HOLIDAY GUIDE - Festivals

Friday, Dec. 5

A RURAL CHRISTMAS WEEKEND IN MATHEWS. 4-8 p.m. Hot cider, cookies, surprise gifts and card making for the troops overseas. Santa will be at the visitor center starting at 6 p.m. for free photos with the kids. Tree-lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on Main Street with music and songs. 725-4BAY or www.visitmathews.com.

FOURTH ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE AT THE BELL TOWER VISITOR CENTER. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Capitol Square. Free. 545-5584. CAPITOL SQUARE TREE LIGHTING. 5-7 p.m. The lighting of the state Christmas tree. Free. 371-2642. JAMES CENTER GRAND ILLUMINATION AND HOLIDAY FESTIVAL. 6-7 p.m., 10th and East Cary streets. Performances by Bak N Da Day and NYCE from 6:30-7 p.m. This event is provided by James Center Property LLC. Free. 344-3232. CANAL BOAT RIDES AT THE TURNING BASIN. 6-9 p.m., Turning Basin at 14th and Dock streets, $2 per person (children 4 and under free). 788-6466. HOLIDAY MARKET. 5-9 p.m., 17th Street Farmers’ Market. Holiday wreaths, fresh-cut mistletoe, gourmet desserts, handcrafted jewelry, hand-carved wooden toys, handmade ornaments, vintage collectibles, one-of-a-kind gifts. Henrico Pops Chorus at 6:15 p.m. followed by a Tuba Christmas at 7:45 p.m. 646-0477 or www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com. GIANT HOLIDAY CARDS ON DISPLAY through Dec. 31 The James Center (10th and East Cary) and Richmond Public Library (Second and East Main). The giant cards, each created from wooden doors, were designed and painted by art classes and clubs in schools from Richmond, Henrico County, Chesterfield County and private schools. Sponsored by Siewers Lumber and Venture Richmond. 788-6466 or www.venturerichmond.com. FREE HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES. 6-10 p.m., today and Dec. 6. Free rides start and end in at the fountain at 13th and East Cary streets. Sponsored by Venture Richmond. 769-4010. MAIN STREET STATION HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE. 5-9 p.m., Main Street Station and the Plaza at Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main St., Free kiddie-train rides, hot chocolate and cookies, decorations, tree lighting and live entertainment. Sgt. Santa will be on hand 6-8 p.m. The Richmond Public Library will donate books to the first 300 children in attendance. 646-5665. Saturday, Dec. 6

HOLIDAY EVENTS AT JAMES RIVER STATE PARK. 751 Park Road, Gladstone. Natural Holiday Craft Workshop, 9-11 a.m. Adults only, $10 fee and pre-registration required. Trim-A-Tree for Wildlife, 1-3 p.m. Children and parents are invited to create edible holiday tree trimmings for park wildlife. Details: www.virginiastateparks.gov or (434) 933-4395 or e-mail .

Sunday, Dec. 7

SIXTH ANNUAL VILLAGE HOLIDAY SOCIAL. 12:30-5:30 p.m., Commonwealth Photography, 4227 Old Hundred Road, Chester. Horse-drawn carriage rides, magician Brad Matchett, The Press Gang Singers, clowns, exotic animals, pony rides, face painting, caricature artist, moon walk, tree illumination and caroling. Free. 748-5861.

Friday, Dec. 12

CHURCH HILL VESPERS AND CANDLELIGHT WALK. 7 p.m., St. John’s Church, 25th and East Broad streets. Free. Carols start at the church and then a candlelight walk through Church Hill after the traditional vespers service. 814-1066.

HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES. 6-10 p.m., today, Dec. 13, 19 and 20 from 10th and East Cary streets (James Center). $12 per person, children 4 and under free (they must sit in your lap). Reserve a seat: 769-4010. Friday, Dec. 19

EM HUGHES AND COMMUNITY CAROL SING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE. On the courthouse green, 7 p.m., Tappahannock. Punch and cookies at the Bank of Essex.