2022 February events in Northern Virginia include Valentine's and President's Day celebrations, restaurant deals, family fun, and more. Many of the events that we missed last year are back. Plus there are virtual events and lots of fun things to do in Northern VA.
Whether you love winter's chill or can't wait for warmer times, you'll find fun ways to keep busy during our shortest month.
Northern Virginia 2022 February Events
February events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events listed first. Follow the links for event details and to check for inclement weather closures.
Happy Groundhog Day! Feb 2
Take a hike at one of Northern VA's family-friendly parks and see if you can spot a groundhog or other wildlife. Our favorite Winter Walks in Northern Virginia offer more opportunities to see wildlife from trails that hold up well to snow and rain. Easy boardwalk trails offer still more great chances to see wildlife up close.
Chocolate Lovers Festival, Fairfax, CANCELED
Sadly, the annual Chocolate Lovers Festival in the City of Fairfax is canceled again in 2022. You can still support local businesses when you visit these tasty Chocolate Shops in Northern Virginia and More Sweet Treats.
Alexandria Warehouse Sale, Alexandria Feb 5 – 6
Find deals up to 80% off retail prices at the 16th annual designer warehouse sale. This year the sales will be spread out across stores, pop-up tents, and outdoor spaces on King Street in Old Town Alexandria.
Shop a great collection of local boutiques and score some of the best deals of the year. Admission and parking are free all weekend in Old Town. Hours vary by location.
Lunar New Year Celebration, Tysons, Feb 5
Tysons Corner Center will celebrate the Chinese New Year at a free festival. Watch performances including a Lion Dance, Chinese ethnic dances, and more. Free; 1:00 – 3:00.
2022 Virginia Polar Dip & Dash, Reston, Feb 5
It’s “freezin’ for a reason,” time, and Reston's annual polar bear plunge is back in 2022. Sign up to take the plunge and support Camp Sunshine, a camp and support program that helps families affected by life-threatening childhood illnesses. Follow the link for rules and sign-up details.
NEW! Virginia Truffle Fest, Madison, Feb 5
The first Virginia Truffle Festival celebrates local Virginia growers of this tasty garnish. Tickets start at $25 for the truffle marketplace, and you can purchase tickets for individual events or go all in on the day's festivities. Follow the link for full schedule and ticket options.
Maple Syrup Boil-Down, Colvin Run Mill, Feb 6, 20
When the sap is rising and the maple trees are tapped, it’s sugaring time. Watch and learn as the sap is boiled down into sweet maple syrup over an open fire. Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup over fresh-baked cornbread, while supplies last. $10 per person, register online; noon – 2:00.
Occoquan ChocolateFest, Occoquan, Feb 12 – 13
Enjoy a weekend of tastings, workshops, and special events at the annual Occoquan ChocolateFest, in person again in 2022. One lucky visitor will win a basket of chocolate goodies. This is a perfect time to visit beautiful historic Occoquan and sample some of the best chocolate shops in Northern Virginia.
Super Bowl and Puppy Bowl Sunday, Feb 13
At many local spots, you can cheer on the game from patios featuring outdoor TVs. Be sure to tune in for the Puppy Bowl and cheer for the locals.
Valentine's Day, Feb 14
How will you celebrate your love on Valentine's Day? We've rounded up ways to create your own romantic fun in the Northern Virginia region. Whether you want a romantic weekend getaway, a delicious couples meal, or a DIY outing, we've got ideas for you.
Plan a Romantic Getaway
Plan a night or two at these 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC. Our list includes romantic hotels, secluded inns, and offbeat places in cities and towns around DC and the Northern Virginia region.
Enjoy a Romantic Meal
Treat your love to a special meal out at these Romantic Restaurants in Northern Virginia or get your special dinner to go. Our list includes elegant and casual options for every mood.
Create You Own Unique Valentine's Day Celebration
Looking for a unique (and easy to plan last minute) romantic outing? We've rounded up unique indoor and outdoor places that set the mood for love: 21 Romantic Places in Virginia and DC, No Reservation Required.
Treat Your Sweet to a Sweet Treat
Indulge your sweetheart with a gourmet treat from one of these tasty Chocolate Shops in Northern Virginia. Our guide includes local chocolate makers plus restaurants where you can enjoy a chocolatey creation.
Create a LOVE-ly Memory
For over 50 years, our state has been known by its Virginia is for Lovers tagline. And in honor of that motto, there are LOVEworks—creative art featuring the word LOVE—all over the state. Here is a guide to some of our favorite spots to take a perfect photo of you and the ones you love: Celebrate Romance and Family Fun at Virginia LOVEworks
National Drink Wine Day, Feb 18
Wineries and wine lovers all over the USA celebrate National Drink Wine Day on February 18th. Why not create your own celebration at one of these fun 7 Virginia Hike and Wine Day Trips Close to Washington DC? Or skip the hike, relax with a glass, and soak in these Sensational Northern Virginia Winery Views in Northern Virginia. Cheers!
President's Day, Feb 21 – 22
In addition to the special events listed below, the long President's Day weekend is a great time to explore presidential history in Virginia. We're lucky to have these Presidential Sites to Explore on President's Day Weekend. In fact, these historic sites are worth visiting all year long.
Washington's Birthday Celebration, Mount Vernon, Feb 21 – 22
Special activities honor and celebrate George Washington's 290th birthday. Visitors get free admission to Mount Vernon on February 21 and 22, President's Day and Washington's actual birthday. Tickets are limited, and you must reserve a ticket online to attend. Activities include demonstrations, character performances, and birthday cake. Free; 9:00 – 5:00.
Mount Vernon also celebrates George Washington’s actual birthday on February 22nd with free admission. You can also attend a virtual birthday party with music, fireworks, and an online toast to George Washington.
George Washington Birthday Parade, Alexandria, Feb 21
The annual George Washington Birthday Parade is back in 2022! Celebrate the 290th anniversary of George Washington's birth at the nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade. The one-mile route through the streets of Old Town Alexandria usually attracts nearly 3,500 participants and honors one of Alexandria’s favorite sons. Free; 1:00 – 3:00.
Additional events throughout the month of February include a Cherry Challenge among Alexandria’s best restaurants, outdoor walking tours, and virtual events.
George Washington's Birthday at Ferry Farm, Fredericksburg, Feb 21
Celebrate George Washington’s 290th birthday at his boyhood home with fun activities for the whole family. Activities include games, crafts, tours, living history activities, the Stone Throw Challenge, and birthday cupcakes.
“General Washington” will be there to talk about his youth on the farm. Reserve a 90-minute time slot online; $5 adults, under 17 free. 10:00 – 3:30
Happy Mardi Gras! Mar 1
Get ready to celebrate Mardi Gras on March 1st with a sweet and tasty King Cake from Harvest Bread. Their King Cakes are made on Fridays so order your cake online and schedule a pick-up time. We tried one in late January and it's delicious!
More Winter Fun in Northern VA
Create your own winter fun with the help of these guides to trails, activities, and places to visit this February.
Take a Winter Hike, Multiple Locations
Unless we've had heavy snow or rain, winter is a great time to explore local trails. These winter hikes and strolls are enjoyable except when conditions are especially icy or water-logged. A little snow on the ground is not a problem with most of these destinations, but wear good hiking boots and check ahead for inclement weather closures.
Take a Spin at a Local Ice Skating Rink
The return of chilly temps puts us in the mood for a wintery outing. Northern Virginia ice skating rinks offer healthy winter fun for every age, whether you prefer to skate indoors or out. Each ice skating destination offers smooth ice, happy music, and nearby fun, so why not try them all?
Enjoy Heated Outdoor Dining and Drinking in Northern Virginia
Dine and drink local at restaurants, wineries, and breweries with outdoor heated spaces. Rent a private igloo, reserve your own fire pit, or grab a table in heated tents and pavilions. It's the perfect outdoor-indoor combination.
Sip Wine with a Sensational View
We crave a beautiful view all year long. One of our favorite options for a winter outing is to visit one of the many excellent Virginia wineries and soak up nature with a glass in hand.
Support Local Businesses at These Small Towns Near DC
Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway with our list of 15 Fun Northern Virginia Small Towns to Visit Now. From tiny hamlets to historic Old Towns we've found quaint and interesting places to explore. Visit these destinations and you can support local restaurants, shops, wineries, and breweries plus enjoy outdoor activities.
Take a Scenic Drive to Explore Northern VA
Chilly winter days are a perfect time to explore new roads and sites close to home. We've rounded up 6 scenic drives in Northern Virginia where you can explore small towns and history while enjoying country roads.
Find Warm Indoor Activities in Northern VA
Sometimes it's too cold to play outdoors, but cabin fever pushes us to get out of the house. Whether you have kids along or not, we've rounded up a great big list of warm indoor activities that offer a change of scene close to home.
Whatever 2022 February events are on your list, we hope you'll have time to explore and enjoy the Northern Virginia area.
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