Weekend Top 10

ESPN Richmond 950AM/102.7 FM will host the 10th annual Holiday Cheer and Gear from 9:50 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Short Pump Town Center. Holiday Cheer & Gear is an official Salvation Army Christmas Assistance program created in 2007 to aid an underserved group of children and teens who benefit from the Salvation Army during the holiday season. While thousands of toys and presents were being donated and distributed to young children throughout Greater Richmond, there was a lack of gifts for boys and girls ages 10 to 16. Holiday Cheer & Gear focuses on collecting new sporting goods to deliver to that neglected group of young boys and girls. ESPN Richmond will broadcast live during the event and donations are invited throughout the day.

James River Ringers will present “An English Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9155 Hungary Rd. For details, call 540-476-3907 or visit www.jamesriverringers.com.

The Henrico Theatre Company will present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. The classic, animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation, in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets are $12. For details, call 261-ARTS or visit www.artsglenallen.com.

The film “Elf” (PG) will play at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs. Tickets are $1 and can be purchased at the door. Refreshments are $1 per item. For details, call 652-1460 or visit www.henricotheatre.us.

The Shoestring Players at J.R. Tucker High School, 2910 N. Parham Rd., will present “Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 10 in the school auditorium. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. For details, contact Lisa Dyer at 527-4600 or lldyer@henrico.k12.va.us.

DEC 9

The annual James River Parade of Lights, sponsored by the James River Advisory Council in cooperation with Henrico Recreation and Parks, will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Henrico County’s viewing celebration will take place at Osborne Boat Landing, located at 9530 Osborne Tnpk. Gather around the bonfire and enjoy holiday music and activities. A Toy Parade, sponsored by the Battlefield Ruritans, will precede the Parade of Lights at 3 p.m. Admission is free.  For details, call 652-1422 or visit www.henrico.us/rec.

Richmond Comicon will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richmond Raceway Complex. Admission is free for children 12 and under. General admission is $14.95; early admission at 10 a.m. is $19.95. For details, visit www.vacomicon.com.

The Central Virginia Wind Symphony will present its 13^th annual Holiday Spectacular at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 in the food court at Virginia Center Commons and at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Collegiate School. Featuring Mike Goldberg, conductor, and guest soloist Michael Lowenstern on bass clarinet. The Central Virginia Wind Symphony is comprised of talented high school musicians across Central Virginia, including Henrico County. Both concerts are free and open to the public. For details, visit www.thewindsymphony.com.

DEC 10

Henrico Recreation and Parks will present Santa Paws from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Short Pump Park, 3329 Pump Rd. Enjoy a holiday photo keepsake with Santa himself, shop local vendors for one-of-a-kind gifts for your furry friends and let your pup play in the dog park. Concessions will be available for purchase. All ages. Admission is free. For details, call 652-1422 or visit www.henrico.us/rec.

The 32nd annual Richmond Road Runners Club Toy Run 5k, to benefit the United States Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Innsbrook Pavilion, 4901 Lake Brook Dr. Bring a toy and run for free – RRRC members bring a new unwrapped toy worth $15 or more or pay a $15 fee; non-members bring a $20 toy or pay a $20 fee. The Kids’ Weeble Wobble Fun Run is free but registration is required. For details, visit http://tinyurl.com/ToyRun5k.

Kids who are on the autism spectrum and those who are hearing impaired will have an opportunity to meet with Santa from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Regency Mall. This special sensory-friendly event will give kids of all ages an opportunity to chat with Santa and take photos with him without excessive noise and the sensory overload heard during mall hours. A special Signing Elf will assist Santa in communicating important messages between kids who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Representatives from the Autism Society of Central Virginia and KnowDifferent.com will be in attendance to answer questions. Reservations are encouraged, but not necessary. Reservations are in five-minute intervals, but Santa will work with each child’s timing and needs. For details, call 740-1518.