DEC 3rd. 6-9PM The 26th Annual Grand Illumination of James Center kicks off the evening at 6pm when Santa and Lite 98 give the countdown to light the downtown office buildings and the James Center Tree & Reindeer! Experience the magic of the season with blocks of family entertainment.

Free entertainment with live music, holiday sing-a-longs, games, & prize giveaways! Ride free horse & carriage rides through the streets of the River District, or jump on a canal boat and see the sights from Richmond’s historic canal.

Come down to see Santa Claus and Snow Queen! The night begins at 6 p.m. with a live countdown to turn on the outline lighting for the downtown office buildings. The VMI Marching Band will perform holiday favorites leading up to the lighting of the holiday reindeer at 6:25 p.m. This year’s theme is A Soulful Christmas and both Bak N Da Day and NYCE will perform around the James Center’s reindeer lights from 6:30-7 p.m. The Sugar Plum Fairy from the Richmond Ballet will make a magical appearance too! Come see Tuba Christmas, Harpist Rickie Denton, Shore Leave, the Virginia Piedmont Model Railroad Club and much more while Radio Disney entertains children with activities. This event is provided by James Center Property LLC. For more information call (804) 344-3232.

Visit the Main Street Station Open House in all its glory, or the 17th Street Farmers’ Market for your favorite holiday gifts. For more information visit Venture Richmond. 10th & E Cary Street