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Eat, Play, Live

You can't swing a dead reindeer in Richmond this weekend without hitting a Christmas event of some kind. Planning will be crucial if you are to hit all the highlights. Try to keep up.

Friday

They spent a lot of our dough on upgrading the governor's mansion, so now it's your turn to come slam doors, jump on beds and slide down stairway banisters. Tours of Virginia's first homestead start Friday starting at 1 p.m. on Capitol Square. Call (804) 371-2642 for more information.

After the tour, stick around for the Capitol Square Tree Lighting. Festivities start at 5 p.m.

Then swing by the James Center for the big gouchon of Christmas effulgence, the James Center Grand Illumination starting at 6 p.m. There will also be music, dancing sugar plum fairies and thousands upon thousands of lighted reindeer.

A few blocks east at the Farmer's Market, there will be a Holiday Market for those with shopping on their mind. You can also pop into Main Street Station for their open house, or just to wait for that train to take you right out of this madness.

At this point in your evening, you may be getting a little tired of walking. Head up to 13th and Cary Streets for free Horse and Buggy rides, but watch where you step. Maybe they can drop you at Adams and Broad Streets for this months First Friday's Art Walk, which officially starts at 6 p.m. If you want specifics on the Art Walk, check here .

Saturday

You may think after all of Friday's activities that your work is done. No sir. You have to get the sleeping bag and foul weather gear together and spend the wee hours of Friday night and Saturday morning staking out your place on Broad Street for the 25th Annual Ukrop's Christmas Parade . The parade starts at the Science Museum at 10 a.m. Saturday morning and heads east on Broad. Your children will no doubt remember your sacrifice fondly for years to come. Check all the details here.

The 3rd Annual Holiday Happenings is being held on the lovely grounds at Tredegar, starting Saturday at 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.