December 2025

2025 Holiday Markets

As the air turns crisp and twinkling lights begin to adorn city streets, holiday markets spring to life, bringing with them a special kind of seasonal magic. Check out these festive gatherings that are guaranteed to offer a joyful space where communities come together to celebrate the season!

McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival

• When: Friday, Dec. 5, 10 am–6 pm, Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 am–6 pm, Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 am–4 pm
• Where: McLean Community Center 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean
• Highlights: Celebrate seasonal cheer at this delightful three-day indoor juried show featuring approximately 80 talented regional artisans. For more than 40 years, this one-of-a-kind show has offered gifts for every budget including pottery, glass, jewelry, holiday decor, mixed media, fashion accessories, wood, fine art, artisanal foods, soaps and more. Stroll to music as you shop and enjoy lunch or a beverage at the onsite café.

9th Annual Holiday Market

• When: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-7 & Friday-Sunday Dec. 12-14
  
• Where: Old Town Square, 10415 North St. Fairfax
• Highlights: Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and support local artisans during the first two weekends of December in Downtown Fairfax! Each weekend features a rotating lineup of talented craft vendors—so there’s always something new to explore.As you shop, enjoy festive live entertainment and holiday cheer throughout the market!

Del Ray Artisans’ 30th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market

• When: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5–21 (weekends only)
  Fridays: 6-9 pm, Saturdays: 9 am-5 pm, Sundays: 11 am-5 pm
  
• Where: Del Ray Artisans Gallery 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria
• Highlights: The market offers unique handmade fine arts and fine crafts from local artists presenting a variety of media, including fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, polymer clay, ornaments, mosaics, painting, prints, paper crafting, photography, pottery/ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, wood, and more. Different artists are featured each weekend!​
  

Holiday Artisan Market

• When: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 6 from 12 pm-8 pm & Dec. 7 from 11 am-4 pm
• Where: The Town of Occoquan, Mill St, Occoquan
• Highlights: Get ready for a twinkly weekend of great shopping and small-town holiday vibes! The Holiday Artisan Market is back in historic Occoquan – this year taking place in the heart of the historic district on parts of Union and Commerce Streets.  FREE entry to all events during the Holiday Artisan Market.

Holidays in Leesburg Fine Arts & Crafts Show

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 am-4 pm and Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 am-4 pm
• Where: Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg
• Highlights: This show features local and regional artisans selling hand-made items including candles, stained glass, carved wood, jewelry, table linens, and more. Find something for everyone on your shopping list and a little something to brighten your home this season. Admission is free to the public

Capital Art and Craft Festival

• When: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 12-14 Friday & Saturday 10 am-5 pm | Sunday 10 am-4 pm
• Where: Dulles Expo Center 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
• Highlights: The Capital Art and Craft Festival features works of art and fine crafts presented by more than 300 juried artists.

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 am-4 pm
• Where: John Carlyle Square 300 John Carlyle St. Alexandria
• Highlights: Join us for the biggest Christmas market in Old Town Alexandria at the Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show! This festive event is a holiday shopper’s dream, featuring tons of seasonal items like unique gifts, holiday décor, and more, all crafted by talented local artisans. With carolers filling the air with joyous tunes and a DJ spinning holiday classics, it’s sure to get you in the spirit of the season.

Mosaic Holiday Village Weekends by URBNMarket

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13 & Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 am-4 pm
• Where: Mosaic District Ave. Fairfax
• Highlights: Join us for a weekend of holiday cheer!  Stroll, sip, and shop from 65+ local artisans as the Holiday Market fills the streets with festive finds, handmade gifts, and community cheer.
  
  

2025 Holiday Lights

From dazzling drive-through light shows to magical walk-through gardens and festive villages, Northern Virginia offers some of the most enchanting holiday displays in the metro area. 

Ready to soak in the sparkle? Here are some of the best holiday light displays across Northern Virginia that you won’t want to miss this season.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 5:30 pm (dock-side festivities in Waterfront Park from ~2-8 pm)
• Highlights: Featuring more than 50 brightly lit boats cruising along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline from Old Town North to Ford’s Landing Park. From 2 to 8 p.m., parade-goers can enjoy dockside festivities at Waterfront Park, including a pop-up beer garden from Alexandria’s award-winning Port City Brewing Company, food and beverage vendors and family-friendly activities.

Marshall Plan Tree Walk Lighting Ceremony

• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 4:30 pm-6:30pm
• Where: 312 East Market St, Suite C Leesburg
• Highlights: Don’t miss our signature holiday event which combines the magic of the holidays with recognition of the Marshall Plan countries. Seventeen trees, one for each participating country, will be decorated along the brick walk by the house for all to enjoy until the end of the year.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon – “Christmas Illuminations” (Mount Vernon Estate)

• When: Saturday, Dec. 20 – Sunday, Dec. 21 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
• Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon
• Highlights: Kick off the holiday season with an evening of festive lights and spectacular fireworks over the Potomac River. Talk to soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment, and meet our holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel.The first and second floors of George Washington’s Mansion will be open during this event.

Bull Run Festival of Lights

• Where: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville
• Highlights: Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow. This year, don’t miss the carnival at the end of your drive for holiday shopping, a petting zoo, and more festive fun!

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights

• Where: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna
• Highlights:Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail aglow with countless sparkling lights. Take an evening stroll through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, adorned with lighted trees and displays featuring nature, winter, and holiday themes. The half-mile paved trail is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.Sip on a cozy, hot beverage (with or without spirits), or try the new chilled Amaretto Snow Globe for a festive twist, as you walk through the twinkling lights. Don’t forget to roast marshmallows for your s’mores to finish out the evening. Plus, pick up your limited-edition 2025 holiday ornament to remember this magical experience.

2025 Holiday Performances

When the holiday season arrives, stages across the world come alive with music, dance, and storytelling that capture the magic of this special time of year.  These seven performances do more than entertain—they connect us to timeless traditions and remind us of the joy, hope, and togetherness that define the holidays.

Festival Ballet Virginia Presents: The Nutcracker

• When: Friday, Dec 5, 7 pm; Saturday, Dec 6, 12 pm & 5 pm; Sunday, Dec 7, 3 pm
• Where: Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center 8333 Little River Tpke., Annandale
• Highlights: Festival Ballet Virginia is excited to present the full-length version of the Nutcracker ballet on December 5-7, 2025, featuring Tchaikovsky’s complete score. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel through the Land of the Snowflakes and on to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where all of the sweets come to life.While at the show, finish up your holiday shopping at the holiday boutique, which offers ornaments, nutcrackers, handmade items, stocking stuffers, jewelry, books, toys, and a large variety of sweets. The boutique is open prior to and after the performance, as well as during intermission.

Reston Community Orchestra – Holiday Concert – Winter Delights

• When:Saturday, Dec 6, 4 pm-6 pm
• Where: Epiphany Episcopal Church 3301 Hidden Meadow Dr., Herndon
• Highlights: Featuring festive new selections and favorite sing-alongs. Arrive early for a special pre-show aperitif by “Mediocre at Best”.

Virginia Chamber Orchestra – Holiday Celebration with the VCO Brass

• When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 pm (doors open)
• Where: Capital One Hall 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons
• Highlights: The VCO Brass Quintet will perform a delightful selection of holiday favorites to entertain kids and adults alike! Wear your favorite holiday outfits – Santa hats encouraged

American Festival Pops Orchestra Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season

• When: Friday, Dec.12, 8 pm
• Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas
• Highlights: The American Festival Pops Orchestra (AFPO) continues its tradition of spreading musical goodwill and cheer in this annual favorite! Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season returns under the baton of Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Wilson, former senior enlisted music advisor to The White House and 30-year Marine Veteran violinist. The AFPO comprises more than 60 professional musicians, including faculty members from George Mason University’s Dewberry School of Music, as well as instrumentalists from U.S. Armed Forces music ensembles and local orchestras. Enjoy a festive evening of seasonal favorites programmed for the entire family.

The Northern Virginia Chorale Holiday Concert

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 4 pm
• Where: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 5800 Backlick Rd., Springfield
• Highlights: The Northern Virginia Chorale will begin its 50th season with a holiday concert featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël!

Songs of the Season: A Holiday Celebration

• When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 pm (doors open)
• Where: The Vault – Capital One Hall 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons
• Highlights: Celebrate the season with an enchanting program featuring excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, along with beloved holiday classics including O Holy Night and Silent Night. Led by Margaret Woods, we invite theaudience to join in a joyful holiday sing-along—a treasured tradition for all ages.

Manassas Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker

• When: Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Monday, Dec. 22, 7 pm (matinee options available)
• Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas
• Highlights: Northern Virginia’s favorite Nutcracker comes to life on the Hylton stage with nine performances featuring MBT’s incredible dancers and music by the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra. Follow Clara as she attends her family’s Christmas Eve party, where she receives the gift of a magic Nutcracker. Together they go on a dream adventure with the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen, the Rat King and many other fantastical characters. Gorgeous sets and costumes help make Nutcracker the highlight of the holidays. A perfect holiday celebration for all ages.

Holiday Adventures on Ice

Ice skating rinks are a fun way to enjoy the magic of winter and make memories!  Glide into adventure with these amazing picks:

Westpost – Outdoor Ice Skating at National Landing

1201 S Joyce St., Arlington

The plaza at Pentagon Row is an amazing experience for guests. The Plaza has an outdoor dual-sided stone fireplace and many shops, restaurants and a coffee shop. Pentagon Row’s 7,200 square foot ice rink is now the largest outdoor rink in Northern Virginia and the second-largest in the state.

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria

NOVA Parks is proud to offer Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run for the 2025-26 winter season. Cameron Run Regional Park is the perfect destination for holiday cheer for the entire family!

Ice & Lights provides a fun, outdoor family experience to explore new, dazzling light displays, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of festive scenes, enjoy a hot beverage and snack, and take a spin on the ice rink under the stars.

Fairfax Ice Arena

3779 Pickett Rd., Fairfax

Attend a public skate, book a private lesson, or bring a group to celebrate birthdays and more. The indoor rink is open year-round and welcomes skaters of all skill levels. For those who skate a lot, there is a discount card.  The arena also hosts weekly Themed Public Skate nights, including Taylor Swift-inspired The Life of a Skater and Ugly Holiday Sweater Skate.

Reston Town Center Pavilion

1818 Discovery St., Reston

Take advantage of the annual freezing of the Pavilion floor. The skate rink is open through March 8 (weather permitting). Guests will need to make a reservation online before arriving at the rink.

Loudoun Ice Centre

22149 Davis Dr., Ste. 155, Sterling

The Loudoun Ice Centre is open daily for public skating. This rink features a variety of hockey position lessons and holds birthday parties and events. On Cheap Skates days, admission and skate rental is discounted.

Harris Pavilion

9201 Center St., Manassas

Enjoy outdoor ice skating at the Harris Pavilion. Online reservations are available.

Cozy Sipping & Dining

Holiday nights shine brighter with friends, cocktails, and a cozy dining (or sipping) experience!  These five spots are sure to create lasting memories:

King & Rye

480 King St., Alexandria

The magic of the season is calling and it’s waiting inside our Winter Wonderland Igloos at King & Rye! Back by popular demand, our igloos return with a festive twist. Each igloo has transformed into a holiday escape inspired by dreamy winter vacation destinations. 

Step inside your own private snow globe just blocks away from the Old Town Alexandria waterfront and let the merriment begin. Will you race down the slopes in our rustic Ski Haus, chase the shimmer of the Northern Lights, cozy up in our Into the Woods cabin, or trade snow for sand in our tropical Hawaiian Holiday? 

Each igloo is brimming with seasonal cheer, twinkle-lit charm, and the perfect backdrop for clinking glasses with your favorite people. Gather, toast, laugh and let the wonder of winter wrap you up in joy!

Trattoria Villagio

7145 Main St., Clifton

Rustic charm in the heart of Clifton, Virginia, right outside of Fairfax. Our chefs craft traditional dishes with the freshest ingredients, from handmade pasta to a fresh raw bar, offering a true taste of Italy. Whether you’re joining us for a cozy family dinner, a special celebration, or an elegant private event, Trattoria Villagio delivers an unforgettable dining experience.

Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery

275 Decatur Rd., Stafford

Our Wine Tent experience has been named by Washingtonian Magazine & Northern Virginia Magazine as the Coziest & Top Virginia winery experiences to enjoy this winter!  Spend this fall & winter in style with your own heated wine tent overlooking the vineyard below.  

Barrel & Bushel

7901 Tysons One Pl., Tysons (located on the Plaza)

Experience our region’s growing craft food and beverage industry. Purchasing local and creating handcrafted elements wherever possible, Barrel & Bushel embraces the philosophy of serving handmade, handcrafted, and hand-harvested food through a menu of regionally-inspired American food. Our food is complemented by our barrel-forward drink selections, completed by 22 local and regional craft beers on tap, more than 30 bourbons, and a wide assortment of unique wines and handcrafted cocktails that will satisfy any palate.

The Black Sheep

9935 Discovery Blvd., Manassas

The Black Sheep Restaurant in Manassas, Virginia, is a popular dining destination housed in the historic Thomasson Barn. Offering a diverse range of dishes that blend world-inspired comfort food with contemporary culinary trends. Whether for a casual lunch or a special dinner, the Black Sheep provides a unique and memorable dining experience for residents and visitors alike.

2025 December Reads

Books make the perfect companions for the holiday season, offering cozy escapes and fresh adventures from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re relaxing by the fire or traveling to visit loved ones, here’s a list of books to enjoy! 

• Good Spirits by B.K. Borison: A ghost assigned to haunt a kindhearted woman at Christmas unexpectedly discovers that helping her confront her past might be the key to both of their futures.
• In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams: A talented but heartbroken chef returns to her small hometown for a second chance and finds herself caught between two brothers—one a longtime friend who’s always loved her, and the other a charming rival—forcing her to decide if risking her heart is worth finally finding where she belongs.
• The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson: A driven contractor who’s just discovered she’s a late-blooming omega wolf shifter must renovate a rugged alpha’s failing mountain lodge—while fighting the irresistible pull of a bond that could upend both their carefully guarded lives.
• Something Wicked by Falon Ballard: In a nation rebuilding from revolution, a dethroned prince must kill his own father to earn a place in Avon’s first presidential race—but when his path crosses with a courtesan who can control emotions through pleasure, their dangerous connection threatens not only their hearts but the fragile future of their country.
• Dawn of the Firebird by Sarah Mughal Rana: A vengeful princess with divine magic infiltrates her enemies’ army academy to destroy them from within—but as she masters their power and uncovers buried truths about her past, she must choose between reclaiming her throne and redefining the meaning of honor and destiny.