1. Zoo Lights
Throughout December // If this isn’t one of your Christmas traditions, it should be. This winter wonderland illuminates the National Zoo with more than 500,000 eco-friendly LED lights. There will also be live music performances, a musical light show, holiday shopping and tasty treats.
2. BalletNova Presents: ‘The Nutcracker’
2Dec. 3-6 // If you appreciate the classic beauty of ballet, then tickets for “The Nutcracker” should be on your Christmas list. BalletNova’s Christmas performance has been selling out annually since 2004. This year, they will even host a Nutcracker Tea Party for kids to meet the stars.
3. Fauquier Community
Theatre Presents: ‘Christmas Carol’
3 Dec. 4-20 // Founded in 1978, the Fauquier Community Theatre’s volunteers put on about 10 productions annually. This year’s Christmas play will be “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” a twist on the classic story of redemption that is perfect for the stage.
4. 70th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade
4Dec. 5 // This year, the theme of this holiday event is “Lights… Camera… Christmas!” The annual parade will feature horses, floats, music, dancers and, of course, Santa. Bundle up and bring the kids for this fun holiday outing that has been perfected over the past 70 years.
5. 2015 Jingle Bell Run-Walk for Arthritis
Dec. 5 // Come out in a holiday-themed costume or tie jingle bells to your shoelaces for this 5K run/walk. All proceeds go toward finding a cure for arthritis, our nation’s leading cause of disability that affects over 53 million adults and 300,000 children in the U.S.
6. Falls Church Holiday Craft Show
6Dec. 5-6 // This year, over 50 crafters and merchants will be in attendance. There will be baked goods, jewelry, 2-D and 3-D traditional art, handmade toys and loads more. There will also be a Children’s Holiday Shoppe and lunch with Santa Claus.
7. 29th Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at Ferry Farm
7 Dec. 6-30 // Ferry Farm is George Washington’s boyhood home, so in honor of that history, the theme of this year’s contest is “George Washington Slept Here.” This intricate exhibit will feature some of the best gingerbread houses of the season.
8. Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
8Dec. 12-13 // Nothing says classic Christmas like a historic candlelight tour. Bundle up and come out to Old Town Alexandria for a night of special tastings, seasonal decorations and plenty of live music on every corner. It’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood.
9. Water Skiing Santa
9Dec. 24 // We always see the big man in red in his sleigh—now see him on the water at a fun family event filled with elves, reindeer, Jack Frost and Santa himself. Watch as this merry group performs water stunts in the Potomac River by Old Town Alexandria. This show will go on rain or shine (or snow). The cold never bothered Santa anyway.
10. Ringing in Hope New Year’s Eve Run/Walk
Dec. 31 // This run/walk offers 10K, 5K and 1K options, all of which honor and support military heroes. Bring the whole family and enjoy activities like a moon bounce, pony rides, face painting and more after the race. It’s a great way to celebrate the new year.
( December 2015 )
