Updated on December 12, 2024 by Julie McCool
2024 December events bring holiday light shows, holiday festivals, and festive Christmas markets to Northern Virginia for a month of fun. Special outdoor activities at area parks and historic sites and spectacular fireworks finish the year in style.
Our list of fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA includes Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Arlington, and other area towns. Festivals and events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events generally listed first.
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Most of our favorite holiday festivals have returned in 2024, including a wonderful Lantern Festival returning to Tysons for a third year. Read on for a whole host of ways to celebrate the season with December events in Northern Virginia.
2024 December Events in Northern Virginia
The annual Fun in Fairfax VA December listing is one of our longest event lists of the year. Follow the links for additional details and to purchase tickets. And always check ahead for inclement weather closings.
Celebration of Lights, Great Falls, Dec 1
Celebrate the season at the annual Christmas tree lighting, featuring hot cider and cocoa next to the fire, and seasonal music. Kids can enjoy the petting zoo and pony rides until Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive on an antique fire truck. Free; 3:00–6:00.
Winter Wonderland, Falls Church, Dec 1
Enjoy holiday music, lights, a ride on the Polar Express Train, visits with Santa at more at Founders Row. Free, 5:30-7:30.
German Christmas Market, Reston, Dec 5
The Bundeswehr German Liason Office in Reston hosts a traditional German Christmas Market with food, beverages, treats, and holiday goods. Proceeds go to local charities, and traditional music adds to the fun. Cash only admission is $10/$5 for adults/children and covers a food voucher and drinks. 4:00 – 9:00. Valid ID required; no pets.
Winterfest 2024, Reston, Dec 5-7
Reston lights up Brown's Chapel Park with a festive walk-through light show and an Enchanted Forest of decorated holiday trees. Music, bonfires, s'mores, holiday shopping, a pop-up bar, and an optional Santa Experience add to the fun. Free for Reston Association members. $18/$8 for non-member adults/kids 3-17. Open nightly, 5:00–9:00.
Christmas in Middleburg, Middleburg, Dec 6-7
Christmas in Middleburg is a 100-year tradition and one of the top holiday events in northern Virginia. The festivities begin with a tree lighting on Friday. On Saturday, hounds and mounted fox hunt riders parade in the “Hunt and Hounds Review.” Other activities include a Christmas Parade and progressive food and wine tastings.
Holiday Lights on the Farm, Frying Pan Farm Park, Dec 6-7, 13-14, 20-21
Take a wagon ride past festive light displays decorating a mile-long route through the park at Frying Pan Farm Park plus indoor activities, animal interactions, and more. $15/$20 online/at the door.
Find more Holiday Lights in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC Area.
Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Creek, Dec 6-8, 13-15, 18-22
The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is transformed with a walk-through display of sparkling lights and hand-crafted holiday trees perfect for family photos. Free, 5:30–9:00.
City of Fairfax Holiday Market, Fairfax, Dec 6-8, 13-15
This NoVA holiday market is held during the first two weekends of December and vendors change each weekend. Shop local for crafts, gourmet treats, and unique holiday gifts. Free; Fri 5:00-8:00, Sat 12:00-6:00, Sun 12:00-5:00.
Find more unique presents in our Virginia Gift Guide.
Holidays Through the Ages, Rippon Lodge, Dec 6-9 13-16 20-23
Rippon Lodge Historic Site is decorated inside and out with seasonal celebrations from the past. $5 per person, 5 and under free. If time allows, take a walk on the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk right next door.
Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park, Dec 6-23
Leesburg Animal Park in Loudoun celebrates December weekends with a nativity scene with live animals, pony rides, animal encounters, pictures with your furry friends, holiday crafts, a bonfire, holiday lights, and more.
Holidays in Leesburg, Dec 7-14
Celebrate the holidays at three special December events in Leesburg.
- Christmas Tree Lighting at the Town Green. Dec 7, 6:00
- Holidays Arts & Crafts Show at Freedom Park. Dec 7-8
- Holiday Parade in downtown Leesburg. Dec 14, 6:00
Winter Wonderland, Burke Lake Park, Dec 7-8, 14-15, 21-22
The train station at Burke Lake magically transforms into a Winter Wonderland. Take a ride on the Holiday Express train, spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf, and more. Santa will hand out hot chocolate and candy canes. Tickets are $15/$20 in advance/day of event, 11:00-5:00.
Falls Church Holiday Craft Show, Falls Church, Dec 7-8
The annual Falls Church Holiday Gift and Craft Show features more than 50 crafters selling handmade items, baked goods, and more. Free Sat 8:30-3:80, Sun 10:30-3:30.
Model Train Show, Fairfax Station, Dec 7-8
The Holiday Model Train Show returns with 2 days of train displays, gift shopping, and Santa visits. Admission is $6/$3 13 and up/5-12, Sat 10:00-5:00, Sun noon-4:00.
Time for Christmas Holiday Show, Annadale, Dec 7-14
Encore Theatrical Arts Project hosts “Time for Christmas,” their 29th annual holiday show featuring festive music and dance for the whole family. Tickets are $27-$40.
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, Alexandria, Dec 7
Old Town Alexandria hosts the annual Scottish Walk weekend. Festivities include a parade filled with hundreds of Scottish clansmen complete with bagpipes, holiday home tours, the evening Holiday Parade of Boats, and more. Free, 11:00.
Sing-a-long with Santa, Occoquan, Dec 7
Head to lovely historic Occoquan for time with Santa when he arrives by boat at 10:30. Pretty decorations and fun events make Occoquan one of the best Christmas towns near DC to visit in December. Free.
Christmas Parade, Manassas, Dec 7
Celebrate the season at the 78th annual Manassas Christmas Parade featuring giant balloons, bands, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Extend your fun with shopping and ice skating in Old Town. Free; 10:00–noon.
Jingle on Lake Anne, Reston, Dec 7
Head to Lake Anne Plaza in Reston for Jingle on Lake Anne, an annual holiday celebration for kids and families. Shop local at the annual Gifts from the HeART from 10:00-3:00 and visit the stores. Santa arrives by boat at noon escorted by a fleet of elves on SUPs. Free.
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long, Vienna, Dec 7
One of our favorite family events of the season is back in 2024! The holiday sing-a-long at Wolf Trap National Park features the U. S. Marine Band and other vocal groups. Registration is required but doesn't guarantee a seat so arrive early. Gates open at 2:00, performance at 3:00.
Holiday Tree Lighting, One Loudoun, Dec 7
The 12th annual Holiday Tree Lighting at One Loudoun includes Santa photos, train rides, and ice carving demonstrations. Free; 5:00-7:00.
Festival of Lights and Carols, Fairfax, Dec 7
Watch the lighting of the Christmas tree in Old Town Fairfax, plus live holiday music, s'mores, activities, and more. Free; noon-6:00.
Christmastide at Gunston Hall, Lorton, Dec 7
Celebrate a holiday tradition at Gunston Hall! Daytime activities include live music, children’s crafts, a visit from Santa, games, and more. $15/$8 adults/children; 10:00-4:00.
Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, Herndon, Dec 8
More than 70 artisans and craftspeople exhibit and sell their work at this annual holiday market. Shop for wreaths, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, homemade items, and more at the Herndon Community Center. Free, 10:00-4:00.
Holiday Fest, Walker Nature Center, Reston, Dec 8
See the woodland storybook trail and the Nature House decorated for the holidays, Enjoy hot cider and live holiday music and take home a bag of treats. $10/$15 RA member/non-member, registration required. 1:00-4:00
Tuba Christmas, Village at Leesburg, Dec 8
The annual Tuba Christmas concert returns to the Village at Leesburg with tuba and euphonium players playing favorite holiday songs. Free; 2:00-3:00
Winter Lights Walk, Franklin Park, Purcellville, Dec 9-22
Head to The Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville and stroll outside among beautifully lighted sculptures created by local artists. Free, 6:00 – 8:00.
Soar Together Family Day, Chantilly, Dec 14
The Smithsonian Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center hosts special activities and presentations during a December Family Day. Admission is free, $15 parking. It's a great time to check out one of the Top 10 Attractions in Northern VA.
Holiday Tuba Carol Fest, Gettysburg, Dec 14
Gather in historic Lincoln Square for the annual Holiday Tuba Carol Fest where musicians play carols and visitors sing along. The Tuba Fest is just one of the ways to enjoy Christmas fun on a holiday visit to Gettysburg.
Herndon WinterMarkt, Herndon, Dec 14
Winterplatz is a cluster of mini celebrations throughout downtown Herndon. Participating businesses decorate for the season and offer WinterMarkt specials. Free, noon-7:00.
Haymarket's Holiday Celebration, Haymarket, Dec 14
Enjoy hot cocoa, cider, and A Taste of Haymarket. Listen to carols, roast marshmallows over a bonfire, shop a Christmas Craft Bazaar, and visit with Santa. Free; 2:00-6:00.
Dickens on Madison, Middleburg, Dec 14
Middleburg transforms Madison Street into a Dickens Christmas scene with carriage rides, carolers, street performers, and a festive holiday market. Free, 10:00-4:00.
National Museum of the Marine Corps Christmas, Triangle, Dec 14+17
On Christmas Family Days, a very magical Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to visit with little ones, along with activities to keep the young ones busy while they wait in line.
Civil War Christmas in Camp, Fort Ward, Alexandria, Dec 14
See a Union patriotic Santa Claus, soldiers in winter camps, and a Victorian tree in the Museum. Visit the Officers' Hut decorated for the season, and tour the historic fort with a soldier. Free, 12:00-4:00.
Wreaths Across America, Arlington National Cemetery, Dec 14
The public is invited to join in wreath-laying as part of Wreaths Across America. Online registration is required. Visit the Wreaths Across America website to sponsor a wreath to honor the fallen.
Mosaic District Holiday Village, Merrifield, Dec 14-15
The annual Holiday Gift Fair, sponsored by UrbanMarket, returns to Mosaic District with over 50 local vendors offering handmade and vintage goods. Free, 11:00–4:00.
Mount Vernon Winter Glow, Dec 15-19, 23
George Washington's Mount Vernon is open daily, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. On Winter Glow evenings, soft lights and holiday patterns illuminate the grounds, Christmas carolers sing, and you can visit an 18th-century winter encampment. Follow the link to purchase timed entry tickets.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, Dec 20-22
Join Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music. Stroll the estate and hear costumed carollers, meet Aladin the Christmas Camel, and warm up by the bonfire. $58/$36 adult/youth; 5:30-8:30
Waterskiing Santa, Alexandria, Dec 24
Watch a spectacular show by the Waterskiing Santa and his wakeboarding reindeer, plus flying elves, the Grinch and his friends, Frosty the Snowman and Jack Frost. Free, 1:00.
Christmas Day Fun, Dec 25
Merry Christmas! Many events and businesses close on Christmas Day, but we've rounded up plenty of fun in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC area.
New Year’s Eve at First Night Alexandria, Alexandria, Dec 31
First Night Alexandria is a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration to welcome in the new year. Enjoy special performances and fun throughout Old Town Alexandria then head to the waterfront for the fireworks show. Follow the link for ticket purchase and performance schedule.
Watch Night, Falls Church, Dec 31
Welcome 2025 at the annual Watch Night Falls Church celebration with live music, inflatables, balloon artists, puppet shows, and more. At midnight, ring in the New Year with the lowering of the Historic Star, the City’s first holiday decoration from 1948. Free, 7:00-midnight.
Plan a First Day Hike, Virginia State Parks
On January 1st, America’s State Parks will host special events and guided hikes to kick off the new year with healthy, family-friendly activities. Join in the fun at Virginia First Day Hikes, offering free entry to all Virginia State Parks, special programs, and a photo competition with some nice prizes. Fairfax County Parks also host First Day Hikes and a photo contest. Follow the link for details.
Ongoing 2024 December Events
Holiday Lights in the Northern Virginia Area
Fill your month with sparkly lights, from professional displays to private homes and neighborhoods decked out for the holidays. We like to look beyond December events and just spend time checking out decorated houses and neighborhood displays.
Fun DC and Northern Virginia Ice Skating Rinks
December is the month to glide on the ice surrounded by festive lights at outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks in Northern Virginia. Follow the link for hours and pricing.
Bull Run Festival of Lights, Bull Run Regional Park, Nov 15–Jan 5
A dazzling 2.5-mile drive-through display of holiday and fairytale vignettes. The drive ends at a Holiday Village with rides, merchandise, and activities.
Festival of Lights is one of our 12 Holiday Favorites for seasonal fun in Northern Virginia.
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, Vienna, Nov 8-Jan 5
Over 500,000 lights and displays on a .6 mile outdoor walking trail plus s'mores and hot chocolate by the fire.
Ice and Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run, Alexandria, Nov 15-Jan 5
Ice & Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run features lots of sparkly photo locations including a walk-thru tree and giant wreath. For an extra fee, enjoy an hour of fun on the ice skating rink.
Christmas at Gaylord + ICE! 2023, National Harbor, Nov 15-Dec 28
See 2 million twinkling lights, amazing nightly snowfall, and beautiful dancing fountains at Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac. ICE! returns with scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring 2 million pounds of ice sculptures and 4 ice slides.
GardenFest of Lights, Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden, Richmond, Nov 18-Jan 5
Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden sparkles with more than half a million lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, family activities, and more. Extend your holiday fun with a Weekend Getaway to Richmond Virginia.
DC Winter Lantern Festival, Tysons, Nov 1-Jan 12
Returning for a 3rd year in 2024, the DC Winter Lantern Festival lights up Tysons with over 100 beautiful Chinese lanterns, great photo opps, and interactive displays. Stay at Hyatt Tysons Corner and you can walk to the show.
Historic Homes of Virginia, Multiple Locations and Dates
Most historic homes of Virginia offer seasonal tours of the homes decorated in period style. Northern Virginia homes with holiday tours include Carlyle House, Morven Park, Mount Vernon, and Oatlands.
Holiday Shopping and Santa Photos in Northern Virginia
Visit with Santa at Northern Virginia malls for that magical holiday picture, and enjoy kid-friendly activities at area malls.
No matter which 2024 December events in Northern Virginia you choose to attend, we wish you a fun-filled month and a Happy New Year!
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