Tired of the mundane shopping mall Santa Claus? There’s no need to head to the North Pole. These holiday events in Northern Virginia put a fun twist on the traditional Santa sightings.
Dec. 4 & 5, Manassas
As the Christmas tree lights up the night sky, Santa will roll into Old Town Manassas on the train. Festivities continue with a concert on the lawn of the Manassas museum, a holiday open house and free hayrides. Then on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-noon, watch the 70th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade complete with marching bands, floats, characters and of course the man of the hour, Santa Claus.
Jingle on Lake Anne: A full day of festivities
Dec. 5, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Reston
The highlight of the day is Santa’s arrival at noon as he steps off a barge on Lake Anne. But this annual holiday event hosted by Lake Anne Merchants is packed with holiday cheer for the entire day. Activities include live music, children’s crafts, cookie and ornament decorating, wine tastings, a holiday market, pet photos with Santa, caroling and a Christmas tree lighting.
“Someone asked me when I mentioned to mom that Santa would be arriving by boat whether he has a real beard,” said Susie Burwell, president of Lake Anne Merchants. “Of course he has a real beard!” adds Burwell. “We love how this event has grown over the past 30 years and the magic and wonder that our lake Santa brings to kids. As he has done for generations of kids, he arrives by boat and stays until he has a chance to meet with each and every child to hear of their Christmas wishes or accept their letters.”
Dec. 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Great Falls
Warm up with free hot cocoa next to the fire and listen to local choral groups perform the sounds of the season. Kids will love the pony rides, petting zoo and live nativity scene. Santa and Mrs. Claus will drive in on an antique fire truck to light the Great Falls Christmas Tree and will be available in his house for little ones who want to share their lists.
Dec. 12, 3-6 p.m., Great Falls
Visit with Santa at the historic Colvin Run Mill. Bask in the beauty of a traditionally decorated Victorian-style Christmas tree, then warm up around the bonfire. You and your kids can sing holiday songs with costumed soldiers from the 49th Virginia Civil War Infantry, roast marshmallows, sip hot cocoa and make a traditional family craft. The general store will be open for unique holiday gifts and stone-ground cornmeal, wheat flour and grits made right at the mill.
Dec. 24, 1 p.m., Old Town Alexandria
For a couple hours on Christmas Eve, Santa trades his sleigh for some water skis and puts on a high-energy show on the Potomac River. Santa is joined by his wakeboarding reindeer, flying elves, the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman and Jack Frost. Now in its 30th year, this event has become an essential D.C.-area Christmas tradition.
