December is a wonderful time of year to live in Northern Virginia. With the exciting holiday traditions coming to life, the return of warm winter drinks, and the national capitol right around the corner, you’re guaranteed to find an exciting and delicious activity near you. Here are our top 10 favorite December activities for you to enjoy in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
The National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace || Washington, D.C.
Visit the nation’s capitol and enjoy this annual DC Christmas tradition. Stroll through seasonal displays including Santa’s workshop, a Yule log, a large-scale model train and a Christmas Manger, and enjoy musical performances nightly on the Ellipse Stage. People from all over the world travel to the district for this yearly spectacle you surely don’t want to miss! For more information and travel options, click here.
Bull Run Festival of Lights || Centreville, VA
Located in Fairfax County, this 2.5 mile drive-through lightshow involves fun and exciting animated lights that you can enjoy from the warmth of your own car. Load up the SUV with friends and family, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and go for a ride through this holiday spectacle. When you’re done, visit their Winter Wonderland Holiday Village with amusement rides, an ice skating rink, shopping, food, and more! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website.
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights || Vienna, VA
If you adore the beauty of Meadowlarks Botanical Gardens during the summer, you’ll love their annual Winter Walk of Lights. The gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland filled with over 500,000 twinkling lights. Make sure to dress warm (or just cuddle up close to your partner!) for your stroll through this fairytale location. Tickets must be purchase in advance and can be done here.
Zoolights || Washington, D.C.
A district favorite, Zoolights is fun for children and adults alike! Enjoy a walk through the National Zoo freshly decorated with animal-themed lights and filled with engaging performances, ice sculptures, fun activities for the kids, and more. Admissions is free and the zoo is accessible by various paid parking lots ($16 for non-FONZ) and the Woodley Park metro station.
ICE! At Gaylord National || National Harbor, MD
Though not located in Northern Virginia, the short trip across the Potomac is well worth it for Gaylord National Resort’s annual Christmas on the Potomac. Enjoy ICE!, a walk-through holiday attraction featuring 2 million pounds of ice delicately carved to this year’s theme Santa Clause is coming to Town. Bundle up and enjoy a chilly stroll through the story of Santa Clause, watch a live carving station, and even act like a kid again with 5 icy slides to go down. When you’re done, enjoy their magical Christmas Village filled with shopping, carousel rides, a gingerbread house making corner, and more. Purchase tickets for this popular event in advance (recommended) or at the door.
Christmas at Mount Vernon || Mount Vernon, VA
Talk a walk through history with Christmas at Mt. Vernon! While strolling George Washington’s esteemed estate, you’ll experience the family’s traditional Christmas season with dazzling holiday décor, an exciting chocolate-making demonstration, and the famous Christmas camel, Aladdin. And while you’re there, don’t forget to pick up Mt. Vernon’s 2015 annual ornament to place on your tree!
Alexandria’s Holiday Market || Alexandria, VA
Experience the holidays with a European twist at Alexandria’s annual Holiday Market. Designed to mimic the holiday markets commonly seen in Germany and France, this festival is a perfect place to shop for unique arts and crafts, enjoy live entertainment, taste traditional European food and drink, and more. Open Fridays-Sundays throughout December, this annual treat is one you don’t want to miss!
Leesburg Holiday Parade and Festival || December 12th, Leesburg, VA
Step into Historic Leesburg for a day filled with live music and carolers, carriage rides, their annual Holiday parade featuring Santa himself, and more! Bring the whole family or enjoy a day out with friends – you’re guaranteed a great time no matter who you’re with. For more infor on the day’s events, including their Jingle Jam Concert and Holiday Parade, click here.
The Nutcracker || Various locations throughout NoVA and DC
The season wouldn’t be complete without a viewing of this classic holiday performance. Watch Clara’s Christmas fantasy come to life with wooden toy soldiers, giant mice, a beautiful ballerina, and more. Check out this great list to find a theater and showing here you.