Celebrate the Lunar New Year. See the National Symphony Orchestra at Mount Vernon. Take your pup to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. These are just a few things to add to your 2024 winter bucket list.
Winter Lantern Festival
Through February 18
The Winter Lantern Festival in Tysons runs Fridays through Sundays until February 18. The walk-through includes over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns, perfect for your next Instagram photo op. The 45-minute experience is for all ages. Anyone under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult. 8025 Galleria Dr., Tysons, $17.99–$25.99
Chocolate Lovers’ Festival
February 2–4
Do you have a sweet tooth? This annual chocolate festival will feature live music, a balloon artist, a cupcake class, liquid chocolate tasting, and more. Downtown Fairfax, free, although some events may cost $5–$25
Lunar New Year Celebration at Tysons Corner
February 3, 1–3 p.m.
Celebrate the year of the dragon at Tysons Corner Center. Expect to see traditional Chinese dance, a magic show, fashion show, and a Korean drum performance. Tysons Corner Center, Fashion Court, Lower Level, Nordstrom Wing, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons
NSO at Mount Vernon
February 6, March 12, April 9, 7 p.m.
Members of the National Symphony Orchestra will play a three-part late winter into early spring series at Mount Vernon. All concerts are followed by an 8 p.m. chocolate and champagne reception with musicians. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $153
1964: The Tribute
February 7 and 8
Commemorate the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show with 1964: The Tribute. The event recreates an early 1960s Beatles’ concert, with period instruments and fashion. 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $52
Pup Day
February 7, February 21, March 6, March 20, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Pets deserve some winter fun too! Meadowlark Botanical Gardens hosts Pup Days in the garden twice a month. Dogs must be leashed on leashes 6 feet long or shorter. Retractable leashes are not permitted. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, $6 per dog, $6 per person, under 5, free
Galentine’s Vendor Fair at Eden Try Winery
February 10, 12–5 p.m.
No winter season would be complete without celebrating Galentine’s Day. Eden Try Winery in Fredericksburg hosts a Galentine’s Day Vendor Fair for small businesses to showcase their offerings. There will be wine and chocolate pairings as well. 6818 River Rd., Fredericksburg
The Cher Show
February 16–18
The Tony Award–winning musical will be a jukebox musical set to 35 of Cher’s hits. Three different women will play Cher as she moves from childhood to young pop star to glamorous icon. Capitol One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $25
Capital Remodel and Garden Show
February 23–25
If you’re over winter and already thinking spring, you can get ideas about remodeling, decorating and landscaping trends, as well as what products and services area companies offer. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, $12 for adults, $3 for children 6–12, under 6, free
Wonderland Igloos
King & Rye’s popular heated igloos are back. Guests can reserve 90-minute timeslots to dine in the cozy atmosphere. There are themed options for Valentine’s Day too. Other places also have igloos this year. 480 King St., Alexandria, from $50
Hot Chocolate
One of the best parts of winter is a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Luckily, Northern Virginia is home to many great options to grab a warm cup of this rich goodness. Check out our list of shops, coffee bars, and restaurants.
Feature image courtesy Winter Lantern Festival
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