Can't Miss Christmas Shows in Richmond: Where to see Holiday Magic on Stage

The West End Mom
Nov 3, 2025
6 min read

Updated: Nov 10, 2025

The curtain is rising on the most magical time of the year in Richmond, Virginia!

From the timeless favorite The Nutcracker performed by The Richmond Ballet to magic in the air at A Magical Cirque Christmas and heartwarming tale of Annie, RVA's stages are filled with Christmas cheer this 2025 Holiday Season!

If you're ready to plan a fancy, family night out or try a mid-day matinee, here are the holiday shows and special events that have my attention! Some of these shows are a one time performance, and others have multiple performance dates between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Christmas Shows to see with your Family in Richmond, Virginia:

1. The Science Museum of Virginia's 48th Annual Model Railroad Show:

I know, I know - this isn't a traditional show or performance, but it is an immersive experience that's perfect for rail fans! The Science Museum of Virginia’s annual Model Railroad Show is Friday, November 28-Sunday, November 30.

This family-friendly event is perfect for rail fans of all ages. You can see train displays, watch blacksmiths work, check out steam engine demos & participate in collaborative train builds! Some highlights of this special events are: an entire room of model train displays, intricate landscapes & mini cities, steam engine demonstrations, hands on collaborative train scene build, and an interactive family train yard.

The best part? A ticket to the Model Railroad Show also gives you access to the Science Museum’s permanent exhibitions, including their newest touring exhibit, The Power of Poison.

Best for Ages: all ages

Tickets: The room with the model trains opens at 8:30AM for members & 9:30AM for the general public. The last ticket will be sold at 4:15PM. Science Museum exhibits are open from 9:30 AM to 5PM.

When: November 28-30, 2025

Duration: all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Where: The Science Museum of Virginia

Location: 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220

*Click here for more information!

Virginia Repertory Theatre's A Christmas Carol

Part of the Jessie Bogese Family Series, A Christmas Carol brings the beloved classic to life on the stage in Richmond! You can watch Ebenezer Scrooge's journey through Christmas Past, Present and Future in play form with live music. This live production also includes water-based haze, theatrical smoke and flashing lights.

This local holiday performance runs about 2 hours and 15 minutes with an intermission.

Best for Ages: 7 years old and up

Ticket Prices: start at $39 pp

When: November 28 - December 28, 2025

Performance Times: 2pm or 7pm

Where: Virginia Repertory Theatre

Location: 114 West Broad St, Richmond VA 23220

*Click here for more information!

The Byrd Theatre's $5 Christmas Movies in RVA

The historic Byrd Theatre shows $5 Family Classics & Sensory Friendly movies every Saturday morning! If you visit in December, you can also watch organist Bob Gulledge play the Mighty WurliTzer before the film, sing Christmas carols & see snow fall in the theater!

Starting after Thanksgiving, the movie line up is all Christmas favorites. You can watch movies like Home Alone, The Polar Express, The Santa Claus, Elf and more!

Movies are shown throughout the week too. If you don't visit on a Saturday morning, the movie showtimes cost $9. You can purchase tickets online or when you arrive. The concession stand sells items for $2.50 to $7.50, including drinks, candy & popcorn.

Best for Ages: 2 years old and up

Ticket Prices: start at $5

When: Saturdays in December

Movie Times: 10am

Where: Byrd Theatre

Location: 2908 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221

*Click here for more information!

The Richmond Ballet's The Nutcracker

It’s time to travel to the magical kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy! The Richmond Ballet is performing The Nutcracker at Dominion Energy Center from December 6 to December 23. Tickets are on sale NOW!

During this 2 hour show, you will see all your favorite characters from The Nutcracker & hear Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces performed by The Richmond Symphony. This playful & vibrant performance is family-friendly, particularly at the matinee shows.

Best for Ages: 3 years old and up

Ticket Prices: start at $31.60

When: December 6 - December 23, 2025

Performance Times: 2pm, 5:30pm and 7pm

Where: Dominion Energy Center

Location: 600 E Grace St Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23219

*Check here for more information!

Altria Theater's A Magical Cirque Christmas

This one-of-a-kind Christmas experience brings the magic of the season to life through a variety show filled with high-energy music and world-class, cirque-style performances! A Magical Cirque Christmas brings together dazzling aerialist and gravity-defying acrobatics set to Christmas favorites like Carol of the Bells and Silent Night.

Best for Ages: 4 years old and older

Ticket Prices: start at $46.60 pp

When: Monday, December 15

Performance Time: 7:30pm

Where: Altria Theater

Location: 6 N Laurel St, Richmond, VA 23220

*Check here for more information!

Dominion Energy Center's Annie

Everyone’s favorite little redhead is taking the stage in Richmond! Annie is coming to the Altria Theater this December, bringing heart, humor, and a whole lot of hope. Follow the story of a determined orphan whose optimism wins over even the grumpiest billionaire, with unforgettable songs like “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.” Filled with laughter, classic choreography, and a message of resilience and love, Annie is a must-see for families looking to add a little Broadway magic to their holidays in RVA.

This musical performance runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

This is also a sensory inclusive venue. You can pick up Kulture City sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget toys, noise canceling headphones and other resources at the Concierge desk located in the Dominion Energy Center Box Office Lobby. This has no extra no cost -- just leave one of the grownup's IDs.

Best for Ages: 4 years old and older

Ticket Prices: start at $60

When: December 12 to December 21

Performance Time: 1pm or 6:30pm

Where: Gottwald Playhouse At Dominion Energy Center

Location: 600 E Grace St Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23219

*Check here for more information!

Boar’s Head Resort's Winter Wander Trail of Lights

Located on 600 acres, Boar’s Head Resort is the only 4-diamond resort around Charlottesville. It’s known for its southern hospitality, a luxury spa & plenty of recreational activities… and it is decked out in Christmas cheer! You can even enjoy their annual holiday light show without being a resort guest.

Winter Wander is open November 14 through January 3, 2025. This half-mile walking trail is illuminated with lights & displays synchronized to music. You’ll see 12-foot tall boar-faced nutcracker, illuminated archways, a fountain of lights & TWO Tunnel of Lights.

Our favorite part of the evening is the Wander In Motion Winged Dancers. These live dance shows include Candy Cane Lane and Nutcracker in Lights!

Best for Ages: all ages

Ticket Prices: start at $15 pp; children 3 and younger are FREE

When: Nov. 14, 2025 - Jan. 3, 2026

Where: Dominion Energy Center

Location: 200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903

*Check here for more information!