DEC. 14
The Henrico Theatre Company will present “A Christmas Story” at 8 p.m. Dec. 14-15 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16 at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Rd. All of the elements from the beloved motion picture are here in this joyous celebration of childhood. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Reservations are required. For details, call 501-5859 or visit http://www.henricorecandparks.com .
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The movie “White Christmas” will play at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Rd. Seasonal singing and dancing will be held prior to the film. Tickets are $1 and can be purchased at the door. For details, call 328-4491 or visit http://www.henricorecandparks.com.
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Mystery Dinner Playhouse will perform its new show “Here’s Killing You, Kid” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-15 inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 6531 W. Broad St. Audience members will solve this 1940s detective spoof during a four course dinner. Tickets are $48. The show continues every Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. through Feb. 16, 2013. For details, call 649-CLUE or visit http://www.mysterydinner.com .
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ComedySportz Improv Theatre will host 20 improv troupes from the East Coast for the second annual Improv Festivus, continuing Dec. 14-15, at the theatre’s home in the Gold’s Gym Plaza, 8906-H W. Broad St. The festival will showcase performances that highlight many different types of improvisational comedy. Thursday night shows kick the festival off with a local long form improv troupe, a group of Richmond high school performers and improvisational music performances. The Friday and Saturday shows continue with a wide variety of long form and short form styles, including ComedySportz matches between Richmond, Buffalo, Washington DC and New York. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; reservations are suggested. A weekend festival pass is $35. For details, call 266-9377 or visit http://www.comedysportzrichmond.com .
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Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, West End Comedy has a show for you – The Nice Show (rated G) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 or The Naughty Show (rated R) at 7:30 p.m. – both at HATTheatre, 1124 Westbriar Dr. Both shows feature suggestions from the audience. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students, children and active military. Bring a canned good for FeedMore for a ticket discount. For details, visit http://www.wecomedy.com .
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The Children’s Theatre of Virginia season will continue with “Madeline’s Christmas” at Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Willow Lawn location at 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 16. This festive holiday musical features such charming songs as “Achoo!,” “Abracadabra,” and “Bonnie Annee.” The show continues through Dec. 30. Admission is $14 to $22. For details, visit http://va-rep.org/show_madelines_christmas.html .

DEC. 15
Experience the etiquette, customs and laws regarding Christmas in the early 17th century at Henricus Colonial Christmas from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Rd. The evening tour will invite visitors to learn the holiday traditions of different socio-economic homes. The event will culminate with period dance and song in the hospital. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12. For details, call 748-1611 or visit http://www.henricus.org .
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The “Celebrate with a Book” author book fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Regency Square Mall, 1420 N. Parham Rd., in front of JC Penney’s on the first floor. Twenty Virginian authors of all genres will be selling and signing their books. Event is free to the public. For details, visit http://www.celebratewithabook.blogspot.com .
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“Illumina – Festival of Trees” continues at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Rd. Curator Yvonne Hopkins presents a festive display of Christmas trees, each with its own special theme from Purple Passion to Dolphin Tale. “Illumina” continues through Jan. 3. For details, call 261-ARTS or visit http://www.artsglenallen.com .
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An annual tradition for nearly a decade, The Taters will join with DC favorite The Grandsons for a holiday party of roots-pop and classic hits at 8 p.m. at Ashland Coffee & Tea, 100 N. Railroad Ave. The Taters’ eclectic blend has been likened to the Mavericks, the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison and the Beatles. The Grandsons play a mix of New Orleans rhythm and blues, rockabilly, swing and country two-step. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For details, call 798-1702 or visit http://www.ashlandcoffeeandtea.com