Want to make your holiday cards memorable and make memories at the same time? Plan a photo opportunity around some fun, whether that’s ice skating, visiting a Christmas tree farm, or perhaps walking through a light display. Here are six spots to take those unforgettable shots.
Reston Town Center’s Ice-Skating Pavilion
Now through mid-February 2025
Sometimes the best photos are candid, and what better way to get those fun shots than at an ice-skating rink. Reston Town Center’s pavilion is well-lit and has over 500 pairs of skates in various sizes, so everyone in the family can participate. 1818 Discovery St., Reston, $9–$11, plus skate rental
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Nightly through January 5, 2025
Meadowlark’s dazzling light display makes for a great holiday family photo backdrop. Bundle up your loved ones and walk the just over half-mile trail snapping photos of your family posing in front of twinkling lights that depict holiday and winter scenes. Plus, it’s a great spot for a little hot chocolate. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, $18–$23 per person
Santa Experience at the Salamander
November 29–30, December 1, 13–14, 20–24, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Make a day trip out of holiday family photo day by paying a visit to the resort. Not only is the lobby decked out for the festive season, but the Santa Experience lets you get photos with up to eight people. Of course, you can also grab some shots on the horse-drawn sleigh ride on the way to see the big guy. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, $285
Whistle Stop Hobbies Annual Santa Train
December 2, 9, 16, 1:30 p.m.
Capture genuine smiles from your little ones as you take pictures on the Santa Railway Express ride that leaves from Alexandria’s King Street station. The train ride runs Mondays in December and includes hot chocolate and cookies, story time with Hooray for Books and the opportunity to take your children’s photo chatting with Santa himself during a Q&A session on the station platform. The train departs at 1:30 p.m. and returns from Old Town Manassas at 4:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in person at the toy store in Fairlington Shopping Center. 1719 Centre Plz., Alexandria
Winchester Old Town Winter Village
December 6–8
Old Town Winchester is designed to resemble a cozy European holiday market. There are yuletide photography options in front of a large Christmas tree or on horse-drawn wagon rides. Both Santa and the Grinch will be on hand for snapshots or selfies with your family. 1. N. Loudoun St., Winchester
Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm
Fridays–Sundays, 9 a.m. –5 p.m.; by appointment the rest of the week
Christmas tree farms are great for capturing the wonder and awe of the season as you’re surrounded by lush greenery. Bundle up to look for a live tree and grab that perfect shot. Leashed pets are welcome, so everybody can be included in the photo. 40856 Red Hill Rd., Leesburg
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Feature image courtesy Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
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