Celebrate the holidays in Northern Virginia! We’ve put together a list of the best holiday events and activities in and around Fairfax County. Scroll on down the page to find holiday light shows, tree lighting events, holiday 5K races and fun runs, where to find Santa, holiday shows, Hanukkah events and more!

Save this page and check back often as we continue to update the list.

HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOWS

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights (Vienna, VA) – November 8, 2019 – January 5, 2020.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182

Enjoy a 0.6 miles walk filled with more than 500,000 LED lights! Light fountains, a garden of illumination, a tunnel of light, birds, bees, squirrels, the Gingerbread Village, Holly Berry Hill, snowfall lights, and so much more is waiting for you! End your walk with a hot beverage and s`mores from the concessions. Warm up and roast marshmallows at the fire pit!

Bull Run Festival of Lights (Centreville, VA) – November 22, 2019 – January 5, 2020.
Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA 20120
Bull Run Festival of Lights is open seven nights weekly, from November 22, 2019 to January 5, 2020.
Monday – Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday – Sunday and Holidays 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Enjoy 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).

ZooLights at the National Zoo (Washington, DC) – Opening Night November 29, 2019
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Nov. 29, 2019 to Jan. 1, 2020 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31)

A free event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland complete with a dazzling light show set to music!

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Alexandria Marina) – December 7, 2019 at 5:30pm

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 20th Anniversary Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m. as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company and holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM. Take part in hands-on activities including a Letters to Santa postcard station from paper goods boutique Penny Post, a holiday craft activity from AR Workshop Alexandria and a bookmark making station from Old Town Books. On the Alexandria City Marina, Riverside Taco Company presents a Parade Day Patio Party with hot cider and bottomless bites included in admission. At 3:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina to take photos with children and families at the annual Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival.

The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is part of a Potomac River holiday tradition with The District’s Holiday Boat Parade taking place at The Wharf in Washington, D.C. the same evening at 7 p.m.

TREE LIGHTING EVENTS

Tree Lighting and Fireworks at National Harbor (Maryland) – November 23, 2019 5:30pm
National Harbor, 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
Celebrate the Holidays every Saturday from November 23 to January 4, 2020 at National Harbor. Join us for the holiday fun with a movie, Santa, fireworks and a tree light show.  Donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots.

Fairfax Corner Tree Lighting Celebration (Fairfax, VA) – November 15, 2019 6pm to 9pm
Fairfax Corner, 4100 Monument Corner Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Meet at the Plaza to kick-off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting celebration! Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy horse and carriage rides, donate a new, unwrapped toy/gift to Women Giving Back to give to children and teens in need this holiday season, plus entertainment, giveaways and more.

Tysons Corner Center Tree Lighting Ceremony (Tysons, VA) – November 15, 2019 6pm to 8pm
Tysons Corner Center Plaza, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
Join us on The Plaza as The Tommy Show, American Idol’s Kris Allen and Santa help us light our tree!

Town of Occoquan Tree Lighting at Town Hall (Occoquan, VA) – November 22, 2019 4pm to 8:00pm
Town of Occoquan, 314 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA 22125
Join us as The Town of Occoquan rings in the holiday season! The Town will be decorated with an array of holiday decorations and our unique businesses stay open late with special activities from 4 pm to 8 pm. Following the close of the event, the Town holds a special ceremony to light the tree located on the Town Hall lawn, 314 Mill Street, at 8:00 pm.  The tree lighting event is free and open to the public.

Reston Tree Lighting Ceremony and Sing Along (Reston Town Center) – November 29, 2019 at 6pm
Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190
Crowd together in a moment where everyone closes their eyes and says 1…2…3…WISH! to help Santa magically light up the tree and Reston Town Center for the first time of the holiday season.
With the lights twinkling, Santa & Mrs. Claus begin the merriment and song, led by the Reston Chorale and a brass quintet and the hum of the holidays within the crowd continues. Song books are provided at the holiday tree in Fountain Square prior to the tree lighting. Arrive early.

City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 23, 2019 at 6pm
301 King Street, Alexandria, VA Market Square in front of City Hall
Kick off the holiday season at the City’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Market Square on Friday, November 23, at 6 p.m. Free event and open to the public.

2019 Church Street Holiday Stroll (Town of Vienna, VA) – December 2, 2019 6PM to 9PM
Freeman Store and Museum, 131 Church Street NE, Vienna, VA 22180
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 add to the festive atmosphere. Historic structures that will remain open include the Freeman Store and Museum, Little Library, Caboose, Train Station and Knights of Columbus (formerly First Baptist Church). Merchants along Church Street will remain open for holiday shoppers.
Vienna Presbyterian Church will be offering activities for all ages. Caroling in the Chapel, crafts for the little ones, a skit for all ages, and of course the infamous Elf Dinner. Bring your family and invite friends.

City of Falls Church Downtown Tree Lighting (Falls Church, VA) – December 2, 2019 6pm to 7pm
100 Block W Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046
It’s time to light the lights! Join local businesses, neighbors, and Santa for a celebration of the holidays!

National Christmas Tree Lighting (Washington, DC) – December 5, 2019
The National Christmas Tree is lit every day from approximately 4:30 p.m. to midnight as part of the America Celebrates display at President’s Park (White House). This display is free to visit and open to the public. The walkway surrounding the National Christmas Tree features 56 state and territory trees decorated with handmade ornaments that are unique to each tree.

Light Up the Village Holiday Celebration at The Village at Shirlington (Arlington, VA) – December 5, 2019 6:00pm to 8:30pm located at 2700 South Quincy Street in Arlington, VA. Join us as we Light Up the Village on Thursday, December 5 during our annual tree lighting with Santa, hosted by Adam Tuss of NBC4, and featuring holiday musical performances by Signature Theatre and Bishop O’Connell High School, plus horse and carriage rides with a donation to Arlington Food Assistance Center, photos with Santa, merchant specials, and so much more!

Santa Lights Manassas (Old Town Manassas, VA) – December 6, 2019
Santa Lights Manassas, also known as the Tree Lighting, has been a fixture in the Manassas community for over 25 years! The magic of the evening begins with holiday musical performances and then Santa arrives at the Manassas Depot on the VRE train shortly after 6 p.m. After Santa lights the tree, he greets all the children and listens to their holiday wishes at the Harris Pavilion gazebo. Families can visit the Manassas Museum and store, as well as enjoy free wagon rides to get into the holiday spirit. The Harris Pavilion Ice Rink will be open for business as well as the downtown shops and restaurants.

Mosaic District Holiday Tree Lighting (Merrifield, VA) – December 6, 2019  5:00pm to 7:30pm
Welcome in the holiday season at Mosaic District’s Strawberry Park! There will be live music, treats, a visit from Santa, the lighting of the Christmas tree, followed by the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Festival of Lights and Carols (City of Fairfax) – December 7, 2019 12pm to 6pm
Old Town Square, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Come listen to live holiday music and enjoy s’mores and hot cider at Old Town Square from 12pm -6pm. Enjoy caroling and lighting of the Christmas at Old Town Square at 5:30pm.

WHERE TO VISIT SANTA

Fair Oaks Mall – November 8 – December 24, 2018
Santa Flight Academy returns to Fair Oaks in Grand Court West. Each child becomes a member of the flight crew and enjoys a special visit with Santa.

Sensory Santa: Reserve your space now for the 7th annual Sensory Friendly Santa event at Fair Oaks Mall’s Santa’s Flight Academy! This private event will allow for a softer environment with lower lights and sounds for children with special and sensory needs. Avoid lines and enjoy the experience. Reserve a spot for your family. Space is limited. Saturday, November 17 from 7:30am-9:30am
Sunday, November 18 from 6:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, December 1 from 7:30am-9:30am 

Santa Paws: Pet parents are invited to commemorate the season by bringing their furry friends to have their photo take with Santa Claus during these six special sessions!

Sunday, November 11, 2018 – 6:30-7:30pm

Saturday, November 24, 2018 – 8-9:30am

Sunday, November 25, 2018 – 6:30-7:30pm

Sunday, December 2, 2018 – 6:30-8pm

Saturday, December 8, 2018 – 7:30-8:30am

Sunday, December 9, 2018 – 8:30-9:30am

Tysons Corner Center – November 10 – December 24, 2018
Santa will be available for photos and visits at his Headquarters presented by HGTV, located in Fashion Court on level 1 near Nordstrom. Reservations available, but not required!

2018 Breakfast With Santa – December 2, 2018 8am to 10am
Join Tysons Corner Center for our Annual Breakfast with Santa. Take part in holiday festivities provided by Tysons Corner Center, entertainment by Those Funny Little People (featured on America’s Got Talent), and holiday celebrations from 8am-10am. Guest are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Second Story.

Springfield Town Center – November 10 – December 24, 2018
Visit Santa at Springfield Town Center’ Polar Express in the Grand Court.

SantaFest 2018 – November 10, 2018 10am to 1pm.
Join us in welcoming Santa at the Grand Court near Starbucks. Greet Santa Claus as he arrives for a day of fun aboard Springfield Town Center’s own Polar Express. Enjoy snacks, craft activities and entertainment as we ring in the Holiday Season! Reserve tickets here.

Pancake Breakfast With Santa (City of Fairfax, VA) – December 1, 2018  from 8am to 11am
Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Join us the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department for a fun and exciting pancake breakfast with Santa! Cost: Ages 10 and Up $10; Children 4-9 $5; Children Under 3 Free. All proceeds benefit the FVFD.

Lunch With Santa (City of Fairfax, VA) – December 8, 2018 Seatings 11:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm
Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Children ages 10 and under can enjoy lunch with Santa at Old Town Hall. There will be three lunch seatings offered – 11:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm. Tickets ($6 per child) will go on sale November 1.

Pre-Registration is required for this event – children 1 years of age and younger may attend at no cost but still must be registered. Parents do not need to purchase tickets. All are welcome – both Fairfax City residents and non Fairfax City residents. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Breakfast With Santa (Manassas, VA) – December 8, 2018 8:30am to 10:30pm
Join Santa for pancakes, photos, and fun. Children of all ages are welcome to come have breakfast with Santa, play games, crafts, and more. $5 Per person. The theme will be a Christmas PJ party, because what better way to eat breakfast with Santa? Be sure to wear your snuggliest Christmas morning PJ’s! Location: Manassas Park Community Center, 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park, VA 20111. Register here.

Santa at Whitehall Farms (Clifton, VA) – December 9, 2018 10am to 2pm
Whitehall Farms, 12523 Popes Head Road, Clifton, VA 20124
Santa will be arriving at Whitehall Farms on a fire truck (thanks to Burke Volunteer Fire Department)! He will be visiting the market from 11am to 2pm. Visit Santa and check out the farm’s premium Fraser Firs, wreaths, and all their usual market fare.

Pancakes and Photos With Santa (Burke, VA) – December 15, 2018 from 9am to 11:00am
Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Road, Burke, VA 22015
Come and join us for a pancake breakfast, crafts and photos with Santa. Fun for the whole family! This is a free event but donations are greatly appreciated. For more information and to RSVP please call 703-323-5400 or e-mail officemanager@good-shepherd.net.

Sleigh Rides and Santa (Burke, VA) – TBA
Burke Town Center, 6025 Burke Centre Pkwy, Burke, VA 22015
Come join us for a Carriage Ride with Santa! Toys and treats for the kids!

HOLIDAY 5Ks AND FUN RUNS

Snowflake Stampede (Bull Run Park Festival of Lights) – November 17, 2018 at 5:30pm 
A 2.5 mile fun run or walk for holiday enthusiasts of all ages. Enjoy a special preview of the Festival of Lights on foot, and take a picture with your favorite display. $22 per adult Ages 13+; $17 per child Ages 3-12; Ages 2 and under free. This event is limited to the first 1200 registrants. Prepayment required. All participants receive a long sleeve Snowflake Stampede t-shirt, glow necklace, and coupon for one free hot chocolate. Fun run/walk begins promptly at 5:30pm, and all participants must start at 5:30pm. Strollers are welcome, but pets need to stay at home.

17th annual Gingerbread Man Mile (Reston Town Center) – November 23, 2018 First race is 8am
Bring your family to the Gingerbread Man Mile for Kids! This un-timed run is for kids 14 & Under, but is an event that the whole family will love! Kids are encouraged to run the mile on their own (of course parents can join in with the little ones). So register now and join Potomac River Running and Reston Town Center for a little bit of running and a whole lot of shopping! Bring your friends, race registration is only $10!

Run With Santa 5K (Reston Town Center) – December 2, 2018 at 8:30am
Spread the joy of the holiday season by wearing your favorite holiday gear or costume for the race! Whether you dress up in a Santa suit or dress as an elf, you have the chance to win an award for best costume! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be running the race to raise money for charity. There will also be a free kids fun run (a few hundred yards). Registration will take place on race day for the kids fun run. Participants in the kids run will receive a finisher medal! The fun run will take place around 9:30 am, after the 5k and just before the awards ceremony.

Frosty 5K (Fairfax Corner) – December 16, 2018 at 8:30am
The Frosty 5k benefits the Robinson Secondary School Track & Field Teams. There will also be a 1k fun run that begins at 8:35 a.m., and there will be a FREE Tot Trot starting at 9:30 a.m.

Jingle All The Way 5K and 15K (Washington,  DC) – December 9, 2018 at 8am
Have a festive time in the heart of Washington DC! The Jingle All the Way is a holiday themed race that draws a huge crowd of costume clad participants.
The Jingle All the Way offers both the 5K and also a 15K on a classic downtown DC venue.
With a flat and fast course, runners will jingle through the streets of downtown Washington, DC, taking in gorgeous views of famous Monuments and the Potomac River. The Start and Finish lines are located on 15th Street NW, directly next to the Washington Monument- in the heart of the city!

Fairfax Four Miler (Fairfax City) – December 31, 2018 at 6pm
What better way to ring in the new year than a run with thousands of your closest running buddies? Celebrating our ninth year, the Fairfax Four is a favorite for its post-race pizza party and cozy sweatshirt premium! Register early to secure your sweatshirt and your spot in this sell out event! This course has a few rolling hills and a great downhill grade finish. Runs through Old Town Fairfax and George Mason University.

New Year’s Day 5K (Reston Town Center) – January 1, 2019 at 10am
Kick off the New Year in style by joining us for the New Year’s Day 5k! With a race start time of 10:00 a.m., there’s still time to sleep in a bit after ringing in the New Year! The run will start and finish at Reston Town Center and will cover a picturesque route. There will be music, food, and fun celebration following the race!

HOLIDAY SHOWS

The Fairfax Ballet’s Nutcracker (Fairfax, VA) November 24 & November 25, 2018 at W.T. Woodson High School
A Christmas Eve party is about to begin and you’re invited! Come enjoy The Fairfax Ballet’s merry evening of dancing and dreaming. This beautiful, classical production of “The Nutcracker” is set to Tchaikovsky’s opulent holiday masterwork. Members of The Fairfax Ballet Company, along with students from the Russell School of Ballet and special guest artists, will usher in the holiday season with two matinees and one evening performance on Thanksgiving weekend. RSVP now by purchasing your tickets for this spectacular must-see holiday tradition you can share with family and friends each year!  Advance tickets can be purchased here. Tickets will also be available at the door beginning one hour before each show. Refreshments will be available for purchase during intermission. Group discounts are available in advance for qualifying organizations with 10 or more guests. Email events@fairfaxballet.com or call 703-665-9427 for more information.

Wolf Trap’s Holiday Sing-Along (Vienna, VA) – December 1, 2018 4pm to 7pm
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s 2018 Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.

Wolf Trap will be participating in Toys for Tots by collecting new, unwrapped toys at the entrance to the Filene Center before the Sing-A-Long. Donations are voluntary and not required. Admission is free and no tickets are necessary. Parking is free but limited so please plan on arriving early.

Bring a candle and join the tradition of exiting the Filene Center with a candlelight processional during the last verse of “Silent Night.” There will also be a ‘Jing-A-Long’ during the singing of Jingle Bells so remember to bring a bell and your holiday cheer!

Home for the Holidays, Main Street Community Band – December 2, 2018  4pm
Sidney Lanier Middle School Auditorium, 3801 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Come for the Holidays Get into the holiday spirit by joining the Main Street Community Band for a delightful afternoon of seasonal and holiday favorites for the entire family! Included on this year’s program is Leroy Anderson’s holiday classic, Sleigh Ride! Come early and enjoy pre-concert music performed by the Main Street Brass Quintet and the Main Street Clarinet Quartet! Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Little Drummer Boy – The Christmas Tour – December 2, 2018 6pm
EagleBank Arena, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA 22030
After the absolute viral response from their “Little Drummer Boy (LIVE)” music video last Christmas season, the GRAMMY award-winning duo for KING & COUNTRY embark on their theatrical, dynamic, and moving Little Drummer Boy | The Christmas Tour featuring fellow GRAMMY-award winner, Zach Williams. The tour will feature original hits from both artists, as well as brand new songs from for KING & COUNTRY’s album ‘burn the ships’, previous holiday recordings and Christmas classics. Ticket Price $23 and up.

An Invitation to Christmas – The Musical  – December 7 – December 9, 2018 and December 14 – December 16, 2018
Richard J. Ernst Theatre, Annandale NOVA Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
The North Pole residents are perplexed when they discover an unexpected guest among the new elf recruits. Will this unforeseen and quite unique newcomer ruin or save the day?
This Broadway-style musical will put you in the holiday spirit and is sure to be a delightful experience for audiences of all ages.
Ticket Price: $19 – $26

“The Worship of Christmas” – December 6 – December 9, 2018
Immanuel Bible Church, 6911 Braddock Road, Springfield, VA 22151
You will experience an evening of praise and worship with Christmas carol favorites from past years along with a number of beautiful new songs. General admission tickets are only $5 each, available online or in the Immanuel Christian Bookstore.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: The Nutcracker – December 16, 2018 4pm to 6pm
George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 (GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall)
Experience this timeless holiday classic with the FSO and the Fairfax Ballet – a holiday tradition your family will always cherish. Enjoy a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, sugar plum fairies and epic battles between heroic toy soldiers and mischievous mice. It’s the perfect holiday treat for the entire family!
Ticket Price: $49.00 – $69.00

Christmas in Fairfax, City of Fairfax Band – December 22, 2018  7pm
Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax, VA 22030
The City of Fairfax Band’s annual tradition of this gift to the community continues. This free concert features our annual partnership with the Fairfax Choral Society Adult Chorus in a unique program featuring holiday music rarely heard anywhere else, the pairing of symphonic band and chorus not being a typical combination. The program is family friendly and features pre-concert music by small ensembles, a visit from Santa Claus for the children and offerings by noted song and story artist, John Lyon. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

HANUKKAH EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS Hanukkah (or Chanukah) begins Sunday evening, December 2, 2018 and continues through the evening of Monday, December 80, 2017.

National Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony – December 2, 2018  4pm
The White House Ellipse, across from the White House in Washington, DC
Perhaps the most prominent public Chanukah program in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah on the Ellipse. General Admission Tickets (required) are free and available to the general public.

Light Up Arlington – Clarendon Menorah Lighting – December 5, 2018  6pm
Clarendon Central Park (At Clarendon Metro Station) 3140 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201.
Experience the festival of lights at this free community celebration. There will be a giant 6ft menorah, music, delicious hot Potato Latkes, Chocolate Gelt and Dreidels for all.

Chanukah Festival at the Mosaic District – December 5, 2018 5:30pm to 8pm
Join the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia as we light the menorah, sing songs, feast on sufganiyot (donuts), spin the dreidel and more!