Updated for 2025

'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 2025 in the nation’s capital region.


Attend the Festive First Weekend at Winterfest

Reston Winterfest - U2C - Holidays - Light ShowsWinterfest. Credit: William O'Brien/Reston Association

Starting Thursday, December 4 until Saturday, December 6 from 5 - 9PM, 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

Rows of pine tree with light display.

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?

If you're looking for somewhere to get your tree this year, check out our blog post on the best places to find a Christmas tree or best Christmas tree farms in Northern Virginia. 

 

Start Your Holiday Shopping Journey

Virginia Tote Bag - Shop Like You Live Here - Made in Fairfax - Gift Guide - U2CTote bags from Shop Like You Live Here

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!

Here are some local shopping ideas to get you started:

​On top of local merchandise, Fairfax County has a TON of shopping centers, malls, and other spots for holiday shopping to help you find that perfect gift. Check out popular spots like Tysons Corner Center, Fair Oaks Mall, Springfield Town Center, Mosaic District, and more! 


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Be Dazzled By Light Displays

Families walking down a path of lights.

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 every year: 

Bonus: Check this year's list of best Tacky Christmas Lights to see around Fairfax County neighborhoods! 2025 homes list will be published in early December!


Get Moving at the Ice Rink

Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion - Crowds - Winter

Lace up those skates at one of the Northern Virginia 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 or the newly renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center Ice Arena, plus other ice rinks in the region on our Northern Virginia ice rinks page.


Enjoy Signature Holiday Events

Mount Vernon - U2C - Christmas Illuminations - Fireworks - Winter - HolidaysImage courtesy Mount Vernon Ladies Association

Who needs sugarplums when these annual events are what dreams are made of?! December 2025 has a big line-up of things to do, so add a few of these to your calendar:

  • Holiday Tours at Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House - Fridays & Saturdays, December 5-20
  • Great Falls Celebration of Lights - Sunday, December 7 from 4-6PM
  • Fairfax City Holiday Market - Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, December 5-14
  • Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-a-Long - Saturday, December 6
  • Christmastide at Gunston Hall - Saturday, December 6 from 10AM-4PM
  • Jingle on Lake Anne Holiday Event - Saturday, December 6
  • Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at Reston Town Center - December 6, 13, & 20, times vary
  • Herndon WinterMarkt - Saturday, December 13 from 12-7PM
  • Frostival Winter Market at The PARC at Tysons - Saturday, December 13 from 12-6PM
  • The Big Jolly Breakfast at Westfields Marriott - Sunday, December 14 

​For more holiday fun, keep tabs on our main Events Calendar. Events are always being added!
 

Attend a Christmas & Holiday Concert

Moscow Ballet Nutcracker

The Nutcracker, musical ensembles, Christmas carol sing-a-longs, and more! There are a variety of upcoming holiday shows in Fairfax County 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

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

Giant Menorah on Strawberry Ln.

This year, Hanukkah begins on December 14 and ends on December 22. 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 (keep checking back as more updates will be added!).

 

Have Some Holiday Fun in the Parks

Colvin Run decorated with wreaths.
Image courtesy @myviennava

Most people know about the Winter Walk of Lights and the Festival of Lights at two of the best regional light shows 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 5-20
  • Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park - Saturdays and Sundays, December 6-21
  • Hot Cocoa Wetland Night Hike at Huntley Meadows Park - December 12
  • Candy Cane Lane Mini Golf at Oakmont Mini Golf - December 13
  • Santa at Colvin Run Mill AND Sensory-Friendly Santa at the Mill at Colvin Run Mill - December 13-14
  • Winter Solstice Campfire at Green Spring Gardens - December 21

 

New Years Planning

New Years - Celebration - Confetti - Holidays

December 31 is right around the corner, which means 2026 is almost here! We've compiled a list of all the great things happening 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 Northern Virginia. More events will be added throughout the month, so keep checking back! Plus, 2026 is America's 250th Birthday and the Capital Region is THE place to celebrate. Check out what's happening as America's 250th Anniversary approaches in Fairfax County and the Capital Region.

 

For more ideas to keep yourself busy this winter, check out our blog post on the best winter activities in Northern Virginia. Looking to keep the kiddos occupied while school's out? See our blog on fun things to do over winter break.

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.