Virginia’s blustery winter weather can be a bit of a downer for outdoor plans.
Thankfully, NoVA’s parks and recreation departments are hosting exciting events throughout December to help you get active and beat back bad weather. Here’s a roundup of some of the best events for adults and children.
Holiday Lantern Tour
December 1, 7 p.m.
Experience Colvin Run Mill by candlelight. The 200-year-old mill will be festively decorated, and you’ll have the chance to learn how miller families survived the long winter months. Light holiday refreshments will be provided. 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls, $12 for all ages
Elf Scramble 5K
December 3, 2 p.m.
Santa has gone missing only days before Christmas! Join his elves on this family-friendly 5K dash for clues to his whereabouts. Participants should bring one unwrapped gift per runner to donate to Toys for Tots. Registration fee includes festive swag, but don’t forget to bundle up for the December weather. 39550 Lovettsville Park Dr., Lovettsville, $10 for 12 and younger, $20 for 13 and up
Secrets, Spies, Sputnik, and Huntley
December 7, noon
Learn how the Cold War, espionage, and the USSR shaped Fairfax County on this 2.4-mile, adults-only walk through Huntley Meadows. Register online. 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria, $10
Holiday on the Farm
December 8, 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season with the whole family at Frying Pan Farm Park. Each ticket includes one outdoor wagon ride, one trackless train ride, and one carousel ride for those 12 and younger. Enjoy indoor activities, fun with the farm animals, food, and even a visit from Santa. 2709 W. Ox Rd., Herndon, $20 admission at the gate
Civil War Christmas at Ben Lomond
December 9, 11 a.m.
Hosted by Prince William Historical Preservation, learn how the first winter of the Civil War affected the yuletide traditions of the Pringle family and those who were enslaved. 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, $5, free for 6 and younger
Holiday Walk of Lights
December 15, 5:30 p.m.
Embark on a whimsical winter stroll through Neabsco Regional Park by the glow of hand-crafted light displays. Free parking is available at designated lots at Rippon Middle School and Porter Traditional School with complimentary shuttle service to the event. 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, free
Holly Jolly Skate Night
December 16, 4 p.m.
Spend the evening roller skating to your favorite holiday tunes at this free event hosted by the Douglass Community Center. Get in the holiday swing with the ugly sweater contest while enjoying some hot cocoa and light refreshments. 407 E. Market St., Leesburg, free admission, $3 skate rental
A Very Mason Christmas
December 17, 3:30 p.m.
Discover how many Christmas traditions began in the 1850s and celebrate in a way that would make George Mason proud. Sample a non-alcoholic syllabub, an archaic confectionary of curdled sweet cream, or craft a seasonal decoration for your family. Register online. 6918 Harrison Ln., Alexandria, $12
Yoga Fest
December 30, 9 a.m.
Find balance before the new year at this 18-and-older yoga festival hosted by the Charles Houston Recreation Center. Seven classes will be available, each lasting about one hour. 901 Wythe St., Alexandria, $15
Feature image courtesy Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
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