Don’t let the chill in the air keep you from enjoying your weekend. Check out these winter festivals, parades, concerts, and other events happening December 1 to 3 to guarantee a weekend full of seasonal fun.
DC Cocktail Week
Through December 5
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington hosts its annual cocktail week. Over 100 restaurants are offering cocktail pairings, and there will be cocktail-themed events like cocktail-making classes and happy hours throughout the city. Locations vary
Reston Winterfest
November 30–December 2, 5–9 p.m.
At Reston’s Winterfest, stroll through a 0.4-mile “Enchanted Forest” of trees, each one decorated by sponsors and donated to families in need at the end of the event. Children can visit with Santa, and there will be fire pits, live music, and food and drinks. Registration is required. Brown’s Chapel Park: 1686 Browns Chapel Rd., Reston, free for Reston Association members, $18 for adult non-members, $8 for non-members who are 3–17
The Lodge at National Landing
December 1–3
Can’t make it to the slopes this year? Head to Met Park for a ski-themed holiday festival. Kids will enjoy the Bunny Hill area with visits with Santa, face painting, and crafts. Blue Run will have pet-friendly activities and a holiday market, and the Black Diamond will have axe throwing. Visitors can roast s’mores and taste peppermint mochas from a selection of area coffee shops. Metropolitan Park: 1400 S. Eads St., Arlington, free
Leesburg’s First Friday
December 1, 4–8 p.m.
Downtown Leesburg hosts its last First Friday of the year. Live music, art exhibits, book signings, and open houses will take over the town, and many shops and restaurants will be open late for the occasion. Downtown Leesburg, free
Bert Kreischer: Tops Off World Tour
December 2, 7 p.m.
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
FXBG Winter Wine Festival
December 2, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
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
Christmas in Middleburg Parade
December 2, 2 p.m.
There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than attending the one-mile annual parade in Middleburg. Line the sidewalks of Washington Street to catch the floats, groups, clubs, and animals make their way down the parade route. The town will also be hosting a variety of holiday events throughout the day, including the Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review at 11 a.m. and Spirits of Middleburg from 3 to 6 p.m. Washington St., Middleburg, free
23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
December 2, parade at 5:30 p.m., activities 1–8 p.m.
Dozens of boats decked out in holiday lights will cruise along the Potomac. There’s 1 mile of viewing areas along Alexandia’s waterfront, from Canal Center Plaza to Ford’s Landing Park. Before the parade, there will be festivities at Waterfront Park (1A Prince St., Alexandria), including holiday music and food and drinks from Alexandria businesses like Port City Brewing, Dolci Gelati, and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. Alexandria Waterfront between 11 Canal Center Plz. and 99 Franklin St., Alexandria, free
52nd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
December 2, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
This annual parade is one of Alexandria’s most recognizable events. To celebrate the city’s Scottish heritage, dozens of Scottish clans will parade through Old Town with pipe and drum bands and terriers and hounds. Check the parade route to find a spot and plan for road closures. Old Town Alexandria, free
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center 20th Anniversary Celebration
December 2, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The National Air and Space Museum’s Chantilly location celebrates its 20th anniversary with behind-the-scenes talks with curators and hands-on activities. Visitors will learn about some of the museum’s artifacts, hear music from a brass quintet, and watch an IMAX film screening. Parking will be free the day of the event. 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free
The Great Zucchini
December 3, 10:30 a.m.
Keep kids entertained with a performance from The Great Zucchini, a DC-area kids’ entertainer. The show will be full of comedy and magic, geared toward preschoolers and kindergarteners. Arlington Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pk., Arlington, $10
The Legendary Ingramettes
December 3, 2 p.m.
This Virginia-based family gospel ensemble will perform “a concert of soulful song” and holiday music. The Manassas Park High School Chamber Singers will join the group for a special appearance. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $29–$48, half-price for youth through grade 12
Feature image of Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade courtesy Visit Alexandria
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