Christmas Tree Lighting at Stony Point Fashion Park (November 12, 2016)

 Last night they lit up the trees at Short Pump Mall...did not go to that, but did go tonight to Stony Point Fashion Park. I try to go to that last year, and most years I do. Had a great time. The mall has had a big facelift and they have added a number of things. They have better seating, a dog play area (is hands down the most dog friendly mall in Richmond) and this new ice rink. With the one not being downtown this year got a feeling this one will be a hit. Later in the night it got quite busy. Always a popular event, this year seemed like a lot more people came out. Before the tree was lit at 6PM everyone enjoyed the band the Kings of Swing. They play there every year and are something to listen to. Got a great horn section and in addition to Christmas music they played a lot of hits from the 60s to today,
The tree is amazing, like going to this event because it is close to the house but also in that this is my favorite mall and also my favorite mall Christmas tree.
See, this one has programs that go with the music being played....a light show to go along with the lights. I think that is cool and really enjoy just sitting and watching. They have a lot of great stores and even two that are dog related. One with a lot of dog items and gifts, the other is a dog cookie store. Mollie my Border Collie loved going out there, walking around to check out the other dogs and to get a treat!
Really nice and a great time on a very cold night. Not as cold as it will get but cold enough. Had a cold February for sure as I remember but this was the coldest night in some months. There again though did not keep the crowd away. It was fun to see people react and due to snow machines on the roofs there was snow even!    

This was a welcome sight. There are now fire pits there and those were a nice touch tonight. Stayed for quite awhile and even got dinner there while I was at the Mall. Some new places have opened and some more are due to open in a few weeks.
I am sure to be back over the holidays as it is a favorite stop of mine during the Christmas season as well as other times of the year.
On the way to the house stopped for a Christmas coffee at Starbucks. Earlier put up my Christmas tree at my house. Ready to get this holiday, a favorite of mine....underway.