The holidays can get SO expensive with gift buying and so many pricey activities. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite FREE kid-friendly holiday activities.
Storytime with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Bass Pro Shop Ashland turns into a Winter Wonderland from Nov 4 until Dec 24 when Santa comes to visit! New this year: Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays at 5pm! On Nov 16, Nov 23, and Dec 7 at 9am there is also a Yuletide Breakfast. In addition to crafts, games, and a free 4×6 photo, you also receive a free sharable video! There are also weekday giveaways.
Experience the story of Christmas at The Bethlehem Walk
This free event is attended by thousands of people every year and is very authentic. You’ll walk through a reenactment of the town of Bethlehem and hear the Christmas Story along the way. There’s live animals, singing, story tellers, hot chocolate, and more
While tickets are likely snagged already, keep a lookout closer to the event date end November/early December as many people cancel and then tickets become available again.
Attend a free Christmas Show and Event with HopeKids Jingle Jam
Jingle Jam at Hope Church is truly spectacular and offers SO much to do – all for free. There are 3 times for the shows to choose from. Before each 45 minute show, you’ll have an hour to do crafts, play on inflatables, eat sweet treats, play games, and more.
Spots fill up very fast so be sure to follow Hope Church or RVATots on Instagram to keep updated on when tickets go on sale (tentatively Nov 24). This year’s event will take place on December 14.
Do a holiday themed craft at the library
Most area libraries offer adorable storytimes, crafts, and special events over the holidays. Check your local library’s calendar for all of your options!
Chesterfield Library Calendar
Hanover Library Calendar
Henrico Library Calendar
Richmond Library Calendar
Light Up the Tracks in Ashland
The charming town of Ashland hosts a free mile-long holiday light display all along the train tracks.
They also have a big holiday celebration that kicks off on Nov 23 at 5pm with a tree lighting ceremony, prizes, festive entertainment, and more.
Build a holiday craft at a Lowes or Home Depot Kids Workshop
Home Depot and Lowes both offer free kids workshops once a month, and around the holidays the crafts are always holiday themed!
Home Depot (9am-12pm)
Nov 30: Cocoa Ornament
Dec 7: Holiday Snow Globe
Lowes (10am-1pm)
Nov 16: Holiday Countdown
Dec 14: Spinning Snowflake
Here’s my review on Lowes Workshops and my review on Home Depot Workshops
Free holiday kids events through Henrico Parks
Holiday Story Tots and Tunes
Tue, Dec 3, 10-10:45am. The Springs Rec Center.
Meet and play with Mrs. Claus through holiday
stories and songs
Cookie Decorating and Letters to Santa
Wed, Dec 4, 10am & 2:30pm. Deep Run Rec Center.
Decorate your own cookie and write a letter to Santa
Santa’s Mail….Write Your Christmas Wishes!
Fri, Dec 6, 10am-4pm. Eastern Henrico Rec Center.
Write your own letter to Santa!
Holiday Ornament Creations
Sat, Dec 7, 10am. Belmont Rec Center
Make holiday ornaments!
Pearl’s Holiday Silly Sing-A-Long
Fri, Dec 20, 10am. Meadow Farm.
Pearl the puppet puts on a holiday show with songs
View the Winter Program Guide here
See one of the biggest Christmas trees
Short Pump Town Center is decked out for Christmas every year, with a giant 60-foot tall Christmas tree that you can walk through. You can ride the Short Pump Express ($5 per person) and see all the decorations! There’s also an adorable small but free play area outside with musical instruments and a little tunnel.
Santa will be available for pictures until Dec 24 at an additional cost (make reservations ahead of time).
For more Virginia adventure ideas, follow me on Instagram at @rvatots!
RVA Tots 
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