December beckons in a full slate of fun activities to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy holiday classics like The Nutcracker, find gifts for everyone on your list at a winter market, or get out of the cold weather at one of the NoVA region’s popular entertainment venues. These 14 December events will make sure the month is nothing short of jolly.
December 2
Bert Kreischer: Tops Off World Tour
Since being named “the top partyer at the number one party school in the country” by Rolling Stone, this comic has risen to the top of the stand-up ranks. Kreischer has a new show packed with hilarious fatherhood anecdotes. With multiple Netflix and Comedy Central shows, two podcasts, and a YouTube cooking show, Kreischer proves time and time again that he’s far more than a former frat boy. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax, starting at $39.75
December 2
FXBG Winter Wine Festival
You can’t spell winter without wine. Stop by this festival for unlimited Virginia wine samples, along with live music and food. Vendors will have wine specials for purchase. Don’t let the cold scare you. This event will take place inside heated buildings. FXBG Fairgrounds: 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg, $25–$35
December 7
Chanukah Festival
Celebrate the start of the Festival of Lights when you watch the lighting of a 6-foot menorah while listening to holiday music in Old Town Alexandria. Treats will be available, including hot chocolate, potato latkes, doughnuts, and chocolate gelt. There will be dreidels for everyone and a free light stick for each child. The Lyceum: 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, admission is free but registration required
December 7–24
Quilters
Experience the joys and struggles of life as a woman living on the American frontier. This musical is full of triumphant melodies, heartfelt monologues, and an array of emotions for an intimate look into U.S. history that you won’t want to miss. 1st Stage: 1524 Spring Hill Rd., Tysons, starting at $25
December 8–9
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Nothing beats an evening of classical carols. The American Festival Pops Orchestra transforms the greatest holiday hits into a musical program and singalong for the whole family. The December 8 concert will be at the Hylton Center in Manassas, and the December 9 concert will be at the Center for the Arts in Fairfax. Hylton Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas; Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax; starting at $36, half-price for grades 12 and younger
December 9
Herndon WinterMarkt
The traditional magic of Christmastime in Europe is coming to Herndon. Over 30 local vendors will have holiday gifts, from German ornaments to handmade charcuterie boards to handcrafted mittens. The WinterMarkt is an outdoor event that happens rain or shine. 777 Lynn St., Herndon, free
December 11
Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas Tour
These NBC’s The Voice champions are ready to unleash the holiday spirit on The Birchmere stage. The sibling trio’s debut holiday EP One More Christmas hit No. 1 on the iTunes charts. Don’t miss the chance to see this group perform its holiday harmonies. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $55
December 15
James “Murr” Murray
You probably know this impractical joker from his ridiculous pranks. Now, Murr is bringing his hit TV show to life with an interactive stand-up experience. Impractical Jokers fans will laugh at his personal videos and as he plays the impractical joker with the audience. Read our interview with Murr. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $39.75
December 15–16
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
This celebration is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Bring your family to watch a dazzling fireworks display over the Potomac River. The surrounding grounds will be adorned with wintry lights, and mansion tours will be available. Stop by the winter market for 18th-century crafts and purchase sweet treats from Half Crown Bakehouse. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3500 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, $60 for guests 12 and older, $38 for 11 and younger, under 6 free
December 15–16
Michael Kosta
This seasoned stand-up comic and former pro tennis player is ready to deliver a weekend full of laughs. A senior correspondent on The Daily Show, Kosta is no stranger to the comedy scene. He has a one-hour stand-up special on Paramount+ and has appeared on late-night talk shows. Admission is 21 and over unless accompanied by a parent for the 7 p.m. shows. For the 9:30 p.m. shows, admission is 21 and over. Arlington Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pk., Arlington, $25
December 18
Madonna: The Celebration Tour
The queen of pop needs no introduction. Madonna brings her four-decade discography to Capital One Arena. Scream-sing along to hits including “La Isla Bonita” and “Like a Virgin.” You’ll feel like a material girl as you watch her strut the catwalk and belt out her iconic tunes. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $110
December 20–January 21, 2024
Disney’s Frozen
It’s almost that time of year when “Let It Go” gets stuck in your head. This Tony Award–nominated Best Musical is turning the Kennedy Center into a winter wonderland. This Broadway hit features all the songs you love from the movie, plus a dozen new numbers. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $35
December 22
The Nutcracker
The Virginia National Ballet’s performance of this Tchaikovsky classic is a must for your holiday bucket list. The ballet will feature stunning scenery and costumes, along with enchanting choreography. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $59
December 31
Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball
Ring in 2024 with this family-friendly daytime performance. Toast with a glass of apple juice and watch the ball drop at noon, giving you plenty of time to nap before the real deal. The Wammie Award–winning Rocknoceros will perform upbeat songs that will make anyone jump up and dance. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $10
Feature image of Quilters courtesy 1st Stage
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
