Virginia, or simply want to soak up the charm of a Richmond, Virginia Christmas, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into all the festive fun this city has to offer!
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Where to Stay in Richmond, Virginia
If you’re looking for a great place to stay during the holidays in Richmond, the Quirk Hotel is it! As soon as I walked through its doors, I fell in love with this pink-themed hotel. During the holidays, it’s even more festival and whimsical.
Set in a historic building with beautifully preserved details like high ceilings and large, picturesque windows, it perfectly balances that classic charm with modern touches that I love. What really sold me, though, was waking up to the Richmond Christmas Parade right outside the front door. It was such a fun and unexpected bonus — you could grab a hot bevvy from the Quirk Café, step outside, and have a front-row seat to all the festive fun. Plus, its downtown location puts you close to all the holiday action, so you can experience everything Richmond has to offer with ease.
Other hotel recommendations for Richmond, Virginia
Where to eat in Richmond, Virginia
L’Opossum
L’Opossum is one of Richmond’s most talked-about spots. You’d never guess this unassuming building, nestled on the corner of a residential neighborhood, would be serving up fine French fare. It gives kitschy, and quirky, dive bar vibes; yet, it’s hard to get a reservation for this intimate space. While the crab cakes came highly recommended, they were surprisingly bland and underwhelming. Thankfully, the Filet Mignon Beef Swellington was absolute perfection — and the lavender-limoncello crème brûlée? A creamy, caramelized dream.
Greek on Cary
Craving Mediterranean? Head to Greek on Cary. The small mixed grill is the perfect shareable plate (or not, I won’t judge) with your choice of meats and flavorful sides — I went with the chicken souvlaki and beefteki with a side of stewed green beans and fries — delicious!
The Mimosa Trail
Richmond’s Mimosa Trail is a brunch-lover’s dream! It is the first in the nation and worth a stop or five — just be sure to have a designated driver or use a ride-share service). Start at the Jefferson Hotel for elegant, classic vibes, swing by the Capitol Waffle Shop for wild menu names (hello, Sex on a Waffle-mosa), and interesting, yet affordable bites like the Captain Berry Waffle, topped with Cap’n Crunch, chopped bacon, chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. Don’t miss queer-owned SB’s Lakeside Love Shack for their “Momosa”—it’s the most popular drink for a reason.
Ash & Olive
This trendy new spot comes with a warning: don’t show up starving. The service was painfully slow (we did go on a Friday night, so trying on a weekday may yield a quicker experience), but the food is worth the wait. The Working Man Pizza, with pepperoni, jalapeños, and honey, is a spicy-sweet masterpiece. Pair it with the kale salad for balance, and you’ve got a winner.
Bar Solita
Bar Solita is where you go for vibes. I had the crispy brussels, birria eggrolls, crispy zucchini, and lemon dill salmon. While the flavors did not wow, I loved the atmosphere and could see this being a fun happy hour spot.
Gold Lion Café
Gold Lion Café is a queer-owned vegetarian spot in Richmond’s Blackwell/Manchester district. Their menu blends Indian-inspired dishes with American favorites. Anywhere that has an all-day menu where I can order desi lo mein and spring rolls for breakfast is a WIN in my book! Attached is Duke’s Den, a cozy cocktail club named after the owners’ beloved dog, Duke, serving craft cocktails, draft beers, and wines. The cafe also doubles as a community hub hosting events like drag brunches, poetry nights, and comedy shows.
Godfrey’s Drag Brunch
Godfrey’s Drag Brunch is a legendary LGBTQ+ hotspot that serves up high-energy performances by talented drag artists who know how to entertain, and I don’t mean just the cutesy lip-syncing, and collecting their dollars entertain, I mean dancing on the bar, hopping off into a split entertain!
The inclusive and welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit for both locals and visitors. While the food is good –the banana-stuffed french toast is drool-worthy and the chicken quesadilla was quite delish as well, it’s the vibrant performances and lively crowd that make this spot truly special. Whether you’re a brunch enthusiast or just looking for a fun time, Godfrey’s Drag Brunch is the perfect place for both!
Ruby Scoops
It can be -20°F outside and I will still indulge in a delicious scoop of ice cream — and in this case six scoops. While in Richmond, you have to hit up Ruby Scoops, a Black, queer-owned ice cream shop doling out creative flavors like Butter Brickle, Ube Cookies and Cream, and Hot Honey Cornbread. Can’t pick just one? Go for the flight, like I did, and treat yourself to a little bit of everything! Something to note is that the menu changes often, so what’s on there today may not be on there tomorrow since they are a small-batch ice cream shop.
The Foundation
If you’re looking for a place with more energy and a fun vibe, The Foundation is where the party’s at. Check out this Black-owned spot for delicious comfort food with a twist while jamming to live music. It has a lounge feel, making it perfect for dinner or drinks, and the vibe is all about entertainment.
Lillie Pearl
Lillie Pearl brings elevated Southern flavors to the table in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. As one of Richmond’s Black-owned standouts, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving bold flavors and warm hospitality during their holiday adventures.
Penny’s Wine Shop
If you’re looking to unwind, head to Penny’s Wine Shop, a cozy Black-owned spot with an incredible selection of wines. It’s the perfect place to sip and relax after a full day of exploring Richmond’s Christmas festivities.
Things to do in Richmond Virginia for the holidays
Tacky Lights Tour
Richmond takes “go big or go home” seriously with its Tacky Lights Tour. This holiday tradition turns the city into a glowing wonderland with houses decked out in over-the-top light displays. I have honestly never seen anything like it! But, I’m so glad that I got to experience it. It truly leaves you in awe — and wondering just how much these people’s power bill is. You can do this tour on your own, or you can book a bus or limo tour to take you around to the best sites.
WinterFest at Kings Dominion
Talk about bringing out the big kid in you! King’s Dominion WinterFest is a holiday dream with twinkling lights, cookie decorating, live shows, and so much more! Want to make it extra special? Rent an igloo for a cozy hangout between rides and activities. It’s festive fun for everyone!
Richmond’s Makers Market
Support local at Richmond’s Makers Market, an LGBTQ+-friendly pop-up marketplace of unique, handmade gifts. From quirky art to handmade jewelry and everything in between, this is where you’ll find holiday treasures and good vibes. A fun thing I purchased was a “mystery book” from The Lit Bae Bookshop. The books are gift-wrapped with only a short summary about the book. It’s like a blind date with a book — you don’t quite know what you’re getting and you can’t judge it by its cover. I LOVE the concept! I ended up getting a book that I’ve already read (Verity by Colleen Hoover — a MUST READ that will have your mouth on the floor by the end), but that’s ok. I love being able to support local, small-business owners.
GardenFest of Lights
The GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is pure magic. Wander through dazzling light displays and snap that Insta-worthy shot under the glowing arches. It’s a holiday staple you can’t miss. Details here.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Mix a little art and culture into your holidays at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This Richmond gem offers world-class exhibits, free admission, and is open 365 days a year, making it an easy and inspiring stop during your festive adventures.
Shopping in Carytown
Dubbed the “Mile of Style,” Carytown is perfect for holiday shopping. From vintage finds to gourmet chocolates, it’s got everything to check off your gift list—plus, plenty of spots to grab a festive latte and delicious eats.
Miracle RVA
Get into the holiday spirit at Miracle RVA, the ultimate pop-up holiday bar in Richmond. Decked out in festive decor and serving up holiday-themed cocktails, this place is all about fun, festive vibes. Whether you’re sipping on a “Run Run Reindeer” or enjoying one their signature cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to make your holiday season a little brighter.
Babe’s of Carytown
Babe’s of Carytown is one of only 27 remaining lesbian bars in the world. This Richmond staple combines affordable drinks, drag shows, and a welcoming vibe perfect for a fun hangout. There’s even a volleyball court in the back for those warmer months.
Whether you’re exploring cozy bars, checking out light displays, or diving into the city’s rich arts scene, there’s something for everyone. So grab your coat, your holiday spirit, and head to Richmond for an unforgettable seasonal adventure!
Whether you’re exploring cozy bars, checking out tacky light displays, or diving into the city’s rich arts scene, there’s something for everyone. So grab your coat, your holiday spirit, and head to Richmond for an unforgettable holiday adventure!
PLANNING A TRIP?
- Book your accommodations with Expedia, Vrbo, or Hotels.com and earn OneKeyCash with every stay!
- Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing. You never know when you might need it. Lost luggage, trip cancellation, accidents. Better to be safe than sorry.
- Don’t forget these winter packing essentials
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