Updated for 2024
'Tis the season in Fairfax County! Whether you’re a local on a staycation or on a family getaway, there are plenty of things to do in Northern Virginia in December. Check out these things to see and events to attend in the Washington, DC area that embrace winter and the holidays. Whether you want to be inside staying warm or enjoying the extra twinkle outside, here is your go-to guide for enjoying December 2024 in the nation’s capital region.
Festive First Weekend at Winterfest
From Thursday, December 5 until Saturday, December 7, immerse yourself in the excitement of a winter-themed family event designed for holiday season celebrations with family and friends. Winterfest, hosted by the Reston Association, promises a delightful experience, featuring a magical trail that will lead you through the Enchanted Forest and end your experience with a visit to the Grinch's Village. The village offers a magical atmosphere with luminaries, fire pits, musical performances, and a tempting array of food, drinks, and keepsakes. Guests get an extra Santa experience with free photo ops with the celebrity of the season. Register here now!
Choose Your Christmas Tree
Once the dishes are cleaned after a bountiful Thanksgiving meal (and sometimes even before!), many families go out in search of the perfect Christmas decorations! What better way to bring the merriment of the holidays into your home than to kick off the season with a fresh-cut Christmas tree? We've rounded up all the best places to find your Christmas tree in Fairfax County.
It's Time for Some Shopping
In December, Fairfax County shines when it comes to embracing the mantra of "shop local, love local." This month, especially, there is an emphasis on supporting the diverse array of local shops that offer unique products. Take the time to explore the talents of local makers, each crafting a distinct and thoughtful gift. Whether it's a bottle of local wine, hand-poured candles to brighten the winter nights, cozy mittens perfect for the chilly days ahead, or ingredients to nourish the soul, there's something for everyone on your shopping list. Celebrate the spirit of giving love by choosing locally crafted treasures that not only make for memorable presents but also support local shops around the area!
- Find hand-crafted gifts from makers in the Made in Fairfax 2024 Gift Guide
- Peruse unique gift shops at area attractions
- Attend a holiday market to browse from multiple vendors
- Support other small and unique retail shops
More Holiday Shopping
Image courtesy Tysons Corner Center
The days of gifting are rapidly approaching! Luckily, Fairfax County has a TON of shopping, centers, malls and holiday markets to help you find that perfect gift. Looking for something truly unique? Shop local at these unique gift shops to find one-of-a-kind presents that'll stand out from the bunch. Need other ideas? Check out these local bookstores, indie record shops, or even a selection of handcrafted items specifically Made in Fairfax (the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is now live!) For those who enjoy delicious gifts, you can also find plenty of chocolate shops and local coffee roasters that offer unique blends.
Be Dazzled By Light Displays
Light up your December by visiting one of the area's magnificent light shows! Be sure to check out these beloved favorites that draw crowds each and every year:
- Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights – through January 5, 2025
- Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights – through January 5, 2025
- DMV Winter Lantern Festival - through January 12, 2025
- Winter Glow at Mount Vernon - November 29-30 and December 15-19, December 23, 2024
- Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon - December 20-22, 2024
- Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park - December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21, 2024
Bonus - stay tuned for more information on this year's list of best Tacky Christmas Lights to see around Fairfax County neighborhoods! Updates will be live soon.
Get Moving at the Ice Rink
Lace up those skates at one of the area ice rinks. Reston's famed ice skating pavilion is open for an outdoor experience of gliding across the ice. You can also skate at Fairfax Ice Arena and see other area rinks in the region here.
Enjoy Signature Holiday Events
Image courtesy Mount Vernon
Who needs sugarplums when these annual events are what dreams are made of?! December 2024 has a big line-up of things to do, so add a few of these to your calendar:
- Great Falls Celebration of Lights - December 1
- Fairfax City Holiday Market - Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, December 6-15
- Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-a-Long - December 7
- Christmastide at Gunston Hall - December 7
- Jingle on Lake Anne Holiday Event - December 7
- Herndon WinterMarkt - December 14
- Winter Market at The PARC at Tysons - December 14
- Winter Glow at Mount Vernon – Dec. 15-19, & 23
For more holiday fun, keep tabs on our main Events Calendar at www.fxva.com/events. Events are always being added!
Christmas and Holiday Concerts
The Nutcracker, musical ensembles, Christmas carol sing-a-longs, and more! There are a variety of upcoming holiday shows in #FXVA to bring the spirit of the season to all ages! Mark your calendars and start planning your festivities with our latest round-up of local Christmas and Holiday Concerts.
Meet Santa Claus
Santa's magical powers can make him preeeetty hard to spot. Luckily, the team at Visit Fairfax has some connections at the North Pole! We've tracked him down to these locations in Fairfax County. Be sure to check ahead of time to secure your reservation, and snap a photo with Saint Nick himself!
Hanukkah Celebrations
This year, Hanukkah begins on December 25 and ends on January 2. You'll find plenty of events celebrating the holiday in Fairfax County and throughout the Capital Region! From menorah lightings to local celebrations, here's our roundup of Hanukkah events to celebrate this year (check back as it gets updated for 2024!)
Holiday Fun in the Parks
Image courtesy @myviennava
Most people know about the Winter Walk of Lights and the Festival of Lights at two of the best regional parks in the area, but there are plenty of local parks getting in on the holiday celebrations. Here are a few events to look forward to:
- Holiday On The Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park - Fridays and Saturdays, December 6 - 21
- Wonderful Winter Wildlife at Riverbend Park - December 6
- Holiday Lantern Tours at Colvin Run Mill - December 6 - 7
- On Christmas Day in History at Green Spring Gardens - December 7 -8
- Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park - Saturdays and Sundays, December 7 - 15
- Winter Trees and Landscapes Sketch Hike at Huntley Meadows Park - December 8
- Candy Cane Lane Mini Golf at Oakmont Mini Golf - December 14
- Santa at Colvin Run Mill AND Sensory-Friendly Santa at the Mill at Colvin Run Mill - December 14 - 15
New Years Planning
December 31 is right around the corner, which means 2025 is almost here! We've compiled a list of all the great things going on for the celebration so that you won't miss a beat! Ring in the next chapter by attending some of these New Years' Eve events in the area and keep checking back as more get added throughout the month.
What are your favorite Fairfax County holiday traditions? Tell us in the comments below or share with us on social media using #FXVA or @VisitFairfax.
