RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Need help getting in the holiday spirit? Then make sure you head to the James Center Friday evening for the 31st annual Grand Illumination.
Each year, thousands fill the streets of downtown Richmond for the family-friendly event that is free and open to the public.
Beginning at 5 p.m., SPARC will get things started from the steps of the James Center with 45 minutes of Christmas caroling. At 5:45, VCU’s pep band, ‘The Peppas,’ will provide musical entertainment leading up the main event at 5:59 when Santa, Christmas 98.1 and 8News count down the final seconds until downtown office buildings and the James Center’s Great Tree and Reindeer light up.
That’s right: 8News will be on the move for the third year in a row, bringing you LIVE coverage throughout the entire event. Among the many 8News talents who you can expect to see is 8News Meteorologist Katie Dupree, who is this year’s Snow Queen!
The fun doesn’t stop there. From 6-7 p.m. stick around to experience the magic of the holidays with two blocks of family entertainment.
Can’t attend this year? Follow 8News on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for live updates, pictures and video.
PARKING
$3.00 parking is available in the parking deck on the corner of 10th & Canal Streets after 4:00 p.m.
BE ADVISED: From 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., a half block of South 10th Street will be closed from the James Center Parking Deck to Cary Street. The Parking Garage will remain accessible from Canal Street onto 10th Street. The far right parking lane on Cary Street will close at 9 a.m. and will remain closed until 12 a.m.
DONATE
For the fourth year in a row, the James Center is bringing awareness to Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). SCAN will be at Grand Illumination collecting toys for 200 Richmond area children. During the holiday season, these children will be coming to James Center so their parents or guardians can “shop” for gifts.
From Grand Illumination night until December 11, please bring unwrapped gifts for children ages 0-17 to the collection sleigh located in the Three James Center Lobby.
James Center Grand Illumination 2015
- When: Friday, December 4, 2015, 5:45 pm – 7 pm (buildings illuminate at 6 p.m.)
- Where: JAMES CENTER, between 9th-12th & Cary Streets
