vol. 292 / Tinsel UntangledExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 292 / TINSEL UNTANGLED
With the holiday season in full swing, we’re here to help keep your tinsel from getting in a tangle. Richmond knows how to do this time of year right — bright lights, big hearts, and plenty of hometown magic. Ahead, we’ve gathered festive ways to savor the season: a husky-powered hotline to Santa, a river parade worth bundling up for, mobile sauna sessions, and local gifts you’ll actually feel good giving. Take a breather, grab something warm, and let’s make this week merry and meltdown-free.
Saber the Elf Husky
In Richmond, Santa always writes back, thanks to a holiday helper with paws. Tucked into the magical Woodland Heights neighborhood, Saber the Elf Husky stands guard beside a bright red mailbox with a direct line to the jolly old elf himself. Kids and anyone with holiday spirit are invited to stop by, jot down their wishes, and share the kindnesses they've spread this year. Each letter heads straight to the North Pole, and Santa is known for replying quickly, often within a day or two, sometimes with a small treat from his workshop. Saber’s mission is simple: celebrate the kindness you have given all year long and share your hopes for the season ahead.
Look for the Saber husky statue and the mailbox on 29th Street, where creator Emily McMillen, who is also the powerhouse behind the Tiny Porch Concert series, keeps the festive stationery stocked and the communication line with Santa running strong.
Vitals:
Look for Saber’s post on 29th St. in Woodland Heights / Follow Saber here / Bring your best elf energy
Boat Parade of Lights
In the River City, the best kind of parades are the ones found on the water. This weekend, skip the tacky lights tour on land and head straight to the James to cheer on a lineup of lighted boats as they jingle their way down the river. A Richmond tradition, this annual parade sees boaters compete for the most festive vessel as they cruise from Rocketts Landing at sunset and make their way to The Lilly Pad.
You can catch the parade from several viewing spots, but one of our favorite ways to enjoy the show is with a hot cocoa or cocktail in hand at The Lilly Pad. There is a $10 admission fee during the parade and kids under 10 get in free. Private waterfront viewing upgrades are available too. Or, if you prefer to take it all in for free, Osborne Boat Landing offers great views from the shoreline.
After the snowy week we have all enjoyed, it is time to get toasty. Richmonders Josh Crowley and Liz Bowden have launched Sauna Plunge RVA, a team passionate about bringing relaxation and rejuvenation wherever you are. Their mobile experience comes complete with a wood-fired sauna and cold plunges.
Whether it is a family celebration, a corporate team-building event, or any gathering looking to create lasting memories, they will deliver a unique mobile spa experience that elevates any occasion. You can choose a simple drop-off and pickup, or they can stay on-site to handle everything from setup to cleanup. A Party Leader can also guide guests through the contrast therapy circuit for those who want coaching through their first plunge.
You will also spot Sauna Plunge RVA partnering with local yoga studios, gyms, and community businesses to give Richmonders a chance to enjoy the sauna around town on a regular basis. They provide the ice for the plunges and the wood for the sauna. Sauna Plunge RVA offers one or two 8-person wood-fired saunas and two or four cold plunges. Each sauna fits up to six people comfortably at a time. All you need is a sidewalk, driveway, or backyard entrance that can accommodate the sauna setup.
Support local makers this holiday season and score some of the most unique gifts of the year, like this Francine action figure, at the Winter Market by Studio Two Three. Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm through Tuesday, December 23. The market, filled with handmade treasures from 200 local artists, is located in two spots this year, so be sure to visit both: Studio Two Three at 109 W 15th Street and Shop Two Three at 1437 Hull Street.
