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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell and Jennifer Zeleski
Not a holiday post!
My brother and I are very different people. To sum it up, he’s a risk-taking venture capitalist living in the Big Apple and I’m an introverted extrovert pursuing a career in journalism while living in the suburbs. But despite the variances in our personalities, we have many of the same interests. This weekend, he’s finally coming to visit me and I’m ready to show him Northern Virginia in all its glory. On Friday night, I will do my best to impress the foodie with dinner at the chill, yet often happening Thompson Italian. Come Sunday, we will walk down the road to Bronson Bierhall in our Patriots jerseys for a day full of football, more than ready to take on the chirps from Redskins fans with giant beer glasses in our hands. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Thompson Italian: 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church; Bronson Bierhall: 4100 Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington
Oh holy (Saturday) night
The hiatus of Christmas music has been long enough. For those of you who might be shocked that I haven’t already been humming Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” since the beginning of November, there’s no need to be surprised. I stubbornly ensure Thanksgiving gets its glory around here, but once the day is done, the twinkling lights are up and it’s time to rock around the Christmas tree. Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to acknowledge that truer words have never been spoken than those of Will Ferrell in my favorite holiday movie, Elf. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear.” Find me singing, swaying and celebrating to the music at my first-of-many holiday events this year at Wolf Trap’s Holiday Sing-A-Long. The event is free, so crowds will gather (surely not to hear me sing out of tune). If crowds aren’t your thing but holiday music is, find 14 other holiday concerts happening around NoVA here. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; Dec. 7, doors open at 2:30 p.m., show starts at 4 p.m.; free
Breakfast with the big guy
I’m about to throw it waaaay back and ask you, dear readers, who remembers the Santa breakfast at Woodies in the District from decades ago? The store closed for good in 1995, but locals of a certain age will remember the grand department store. Breakfasting with Santa there as a tiny tot is one of my absolute, all-time favorite holiday memories. Although my own children will not know the wonder of the Woodies Santa breakfast, I am determined to start this tradition somewhere in NoVA with them. The Ritz-Carlton at Pentagon City on Saturday, Dec. 7 is feeling like a contender, as is Pancakes with Santa at Potomac Overlook on Sunday, Dec. 15. Luckily for me, and you, my colleague has rounded up 20 places all throughout the region that are hosting breakfast with the big guy. Let the tradition begin. // -Katie Bianco, Editor // The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City: 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington; Dec. 7 and 15, 8:30-10:30 a.m.; $45; Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington; Dec. 15, 10:30 a.m.-noon; $7
Enchanted by the lights
Have you heard? The world’s largest Christmas light maze and market (called Enchant) has officially opened at Nationals Park, just in time for the start of the holiday season. Christmas is my favorite holiday, so anyway I can celebrate it, count me in. My boyfriend and I are going to Enchant this weekend where we’ll take photos with all the colorful and bright lights, probably fall on our butts ice skating and drink holiday-themed beverages at the bar. There’s so much more happening there, including family-friendly activities for those with little ones. It’s the perfect way to get into a jolly mood. Want to see holiday lights closer to home? Check out these five outdoor, holiday attractions in NoVA. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC; $20-$40
For more fun things to do this month, read our guide to December events here.
