River City Holiday Shopping Guide
The holiday season is here, making it the perfect time to treat ourselves and our loved ones. Why shop Big Box stores when everything you need to make your holiday season especially merry and bright is available right here in the River City? We have put together a list of gift shops, sweets, fine dining, and more to help you support local vendors, something that is crucial in any community.
Handmade Crafts
Photo Credits: 43rd Street Gallery Website
Mark Robertson and Marcelo Outeiro have been collecting together for over 60 years. Their shop features a large selection of period and vintage antiques, modern accessories, jewelry, gifts, and more. Staying true to local, they support Richmond Virginia’s art scene by representing over 60 of Richmond's finest artists.
A well-known gem in Richmond’s Southside, the 43rd Street Gallery is home to a gallery of handmade unique crafts, a pottery studio, and events throughout the year. Stop in and browse gifts from American artists who have crafted items out of wood, glass, pottery, and more.
When taking a stroll through Scott’s Addition, STUFF-RVA is hard to miss. This vibrant and inviting space is home to an array of local artists and is full of beautifully handcrafted items made of unique materials. It’s hard not to feel the positive energy when you visit.
Sweet Treats
Photo Credits: Sugar & Salt Website
Award-winning Sugar & Salt has been around for over a decade and continues to provide quality treats in the Richmond area. Their holiday decorations are always hard to miss, and their goodies are even more eye-catching. From sophisticated cakes and decadent petit fours to the original chocolate chip— you’ll be hard-pressed to walk out empty-handed.
Nestled in Richmond’s Southside, WPA Bakery is a neighborhood bakery with a full menu of pies, cakes, muffins, and more that taste like they are straight out of nana’s kitchen. With years of experience in the sweet and savory department, this one is worth a stop.
As a frozen treat vendor, jiji does close down through the winter, but this Wisconsin-style custard mobile offers some exciting pop-ups, collabs, and “pundaes” for a couple of weeks into December. Their custard kits make a spectacular addition to any Netflix Christmas movie marathon or a truly personal and unique host(ess) gift. And with holiday pundae names like “Sleigh My Name, Sleigh My Name,” do you really have a choice but to track them down before they hibernate for the winter?
Delicious Dining
No seasonal celebration in Richmond would be complete without a visit to the historic Jefferson Hotel located in The Fan. Beautifully decorated from Thanksgiving through the new year, dining at The Jefferson for the holiday season is quite an experience, as is simply taking in the exquisitely decorated lobby. Their on-site restaurant, Lemaire, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails daily during the season, with Santa-centered celebrations happening throughout December as well.
Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse
Downtown Richmond’s award-winning seafood & steakhouse, reserve your night at Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse right on historic tobacco row. The Taxin family, who took over for the Bookbinder family in the early 1900s, still runs the restaurant and is there to greet every guest. With a menu full of fresh seafood, tender steaks, and an extensive wine list, you and your special someone are in for an unforgettable night.
A unique hole-in-the-wall space with a funky, eclectic, French flair, L’Opossum is classy and elegant, yet still fills the room with a playful and creative aura. Owned solely by experienced chef and James Beard Award for Excellence winner David Shannon, L’Opossum is open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. This restaurant is perfect for date night but plan ahead for reservations as they stay fairly well-booked months in advance. With a frequently changing menu and rotating cocktail list, you’ll want to become a regular so you don’t miss out on anything!
Gift Giving
Photo Credits: Venture Richmond Website
Richmond Night Market: Holiday Villages
A perfect place to check everyone’s gift off your list. Richmond Night Market: Holiday Villages will be held December 10-11th from 12pm-5pm at the 17th Street Market. Come out and shop handmade items from local artists and enjoy live music and activities for all ages.
The 47th Bizarre Bazaar returns to The Richmond Raceway Complex, December 1st-4th. For four days straight, the complex will be decked out from wall to wall with all things Christmas. Shop boutiques, local artists, small businesses, and more at this top-of-the-line retail show.
Carytown Holiday Artisan Market
Come out to the City Stadium for a two-day outdoor holiday artisan market. Bring your loved ones and your lists and shop local artisans’ items like baked goods, skin and body care, toys, and more, enjoy food trucks and stay for some live music.
An eclectic and trendy pop-up market designed to support and bring together Richmond’s community of LGBTQ+/BIPOC makers, artists, small business owners, and more. Check out their next event, the Safe Space Winter Market, 12/16-12/17, at Diversity Richmond to get some one-of-a-kind goodies for your loved ones.