Here’s a look at what’s happening throughout the region to get you in the holiday spirit.
The Winter Wonderland Train Show will run 12/18 – 12/20 at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory in Historic Downtown Manassas. This is a free event features O gauge model trains in a seasonal display.
Get into the holiday season at George Washington’s Mount Vernon 12/20 and 12/21 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon is an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music. George and Martha Washington will be on site to greet guest in addition to re-enactors from First Virginia Regiment. Cost is $36 with a mansion tour, $30 without tour. Youth tickets are $26 with tour and $20 without.
Experience the Holidays through the Ages at Rippon Lodge in Woodbridge. The site will be decorated inside and out with themes from different times and cultures. The site will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Admission is $5 per person.
Enjoy festive food, drink and seasonal music of the 18th century at the Sully Historic Site in Chantilly Saturday 12/21 or Saturday 12/28 starting at 5 pm. Cost is $10 and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Experience a Civil War Christmas at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge Saturday 12/21 from 10 am to 4 pm. This family friendly event will feature period music, costumed interpreters, crafts, and a historic Santa for photo opportunities. Admission is $2 per person or $6 per family.
The Quantico Marine Corps Brass Band is putting on a free Holiday Concert this Friday, 12/20 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
This is the last weekend to visit the Del Ray Holiday Market. Discover unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artist. The market is open Friday from 6 to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
Waterskiing Santa is back this Christmas Eve at 1 pm in Old Town Alexandria. You can view the show anywhere from Founders Park to Point Lumley Park. You’re not going to want to miss this local favorite!
Alexandria’s Annual First Night Celebration is back to celebrate the New Year in Old Town Alexandria. Start the year with live performances, activities, a Kids Karnival, fireworks, and more. All-Access admission badges are $30, or $35 on 12/31. The Kids Karnival starts at 6 pm and most other events begin around 7.
Ongoing Seasonal Activities
Bull Run Festival of Lights – Centreville, VA. Drive through 2.5 miles of festive lights. Visit the holiday village afterwards for rides, refreshements, and a visit with Santa. Cost ranges from $20 - $25 per vehicle.
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights – Vienna, VA. View the botanical gardens tranformed into a half-mile walk of lights. Warm up afterwards with hot beverage and smores that are available for purchase. Admission is $14.50 per adult, $8 kids 2 to 12. Timed tickets are required.
Ice and Light the Winter Village at Cameron Run – Alexandria, VA. Enjoy iceskating and beautiful lights. Pizza and donuts are available for purchase. General admission is $ 5 per person. Ice skating is $8 per person and skate rental is $4.
Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake – Fairfax Station, VA – Saturday and Sunday 12 to 5 pm. Enjoy train rides, spins on the carousel, Gingerbread Man Golf, s’mores, and more. Passes are $20.
Celebration at Burke Lake – Fairfax Station, VA – Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 pm enjoy a train ride with lights and holiday scenes. Tickets are $10 per person.
