The holiday season is always an expensive time of year. Luckily, there are many affordable activities in the area for a fun family or solo outing. Here are eight free NoVA holiday events to check out.
Just a Walk — A Free Peek at Meadowlark
December 2 through January 6, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
On Tuesday mornings through January 6, guests can enjoy a guided walk and free admission through the 95 acres that encompass Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. The one-hour walk for ages 18 and older will be over uneven and sometimes hilly terrain, so wear walking shoes. The hikes are weather permitting and they are a drop-in activity, so no registration is needed. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna
Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park
December 4 to December 28, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The fourth annual event at Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk includes a nearly mile-long path of light displays and photo ops perfect for your next Instagram post or family holiday picture. The walk is both stroller and wheelchair friendly, and there is a free parking lot with complimentary buses. The walk is free, and there are food trucks available for food and drink purchases on the premises. 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge
Santa Lights Manassas
December 5, 5:15 p.m.
Santa Lights Manassas has been a part of the community for more than 30 years. There will be holiday music performances, and after the tree is lit, Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children and listen to their holiday wish list. The event also includes free wagon rides for families. Historic Downtown Manassas
54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Sponsored by Wegmans, this decades-long free parade celebrates Alexandria’s heritage. Dozens of Scottish clans in festive tartan plaid will parade through Old Town, along with terriers, hounds, pipe and drum bands, and local community groups. Parade begins at corner of Wolfe St. and St. Asaph St., Alexandria
Santa Comes to Occoquan
December 6, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This event begins with an 11:30 a.m. visit from Santa by boat at the Town Dock. At noon, guests are invited to sing a carol or two with Santa in the market area, and at 1 p.m., he will meet with children for one hour. There will be no photographer on site, so parents can bring their own phones or cameras to take pictures. Corner of Commerce and Union Streets and 314 Mill St., Occoquan
Spotsylvania County 48th Annual Christmas Parade
December 6, 1 p.m. (rain date is December 13)
The theme of Spotsylvania County’s annual free Christmas parade is “A Retro Christmas.” It will include antique vehicles and car clubs, marching bands, an equestrian unit, and more. The parade route begins at the Spotsylvania Courthouse District. 9111 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania Courthouse
Jingle in the Burg
December 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Middleburg is offering a month of events, including the free Jingle in the Burg, where attendees can enjoy carolers, dancers, and musicians as they stroll through Middleburg. See renditions of the classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol and enjoy a tree lighting and menorah lighting, too. South Madison St., Middleburg
“What Cheer, What Cheer”
December 13, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This free afternoon hike at Winkler Botanical Preserve is cardinal themed. It begins with a reading of “What Cheer, What Cheer,” Says the Cardinal! by Martha Scott, then a walk through the woods in search of bright red cardinals. Children and young families are welcome. 5400 Roanoke Ave., Alexandria
Feature image courtesy Visit Occoquan
