The holidays can be an expensive time of the year. For those looking to save some money this season, try these free events, from holiday light walks to free s’mores and hot cocoa to photos with your favorite friend from the North Pole.
Holiday Walk of Lights in Neabsco
December 8–10, 15–17, 20–23, 5:30–9 p.m.
December 12 (sensory friendly event only), 5:30–8 p.m.
This free, no registration required–event runs weekends and includes a Tuesday, December 12 sensory-friendly evening. Experience holiday magic with twinkling, hand-crafted light displays. The walk is stroller and wheelchair friendly. Neabsco Regional Park: 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge
Leesburg Annual Christmas and Holiday Parade
December 9, 6–8:30 p.m.
The town of Leesburg hosts its annual Christmas and Holiday Parade on December 9. The event begins at Ida Lee Park and travels south down King Street and ends at Fairfax Street. There will be lots of lighted holiday floats, live music, and everyone’s favorite man in red, Santa Claus. King Street, Leesburg
Herndon Wintermarkt
Opens December 9, noon–7 p.m.
The traditional European-style Christmas market is home to holiday food, drinks, gifts, and decorations. The market is family-focused and free to enter. Don’t miss live music and entertainment. 717 Lynn St., Herndon
8th Annual Santa’s Workshop
December 9, 2–4 p.m.
Bring a gift to wrap and donate at this free event for the whole family at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Ashburn. There will be holiday-themed activities including arts and crafts and a visit from Santa. Crossroads United Methodist Church: 43454 Crossroads Dr., Ashburn
Free Photos with Santa at Reston Farm Garden Market
December 9–10, 16–17, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Kids and kids at heart are welcome to come out for free photos with Santa. Bring your phone or camera because you are taking the pictures. Reston Farm Garden Market: 10800 Baron Cameron Ave., Reston
S’mores and Hot Cocoa Pours
December 9, 16, 23, 1–4 p.m.
Take a break from holiday shopping or fuel up for an afternoon of festive fun with complimentary s’mores and hot cocoa (one per person, while supplies last). There will be firepits and live music on December 16. Fairfax Corner: 4100 Monument Corner, Fairfax
Community Menorah Lighting
December 14, 5–6:30 p.m.
Join the Mosaic District as it lights the menorah candles at Blue Dock. There will be live music, too. Mosaic District: 2910 District Ave., Fairfax
Magical Moments at Woodland Park
December 9–10, 16–17, noon–4 p.m.
If you’re in need of some photos for your holiday card this year? Woodland Park is offering free of charge photography, first come, first served. Toys for Tots donations are accepted on site, but not required. Woodland Park Crossing: 2220 Corporate Park Dr., Herndon
Make Your Own Ornaments
December 21, 3–4 p.m.
Make your own ornament at DigiKidz Academy. You’ll learn how to design an ornament digitally and then print it out and make the ornament during the workshop. This event is free, but registration is required (and limited to just nine seats). DigiKidz Academy: 4229 Lafayette Center Dr., Chantilly
Feature image courtesy Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
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