RVA Illuminates lights up the city and brings families, community together
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Hundreds of Richmonders gathered to celebrate the long-held annual tradition of RVA Illuminates on Friday, Dec. 6, lighting up the city with festive cheer and holiday spirit. “Christmas, winter, holidays -- all of [those] are just ways to gather our families and our friends together so that we [can] continue to just remember that it’s a good life," said Thomas Jefferson high schooler Amidah Jones. The event offered more than just lights -- it featured good food, live entertainment, arts and crafts and, most importantly, community. As it grew darker, all eyes were on the main event: the illumination of the city's skyline. The countdown and switch-flipping were met with cheers and applause. PHOTOS: RVA Illuminates returns, 8News lights up the city skyline for 2024 “I used to see the illumination of the tree in Rockefeller Center -- and this is just as good,” said Richmond resident Robin Allman. The celebration was hosted by 8News anchors Deanna Allbrittin, Eric Phillips, Autumn Childress and Delaney Hall. Reporter Madison Moore and meteorologist Matt DiNardo were also in attendance, as well as digital producer Marysa Tuttle. Live music filled the air, kicking off with Jones performing. She said that, for her, the night was a full-circle moment. “I used to come to these all the time with my abuela and my mom and I would see the performances and I was like, 'I’m gonna do this one day!'" Jones said -- and she did. With the city officially glowing, the holiday season is now in full swing in the River City.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Hundreds of Richmonders gathered to celebrate the long-held annual tradition of RVA Illuminates on Friday, Dec. 6, lighting up the city with festive cheer and holiday spirit.
“Christmas, winter, holidays -- all of [those] are just ways to gather our families and our friends together so that we [can] continue to just remember that it’s a good life," said Thomas Jefferson high schooler Amidah Jones.
The event offered more than just lights -- it featured good food, live entertainment, arts and crafts and, most importantly, community.
As it grew darker, all eyes were on the main event: the illumination of the city's skyline. The countdown and switch-flipping were met with cheers and applause.
PHOTOS: RVA Illuminates returns, 8News lights up the city skyline for 2024
“I used to see the illumination of the tree in Rockefeller Center -- and this is just as good,” said Richmond resident Robin Allman.
The celebration was hosted by 8News anchors Deanna Allbrittin, Eric Phillips, Autumn Childress and Delaney Hall. Reporter Madison Moore and meteorologist Matt DiNardo were also in attendance, as well as digital producer Marysa Tuttle.
Live music filled the air, kicking off with Jones performing. She said that, for her, the night was a full-circle moment.
“I used to come to these all the time with my abuela and my mom and I would see the performances and I was like, 'I’m gonna do this one day!'" Jones said -- and she did.
With the city officially glowing, the holiday season is now in full swing in the River City.
