Weekend Top 5

The Drama Department at J.R. Tucker High School, 2910 North Parham Road, will present "A Christmas Story: The Musical" at 7 p.m. Dec. 13-14 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Based off the classic 1983 film of the same name, "A Christmas Story" is about 10-year-old Ralphie, who is so focused on getting the right gift for Christmas that he forgets about what is most important in his life - his family and friends. Tickets are $8. Click here for details.

The CSz Richmond Theater, 8906-H West Broad Street, will present its annual Improv Festivus Dec. 13 (7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) and Dec. 14 (6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.). Performers from across the country will serve up an array of improvisational styles. Tickets to each show are $12 or an all-access pass, which provides admission to every show, is available for $60. For details, visit improvfestivus.com.

Santa Paws returns to Short Pump Park on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your furry friends for free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A breakfast food truck and pet-friendly vendors will be on site. There also will be holiday music, free marshmallow roasting, games and more. Admission is free. Click here for details or call (804) 501-PARK.

The Varina Ruritan Club and Henrico Recreation and Parks will host the Varina Big Toy Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 14. This annual holiday tradition begins at 1 p.m. at the River Bend Estates subdivision and travels to Osborne Park & Boat Landing. Following the parade, there will be family-friendly activities at Osborne Park until 4 p.m. Participants can visit the big toys and their owners and enjoy vendors, food, face painting, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Admission is free. Click here for details or call (804) 501-PARK. Osborne Park is also a good viewing spot for the annual Richmond Boat Parade of Lights that will take place later that evening from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A parade of boats decorated with colorful light displays will travel along the James River, from the downtown riverfront to Rockett's Landing. Click here for details.

Tuckahoe Plantation, 12601 River Road, will host "Christmas at Historic Tuckahoe" on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Historic Tuckahoe’s home will be decorated with the style of holiday greenery found during the Colonial era. Guides will share stories of Christmas at Tuckahoe through four centuries of history. Family-friendly activities will include a puppet show, crafts table, scavenger hunt, and storytelling with Mrs. Claus. Warm beverages and s'more kits will be available for purchase. There also will be a vendor market and holiday hay rides (tickets can be purchased at the welcome desk). Tuckahoe Plantation was built between 1733 and 1740 by the prominent Randolph family and it served as the childhood home of Thomas Jefferson. It is a National Historic Landmark. Admission is $10 per person with a $30 max per five-person family (advance sales only). Children five and under are admitted free. Click here for details.

Looking for more fun things to do in Henrico? Check out our enhanced community calendar where you can now search by date or event type. Click here to submit an event for the calendar.