The holiday season is officially here and there are plenty of events to add to your calendar. Consider these activities for the little ones in your life.
Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s Kids C.A.R.E. Club Holiday Paw-ty
December 6, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Children ages 4 to 10 are welcome to decorate cookies for dogs and make a holiday craft. There will also be the opportunity to learn how foster families help care for shelter pets. 2650 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington, free
Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park
December 6–8, 13–15, and 20–23, 6–9 p.m.
If you have littles who love animals, this is a must-see holiday attraction. Leesburg Animal Park transforms into a Christmas Village, complete with pony rides, animal petting and feeding, and holiday photos with live animals. The venue is decorated with thousands of holiday lights too, making for a cozy and festive environment. 19246 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, $16.95, children under 2 free
Jingle on the Lake
December 7, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with this 50-year tradition in Reston. Little ones can welcome Santa to town when he arrives in a parade of decorated boats, surrounded by a fleet of elves on paddleboards. Disney princesses and Olaf from Frozen will also be in the parade. Watch out, because the Grinch may even make an appearance! Enjoy hot chocolate and shop for gifts, make kid-friendly crafts, and watch performances from several school choirs and ballets. Lake Anne Plaza: 1609 Washington Plz., Reston, free
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum’s 2024 Holiday Train Show
December 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., December 8, noon–4 p.m.
Enjoy lots of holiday trains and displays perfect for train lovers of all ages at this 33rd annual event. Santa will even stop in to visit the event on both days. 11200 Fairfax Station Rd., Fairfax, $6, $3 for children 5–12, free for kids 4 and under
Spotsylvania’s Annual Christmas Parade
December 7, 1 p.m.
Every year, Spotsylvania County Parks and Recreation has an annual Christmas parade with a specific theme. This year, it’s “Christmas at the Movies.” Expect to see lots of dance troupes, cartoon characters, horses, bands, and Santa, too. Spotsylvania Courthouse District, free
A Christmas Festival at Capital One Hall
December 13, 6:30 p.m.
This family-friendly holiday concert features “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” with a full symphony orchestra. There will also be sing-along carols and music from holiday movies like Home Alone, The Polar Express, and It’s a Wonderful Life. 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $40 for adults, $5 for kids 18 and under
Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure
December 13–29
Visit Dulles Town Center to see this whimsical holiday circus as it makes its U.S. debut. The performance lasts about 90 minutes and features aerial artists, stunt cyclists, comedians, and tight-wire dances, all under the Big Top. Dulles Town Center: 21100 Dulles Town Cir., Dulles, tickets starting at $35 for adults, $20 for kids 3–12
Candy Cane Lane Mini Golf at Oakmont Rec Center
December 14, 3 p.m.
Mrs. Claus will be in attendance to play miniature golf with guests ages 2 and up. There will be popcorn, face painting, hot chocolate, and festive decorations. Mini golf sessions last 15 minutes and end at 6:45 p.m. 3200 Jermantown Rd., Oakton, $12
LEGO Discovery Center’s Holiday Bricktacular
Through December 30, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry at 3:30 p.m.)
Visit LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield for its “Holiday Bricktacular” festivities. Families can decorate LEGO ornaments, have a meet and greet with a LEGO gingerbread character, spot a hidden elf, and more. New this year is a “Build to Give” experience where families can build LEGO heart creations for children in need. 6563 Springfield Mall, Ste. 12004, Springfield, tickets starting at $25.99
Feature image of Jingle on the Lake courtesy Lake Anne Washington Plaza Merchant Association
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