With shopping lists and costly activities, the holiday season can get pricey fast. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun and celebrate the season — there are plenty of free holiday activities and evetns to try that won’t cost you a dime.
Santa Visits Lake Accotink
December 14, 12 p.m.
Jolly old Saint Nick will make a visit to Lake Accotink Park, as the Friends of Lake Accotink work to spread holiday cheer. There will be holiday goodies, prizes, and photo opportunities. Pets are welcome. 7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield
Movies on the Potomac
December 15, 22, 29, 11:30 a.m.
Just across the river in National Harbor, there’s a free event series where you can view classic holiday movies on the big screen outside. Catch The Year Without a Santa Claus on December 15, Jack Frost on December 22, and The Polar Express on December 29. Bundle up for the weather and enjoy. 150 National Plz., National Harbor, Maryland
Chanukah Festivals
December 26, 29, 30, times vary
Celebrate with Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington as the group lights a giant menorah. There are three separate events in different areas: Old Town Alexandria on December 26 at 6 p.m., Clarendon on December 29 at 5 p.m., and National Landing on December 30 at 5:30 p.m. At each event, there will be hot cocoa and latkes to enjoy, plus doughnuts, chocolate gelt, and dreidels. Visitors will enjoy lively Hannukah music. Registration is required. 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria; 1307 N. Highland St., Arlington; 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington
“Season’s Greenings” at the United States Botanic Garden
Through January 5, closed December 25
Head into Washington, DC, to see stunning flora in the U.S. Botanic Garden. The outdoor gardens are full of seasonal flowers and decor like poinsettias, and model trains circulate through the lawn. The Conservatory is full of decorations that look like DC landmarks. On December 10, 12, 17, 19, and 26, the Conservatory and train display will be open until 8 p.m. for holiday music and food and drink vendors. 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC
See the Holiday Lights
Instead of paying for entry to a drive-through light display, make your own tour of NoVA’s best decorated houses and streets. There are over-the-top lights, inflatables, icicles, and more adorning homes from Purcellville to Alexandria — just turn on the Christmas carols and head out for a drive to see them all.
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Feature image courtesy United States Botanic Garden
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