originally published at northernvirginiamag.com
Alexandria
Ice & Lights
Nov. 15-Jan. 5, 5-10 p.m.
For a park that was originally created for summertime fun, this year Cameron Run Park will transform into a winter village. The historic campgrounds turned frosty landscape will include wonderfully lit photo opportunities, marshmallow roasting with fire pits, a Christmas retail shop and, of course, an ice rink that will remain open through February. // 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 23, 6 p.m.
Stay a part of the tradition and come out to Old Town to kick-off the holiday season with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. // Old Town Alexandria
Carlyle Holiday Market
Opening Dec. 1, 11 a.m.
Search through creative winter crafts to find the best gifts for the holiday season during this ongoing holiday market in Old Town Alexandria. // Throughout Old Town Alexandria
The Little Theatre of Alexandria: A Christmas Carol
Opening Dec. 6, times vary
Travel with Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey to Christmas past, present and future in this performance of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. // 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria
Scottish Christmas Parade
Dec. 6-7
The streets of Old Town Alexandria are filled with the sound of bagpipes and the sight of Scottie dogs, Scottish dancers and vintage cars at this 47th annual parade. // Throughout Old Town Alexandria
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 7, 7 p.m.
Get out at and experience illuminated boats along the Potomac River. A panel of judges will award participants with prizes for Best in Show, Hardiest Souls and Thinking Outside the Christmas Box. // Throughout Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
A Victorian Christmas
Dec. 14- 15, times vary
Partake in a Victorian-styled Christmas at the historic Lee-Fendall House. Enjoy sweet treats, seasonal crafts, pictures with Santa, storytime and more. // Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden: 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria
Water Skiing Santa
Dec. 24, 1 p.m.
Between King and Oronoco streets, guests can check out Santa water skiing with his wakeboarding reindeer. But the theatrics don't stop there. Flying elves, the Grinch and Frosty the Snowman will also make an appearance at this 32-year-old event. // Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl
TBA
Don your best red and white attire at this festive bar crawl benefiting local nonprofits. Food and drink specials will be offered as guests make their way through five different restaurants. // Lena's Wood Fired Pizza & Tap: 401 E. Braddock Road, Alexandria
DC
Enchant Christmas
Opening Nov. 22, times vary
Partake in a winter wonderland experience that will hype your holiday spirit. Enchant Christmas is one of the largest Christmas events on the East Coast with nightly live performances, a 90,000-square-foot light maze, a full holiday market and more. // National's Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC
ZooLights
Opening Nov. 29, times vary
The Smithsonian's National Zoo illuminates this holiday season, full of both holiday lights, LED games and hearty doses of hot chocolate. // Smithsonian National Zoo Park: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Fairfax
Meadowlark Christmas Walk of Lights
Opening Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m.
Bring friends and family to enjoy an evening stroll through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens as it illuminates with holiday spirit. The walk of lights is a half-mile trail featuring new displays each year. Finish the evening roasting marshmallows and sipping on hot chocolate—tastes that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. // 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Holiday Tea with Lady Washington
Nov. 9, 1 p.m.
Join Martha Washington for an afternoon of tea and conversation as she describes her time being married to Mr. Washington and their fond holiday memories at Mount Vernon. // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Opening Nov. 22, times vary
The Bull Run Festival of Lights will run each evening from late November through the beginning of January. For a couple of miles, Bull Run Regional Park will transform into an illuminated wonderland, with another area of the park designated as a Holiday Village. Guests can drive through the elaborate light display and then enjoy rides, refreshments and photos with Santa Claus. // 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Opening Nov. 29, times vary
Through early January, those partaking in the Christmas at Mount Vernon tours will get to meet Aladdin the Christmas Camel—George Washington once surprised his guests with a camel that cost him 18 shillings—and also check out a historic chocolate-making demonstration. // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Opening Nov. 29, times vary
Go back in time to 18th-century Virginia and partake in a historic tour guided by memorable characters and finely lit traditions. // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Dec. 20-21, times vary
Ahead of New Year's Eve's many firework displays, Mount Vernon will light up the night sky in tune to holiday music. The evening's itinerary begins with local choir performances, tours, 18th-century dance lessons, chocolate-making demonstrations and more. Food will be available for purchase. // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Loudoun
Holidays in Leesburg
Starting Dec. 6, times vary
Local musicians will perform before the lighting of the town Christmas tree, kicking off a month of holiday events. // Town of Leesburg
Seventh Annual Tree Lighting at Loudoun
Dec. 7, 5 p.m.
The event will kick off with live music, refreshments and crafts for kids. After sunset, Santa will arrive in a firetruck to light the Christmas tree and will then stick around for pictures. The event ends with a fireworks display. // One Loudoun: 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn
Christmas in Middleburg
Dec. 7
In an event meant to create pause in an otherwise hectic holiday season, the tree lighting ceremony will be a quiet and moving experience with lights and Christmas music. Parades and other festivities will begin the next day, perfect for the entire family. // Town of Middleburg: 10 W. Marshall St., Middleburg
Prince William
Holiday Tree Lighting
Nov. 23, 6 p.m.
Ring in the holiday cheer with Woodbridge's annual holiday tree lighting. Celebrating big with horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas entertainment and activities, holiday cheer will be in full swing after this event. // Town Hall Lawn: 314 Mill St., Woodbridge
Winter Fest at Parkridge Center
Dec. 14, 11 a.m.
This third annual festival will feature holiday-themed games, cookie decorating, a carriage ride and an opportunity to meet Santa.. Be sure to bring school supplies to help donate to students in need. // Parkridge Center: 11096 Bulloch Road, Manassas
Fauquier
Warrenton Christmas Parade
Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
This nighttime Christmas Parade brings hundreds of spectators every year to see the numerous illuminated floats and bands come together to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Claus to light the town's Christmas tree. // Town of Warrenton
Bealeton Holiday Parade
TBA
This annual event features performances, floats and antique cars. After the parade, visit CK Home and Hardware for kids' activities, refreshments and discount coupons.
Fredericksburg
Riverside Christmas Spectacular
Opening Nov. 27, times vary
Back by popular demand, this holiday show will express what Christmas is all about. Experience the holiday cheer with singers and dancers as they give us the best present of holiday joy making all of our Christmas dreams come true. // 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg
Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg: Winter Concert
Dec. 14, times vary
At this event, Fredericksburg's very own Chamber Chorale ensemble performs a holiday concert for residents. The performance will feature both the chorus and an orchestra. // Trinity Episocopal Church, Fredericksburg: 825 College Ave., Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Holiday Events
Dates and times vary
Experience Fredericksburg this holiday season with many festivities to choose from like gingerbread house making, a grandparent's holiday dance, christmas rides and more. // Town of Fredericksburg
