So much happened in 2025 that it’s hard to remember all of the key details and big events that made up the year. From government layoffs shaking up NoVA’s real estate market to an Ashburn family’s award-winning Christmas light display, take a look back at the stories our readers couldn’t get enough of in 2025.
10. 4 New Grocery Stores Are Opening in Northern Virginia
Shoppers in Arlington, Falls Church, Purcellville, and Reston will soon have new options. [READ MORE]
9. Ashburn Family Wins $50K Prize on ‘The Great Christmas Light Fight’
The Horn Family’s synchronized light show defeated two Christmas displays in California to take home the grand prize. [READ MORE]
8. How Government Layoffs, Return-to-Office Orders Could Affect NoVA’s Housing Market
Buy or sell? Northern Virginia’s housing market remains strong amid future uncertainty. [READ MORE]
7. 10 Restaurants That Have Closed — Or Are Closing Soon — in Northern Virginia
These area establishments are calling it quits. [READ MORE]
6. Starbucks Closes 4 Northern Virginia Locations
The coffee chain is closing at least 19 of its DMV stores. [READ MORE]
5. The 50 Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia for 2025
See our critics’ picks for NoVA dining now. [READ MORE]
4. These Are the Top 25 High Schools in Northern Virginia
See how the region’s public high schools stack up in our new rankings for 2025. [READ MORE]
3. Keep an Eye Out for Red Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs in NoVA
The invasive bugs have been spotted in their final nymphal stage. [READ MORE]
2. Michelle Obama’s New Book Highlights Northern Virginia Hairstylists
Longtime members of Obama’s style team, Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway are featured in “The Look.” [READ MORE]
1. 6 New Virginia Laws Going Into Effect on July 1
From new misdemeanors and felonies to stricter cybersafety laws, here’s what to keep an eye on next month. [READ MORE]
Feature image of Carbonara by Michael Butcher
