Don’t let the mild December weekend stop you from getting in the holiday spirit. Fill the weekend of December 8 to 10 with all of the holiday performances, markets, and home tours you can fit in
Holiday on the Farm
December 8 & 9, 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
Holiday Ugly Sweater Party
December 8, 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
Now’s the time to show off your outrageous and ugly sweaters, no matter if it was handmade by grandma or store-bought. Enjoy a night of food, drinks, tunes, and over-the-top sweaters as you celebrate the season into the wee hours of the morning. Bourbon Bayou Kitchen: 44184 Ashbrook Marketplace Plz., Ashburn, $10 per person, $90 for a table
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
December 8 & 9, times vary
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
A Steampunk Christmas Carol
December 8–10, times vary
The holiday classic is getting another twist. The by-kids-for-kids production is bringing the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to life with a retro futuristic, steampunk vibe. The performance runs through December 17. NextStop Theatre Company: 269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon, $25
Winter Capital Art and Craft Festival
December 8–10, times vary
The art and craft festival is back for its winter show. The weekend-long event has over 300 artisans showcasing their handmade goods. You’ll find handmade jewelry, paintings, and pottery throughout the venue. Dulles Expo & Conference Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, $10–$12 for adults, free for children 12 and under
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
December 8–9, and 17, times vary
If you haven’t toured the estate by candlelight, you can’t miss out on this opportunity. The 45-minute tour will showcase 18th-century holiday traditions as you listen to stories of past Christmases at Mount Vernon. After the tour, munch on complimentary ginger cookies and spiced cider and visit Aladdin, the Christmas camel. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $20–$28 for members, $30–$38 for non-members
Family Gingerbread House Building Contest
December 9, 10 a.m.–noon
If you spend every year looking forward to building your annual gingerbread house come December, you need to sign up for this first annual contest. Each group will get one gingerbread house kit to build and decorate for the judges. Pre-registration is required. Veterans Memorial Park: 14300 Veterans Dr., Woodbridge, $5
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
December 9, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Head over to John Carlyle Square for holiday shopping galore. Over 100 vendors and artisans will sell their handmade items, including Christmas tree ornaments, jewelry, home décor, and bath products. Also enjoy the Christmas Carols Show, pictures with Santa, and the Elves’ Shop, where kids can decorate their own ornaments. John Carlyle Square: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, free
Herndon WinterMarkt
December 9, noon–7 p.m.
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
8th Annual Candy Cane Bar Crawl
December 9, 12:30–6 p.m.
Keep those ugly sweaters out and celebrate the season with great drinks, food, and fun across Alexandria. Some 25 restaurants and bars are set to participate during the annual festive bar crawl, including Lost Boy Cider, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, and Northside10. Each location will offer a variety of food and drink specials, and some will have live music throughout the day. Various locations on Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, $15 online, $25 at the door
Colonial English Hand Bell Ringers ‘A Cool Yule’
December 10, 2–3 p.m. & 4–5 p.m.
What better way to celebrate the season than with a one-of-a-kind handbell concert. Join the Colonial English Handbell Ringers for an afternoon of your holiday favorites, including “Let it Snow,” “White Christmas,” and “Sleigh Ride.” The Lyceum: 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, free
Quilters
Through December 24
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
Feature image of Mount Vernon by Candlelight courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon
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