The holidays are here! And there are lots of activities to do in the DMV–everything from festive light displays to holiday markets and more.
Anytime in December
Enchant DC
Nationals Park has been transformed into Enchant DC, a magical winter wonderland with a variety of winter activities inside. There’s a light maze, ice skating, a Santa meet-and-greet, story-time with Mrs. Claus, and a craft area for the young’uns–there’s truly something for everyone.
Your pooch can even join the fun, too! Forget Petsmart. Santa will be at Enchant DC just for the dogs on December 16.
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Every year during the holidays until right after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles of holiday light displays in Centreville. This is a COVID-friendly activity because you can drive the route and take in the light displays from the comfort of your car.
Meadowlark Gardens Lights
If you’d rather walk amongst the holiday lights, check out the Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk in Vienna. The one-way route is a little more than a half-mile long, and patrons buy tickets for specific times to ensure people are spread out and can social distance as they walk through the lights.
Every Weekend in December until December 24
Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park
Every weekend this month, Christmas Village is open. Make crafts, check out the holiday lights, roast marshmallows, go on a pony ride, and pet and feed other animals. You can take photos with Santa, but they also offer holiday photos with some of the animals for a different kind of Christmas card.
December 12
Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition
National Landing (formerly Crystal City) has several new, local coffee shops in the neighborhood, and what better way to see which one has the best seasonal drink than its Peppermint Mocha Latte competition? The Freshman, Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen, and Commonwealth Joe will create their signature holiday drinks for patrons, who will then vote for their favorites.
December 17, 5 to 10 p.m., and December 18, 12 to 5 p.m.
2021 Holiday Market
National Landing is also hosting a holiday market at the 2121 Crystal Drive pergola in partnership with Made in Arlington, Bun’d Up, and DCBB Productions to display a sample curation of vendors from the neighborhood. Art, jewelry, clothing, and even food vendors will be on site for any last minute gifts. It’s also a great winter activity, and will have various live entertainers!
Feature image courtesy Fairfax County Parks and Rec
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