The holiday season is one of the most magical times of year to be a kid, and families in Richmond have plenty of ways to celebrate.
From millions of twinkling lights and Christmas parades to holiday performances and simple afternoons spent exploring Richmond, there are activities for little ones, older children, and the whole family.
If you’re looking for holiday things to do with kids in Richmond, VA, here are some of our favorite ways to make memories together this season.
1. See the GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
One of Richmond’s most popular holiday traditions is the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
From November 23, 2026 through January 3, 2027, families can walk through the garden surrounded by millions of lights. Kids can also look for model trains, explore the Fairy Village, warm up around the fire, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy s’mores.
For parents of toddlers and preschoolers, bringing a stroller is a good idea since GardenFest involves quite a bit of walking. Advance timed tickets are also recommended because popular evenings can sell out.
Plan your visit to GardenFest of Lights
Great for: Toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children and the entire family.
2. Watch the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
Bundle everyone up and head downtown for one of Richmond’s biggest Christmas traditions.
The 43rd annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.Families can expect colorful floats, giant balloons, marching bands, costumed characters and, of course, Santa Claus.
For families with younger children, arrive early enough to find a comfortable viewing spot and pack snacks, water and a blanket or portable seat.
See 2026 Richmond Christmas Parade information
Great for: A festive and budget-friendly family morning.
3. Make a Holiday Visit to Maymont
Richmond families can find plenty to explore at Maymont throughout the year, and the historic estate is especially beautiful during the holiday season.
Take a winter walk around the grounds, visit the animals, explore the gardens or check Maymont’s calendar for seasonal events. Richmond’s regional tourism resources also highlight Maymont’s holiday traditions, including seasonal experiences at the historic mansion.
Younger kids may especially enjoy pairing a walk around the grounds with a visit to Maymont Farm.
Great for: Families who want to get outside and enjoy a slower holiday afternoon.
4. See Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker
For a special holiday outing, introduce your children to a Richmond tradition: The Nutcracker.
Richmond Ballet’s 2026 production runs December 5 through December 23 at the Dominion Energy Center. The production features Richmond Ballet alongside the Richmond Symphony, with Tchaikovsky’s famous score, elaborate costumes and the magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets.
The performance runs approximately two hours, including an intermission, so parents may want to consider their child’s comfort with longer performances when deciding whether they’re ready for their first Nutcracker.
See The Nutcracker dates and tickets
Great for: Children ready for their first live theater or ballet experience.
5. Spend a Cold Day at the Children’s Museum
Virginia weather doesn’t always cooperate with holiday plans. When it’s too cold or rainy to spend the day outside, head to the Children’s Museum of Richmond.
The museum offers hands-on activities designed especially for younger children, making it an easy indoor outing during winter break.
Chesterfield and Midlothian families also have a convenient option at Children’s Museum Chesterfield in Midlothian.
Visit the Children’s Museum of Richmond
Great for: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and younger elementary-age children.
6. Have a Holiday Science Day
Not every December activity has to involve Santa or Christmas lights!
A day at the Science Museum of Virginia gives kids an opportunity to play, experiment and learn while getting out of the cold.
Families can explore interactive STEM exhibits and check the museum’s schedule for special programs and shows at The Dome. It’s an especially useful option to keep in your back pocket during the long stretch of winter break.
Plan a visit to the Science Museum of Virginia
At Precious Time, we love activities that allow children to learn through exploration and play. You can learn more about the educational and enrichment opportunities offered through our Precious Time programs.
7. Take a Family Holiday Lights Drive
Sometimes the simplest holiday traditions become the ones children remember most.
Pick an evening, put everyone in pajamas, make hot chocolate, turn on your favorite holiday music and drive around Richmond looking for decorated homes.
Let your kids help turn it into a game. Look for:
- The biggest inflatable
- The most colorful house
- A Santa decoration
- Reindeer
- Candy canes
- Snowmen
- Their favorite house of the night
It costs very little and is especially easy for families with babies and toddlers who may not be ready for a long evening at a crowded holiday event.
8. Bake and Decorate Holiday Cookies Together
You don’t have to leave home to create a memorable holiday activity.
Let children help mix cookie dough, use cookie cutters and decorate their creations. Younger children can practice colors, shapes and fine motor skills while older kids can practice measuring ingredients and following directions.
Activities like baking are a great reminder that learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom. Everyday family experiences can encourage creativity, independence, language development and problem-solving.
At Precious Time, that same idea is incorporated into our approach to early childhood education through age-appropriate learning, recreation, art, play and enrichment activities. Learn more about our teaching philosophy.
9. Start a Family Giving Tradition
The holidays are also a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to generosity and helping others.
Depending on your child’s age, you might let them choose a new toy to donate, select gently used toys they’ve outgrown, help shop for food to donate to a local pantry, make holiday cards for neighbors or help choose a cause your family would like to support.
For younger children, keep the conversation simple. Talk about kindness, sharing and how small actions can make someone else’s day brighter.
10. Have a Holiday Movie and Pajama Night
After a busy week of school, childcare, shopping and holiday activities, sometimes everyone needs a night at home.
Let the kids put on their favorite pajamas, build a blanket fort, make popcorn or another special snack and choose a holiday movie together.
You can make it a weekly tradition throughout December or let each family member take turns choosing the movie.
And don’t worry about making every holiday activity elaborate. For young children, simply having your full attention and doing something special together can be more exciting than the biggest event.
Making Holiday Memories With Your Kids in Richmond
There are so many family-friendly holiday activities in Richmond, VA, but you don’t have to fit everything into one December.
Choose a few traditions that work for your family’s schedule and your children’s ages. Maybe that’s walking through GardenFest, watching the Richmond Christmas Parade, baking cookies at home or simply driving around the neighborhood looking at lights.
The goal isn’t a perfectly packed holiday calendar. It’s creating opportunities to slow down, have fun and spend meaningful time together.
Looking for Childcare in Richmond or Chesterfield, VA?
The holidays can also be an especially busy time for working parents.
At Precious Time Child Development Centers, we’re committed to providing children with a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where they can learn, play and grow.
Our programs serve children from infancy through school age, with options including infant care, toddler programs, preschool, before- and after-school care, school-age programs and enrichment opportunities.
Explore our childcare programs or find the Precious Time location nearest your family.
Whether you’re searching for daycare in Richmond, VA, childcare in Chesterfield, VA, or a nurturing preschool environment for your little one, we’d love to welcome your family to Precious Time.