The long Thanksgiving weekend brings a flurry of exciting events to the area. Whether you’re into shopping for gifts or looking to enjoy live performances, there’s no shortage of merry ways to spend the weekend of November 29–December 1.
Reston Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
November 29, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Reston Holiday Parade, one of several NoVA holiday parades, is back for its 32nd year. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance in style at 11 a.m., and the magic continues with a tree lighting at 6 p.m. Reston Town Square Park: 11900 Market St., Reston, free
Charm Bar Experience in Old Town Fairfax
November 29, 1–7 p.m.
Mode on Main by Mara invites you to craft custom jewelry while sipping something bubbly. Your ticket includes a chain necklace or bracelet, one sterling silver or gold-plated starter charm, and complimentary drinks. Mode on Main by Mara: 10417 Main St., Fairfax, $49
Honoring Zitkala-Ša with Hoop Dancer Starr Chief Eagle
November 29, 2–2:45 p.m.
Enjoy a performance by Starr Chief Eagle, a hoop dancer and member of the Sicangu (Rosebud) Lakota Sioux Tribe, who will share her Lakota culture through her dance, drawing on the teachings of her father, Dallas Chief Eagle. This program honors Zitkala-Ša (meaning “Red Bird”), a Yankton Dakota Sioux activist, writer, composer, and educator, who fought for Native American rights and was instrumental in securing the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. National Museum of the American Indian: Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC, free
Christmas Light Trail at Maple Tree Farm
November 29–December 30, 5 p.m.
Glide through the three-fourths of a mile trail of lights, meet some festive characters, sip hot cocoa by the campfire, catch a puppet show, and enjoy seasonal treats. On Sundays, Santa makes his grand appearance, ready for photos with up to eight of your elves. Maple Tree Farm: 8275 Maple Tree Ln., Warrenton, $15
Winter Glow
November 29–30, 5:30 p.m.
Step back in time and see the holiday makeover that George Washington’s estate gets. Meander along lantern-lit paths, warm yourself by crackling fires, and play a spirited game of “I Spy.” Meet Aladdin the Camel, learn about past holiday traditions, and groove to 18th-century tunes in the greenhouse. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $35–$54
Holiday Tree Lighting + Santa Firetruck Parade
November 29, 6–9 p.m.
Mosaic’s annual tree lighting celebration kicks off with live entertainment hosted by NBC4’s Tommy McFly and builds to Santa’s grand parade where he arrives on a firetruck. Watch performances from the GMU Band and Benjamin Gates before the tree lighting at 7 p.m. and Metropolitan School of Arts after the lighting. Strawberry Park: 2910 District Ave., Fairfax, free
Chapel Hart: Hartfelt Christmas Tour
November 29, 7 p.m.
Chapel Hart — featuring powerhouse trio Danica and Devynn Hart, plus cousin Trea Swindle — brings their mix of soulful ballads, rock, and Southern gospel roots to the stage. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $45
Jimi Hendrix Birthday Celebration
November 29, 8 p.m.
Celebrate Jimi Hendrix with an evening of performances at Jammin Java, featuring the Jonathan Sloane Trio and the Bobby Thompson Band. Sloane, a guitarist who blends blues, Americana, soul, and rock, delivers a sound inspired by artists he’s shared the stage with, including Billy Strings and Ivan Neville. Meanwhile, Thompson is a staple of DC’s blues scene turned solo artist. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $20–$30
Plaid Friday
November 29
Skip the box store lines this Black Friday and celebrate a day of shopping Alexandria-style. Plaid Friday is the place to find eye-catching deals from over 50 boutique shops and restaurant specials across Old Town, so you can chow down after checking out or in between stores. Don’t sleep on this event — the best deals start at select retailers at 6 a.m. Multiple area locations, Alexandria
Holiday Foodways
November 30–December 1, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Activities at this event explore the culinary traditions of the Washingtons and the enslaved community who lived at Mount Vernon. Visit the Discovery Cart to learn about black-eyed peas and Great Cake, watch cacao seeds become chocolate, or hear holiday stories. For a deeper dive, the Dining with the Washingtons tour uncovers how food was grown, prepared, and served at Mount Vernon. Don’t miss a visit to Aladdin, Mount Vernon’s Christmas camel. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, included with admission $15–$28
Old Town Manassas Christmas Fair and Holiday Craft Show
November 30, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Discover more than 80 seasonal artisans offering handmade gifts, as well as indulge in food and desserts from vendors. Bring the little ones to the Kids Corner where they can make their own ornaments. The Manassas Museum: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, free
Carriage Rides at Lansdowne Town Center
November 30, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Carriage rides and Santa are a perfect holiday combination. The old-fashioned carriage ride will kick off the holiday season in Lansdowne. After the ride, make sure your kids get a picture with Santa and share their wish lists. The first 50 kids in attendance will receive a special treat. Guests should arrive early, as the event expects a crowd. 19373 Promenade Dr., Leesburg, free
Old Ox Holiday Market
November 30, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sip mulled wine, hot chocolate, or Keg Nog while browsing a curated selection of local crafts, food gifts, and art. There will be street food and holiday music as you explore vendors like Big Girl Press, Blackstone Honey Bee Farm, Crumb and Clover Bake Shop, and many more. Old Ox Brewery: 44652 Guilford Dr., Unit 114, Ashburn, free
Old World Christmas Market
November 30, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Browse handmade holiday gifts from 30 artisans, including pottery, candles, woodwork, and sweet treats. Indulge in beer, food, and mountain views while warming up by the fire pits. Bear Chase Brewing Company: 33665 Bear Chase Ln., Bluemont, free
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello
November 30, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Get ready to sing, dance, and play along with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and the whole Sesame Street crew as Elmo’s puppy, Tango, leads a lively game of hide-and-seek. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $35
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at CityCenter
November 30, 5–7 p.m.
This celebration features performances by Jordin Sparks and the American Pops Orchestra, along with balloon artists, face painters, holiday treats, and more. NBC4’s Eun Yang hosts the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown, culminating in the illumination of the 75-foot tree. Visit the resident 25-foot reindeer and snap a holiday photo under the Palmer Alley Dream Closet art installation. The Park at CityCenter DC: Tenth and H streets NW, Washington, DC, free
Canadian Brass
November 30, 8 p.m.
With more than 130 albums and 600 works transcribed, arranged, or commissioned, this brass quintet delivers amazing performances. Listen to holiday classics like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Silver Bells” alongside Hanukkah tunes. Center for the Arts at George Mason University: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, $36–$60
An Evening with Mindy Smith
November 30, 8 p.m.
Mindy Smith is known for her soulful blend of folk, jazz, pop, and blues. Fans will hear tracks from her latest album, Quiet Town, alongside favorites from her career. She’s toured with legends like Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Alison Krauss. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $30–$35
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
December 1, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s score, this production is a holiday tradition that promises magic for audiences of all ages. If you miss the Nutcracker here, there are other area performances. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $55–$139
Take 6
December 1, 2 p.m.
Known for incredible harmonies and a diverse sound that blends gospel, jazz, R&B, and more, Take 6 has earned 10 Grammy Awards and countless other accolades. Center for the Arts at George Mason University: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, $33–$55
A Chanticleer Christmas
December 1, 4 p.m.
Join Grammy Award–winning Chanticleer mal chorus for traditional carols, gospel numbers, and holiday music from around the globe. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $36–$60
Celebration of Lights
December 1, 4–6 p.m.
This community event invites families to revel in hot cocoa, cookies, and musical performances by local school groups. Kids can take pony rides, visit the petting zoo, and snack on holiday treats before Santa and Mrs. Claus make a grand entrance by fire truck to light the tree. After the tree lighting, children will have the chance to meet Santa and share their holiday wishes. Great Falls Village Field: 776 Walker Rd., Great Falls, free
Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time
December 1, 7:30 p.m.
Mariah Carey is back with her national Christmas tour. This holiday tour promises to be her most spectacular yet, celebrating the 30th anniversary of her album Merry Christmas and the record-breaking single “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Fans can expect a festive show filled with classic holiday songs and chart-topping hits. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $80
Feature image courtesy Hylton Performing Arts Center
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