It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already next week and the holiday season will be in full swing! Here is a list of holiday events that are coming up throughout the area. City of Alexandria Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – Old Town Alexandria, November 24, 6-9pm. Join the mayor and other city officials to welcome the holiday season. There will be live holiday performances and a visit from Santa.
Reston Town Center Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting – Reston, November 24, 11am – 10pm. A full day of holiday cheer starts with a one hour, half-mile parade along Market Street, complete with the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There will be holiday activities throughout the day ending with the tree lighting and sing-along.
Shirlie Lights up The Village – Shirlington, November 30, 6-8:30pm. A tree lighting event with holiday music, photos with Santa, carriage rides. Bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation for the Arlington Food Assistance Program.
Santa Lights Manassas – Manassas, December 1 from 5:15-9pm. The evening will start with holiday musical performances, followed by the tree lighting ceremony with Santa. There will be free activities, wagon rides, and more.
72nd Greater Manassas Christmas Parade – Manassas, December 2 from 10am-12pm. A holiday parade complete with marching bands, floats, balloons, and more.
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade – Old Town Alexandria, December 2 starting at 11am. This annual parade features Scottish bagpipes, drums, dancers, and more. The parade starts at the intersection of St. Asaph and Wolfe, and ends at Market Square.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights – Old Town Alexandria, December 2 starting at 5:30. A local favorite, decorated boats will cruise the Potomac River.
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Sing-Along – Herndon, December 2 from 5-6pm. Join Santa for carols and tree lighting ceremony.
Festival of Lights and Carols – City of Fairfax, December 2 from 2-7pm. Listen to holiday music while enjoying s’mores and hot cider ending with the tree lighting ceremony at 6pm.
One Loudon Tree Lighting – Ashburn, December 2 from 5-7pm. Start the evening with live entertainment and activities, followed by the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks.
McLean Winterfest Parade – McLean, December 3 starting at 3pm. The parade will run along Old Chain Bridge Rd. from Fleetwood St. to Elm St.
Winter Walk of Lights – Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, Open Daily through January 7 from 5:30-10pm. Enjoy a half-mile walk of lights throughout the holiday season. Tickets are sold online (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meadowlarks-winter-walk-of-lights-tickets-38158153063) for specific entrance times and the cost ranges from $8-$13 per person.
Bull Run Festival of Lights – Centreville, Open Daily from November 22 through January 7 from 5:30-9:30pm. This is a 2.5 mile drive through holiday light displays. The cost ranges from $20-$25 per vehicle.
