COVID-19 and Governor Ralph Northam’s executive orders make it more difficult to enjoy the holidays, but Richmond still has plenty of activities to offer this weekend. Enjoy historical experiences, tour the city by bike, or volunteer to help feed others this Thanksgiving.
Friendship, Trade, & Feast
Enjoy traditional colonial English and Powhatan recipes at Chesterfield’s Henricus Park, a recreation of an early English settlement. Watch reenactments of the food preparation. Don’t forget to bring cleaning and toiletry items to donate to Housing Families First.
When: November 28, 2020 10-5 p.m.
Where: 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, VA 23836
Cost: $9 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-12
Information: https://henricus.org/events/friendship-trade-feast-2/?occurrence=2020-11-28
A Liberty or Death Experience
Hear the story of Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death’ speech along with a partial recitation inside the church where it happened — St. John’s Church in Richmond.
When: November 28, 2020 12-1 p.m. or 2-3 p.m.
Where:
Cost: $10 per ticket
Information: https://www.historicstjohnschurch.org/events/2020/06/november-tours
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
The Richmond holiday experience continues this year. Take an evening stroll through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden filled with fantastic light sculptures.
When: November 23, 2020 – January 10, 2021, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. 4-10 p.m
Where: 1800 Lakeside Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23228
Cost: Before December 17, $7 for adults, $8 for kids ages 3-12
No walk-ups allowed. Buy tickets for a specific time slot in advance.
Information: https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/events/dominion-gardenfest-of-lights/
Holiday Biking Tour
Take a guided tour of Richmond on either a traditional or electrical bike. The two-and-a-half hour ride takes riders past the lights of the city and along the river. The trip includes a drink — wine, beer, hot cocoa or coffee from the Urban Farmhouse.
When: Any day starting this weekend except Thanksgiving. Tours start at 3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Richmond
Cost: $95 per person, book slots online
Information: https://www.basketandbike.com/holiday-tours
Richmond Symphony Presents The Snowman
Enjoy the symphony with the classic story of a boy’s friendship with a snowman.
When: November 28, 2020 11 a.m.
Where: In-person at the Dominion Energy Center, or online via live stream
Cost: In-person $10-$48; livestream $0-$10
Information: https://www.richmondsymphony.com/event/lollipops-2-the-snowman/
Volunteer
Volunteer to help with The Giving Heart’s Community Thanksgiving Feast. This Richmond tradition provides free meals along with clothing, blankets, and toiletries at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Thanksgiving.
When: November 25 – November 26 (Thanksgiving)
Where: 403 N 3rd St, Richmond, VA 23219
Cost: Free, but please sign up for a slot at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c48a9ab2ca7f94-20204
Information: https://www.thegivingheart.org/
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Email tips to [email protected].
