February Events in Northern Virginia and Fun Near DC

Updated on February 24, 2025 by Julie McCool

2025 February events in Northern Virginia include Valentine's and President's Day celebrations, restaurant deals, family fun, and more. 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.

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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Follow the links for details about these February events and to check for inclement weather closures.

Chocolate Lovers Festival, Fairfax, Jan 31-Feb 2

One of the most popular February events in the area, the annual Chocolate Lovers Festival returns to the City of Fairfax in 2025. Enjoy a whole weekend of delicious chocolate tastes and experiences in Old Town Square and other indoor, downtown locations.

You can also support local businesses at these tasty local Chocolate Shops in Northern Virginia.

Alexandria Warehouse Sale, Alexandria Feb 1-2

Find deals up to 80% off retail prices at the 21st annual designer warehouse sale. The sales will be happen at 50 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.

Enchant Light Experience, Tysons, Feb 1-28

Capture festive photos when you check out 14 big light sculptures on The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center. These Instagrammable sculptures, sponsored by George Mason University, include a giant tree and a walk-through ornament. Free.

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, Jan 27-Feb 2

Eat your way through a week of dining deals during Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week. 250 restaurants, including many in Northern Virginia, offer 3-course brunches and lunches for $25/$35 and dinners for $40/$55/$65 (per person, beverage, tax, and gratuity not included).

Enjoy your meal at outdoor patios, dine in (where available), or order to go and dine at home. Follow the link to search by cuisine and neighborhood or to check for your favorite dining spot.

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week, Jan 31-Feb 9

More than 70 Alexandria restaurants offer $30, $40, and $50 prix fixe dinners during Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week. Support local restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal. Many of the restaurants offer outdoor heated dining or take-out. Follow the link for participating restaurant details.

Falls Church Restaurant Week, Jan 31-Feb 9

Explore diverse cuisine from many cultures during the 2025 Falls Church Restaurant Week. More than 40 restaurants will offer special deals with some featuring special 3-course menus.

2025 Virginia Polar Dip, Reston, Feb 1

It’s “freezin’ for a reason,” time, and Reston's annual polar bear plunge is back. The 2025 host for fund-raising event is once again the Kiwanis Club of Tysons. 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.

Happy Groundhog Day! Feb 2

It's Groundhog Day! Celebrate with a visit to these top must-visit Northern Virginia attractions that we return to again and again.

Or 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 the chance 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.

Maple Syrup Boil-Down, Colvin Run Mill, Feb 2, 8

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. $8 per person, register online; 11:00 – 2:00.

Star-gazing at the Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, Feb 8

Bundle up and head to the Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center for a night of star-gazing guided by astronomy experts. Admission and parking are free (after 4:00); head to the bus lot at the south end of the parking lot. 6:00 – 8:00.

Super Bowl and Puppy Bowl Sunday, Feb 9

Head to one of the many local breweries, sports bars, and pubs to watch the 2025 Super Bowl. Be sure to tune in for the Puppy Bowl and cheer for the locals.

Valentine's Day, Feb 14

The LOVE sign in Lovettsville Virginia, a perfect spot for romantic and family photos.
LOVE in Lovettsville Virginia

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

Spend 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 Your 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 LOVE Signs

Winter Weekend Sale, Middleburg, Feb 14-17

Head to beautiful Middleburg for the 14th annual Winter Weekend Sale. Discover special deals at downtown shops and restaurants as you explore one of our favorite small towns in Northern VA. Just look for the red and white balloons! 10:00 – 5:00 or as posted on shops.

Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb 14-17

Join people all over the world in helping scientists track bird populations when you participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Just count the birds in your own backyard for 15 minutes or more on at least one of the days. A fun family project for the long President's Day Weekend.

President's Day Weekend Events, Feb 15-17

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 many great Places to Visit During President's Day Weekend. In fact, these historic sites are worth visiting all year long.

George Washington Birthday Parade, Alexandria, Feb 15

George Washington Birthday Parade, Photo credit: Tisara Photography
George Washington Birthday Parade, Photo credit: Tisara Photography

The 2025 George Washington Birthday Parade, the nation’s largest, celebrates the 293rd anniversary of George Washington's birth. The one-mile route through the streets of Old Town Alexandria attracts a big crowd and honors one of Alexandria’s favorite sons. Free; 1:00 – 3:00.

Additional events throughout February include a Cherry Challenge among Alexandria’s best restaurants, outdoor walking tours, and virtual events.

Polar Plunge + Waddle Run, Leesylvania State Park, Feb 15

Raise money for Special Olympics when you take a chilly dip in the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park. Music, food, and a best-dressed plunger contest add to the fun. 11:00. Before the plunge, join in a Waddle Run at 9:30.

Astronomy Festival, Great Falls, Feb 15

Enjoy guided stargazing through a telescope at Turner Farm Park in Great Falls and hear ancient stories about the constellations around a cozy campfire. There will be games and activities throughout the evening and hot chocolate and snacks available for purchase. $10; 5:00 – 7:30.

Washington's Birthday Celebration, Mount Vernon, Feb 17

Meet George Washington at Mount Vernon on President's Day
“George Washington” at Mount Vernon

Celebrate George Washington's birthday with free admission to Mount Vernon on February 17, President's Day. Tickets are limited so arrive early. Activities include demonstrations, character performances, and birthday cake. Free; 9:00 – 5:00.

George Washington's Birthday at Ferry Farm, Fredericksburg, Feb 17

Celebrate George Washington’s 293rd 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

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 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. Cheers!

National Harbor Restaurant Week, Feb 23-Mar 1

Enjoy great deals on meals and more during Fooduary, an annual event at National Harbor in Maryland. In addition to special prix fixe menus, enjoy cooking classes and demonstrations plus discounts on entertainment including the Capital Wheel.

Fairfax City Restaurant Week, Feb 24-Mar 2

The 2025 Winter Fairfax City Restaurant Week will offer special deals on brunch, lunch, and dinner options at restaurants and breweries throughout the city.

Cherry Blossom Peak Announcement, Online, Feb 27

The National Park Service generally announces its first cherry blossom peak bloom prediction at the end of February. Plan a season of beautiful blooms with our big guide to the Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. It's full of tips and suggestions for popular and little-known cherry blossom photo spots.

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.

Snowy Views on a Winter Walk at Burke Lake Park in Northern Virginia
Winter Walk at Burke Lake Park

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?

Ice Skating at Reston Town Center, one of the Fun Things to Do on Thanksgiving Weekend in Northern Virginia
Ice Skating Rink, Reston VA

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.

View from the catwalk at the Smithsonian Air and Space Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Northern Virginia.
Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center

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.

Heated outdoor dining and drinking igloo, photo by Farm Brew Live
Igloo dining photo by Farm Brew Live

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.

Fox Meadow Winery Winter View
Fox Meadow Winery Winter View

Support Local Businesses in 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.

Festive wreaths and garlands decorating a store in Occoquan, one of the best Christmas towns near DC
Occoquan Holiday Decorations

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 the best scenic drives in Northern Virginia where you can explore small towns and history while enjoying country roads.

Field and mountain views from Loyalty Road in Loudoun County Virginia
Scenic Road in Loudoun County VA

Take a Weekend Getaway Near Northern VA

We've rounded up a big list of 21 Fantastic Weekend Getaways In and Near Northern Virginia that offer a fun break from the winter doldrums. From historic inns to comfy hotels, to a private mill house, we have options for every taste. Browse our list and plan your perfect winter escape.

Find a Perfect Winter Getaway

It's not too late for a winter escape! We've rounded up Favorite Winter Getaways from Northern Virginia by Plane, Train, and Auto to inspire your next trip. Whether you're craving time in the city or toes in the sand, we have tips for trips that are easy to reach from Northern VA. Happy travel!

Whatever 2025 February events are on your list, we hope you'll have time to explore and enjoy the Northern Virginia area.

Coming up: Plan ahead for the best March Events in Northern VA (updated in February).

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February Events in Northern Virginia include President's Day, Valentine's Day, and other fun celebrations.
February Events in Northern Virginia