DEC. 21
Virginia Center Commons, 10101 Brook Rd., will hold a Virginia Blood Services blood drive from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 21 and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 22-23. Donors may visit the Fountain Court, near Burlington, to participate and be entered for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. For details, call 266-9002 or visit http://www.vablood.org .
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The movie “Polar Express” will play at 7 p.m. at Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Rd. 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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The tenth annual “Miracle of Christmas” live at the Metro Richmond Zoo will take place at 7 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 21-23 at the zoo, 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd. This 15-minute pageant is a live rendition of the Christmas story, presented against a period backdrop with cast members re-enacting events. Animals from the zoo are featured in the program. New this year, a Spanish program will be held Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For details, call 739-5666.
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Comic and Hampton Roads-native Bo Dacious will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Richmond Funny Bone Comedy Club, 11800 W. Broad St. in Short Pump Town Center. An 18-year comedy veteran of stage and radio, Dacious has shared the stage with Dave Chappelle, Cedric the Entertainer, Monique and Mike Epps and is currently one of D.L. Hughley’s opening acts. Tickets are $15. For details, call 521-8900 or visit http://www.richmondfunnybone.com .

DEC. 22
Theatre IV on Tour will present “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Rd. This area-exclusive musical, written by Bruce Miller, expresses a father’s love and the mysteries of Christmas. Admission is $10. For details, call 261-ARTS or visit http://www.artsglenallen.com .
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Trinity United Methodist Church, 903 Forest Ave., will host the first annual Manger Build from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The $20 fee provides you a pre-cut manger ready for assembly; just bring a hammer. For details, call 288-6057 or visit http://www.trinityumc.net .
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The Sounds of the Season concert series at Virginia Center Commons, 10101 Brook Rd., will conclude with Dance Masters who will perform from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the food court. Admission is free. For details, call 266-9002 or visit http://www.virginiacentercommons.com .
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The youth at Pioneer Baptist Church, 3140 Darbytown Rd. in Varina, will present the Christmas musical “Code Red” at 7 p.m. Dec. 22-23. The performance is trimmed with comedy and wrapped in a message for all ages. For details, call 795-1051.

DEC. 23
Pianist Michael Mercatante, Jr. will perform “A Very Keyboard Christmas” at 7 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9155 Hungary Rd. He will bring beloved carols to life in various styles, ranging from classical, to jazz and ragtime. Admission is free. A nursery will be available for children infant through third grade. For details, call 270-7613 or visit http://www.gsumcrva.org .
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Children ages 6-12 are invited to enjoy a day at West Broad Village with Sweet Spot, All Fired Up and Spirited Art beginning at 1 p.m. Participants will start their afternoon at Sweet Spot where they will create their own gingerbread house. The day will continue at All Fired Up where they will paint a ceramic snowman and conclude at Spirited Art where they can make their own ornaments. Cost is $60. To register, call 360-5909 or visit http://www.myspiritedart.com