Whether you’re in the mood for dazzling light exhibits or dining with Santa, there’s endless excitement in store the weekend of December 20–22. Check out these wintry weekend events around Northern Virginia for family-friendly fun.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
December 20–22, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Brighten your holiday season with a festive firework and light show over the Potomac River. Visit the winter market, learn about 18th-century holiday traditions, roast s’mores, and meet a special guest, Aladdin the camel. Fireworks begin at approximately 8 p.m. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, free for 5 and under, $45-$60 for adults, $23-$38 for kids
Gumdrop Square
December 20–21
Meet and greet with Santa at Gumdrop Square in Old Town Warrenton. Bring your cameras for pictures, as a professional photographer is not provided. Afterwards, visit Santa’s Secret Shop to buy gifts for family and friends. John Barton Payne Building: 5 Waterloo St., Warrenton, $2
Mixology Class: Christmas Cocktails
December 20, 5–6:30 p.m.
Festive drinks abound at the cooking studio in Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill. Learn about different spirits and how to create signature cocktails from an expert mixologist. Salamander Resort: 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, $35
Winter Lantern Festival
December 20–January 12, 5–8:30 p.m.
See over 1,000 Chinese lanterns at this interactive light display. Live entertainment is provided by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, and a bounce house and dino ride are also featured. Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tysons Galleria: 8025 Galleria Dr., Tysons, free for 3 and under; starting at $16.99 for 4 and above
Winter Wonderland
December 20, 3–4:30 p.m.
Bring family and friends to this library winter wonderland for an exciting afternoon of face painting, seasonal crafts, and tasty treats. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library: 4701 Seminary Rd., Ste. 104, Alexandria, free
Friday Night Flights
December 20, 5–7 p.m.
Whether you’re an established tea enthusiast or simply curious, the Friday Night Flights at Leaf & Petal lets you wind down while you find your next favorite blend. Explore new tea flavors by sampling four or five specially brewed varieties. While you sip, browse the extensive collection of loose-leaf teas and herbal remedies — you might find a great gift for a friend, or for yourself. Leaf & Petal: 201 Union St., Occoquan Historic District
Breakfast with Santa
December 21, 8–11 a.m.
Start your Saturday with some magic at Fun Land Fredericksburg as you meet with Santa and play lively games including the Frog Hopper, mini bowling, and Twist N Shout. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, and juice. For an extra $10, participate in Santa’s Workshop to decorate cookies, create an ornament, and write a letter to Santa. Fun Land: 1351 Central Park Blvd., Fredericksburg, $20
Bulgarian Christmas Celebration
December 21, 5 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the warmth of Bulgarian holiday traditions at VIZIA Gallery’s Christmas Celebration. Enjoy a feast of authentic Bulgarian dishes, take part in traditional rituals, and listen to festive music. The evening also features a raffle, with the first prize being a home décor art piece crafted by a local artist. VIZIA Gallery: 308 Poplar Alley, Occoquan Historic District
Holiday Hustle at Solace
December 21, 6–9 p.m.
Dance and prance along to classic holiday tunes and learn some four count hustle at Solace Brewing Co., organized by Dance King. Dress in seasonal attire and play holiday trivia to win prize giveaways. Solace Brewing Company: 42615 Trade West Dr., Sterling, $25
Little Comedies
December 21–January 4, times vary
Physical theater, dance, and mime create a mesmerizing production in this reinvention of a Synetic Theater classic, The Music Box. Wordless vignettes tell an enchanting story of a janitor and businessman who find a magical mask, and two cowboys who try to tame a loose bull. Theatre on the Run: 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, $30
Pieces of a Dream
December 21, 7:30 p.m.
Get ready to dance and sing along to groovy tunes of funk, ballads, and everything in between. This R&B and jazz fusion group features David Dyson on bass and Tony Watson Jr. on saxophone, among others. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $49.50
Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans
December 21, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Visit the Eilzabeth Hartwell Refuge to see the glorious and graceful tundra swans. Learn about their winter migration from their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra to warmer climates. You can view these impressive birds from the Great Marsh Trail Observation Deck and its adjoining 1.3-mile accessible paved trail. Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, free
Stafford Christmas Parade
December 21, 3 p.m.
This joyful holiday parade has something for everyone. See festive floats, listen to your favorite seasonal tunes, and bring your dog dressed up in holiday gear. The parade begins and ends at the YMCA gate entrance. Pratt Park: 120 River Rd., Fredericksburg, free
The Nutcracker
December 21, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Performed by the Virginia National Ballet, this timeless winter classic is guaranteed to channel holiday spirit. This 12th annual Nutcracker at Capital One Hall includes captivating choreography, costumes, special effects, and new sets. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $39
Feature image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon
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