Libraries near Short Pump hold kids' countdowns Dec. 31, GardenFest of Lights is open 4 to 10 p.m., and Jan. 1 brings county closings and late trash.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the Henrico County Public Library calendar, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s GardenFest page and visitor tips, Henrico County’s calendar and solid waste holiday schedule, CVWMA’s holiday calendar and GRTC’s holiday schedules.

Updated Oct. 27: Short Pump Town Center has posted its New Year’s hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. Short Pump has no public fireworks or ball drop of its own. What is announced so far: two free kids’ countdowns at the county libraries and late hours at GardenFest of Lights in Henrico’s Lakeside area. Restaurant plans are listed here only when the restaurant announces them. Henrico Recreation and Parks is 804-501-7275; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is 804-262-9887.

New Year’s at a glance

  • Wednesday, Dec. 30: GardenFest for Grownups, adults only
  • Thursday, Dec. 31: Noon Year’s Eve, Tuckahoe Area Library, 11:30 a.m.; New Year’s Eve Countdown, Twin Hickory Area Library, 3 p.m.; GardenFest open 4 to 10 p.m.
  • Friday, Jan. 1: County offices closed; no county trash pickup; GardenFest open 4 to 10 p.m.

Countdowns for kids

The county library’s two daytime parties let young children ring in the new year before bedtime. Both are free, from the library’s events calendar:

  • Noon Year’s Eve, Thursday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m. to noon, Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive. A countdown to the stroke of noon with games, crafts, bubbles and dancing, for preschool through elementary ages. 804-501-1910.
  • New Year’s Eve Countdown, Thursday, Dec. 31, 3 to 4 p.m., Twin Hickory Area Library, 5001 Twin Hickory Road. Crafts, a dance party and activities for kindergarten and up, with an adult. 804-501-1920.

GardenFest of Lights

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., keeps GardenFest of Lights open 4 to 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, its visitor tips say. Timed tickets are sold online ahead and the garden suggests allowing at least an hour, so arrive by 9 p.m.

  • GardenFest for Grownups, an adults-only night, is on Wednesday, Dec. 30.
  • The garden lists a holiday dining experience, a seated meal before or after the lights, on Dec. 31 among its dates.
  • Members get free admission on Dec. 30 and Jan. 1-3 with advance reservations, the garden says.

GardenFest ends its season on Sunday, Jan. 3. More on the display is in our holiday lights and Christmas events guide.

Shopping hours

Short Pump Town Center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both New Year’s Eve, Thursday, Dec. 31, and New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan. 1, according to the special hours on its visit page. Its number is 804-364-9500.

New Year’s Day closings

Who Friday, Jan. 1, 2027
Henrico County offices Closed
County trash pickup No pickup; one day late the rest of the week
CVWMA recycling Friday routes on Saturday, Jan. 2
Springfield Road Public Use Area Closed
GRTC buses Sunday service
GRTC LINK microtransit No service
Henrico County Public Schools Winter break; classes resume Monday, Jan. 4

Getting home safely

GRTC buses run a Sunday schedule on New Year’s Day, so check times before you rely on Route 19. Plan a sober ride home before you go out. For emergencies call 911; Henrico Police non-emergency is 804-501-5000.

What this means for you

Book GardenFest tickets early if you want New Year’s Eve, and pick the library party that fits your child’s nap. Put the trash out a day late after the holiday. Next on the calendar is Valentine’s Day in Short Pump.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a New Year’s Eve event for kids in Short Pump?

Yes. Twin Hickory Area Library holds a New Year’s Eve Countdown for kindergarten and up from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, and Tuckahoe Area Library holds a Noon Year’s Eve for young children at 11:30 a.m.

Is GardenFest of Lights open on New Year’s Eve?

Yes. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden says GardenFest is open 4 to 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Is trash picked up on New Year’s Day in Henrico County?

No. There is no county trash pickup on Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, and CVWMA moves Friday recycling to Saturday, Jan. 2.

Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Short Pump?

We have found no public New Year’s Eve fireworks in Short Pump announced for 2026. We will add any that are announced.