While December may look a little different in 2020, there’s still plenty to do for a fun winter season. Read on for some great ideas of what to do this month.
Editor’s note: As of this posting, these events were scheduled to take place. As always, it’s important to check online for the latest updates and safety precautions before heading out to any venue.
The HolidayFest in Occoquan is the place to be this December. With a variety of events, including the holiday market, workshops and a visit from Santa, there is sure to be something the whole family will enjoy. // Through Dec. 13; Town of Occoquan: 314 Mill St., Occoquan; free admission
Celebrate the holiday season at the Riverside Family Christmas performance. After a year full of uncertainty, enjoy the comfort of traditions and the meaning of Christmas through music, dance and holiday stories. // Through Dec. 27; Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg; $55-$60
Everyone’s favorite childhood game is being turned into a museum exhibit. Rock Paper Scissors at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is created by New Image, an all-female group of artists, and will feature a variety of interpretations and meanings of the game. // Through June 20, 2021; Museum of the Shenandoah Valley: 901 Amherst St., Winchester; $5-$15
Jeremy Piven, your favorite funnyman from Entourage, is taking his act to the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. The Emmy and Golden Globe winner has also starred in Old School, Singles and the upcoming flick Crabs in a Bucket. // Dec. 3-5, times vary; Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $25-$55
Take your shopping to the fourth annual City of Fairfax Holiday Market. In addition to craft vendors, this festive market will include holiday music, hot drinks, gourmet treats and more. Make sure to stop by both weekends as vendors will vary. // Dec. 4-6 & 11-13; Old Town Square: 10415 North St., Fairfax; free admission
Get ready for the gift-giving season with Del Ray Artisans’ 25th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market. The three-weekend market will feature a variety of handmade creations, including paper crafts, ceramics and paintings. Artists being showcased will switch each weekend. // Dec. 4-6, 11-13 & 19-21; Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; free admission
Do some virtual shopping while supporting local artists at the Virtual McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival. For almost 40 years, this festival has showcased crafts, pottery, jewelry and holiday decorations from around the region. With this year’s festival going virtual, viewers will be able to get a behind-the-scenes view of how the artists created their work and much more. // Dec. 5 & 6; free admission
Spend the afternoon sipping on tea in the garden at the Christmas Candlelight Tea event. While you enjoy your festive tea box, you will learn the mysterious story and symbolism behind the classic song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” // Dec. 10, 12, 13 & 19; Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria; $48
Get in the holiday spirit by traveling back in time to celebrate A Victorian Christmas. The Lee-Fendall House will be decorated to the nines with traditional decor for a family-friendly holiday experience. While you tour the house, be sure to make some crafts and visit Santa. Timed tickets will be available each hour. // Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Lee-Fendall House: 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria; $8-$12
Country legend Wynonna Judd is bringing her show to NoVA. She released her new EP Recollections in October, so the audience can enjoy a combination of the old and the new, including “No One Else On Earth,” “Tell Me Why” and “King Bee.” // Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.; The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $80
Enjoy Step Afrika!’s Magical Holiday Step Show from the comfort of your couch. This virtual holiday performance showcases Step Afrika!’s moves along with Popper the Penguin and the polar bear twins, Pinky and Polo, for a fun, family-friendly celebration. // Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.; free
Enjoy a night of yacht rock with Boat House Row. This cover band provides the ultimate soft-rock experience with all of your favorite hits from Toto, Hall & Oates and Kenny Loggins. // Dec. 18, 8 p.m.; Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg; $15-$35
If you missed out on Fourth of July fireworks, enjoy the Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon. This winter show features festive fireworks over the estate that are choreographed to your favorite holiday songs. While you are waiting for the show, visit the reenactors, warm up by the fire and meet Aladdin the camel. // Dec. 18-19, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; from $20
Honor those who fought for their country with Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery. Volunteer your Saturday and help lay over 250,000 wreaths on the graves of veterans. Those unable to participate can also sponsor a wreath for the event. // Dec. 19, 8 a.m.; Arlington National Cemetery: Memorial Drive, Arlington; free to volunteer, $15 per wreath
If you are skipping the big holiday celebration with the family, head over to Lost Creek Winery for its Annual Christmas Eve Tasting Menu & Wine Pairing. This special meal will feature five courses paired perfectly with Lost Creek’s own wines. // Dec. 24, noon & 2:30 p.m.; Lost Creek Winery: 43285 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg; $85 per person
The show must go on, and the Manassas Ballet Theatre is ready to put on its annual performance of The Nutcracker. This year, take this holiday tradition to your couch as sweet Clara, naughty Fritz and the dancing dolls perform the annual show virtually. // Dec. 24, 7 p.m.; $25
Enjoy a fun twist on a holiday classic at Madcap Puppets: The Nutcracker. Bring the kiddos along to see how Maria’s life quickly turns into an adventure after she receives a mysterious nutcracker as a gift and is transplanted into the story with her puppet friends. // Dec. 29, 3 p.m.; Franklin Parks Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville; $5
Finally say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021 at Potomac Point Winery’s New Year’s Eve Dinner. Start the evening off with a toast to the end of the year, and then enjoy a three-course meal paired with Potomac Point wines. Top the night off with a delicious dessert and one final farewell to 2020. // Dec. 31, 3-10:30 p.m.; Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery: 275 Decatur Road, Stafford; $97
This story originally appeared in the December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly print magazine.
