It's a Wonderful Life in These Six Local Communities 

There's no shortage of Christmas cheer here in Virginia, but six towns truly capture the spirit of the holiday season. At Napier ERA, our real estate agents love helping families create new traditions in their homes and these towns are great places to do just that.

1. Richmond, VA
   Our state capital, Richmond, is a big city with a small-town feel, especially when it's time to celebrate Christmas. While you're looking at Richmond homes this holiday season, make sure you check out all the family-friendly events (and adult-friendly night life) that comes to Richmond this month too. On December 15, visit the historic and beautiful Tuckahoe Plantation for their annual Christmas Open House.Then ring in 2018 at the Moonlight Masquerade, a New Year's Eve tradition at the Doubletree Hotel downtown.
   
   
2. Glen Allen, VA
   Did you know the North Pole has a branch right here in Virginia? Every December The Virginia Cliffe Inn, one of the most historic old homes in Glen Allen, transforms into the Glen Allen Christmas Cottage, complete with children's workshops for creating holiday crafts and toys. Visit Santa in his cottage and tinker in four different holiday children's workshops this December 9 at the beautiful inn, just 15 minutes away from downtown Richmond. Next year, get tickets ahead of time to enjoy breakfast with Santa the morning of the workshops.
   
   
3. Petersburg, VA
   From a festive holiday parade to a town-wide holiday party, picturesque Petersburg knows how to celebrate the season. If you or someone you love went to Petersburg High School, don't miss the 11th Annual PHS Alumni & Friends Holiday Party at the Civic Center on December 23. People who grew up in Petersburg (or currently have homes in Petersburg) look forward to this party all year long, and it's right before Christmas to make sure the reunion is as big as possible.
   
   
4. Midlothian, VA
   Midlothian is a Richmond suburb with a personality of its own, and holiday activities are as abundant here as its creeks. For families with homes in Midlothian, holiday cards are a cinch too. Kids can take photos with Santa at the Art Factory (this year's photo-op happens on December 7). A few days later, take the whole family to have brunch with Santa at Independence Golf Club, which is hosting the special holiday event on December 10. On December 11 and 16, Clover Hill Church hosts Christmas Mansions & Festival, a ticketed tradition that now includes an outdoor festival with food trucks, a hayride, and more.
   
   
5. Powhatan, VA
   Known for its horse pastures and rolling hills, Powhatan is a lovely place to celebrate the holidays, but make sure you visit one place in particular. At first glance, Mabel's Espresso Bakery Café looks like one of many adorable Powhatan homes. But inside, it's a charming and timeless little restaurant where you can grab a bite with friends or neighbors – or even Santa Claus himself. Don't forget to get tickets for their Santa Brunch on December 16 and their Christmas Cookie Decorating Class on December 19.
   
   
6. Henrico, VA
   Families who want a quick commute to Richmond have plenty of homes in Henrico County to choose from. Once they move in, they have plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy too! Our favorite is the Jingle Jam 2017, a huge holiday party at HOPE Church's West Creek campus on December 9. This interactive Christmas event includes farm animals, Christmas characters, a photo booth, and a show that tells the Christmas story in unique and hilarious ways.

Need a new home for the holidays near Richmond, VA? Contact Napier ERA for advice and help with your search.