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In addition to holiday gatherings and celebrations this week, there\u2019s still plenty to see and do around town. Richmond Ballet\u2019s seasonal favorite \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d wraps up its annual run, \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life\u201d screens at two historic theaters, comedian Tacarra Williams brings the laughs to the Funny Bone, and the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival returns for a 35th year. Enjoy!<\/em><\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t made it to the Carpenter Theatre to see\u00a0\u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d<\/a>\u00a0this month, there are still two days left to experience all the magic, Dec. 22 and 23. Richmond Ballet dancers perform the wondrous choreography of Founding Artistic Director Stoner Winslett amid the colorful scenery and enchanting set design, including a Christmas tree that grows onstage. Travel with Clara and her nutcracker prince to the Land of Sweets with Tchaikovsky\u2019s classic score performed by the Richmond Symphony. Tickets start at $32.<\/p>\n \u2014Nicole Cohen,\u00a0Arts & Entertainment Editor<\/em><\/p>\n Years ago, living alone in an apartment near The Byrd Theatre, I scrambled across icy sidewalks to see director Frank Capra\u2019s \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life.\u201d I went three times; the then-99-cent entry accommodated my affection for actor Donna Reed. This season, if you\u2019ve never experienced the film, or not on a big screen, now\u2019s the time. There are showings at 7 p.m. Dec. 23-25 at\u00a0The Byrd<\/a>, plus a 10 a.m. screening on Dec. 24; tickets are $9.\u00a0Ashland Theatre<\/a>\u00a0projects the film at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24; tickets are $13. One personal gripe with the movie is Reed\u2019s alternate Mary Hatch depicted as a mousy librarian. Hmph, not like some librarians I\u2019ve known.<\/p>\n \u2014Harry Kollatz Jr.,\u00a0Senior Writer<\/em><\/p>\n Your regularly scheduled dose of side-splitting laughter comes in the form of\u00a0Tacarra Williams<\/a>, performing at Richmond\u2019s Funny Bone Comedy Club on Friday, Dec. 26, and Saturday, Dec. 27. A teacher, model, mother, writer and motivational speaker, the New York City native has been rising through the comedy scene at clubs from coast to coast, opening for comics including Tony Rock and Bill Bellamy. Her material has been described as edgy yet family-friendly and relatable, securing her a spot in 2018 on the Comedy Central series \u201cKevin Hart Presents: The Next Level.\u201d Bring a friend so you can grasp their arm for support through the laughter-induced tears. Tickets start at $27.<\/p>\n \u2014Kelsey Robinson,\u00a0Associate Editor<\/em><\/p>\n Dance, eat, create and immerse yourself in African culture this Saturday, Dec. 27, at the 35th annual\u00a0Capital City Kwanzaa Festival<\/a>, hosted by the Elegba Folklore Society. From 1 to 7 p.m., the Greater Richmond Convention Center transforms into a vibrant celebration of history and community as people travel from across the commonwealth and beyond to attend the festival, one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. Enjoy traditional dishes from the African diaspora, participate in Nia Sessions conversations (nia is Swahili for purpose), and explore hands-on activities for all ages. Tickets are $7 ($9 at the door).<\/p>\n \u2014Annabel Granger,\u00a0Editorial Intern<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n<\/ul>\n More Festive Fun<\/strong><\/p>\n River City Roundup is Richmond magazine\u2019s weekly compilation of the best things to see, do and experience in the region, compiled by our editors. Get each week\u2019s installment directly in your inbox every Monday by\u00a0subscribing to our e-newsletter<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\nOther Suggestions<\/h3>\n
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