The most wonderful time of the year is here! If you’re looking for fun, family-friendly and festive events all happening right here in the heart of Tysons and Reston, be sure to peruse this list.
November 8-10
26th Northern Virginia Christmas Market
Enjoy an award-winning holiday show featuring more than 250 fine artisans from more than 20 states. This holiday market will feature fine arts, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, wood, photography, fiber arts, and vintage re-creations, as well as thousands of one-of-kind Christmas collectibles.
Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10-5pm
$8.00 for adults (children under 12 free). Receive $1 off admission by bringing a canned food donation for the Capital Area Food Bank.
Dulles Expo Center – South Hall
4368 Chantilly Shopping Center
Chantilly, VA 20153
November 16-17
Fairfax Holiday Craft Show
The 33rd annual Holiday Craft Show will be held on November 17-18 at Fairfax High School. There will be artisans from all over the United States displaying their wares. Come explore many wonderful holiday gift choices. Take a break from shopping and enjoy a hot lunch.
Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-3pm
$5, $8 for 2-day pass, children under 18 are free
Fairfax High School
3501 Rebel Run
Fairfax, VA 22030
November 21-23
Oakton Church of the Brethren Christmas Craft Show
Come browse and find unique presents and stocking stuffers; cards and gift bags; seasonal decor; kitchen accessories; baby and children’s items; scarves, hats, and other attire; jewelry; pillows and linens, ceramics; fresh baked pies and cakes; and much more. This three-day event features a wide variety of handmade items and craft supplies for purchase, plus a soup and sandwich lunch and bake sale. The church is located where Courthouse Rd. intersects Rt. 123 near Oakton. For more information, see www.oaktonbrethren.org, or call 703-281-4411. The event is a fundraiser for church projects.
Thursday from 10am-7pm, Friday from 10am-7pm, Saturday from 10am-4pm
FREE
Oakton Church
10025 Courthouse Rd,
Vienna, VA
November 22-January 5
The Bull Run Festival of Lights
Every year from Thanksgiving until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus (holiday village open select nights). The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Want to avoid the crowds? Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are our busiest nights. Please take advantage of the Monday through Thursday discounted price and avoid a long wait. Bull Run Festival of Lights is located just off of Interstate 66 in Centreville, on Rt. 29 (Lee Highway), just 3 miles from historic Manassas Battlefield Park. Visit www.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights for more information.
Monday – Thursday 5:30- 9:30 pm, Friday – Sunday and Holidays 5:30-10:00 pm (Holidays include November 28, December 24, 25, 31, and January 1)
$20-25/vehicle
7700 Bull Run Drive
Centreville, VA 20121
November 23–January 13
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Bring your family and friends to be dazzled by the magical Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. Every year from mid-November until just after New Year’s Day, the garden is transformed into a half-mile, walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the animated Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at S’more Snacks Shop).
5:30pm-10pm, timed tickets required
(online purchase at winterwalkoflights.eventbrite.com)
$14 adults, $8 children ages 3-12, Children under 2 are free
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court
Vienna, VA
November 24
A Victorian Christmas
Start your Christmas season off with a visit to Cherry Hill Farmhouse to see how Christmas was celebrated during the Victorian age. Costumed re-enactors welcome friends and neighbors who gather for some holiday cheer during the 1860s and 1870s. Period decorations, music and Christmas carols, and children’s activities are all part of the festivities.
10am-2pm
Free admission. Donations Appreciated.
Cherry Hill Historic House and Farm
312 Park Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22046
November 24
Vienna Turkey Trot
The James Madison High School Band will be hosting the 16th Annual Vienna Turkey Trot 5K/10K and Fun Run. All proceeds benefit the JMHS “Pride of Vienna” Band and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Join us for a great run, super music, fun prizes, refreshments after the race and the Finish Line Festival!
Visit www.viennaturkeytrot.org for more information.
7am Registration
8am Kids Fun Run,
8:30am 5K/10K
$20-45
Vienna Volunteer Fire Department
400 Center Street South
Vienna, VA
November 26
Church Street Holiday Stroll
Ring in the holiday season at this fun annual event along Church Street. Following his arrival at 6:15 p.m.on a fire truck, Santa will greet children at the historic Freeman Store and Museum and help the mayor light the holiday tree at 6:20 p.m.
Various local musical groups perform throughout the evening. Marshmallow-roasting stations and hot chocolate add to the festive atmosphere. Historic structures that will remain open include the Freeman Store and Museum, Little Library, Caboose, Train Station, Knights of Columbus (formerly First Baptist Church), and Vienna Presbyterian’s Old Chapel. Merchants along Church Street will remain open for holiday shoppers.
6pm-9pm
Free
Historic Freeman Store and Museum
131 Church Street Northeast
Vienna, VA
November 28
Arlington Turkey Trot
Attracting runners, joggers, walkers and strollers, the 13th Annual Turkey Trot is a beloved holiday tradition for many in our area. The first Turkey Trot in 2006 raised $4,200 for charity, growing to over 4,000 registered runners in 2017. Lace up your holiday running shoes and help Arlington residents who need a “hand up.”
8am
Adult $45, child (6-17) $25, child (under 6) FREE
All Runners Registered by November 1st, will be guaranteed an Arlington Turkey Trot cotton tee.
Christ Church of Arlington
3020 N. Pershing Drive
Arlington, VA 22201
November 29
Reston Town Center 28th Annual Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting and Sing Along
Schedule:
11am– 12pm
Reston Holiday Parade –Winter Wonderland
12:30pm – 4:30pm
Santa & Mrs. Claus, visits and photos; Mini-Train Rides
6pm – 6:30pm
Tree Lighting & Sing Along
6:30pm – 10pm
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Reston Town Center launches the festive season at the annual Reston Holiday Parade at 11:00 a.m. with Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, dancers, antique cars, characters, community groups, dignitaries, special guest emcees, and much more. The one-of-a-kind, one-hour, half-mile parade along Market Street also welcomes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. Since 1991, rain or shine, the parade has been an annual tradition on the day after Thanksgiving. Before the parade begins, thousands of jingle bells will be handed out to spectators along the route. After the parade, enjoy visits and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus Mini-Train rides until 4:30 pm and street entertainment. The Clauses will return for the Fountain Square Tree Lighting and Sing Along at 6 pm. Afterwards, on Market Street, horse-drawn carriage rides continue from 6:30 until 10 pm. Proceeds for the photos and rides benefit local charities. The acclaimed Ice Skating Pavilion is open all day and every day from November until March.
11am-10pm
Reston Town Center
11900 Market Street
Reston, VA 20190
November 29-30 and
December 6-7, 13-14, 22
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Come join the estate for the candlelit, character-guided tour and learn more about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Guests will see the Washingtons as they prepare for a festive celebration with friends and family, a favorite holiday activity at Mount Vernon. In the Mansion, Washy Custis has just arrived home from school, and Martha Washington is admiring an impressive array of desserts in the New Room, including a reproduction of her Great Cake. Some of the hired and enslaved servants are busy inspecting bills in the study, discussing the family’s culinary preferences in the kitchen, and moving furniture in the New Room and hanging greens over doorways. Guests will also stop at the Slave Quarters, the Blacksmith Shop, and the Greenhouse where they will be able to participate in 18th-century dancing.
Fridays and Saturdays, 5pm-8pm
$26 adult (12 and up); $18 youth (ages 6-11); Kids 5 and under are free
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
November 29-December 1
Thanksgiving Art and Craft Show
This terrific show features some 80 juried artisans offering original, handmade arts and crafts, including decorative painting; fused, etched, painted and stained glass; ceramics and pottery; hand-painted silk; woodworking; handweaving; photography; paintings and drawings; clothing and functional textiles; jewelry; and much more. All of the artists and artisans will be on hand to answer questions and talk about their work.
Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
$5, Return Free, Parking Free
Vienna Community Center
120 Cherry St SE
Vienna VA
November 30
A Chanticleer Christmas
Begin your holiday season with a gorgeous concert of seasonal favorites and classical standards performed by “the world’s reigning male chorus” (The New Yorker), Chanticleer. This award-winning male vocal ensemble is often called “an orchestra of voices,” because of its seamless blend of 12 singers ranging from soprano to bass. Chanticleer’s impressive repertoire includes Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, and Romantic art songs as well as popular music, jazz, spirituals, and world music. The group has sold over one million albums and has received two Grammy Awards® . “Precise, pure and deeply felt singing,” The New York Times raves, and The Los Angeles Times gushes, “Chanticleer fascinates and enthralls for much the same reason a fine chocolate or a Rolls Royce does: through luxurious perfection.”
8pm
$33-55
George Mason University Center for the Arts
November 30
Holiday Open House on the Lawn
Enjoy music, entertainment, the glow of holiday lights, the arrival of Santa by VRE train, the City Tree Lighting at 6:15 p.m., and cookies in the courtyard. Get a start on holiday shopping at Echoes, the Museum Store, and enjoy a 10% discount. Don’t miss the 73nd Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on December 1 at 10am.
5-8pm
All ages
Free
Historic Manassas
December 1
Celebration of Lights
Celebrate the beginning of the season with our Great Falls Village Centre’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Drink hot cider or cocoa next to the fire as you listen to our local children’s choral groups sing seasonal music. The petting zoo and pony rides will keep your kids busy until Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive by antique fire truck. Event held rain or shine. Visit www.celebrategreatfalls.org/celebration-of-lights for more information.
3:45pm to 6:30 pm
Great Falls Village Centre Hill
December 1
Children’s Holiday Shoppe
Children can visit the Children’s Holiday Shoppe at Cherry Hill Farmhouse to purchase inexpensive holiday gifts ($6 and less) for their friends and family. Volunteers are on hand to help children make their purchases and wrap their gifts for free.
10am-2pm
Free admission. No registration required
Cherry Hill Farmhouse
across the park from the Falls Church Community Center
312 Park Ave.
December 2
Holiday Stroll
The annual Holiday Stroll on historic Church Street is held the Monday evening after Thanksgiving. Church Street is closed to vehicular traffic between Lawyers Road and Mill Street, and visitors are invited to stroll along the street amid the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Santa Claus greets children at the Freeman House.
Evening time
Freeman House
131 Church Street Northeast
Vienna, VA
December 5-January 22
Reston Art Gallery and Studios (RAGS) – Holiday Sparkle
The charming artists’ collective in historic Lake Anne Plaza is a source of beauty and inspires creativity in all who visit it. RAGS features unique artist-made jewelry, original prints, photography, watercolor, paper, and acrylic and oil paintings.
12pm–5pm
Reston Art Gallery & Studios
11400 Washington Plaza West
Reston, VA
December 5 and 6
Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes
“Best Christmas Party Ever!”
Ronnie Spector’s “Best Christmas Party Ever” is a raucous, rocking, and intoxicating blend of her Christmas classics; Ronettes hits including “Be My Baby” (named by Billboard as the #1 Greatest Girl Group Song of All Time), “Walking In The Rain,” “Baby I Love You;” cult gems from her back catalog; a splash of doo-wop; and plenty of Spector’s inimitable off-the-cuff commentary.
8pm
$52
The Barns at Wolf Trap
December 6
Santa, Stars, & S’mores
Santa comes to Runnymede Park! Follow the luminaries to the campfire and Santa. He’ll be there to chat with each child, with caroling and holiday music. Dress for the outdoors. S’more kits available for sale. In case of inclement weather, event will be held Sunday, December 8 at same time.
Inclement weather line 703-435-6866. Register at www.herndon-va.gov.
6-7:30pm
Runnymede Park in Herndon
December 6-8
McLean Holiday Crafts Show
Founded in 1982, The McLean Holiday Crafts Show is a highly anticipated and much-beloved, three-day, indoor, juried show featuring arts and crafts made by approximately 80 regional artisans. These fine, handcrafted arts and crafts works include both established, high-quality, seasoned artisans as well as new artisans exhibiting innovative concepts. The show includes pottery, glass, jewelry, holiday decorations, mixed media, fashion accessories, wood, fine art, artisanal foods, soaps, skincare and more. The newly renovated McLean Community Center provides a delightful venue for the show and is ADA compliant. Visitors can dine onsite at the event café. This year, show management will be provided by the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild (NVHG). Founded in 1972, the NVHG, a 501(c)3 nonprofit community-based organization, is dedicated to helping artists and craftspeople exhibit and sell their work, promoting the development of arts and crafts in the community and supporting arts and crafts educational activities.
December 6 11am-7pm, December 7 10am-6pm, December 8 11am-4pm
$7 admission for adults – good for all three days of the show
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave.
McLean, Virginia 22101
December 6–8
Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show
Tired of the same old. . . same old holiday shopping? Then get on over to the Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show at the Fredericksburg Expo Center. The annual Holiday Craft Show is your one-stop shopping destination where you can find memorable and unique gifts for your family, friends and of course for your pet too. Come join the fun festive mood at one of the area’s best Holiday Craft Shows at the Fredericksburg Expo Center that will host almost 300 vendors. There will be lots of handcrafted items including holiday ornaments and wreaths, jewelry, soaps and lotions, gourmet foods, glassware, artwork, organic dog treats, clothing, candles and much much more. Not only that, but on Saturday, you can walk out with your items gift wrapped For FREE.
Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
The Fredericksburg Expo Center
2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
December 6-22
(Fridays through Sundays)
Holiday Market
Attend the 2nd Annual City of Fairfax Holiday Market in Old Town Square. Come and shop at the market of craft vendors as you enjoy Old Town Square, in the heart of Historic Downtown Fairfax, covered in holiday lights. The festival will include live holiday music, hot drinks, gourmet treats, and more! The Holiday Market will be open the first 3 weekends of December on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Craft vendors will vary each weekend.
Fridays 5-8pm, Saturdays 12pm-6pm, and Sundays 12pm-4pm
3999 University Drive
Fairfax, VA
December 7
Brunch with Santa
Rejoice in the holiday season with an early visit from Santa Claus and an extensive breakfast buffet for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Capture a cherished moment when you take a photo with Santa for display at home during the holiday season.
9am-12pm
The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Blvd
McLean, VA 22102
December 7
Gifts from the HeART Shopping Event
Join us for this perfect holiday gift shopping event. Beautiful original artwork, remarkable ceramics, stunning jewelry and many other one-of-a-kind items will be sold by the artists themselves. This event takes place in conjunction with the 21st Annual Gifts from the HeART Exhibit, which showcases original works of art in a variety of media in a wide range of sizes and prices. For more information, please visit our website, www.restoncommunitycenter.com, or contact Gloria Morrow, Arts Education Assistant, at 703-390-6187.
11pm-4pm
Free
RCC Lake Anne
December 7
Holiday Bazaar by Living Savior Women’s Ministry
Shop a variety of vendors at this family event including small business and homemade arts and crafts. There will also be a Silent Auction with proceeds benefiting local hypothermia shelters this winter. Lunch will be available for purchase from 11:30 – 1:30 during the event. Live Christmas Tree sales.
10am-5pm
Free
Living Savior Lutheran Church
5500 Ox Road
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
December 7
Eileen Ivers
“A Joyful Christmas”
“A Joyful Christmas” recalls the roaring hearths and roars of laughter that make up Christmas in Ireland. Virtuoso fiddler Eileen Ivers interweaves age-old Wren Day songs, beloved American carols, and even a jigging Bach. With her signature style, Ivers invites listeners in for a tuneful, soulful celebration capturing the true spirit of the season and telling the story of Christmas through music and dance.
3pm and 8pm
The Barns at Wolf Trap
December 7-8
Holiday Craft Show
Deck the halls during the holiday season with special gifts from the annual Holiday Gift and Craft Show. More than 50 crafters and merchants show their wares selling unique handmade items, baked goods, and more during the first weekend in December.
December 7th 9am to 4pm, December 8th 11am-4pm
A $1 pass gets you in for both days of the Craft Show!
Falls Church Community Center
223 Little Falls St.
Falls Church, VA
December 7-21
Reston Town Center Holiday Performances
Enjoy holiday songs from December 7 through December 21 from various music groups like the Northern VA Ukulele Society, Lindsey Hirshfeld, Guitar and Vocal and Rick Landers, Guitar and Vocals.
12pm-4pm (performance times vary)
Reston Town Center Promenade
Between Market Street and Democracy Drive
December 9–17
The Nutcracker Tea
Delight in a contemporary twist on the beloved holiday classic while you enjoy afternoon tea with festive winter petite sandwiches and pastries.
The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Blvd
McLean, VA 22102
December 2-17
Gingerbread Decorating Class
After exploring their life-size gingerbread house, learn to make your own at the Ritz-Carlton’s Gingerbread House Decorating Class, taught by their Pastry Team.
10am-1pm
The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Blvd
McLean, VA 22102
December 8
Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
Over 80 artisans and craftspeople will exhibit and sell their work at this annual arts and crafts show sponsored by the Town of Herndon Department of Parks and Recreation. A variety of handcrafted items and fine art will be on sale including wreaths, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, decorations, original artwork, photography, stained glass, and more.
10am-4pm
Free admission and parking. Additional parking at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course.
Herndon Community Center
814 Ferndale Ave.
Herndon, VA
December 13
American Festival Pops Orchestra
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Just hear those sleigh bells jinglin’ as the American Festival Pops Orchestra ushers in the season with its annual holiday concert. A beloved tradition at the Hylton Center, the uplifting evening includes treasured classics like Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” “A Christmas Festival,” a rousing carol sing-a-long, and special guest artists. Maestro Anthony Maiello leads Northern Virginia’s very own pops orchestra in this lively, family-friendly evening of musical merriment. This event is family friendly.
8pm
$33-55
George Mason University Center for the Arts
Hylton Performing Arts Center
December 13
Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in Vienna
There is no sound more celestial than the angelic voices of the Vienna Boys Choir, who return for their annual holiday concert to celebrate the magic of the season. The world’s foremost children’s choral group performs a delightful program of classical masterpieces, contemporary pop favorites, Austrian folk songs, and beloved Christmas carols with their signature old-world charm and youthful vocal purity. This ensemble of sopranos and altos, comprised of boys between the ages of 9 and 14 and representing 31 countries, is enormously popular across the globe. With more than six centuries of choral tradition, it is among the oldest of all musical organizations. Over the centuries, illustrious composers have written masterpieces for the choir and many great musicians and composers got their musical start as members of the choir. These young cultural ambassadors are adored for their wide range of repertoire, purity of tone, and generosity of musical spirit. It is the perfect holiday gift for you and your family.
8pm
$33-55
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
December 14
Wreaths Across America
Quantico Single Marine Program Volunteer Event
Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day. Help place Veterans’ Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our American heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, December 14, 2019. The mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.
Register at www.eventbrite.com.
8:30am-12:30pm
Free
The Old Post Chapel on Ft Myer
204 Lee Ave, #335
Fort Myer, VA 22211
December 16
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
This Christmas give your family the gift of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets and soaring birds, don’t miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas extravaganza. The New York Times, “Hot Ticket!” Celebrate this cherished holiday tradition and relive the dream with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
7pm
$29-175
GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall
December 23
The Washington Chorus Family Christmas
Celebrate Christmas with The Washington Chorus! Bring the whole family and enjoy your favorite holiday tunes, a fun sing-along, and a visit from Santa!
2pm
$33-66
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
December 31
Watch Night in The Little City
Watch Night – Big Night in The Little City of Falls Church is held downtown—spanning a four block area that begins on the 100 Block of West Broad Street which is closed to traffic that evening. Lots of live music, interactive amusements and activities, inflatables, and more for all ages, 6 live bands and more musicians, caricaturist, balloon artist, puppet shows and more. Scores of volunteers contribute time and talent to organize and help the businesses, churches, and organizations who donate their space from 7pm up until midnight. Live bands, indoor and outdoor venues, karaoke, rock wall climbing, adrenaline rush obstacle course, fire rescue obstacle course and free popcorn, hot chocolate and soup while supplies last.
7pm-Midnight
Free and Family Friendly
West Broad Street 100 Block
Falls Church, VA
