If you’re going to be traveling through Dulles Airport or visiting DC over a holiday weekend, check out this promotion being run by some hotels in Fairfax County:
Plan a two-night weekend stay at participating hotels in December and January and your Saturday rate will be as low as the temperature outside!…
There’s no escaping the winter chill. So why not embrace it with a value-packed, weekend getaway to Fairfax County, Virginia, just outside of Washington DC? Fairfax County is always a smart place to stay, boasting central access to the area’s most popular attractions. Better yet, when you stay one night at regular room rates at one of our participating hotels, your Saturday rate will be determined by the outside temperature at Dulles International Airport at 12 Noon.
The fine print clarifies that no money will be refunded in the unlikely event that the midday temperature is below 0 degrees. And the weekend of January 17-20 is blacked out, for obvious reasons.
You can search participating hotels and prices through the website. Depending on expected temperatures during your stay, this might or might not be a good deal. But it could make the cold weather a little more palatable 
FRIDAY
Church Hill Vespers and Candlelight Walk (free) - Holiday carols start at St. John’s Church and then a candlelight walk through the streets of historic Church Hill follows the traditional vespers service. Participants are given candles to carry and are lead by bagpipers through the neighborhood to Libby Hill Park. For more information call (804) 814-1066.
*7 pm, St. John’s Church (25th and E. Broad Streets)
Holiday Song and Dance Movie Nights ($1) - Enjoy live holiday entertainment followed by one of Hollywood’s most beloved holiday movies! Dancers will dazzle you with Rockette-like tapping and high-kicking! Some of Henrico Theatre Company’s favorite vocalists will also serenade you with the season’s best-loved songs. Following the performances, you can enjoy It’s a Wonderful Life. Information: 501-5138 or 328-4491.
*7 pm, Henrico Theatre. Tickets purchased at the door.
Repeats Sat Dec 13 at 2 & 7 pm
SATURDAY
James River Parade of Lights (free) - This year’s parade features festively decorated boats with the theme “Saluting our Military on the Historic James,” chosen to honor the many men and women serving our country. The boats cruise the parade course from Richmond to Chesterfield and Henrico counties with spectators from throughout the region that gather at several official viewing locations
*Libby Hill Park, corner of 28th and E. Franklin Streets, live entertainment at 4:30 p.m., parade viewing at 6 p.m.
*Intermediate Terminal Dock, at Dock and Water Streets, parade viewing at 6 p.m.
Henrico Viewing Celebration (free) - Join us around the bonfire as we enjoy holiday music and activities to celebrate the magic of the season. Beginning at 3 p.m., a toy parade sponsored by the Battlefield Ruritans will precede the Parade of Lights. Entertainment and concessions will begin at 5 p.m. following the toy parade. For more information on the Toy Parade, please call 795-7978. For information on the viewing celebration at Osborne, call 501-5121.
*3 pm, Osborne Park on 9680 Osborne Park
Parade of Lights at Henricus Park (free) - Start your holiday season with festivities at Henricus Historical Park. Watch as brightly “decked” boats pass by the bluff of Henricus, the terminus point for the James River Parade of Lights. Tour the 1611 Citie of Henricus and talk with the settlers about their lives and holidays in the 17th century
*5:30 pm, Henricus Park, 251 Henricus Park Road Chester, VA 23836
Clarke-Palmore House Museum Holiday Open House (free) - On your way to the Parade of Lights or an afternoon outing, please come by Clarke-Palmore House Museum for an open house. Enjoy hot cider and sweet treats. See the house adorned with holiday decorations and listen to holiday tunes, all from the 1930s. Information: 501-5125.
*2-6 pm, Clarke-Palmore House Museum, 904 McCoul St., Henrico
SUNDAY
22nd Annual Court End Christmas (free) - A Richmond tradition celebrates the season in 19th century style with reenactments, children’s activities, refreshments, carriage rides, music, special guest appearances, and free admission and tours of nine historic downtown sites. This year, the event welcomes Klezm’Or’Ami’m, klezmer musicians from Congregation Or Ami, who will play live at the Valentine Richmond History Center at 1 p.m. Free shuttle service provided from 12:30-4:45 p.m. with stops at each site every 15-20 minutes.
Valentine Richmond History Center, John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capitol, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House, Hunton Student Center, and St. John’s Church
*Noon-5 pm
Yuletides at Agecroft Hall (free) - Experience the Christmas season at Agecroft Hall from three different eras: England in 1640, London in 1850, and Richmond in 1946. This year’s open house will feature characters and entertainment from different time periods in Agecroft’s past. A special guest will be at Agecroft Hall this year: Father Christmas! He’ll be ready to hear your Christmas wishes. He’ll also be there to pose for pictures, so bring your camera! You’ll meet people from England during the time of Dickens, and be able to help them put up decorations and join them for period parlor game. Inside the house, you’ll be introduced to the family and servants that lived at Agecroft during Elizabethan England as they prepare the house for a holiday feast. In the 1940’s Williams Library, you’ll be able to see a Christmas cocktail party like one that would have been held in Virginia to celebrate the end of World War II. The lively entertainment will include Signora Bella performing her daring acrobatics, the More or Less Morris dancers performing their thrilling dance numbers, and choral performances by the Sabot at Stony Point Shakespeare Singers and the Godwin High School Madrigals. For a hands on experience, there will be craft activities so you can make and take a little piece of Agecroft home. We’ll have holiday refreshments will be available for you from the special Christmas Sweet Shop to enjoy as you stroll the grounds.
*12:30-5 pm, Agecroft Hall, 4305 Sulgrave Road, 23221
Holiday Big Band Concert Featuring Bill Zickafoose and the Continentals (free) - Enjoy the best of the big band sound along with your holiday favorites as the Division presents its annual holiday concert, featuring Bill Zickafoose and the Continentals. Great music and fun for the entire family! Information: 501-5115.
*7-9 pm, Hermitage High School
Fort Lee’s Grand Illumination (free) - There will be free refreshments, the Candy Cane Express, an ice fishing pond, Santa’s workshop and photos with Santa. For more info call 765-3076 or go to leemwr.com.
*4:30 pm, Lee Club Lawn, Fort Lee
Visual Arts Center Free for All (free) - Explore your creative spirit with fun & free things to do in every studio for kids & adults. Come join us and create copper pendants, origami, glass kaleidoscopes, sewing, fiber crafts, printmaking, cartooning & more. Also refreshments and live music by Happy Lucky Combo.
*1-4pm, Visual Arts Center, 1812 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23220
I’m trying something new this week - collecting the small, random bargains I run across in the course of a week into one weekly post “Bargain Bits,” and adding to the post as I find more. (This is instead of flooding feed-readers with piles of one-sentence posts.) I welcome any feedback.
This is also the perfect place to share any deal tips you might have!
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Kroger has 18oz boxes of Cheerios for $1 each when you buy 4 ($2 apiece for lesser quantities). This is part of a General Mills deal - buy any 4, get $4 off your order, limit 1 per order.
(These are the big boxes, reg. $3.99. Don’t forget to use your manufacturer’s coupons - I had a $1.50 off 4 Catalina coupon, so $2.50 for 4 boxes!)
Ukrops has frozen turkeys on sale for $.37/lb, with an additional $20 purchase (Limit 2).
Go here to print an Arby’s coupon for a free roast beef sandwich with any purchase through 12/14. (Don’t forget about the free shake for signing up for Arby’s Extras too!)
Some Targets around town have the Rose Petal Cottage marked down to $42.48. Or you could stalk it on Amazon (current price is $33.99, with free shipping!)
This is possibly the most event-full weekend of the year, so make the most of it! If naptimes were no object, I think my itinerary would be the Celebrate Illuminate festivities all around downtown on Friday night; the Ukrops Christmas Parade Saturday morning; the Mountain Road Corridor Celebration Saturday afternoon/evening; and a tossup between Maymont and Tredegar Sunday afternoon.
FRIDAY
James Center Grand Illumination (free) - The James Center celebrates the season with music, family entertainment and the warm glow of holiday lights. This year’s theme is “A Soulful Christmas” featuring Bak N Da Day and NYCE, as well as the VMI Marching Band, The Sugar Plum Fairy from the Richmond Ballet, Tuba Christmas, Harpist Rickie Denton, Shore Leave, the Virginia Piedmont Model Railroad Club and Radio Disney children’s activities.
*6 pm, Cary Street between Ninth and 12th Streets
Canal Boat Rides at the Turning Basin ($2, children 4 and under free) - Celebrate the Season on Richmond’s historic canal by enjoying a 25 minute boat tour on the James River and Kanawha Canal in one of our covered boats. Lite 98 is hosting a live radio show from the Turning Basin to ring in the holidays. Santa will join you for a ride between 6:30-7:30 p.m.
*6-9 pm, 14th and Dock Streets
Main Street Station Holiday Open House (free, parking $2) - The city of Richmond welcomes all for a Holiday Open House with a Polar Express theme, free kids train rides, hot chocolate and cookies, decorations, tree lighting and live entertainment. Enjoy the gorgeous restored glory of Main Street Station and explore the lighted Cathedral Walk at the Main Street Station plaza to celebrate the holiday season. Sgt. Santa will roll into town from 6-8 p.m. and don’t forget to bring a small toy donation or book to benefit Sgt. Santa’s workshop. This year’s event will focus on literacy and professional storytellers will be on hand to read to children as they enjoy cookies and cocoa by the fireplace. Come early, the Richmond Public Library will also donate books to the first 300 children! Event parking is only $2 and will be available on the west side of the station using the Franklin Street entrance and within the Plaza using the Main and Cary streets entrance.
*5-9 pm, Main Street Station and the Plaza at Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street
Capitol Square Tree Lighting (free) - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and first lady Anne Holton will light the holiday tree. The choir from St. Elizabeth’s Church will perform. The governor and first lady will host an open house at the Executive Mansion from 5:30-7 p.m. For more information call (804) 371-2642
*5-7 pm, South Portico of the state Capitol
Holiday Market (free) - This annual holiday shopping extravaganza features holiday wreaths, fresh cut mistletoe, gourmet desserts, handcrafted jewelry, hand-carved wooden toys, handmade ornaments, vintage collectibles, one-of-a-kind gifts and so much more! Enjoy the sounds of the season while you shop! Henrico Pops Chorus will be performing live at 6:15 p.m. and will be followed by a Tuba Christmas at 7:45 p.m. Coinciding with the Grand Illumination; this last evening of the market season is the perfect destination for finding unique gifts for the holidays!
*5-9pm, 17th Street Farmers Market
Horse and Carriage Rides (free) - The holidays are here in Richmond’s historic River District with the sound of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones and jingle bells ringing on the holiday decorated 12-passenger wagons. One round trip ride per person please.
*6-10pm, Rides start and end in Shockoe Slip at the 13th and E. Cary Street fountain
Repeats Saturday Dec 6, 6-10pm
First Fridays Artwalk (free) - The streets will be alive with holiday cheer, twinkling lights, hot yummy beverages, buskers and live music, uncompromising art, and creative optimism. We look forward to seeing you soon and sharing the hope of the holidays.
*See website for venues
Including World Music Concert (free) - Performers involved in the University of Richmond’s Music Department return for an incredible evening of African and Balinese music and such diverse performances are guaranteed to be loved by everyone, from curiosity seekers to die hard fans. The event will feature performances by the University’s most unique Balinese Gamelan Raga Kusuma as well as Ghanaian Ewe and Dagomba African drumming featuring master drummer Abdallah Zakariah, students from the University of Richmond Global Music Ensemble, University Dancers and the Nggoma African Dance Ensemble. Mr. Zakariah is a lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah Institute for African Studies at the University of Ghana, and is currently a visiting artist-scholar at the University of Richmond.
*7-9 pm, Richmond Public Library, 101 East Franklin St.
Horsehead at Toad’s Place (free) - Horsehead plays the first of two free shows at Toad’s Place. There will be no opener for this event. Horsehead takes the stage at 9 p.m. sharp. Hire the babysitter, leash the dogs, feed the cat, lock the door and come on down for a great time!
*8 pm, Toad’s Place, 140 Virginia St.
Song and Dance Movie Night ($1) - Enjoy live holiday entertainment followed by one of Hollywood’s most beloved holiday movies! Dancers will dazzle you with Rockette-like tapping and high-kicking! Some of Henrico Theatre Company’s favorite vocalists will also serenade you with the season’s best-loved songs. Following the performances, you can enjoy White Christmas Information: 501-5138 or 328-4491
*7 pm, Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Repeats Dec. 6 at 2 & 7 pm
SATURDAY
Ukrops/Supervalu Christmas Parade (free) - Astronaut Leland Melvin is the Grand Marshal of this popular event filled with marching bands, floats, clowns, giant balloons and more.
*10 am, Route starts at 2500 W. Broad St. and continues east to 7th St.
Governor’s Executive Mansion Open House (free) - Come tour Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion in its holiday finest on Capitol Hill. For more information call (804) 371-2642
*1-4 pm, Capitol Square
The Mountain Road Corridor Holiday Celebration (free) - The County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks and the Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen cordially invite you to attend a holiday celebration on Mountain Road in Glen Allen. Take a tour down Mountain Road starting with historic Courtney Road Service Station. Proceed down the corridor to the early 19th-century Forest Lodge Cupola. Enjoy an open house at Walkerton Tavern and attend the annual tree lighting ceremony at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. Finish the day with lantern tours at Meadow Farm Museum. All events are free! Information: 501-5121.
Noon-2 p.m. Courtney Road Service Station Open
1-6 p.m. Open House at Walkerton Tavern
4:30-5:45 p.m. Tree Lighting at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
6-8 p.m. Lantern Tours at Meadow Farm Museum
Walkerton Holiday Open House (free) - Wander the halls of this 19th-century tavern enjoying music, dance, and refreshments. Your holiday spirit will certainly benefit from the warmth of the tavern’s music, decoration, and history. Information: 261-6898.
*1-6 pm, Walkerton Tavern, 2892 Mountain Rd. Glen Allen, VA 23060
Tree Lighting (free) - Enjoy hot chocolate and fresh homemade cookies as Old St. Nick makes his arrival via fire truck to light the 60-foot cedar tree
*4:30-5:45 pm, The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen 23060
Holiday Lantern Tours at Meadow Farm (free) - Dr. Sheppard’s family and friends are welcoming guests to Meadow Farm. Through guided lantern tours, experience the family’s holiday traditions as they celebrate Christmas evening in 1860. Guided tours leave the Orientation Center every 15 minutes. Information: 501-5520.
*6-8 pm, Meadow Farm Museum, 3400 Mountain Rd. Glen Allen, VA 23060
Black History Museum Holiday Open House (free) - Children’s crafts, light refreshments and visit with Santa. 780-9093
*Noon-4 pm, 00 Clay St
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site Open House (free) - Performances of Christmas music by local choirs. Children can make an ornament to take home.
*9 a.m.-5 p.m., park’s visitor center, 600 N. Second St.
No Room at the Inn ($1-$5) - View a large display of diverse, multicultural Nativity sets on loan to aid you in focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. Children’s activities include dressing up for a live Nativity.
*10 am-4pm, Church of the Redeemer, 8275 Meadowbridge Rd. 730-7980, churchredeemer.org
Fredericksburg Christmas Parade (free) - A downtown holiday tradition with bands, marching units and floats, followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus
*5:30 p.m. Old Town, Caroline St. fburgjaycees.com
SUNDAY
An Old-Fashioned Christmas (Mansion Tours: $5 per person, free for kids 12 & under. Carriage Rides: $5 per person, $3 for kids 12 & under) - Celebrate the Christmas season at Maymont! Elegantly dressed Victorian ladies and gentlemen welcome you to the Dooleys’ home to see the grand Christmas tree, lavish dining room and the gifts and games that entertained guests in 1893. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, find unique toys and gifts in the Maymont Holiday Shop, listen to festive music, and let a roaring fire and good food warm you
*12-5pm, Peacock Alley, Maymont
Ornament Making Workshop (free) - Make your own traditional Victorian ornament to take home. Listen to St. Nick read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
*1 pm, Meadow Farm Museum, 3400 Mountain Rd
Holiday Happenings (free) - Celebrate the season with free admission, holiday displays, period music, children’s activities and refreshments
*1-5 pm, American Civil War Center, 490 Tredegar St.
Holiday Open House at Meadowview (free) - You are cordially invited to join us at The Armour House & Gardens at Meadowview Park as we celebrate the holidays. Fireplace mantles and stairway banisters are all adorned with decorations of the season. Music and tasty treats are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Information: 343-3506.
*2-6 pm, The Armour House, 4001 Clarendon Rd. Henrico, VA 23223
Village Holiday Social (free) - Entertainment will include horse drawn carriage rides, pony rides, magician Brad Matchett, The Press Gang Singers, moonwalk, exotic animals, clowns, face painting, balloon art, live D.J., tree illumination, community carol sing-a-long, bulb dedications and Santa’s Arrival (approx. 3:30).
*12:30-5:30 pm, Commonwealth Photography, 4227 Old Hundred Rd., Chester, VA 23831
Ahmal and the Night Visitor (free) - A family friendly opera telling the story of a poor crippled boy’s encounter with the three kings as they journey to meet baby Jesus. The Richmond Symphony accompanies a host of local singers. 233-3669
*4 pm, Landmark Theater, 6 N Laurel St
On Thursday from 2-8pm, Kroger is running a sale called Santa’s Night Out, and here are some of the highlights:
Kroger Large Eggs, 1 dozen - $.88 (Limit 4)
Kroger Ice Cream - 2 for $3 (Limit 2)
Kroger Peanuts, 12 oz. - $.99 (Limit 2)
Kroger Tortilla Chips, 20 oz - $1.47
Southern Style Fried Chicken Combo or 8-piece Rotisserie Chicken - $3.99
Bakery Cookies, 50 ct - $5.00
Private Selection Cheese Pizza, 14-inch - $4.99
Nestle Miniatures - $1.68
M&Ms Holiday Candy - $1.68
Trim-A-Tree - 50% Off
And don’t miss Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts on sale for $1.77/lb through Saturday!
Tomorrow, December 4th, the first 500 ladies to shop Green Top Sporting Goods will receive a $10 Green Top gift card. Also, Green Top is running a Pre-Holiday Sale December 4 through 7 - see the sales flyer here. Not being a hunter/fisher, I can’t comment on what’s a good deal, but the website highlights
*10-50% off all rods, reels & combos
*10% off all Federal ammo
*25% off all clothing
*10% off all marine electronics
Green Top is located just past Virginia Center Commons Mall on Route 1 (10193 Washington Hwy • Glen Allen, Va. 23059).
It’s been awhile since I posted a fast food freebie, so here you go:
Sign up for Arby’s Extras and get a coupon for a free medium mint chocolate swirl shake.
Just be aware you’re signing up for Arby’s email list-
As a member, you will periodically receive emails about the best Arby’s has to offer! That means you’ll be the first to hear about our new menu items and offerings. Plus, we will send you special member-only coupons!
If November was short on free events, December certainly makes up for it! In fact, the list takes up so much space that I’ve made it into its own page - go here.
And I’m still adding more But seeing as it’s December today, I figured I’d better share what I’ve got so you can start planning your month of holiday fun!
My Black Friday shopping started a day early, swinging by 2 CVS’s on Thursday to cash in on the lucrative “free after ECB” deals. I got all the following, using only Extra Bucks I already had plus $4 from a gift card… and ended up with $24 more in ECB’s than I had before! And I could’ve gotten more if I wasn’t trying to cut back - only buying things we can use or that I make money on
Friday morning I set out at 6am.
Swung by Shoe Carnival to get a $10 voucher, which I used along with a coupon on a much-needed new pair of sneakers. Then moved on to Regency Mall and picked up a couple of gifts at JCPenney, some bargain drill bits at Sears, and $11 winter coats from Gymboree.
Back home by 8:30.
Regency was buzzing but far from bursting with holiday shoppers. The only store where I encountered more than a one-person deep checkout line was Gymboree. And there, my convivial linemates entertained with tales of abandoning their Toys ‘R Us shopping carts because of monster lines, and of seeing someone fall down the escalator at JCPenney (not seriously injured!).
Here’s the Regency parking lot (Parham end) as I was leaving:
After naps, DH and I took the little guy for a grand stroller tour of downtown. Highlights included the Capitol, Shockoe Slip and Browns’ Island. All in all, a great day!
Restaurant.com has launched a program called “Feed It Forward”: You can send a $10 certificate to 3 friends/family every day until Christmas, for FREE. You can give certificates without having received one, but if you’d like to receive one as a gift from Richmond Bargains, just drop me an email
Why did Restaurant.com launch Feed it Forward™?
Our current economy has the potential to deprive people of the gift of giving, a harsh reality during the season when giving matters most. In response, Restaurant.com wants to support and promote the gift of giving this holiday season-enabling people to pass on $30 million worth of free $10 restaurant gift certificates, for the next 30 days-as part of Feed It Forward™.
How can you Feed It Forward™?
Since you have received this gift, you will now have the opportunity to participate in the Feed It Forward™ Program. Restaurant.com has created a special giving site and stocked it with $30 million worth of free $10 restaurant gift certificates. You can choose to give up to three(3) free $10 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates to friends, family or loved ones, each day until Christmas. Each email address can only be submitted once to receive a gift through Feed It Forward™. Give this give to as many different people as you can to spread the gift of giving. Visit www.Restaurant.com/FeedItForward to give the special holiday gift of meals and memories.
Best holiday wishes!
Your friends at Restaurant.com
