Updated for 2024
As the weather turns brisk and the holidays creep closer, something magical happens in Fairfax County! Brilliant light displays illuminate the night sky, local restaurants serve up comfort food favorites, outdoor winter activities and ice skating rinks open for the season, and a variety of festive shows fill our event calendar. Make your days merry and bright with these local holiday and Christmas performances that even Scrooge would love.
1. Chapel Hart: Hartfelt Christmas Tour
November 29, 2024
Photo courtesy of Chapel Hart's Facebook
Enjoy a Hartfelt holiday season with Danica and Devynn Hart, along with their cousin Trea Swindle, the talented trio behind Chapel Hart. They’re bringing an early holiday gift to Capital One Hall with some colorful and contagious energy, capturing the audience's attention with their sweet and southern sound of country and the soulful undertones noting their gospel-inspired roots. Get your tickets now for a chance to hear their brand-new album, The Hartfelt Family Christmas, and let their music lift your holiday spirit.
2. Fairfax Ballet Company's "The Nutcracker"
November 30 - December 1 and December 21-22, 2024
Photo courtesy of The Fairfax Ballet Company
Experience this timeless holiday classic as The Fairfax Ballet Company performs The Nutcracker. Enjoy a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, sugar plum fairies, and epic battles between heroic toy soldiers and mischievous mice. These special performances at Fairfax High School on November 30 and December 1 feature guest artists from the acclaimed Russell School of Ballet and other special guest artists.
This year, the Fairfax Ballet Company is bringing its performance to two stages, including special shows with the Fairfax Symphony on December 21-22 at George Mason University's Center for the Arts, where the acclaimed Symphony brings to life Tchaikovsky’s score.
3. Canadian Brass
November 30, 2024
Photo courtesy of Canadian Brass' Facebook
The holiday season sometimes needs good humor, and Canadian Brass is bringing their infectiously positive performance to George Mason University's Center for the Arts! One of the world’s most famous brass quintets will entertain the audience with their original songs and signature takes on holiday classics such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Christmas Time is Here,” “Silver Bells,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and songs of Hanukkah. Nothing says holiday glee more than the melodies of brass instruments.
4. "Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet"
December 1, 2024
This Christmas, the beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! The acclaimed holiday tradition is LIVE in theaters once again at Capital One Hall. Gather friends and family to re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of Peace and Harmony and get tickets now!
5. Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show
December 5, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Wolf Trap
The 2024 Grammy winners for Best Roots Gospel Album are bringing their award-winning holiday albums, Go Tell It on the Mountain and Talkin' Christmas, to The Barns at Wolf Trap. The Blind Boys of Alabama's soul-stirring melodies are just what the doctor ordered to kick-start the festivities. They’re in town for one night only, on December 5, so be sure to grab your tickets because there’s nothing like holiday jams at Wolf Trap.
6. Cherry Poppin’ Daddies - WWII Tiki Xmas Canteen
December 6, 2024
Photo courtesy Wolf Trap
Have you ever experienced a retro, South Pacific-style Christmas celebration? This may be your only chance as the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies shake things up at Wolf Trap with their WWII Tiki Xmas Canteen! Known for their explosive live performance, they’ll take you on a lively journey through American music, blending swing-era jazz with a modern rock flair. If you miss the radio’s glory days, this show is a must-see!
7. Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
December 7, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Wolf Trap's Facebook
Local choirs and vocal groups from the area are coming together to spread holiday juju through music. The free, iconic Holiday Sing-Along returns to Fairfax County! This cherished tradition invites everyone to join the choir as they sing Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs. Bring your best (or ugliest!) Christmas sweater for an unforgettable performance featuring the United States Marine Band to welcome the winter season. This year, Wolf Trap please requests that you register in advance here to sleigh the season!
8. Encore Theatrical Arts Project presents "Time for Christmas"
December 7- 15, 2024
Encore Theatrical Arts Project presents an original Broadway-style holiday musical, "Time for Christmas," taking place at Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center. The story follows two tech-savvy elves eager to prove themselves, only to accidentally trap the world in a time loop. With the same day repeating over and over, when will Christmas ever arrive? Come and find out and see how the story unfolds. "Time For Christmas" is a glamorous and dazzling holiday musical appropriate for audiences of all ages as it features over 30 performers, creative choreography, elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and over 20 musical numbers!
9. A Christmas Festival
December 13, 2024
Photo courtesy of Capital One Hall's Website
Rediscover the magic of classic holiday movies like Home Alone, The Polar Express, and It’s a Wonderful Life brought to life by a symphony orchestra at The McLean Symphony's A Christmas Festival, creating a festive family experience. The true star of the show is the orchestra’s enchanting performance of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Be sure to warm up your vocal cords as the festival wraps up with a jolly carol sing-along for everyone!
10. American Festival Pops Orchestra: Songs of the Season
December 14, 2024
Ding-dong, ding-dong, Christmas bells are ringing! Gather with the American Festival Pops Orchestra and special guests for its annual Holiday Pops concert at George Mason University's Center for the Arts, which is sure to make spirits bright! A beloved tradition, this heartwarming evening of holiday favorites includes a festive audience sing-along.
11. L’Chaim II: A Tribute to the Jewish Legacy of Broadway (and Christmas)
December 15, 2024
Four Broadway singers return to The Alden for the holiday season, performing L’Chaim II, a sequel to their previous hit production. Join them as they create musical magic, celebrating the works of Broadway’s finest Jewish composers.
12. Handel's Messiah
December 23, 2024
Mark the most wonderful time of the year as the National Philharmonic presents Handel’s Messiah at Capital One Hall. Since the resounding success of its Dublin premiere in 1742, Messiah has been performed thousands of times, in multiple languages, all around the world. NatPhil has redesigned Handel’s creation with all-star soloists soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo-soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams, under the direction of Maestro Piotr Gajewski. Join a time-honored tradition that offers the occasion for the community to come together and embrace the comfort and joy this holiday classic unfailingly brings every year.
From classic and beloved tales to musical ensembles, there's no shortage of holiday cheer in Fairfax County's local theaters and performance venues. Which shows will you attend? Be sure to tag us in your holiday adventures using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax so we can see all of the fun you have with your loved ones!
