December is here, and so are the exciting holiday festivities that come with it. Whether you’re looking to jump into the holiday spirit with a festive market or sing-a-long concert, or just looking for something fun that will get you out of the house, this weekend is full of exciting events. Here’s where to make the most out of your weekend from December 4 to 7.
National Christmas Tree Lighting
December 4
The 103rd tree lighting celebration is a great way to kick off the Christmas season. The ceremony includes guest speakers and performances by The Beach Boys, Jon Pardi, Alana Springsteen, and more. The ceremony will air on Friday, December 5 on Great American Family for those looking to celebrate in the comfort of their own home. The Ellipse at President’s Park: 15th Street NW and E Street NW, Washington, DC, free
Reston Winterfest
December 4–6, 5–9 p.m.
Jump into the spirit of the holidays at this three-night winter wonderland event in Reston. The celebration will feature live performances, a beer garden, a vendor village, food trucks, and a trail of light displays with thousands of sparkling holiday lights. Walk through the Enchanted Forest, with Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and families that will be donated to families in-need after the event. Brown’s Chapel Park: 1575 Brown’s Chapel Rd., Reston, starting at $20, free for Reston Association members
Winter Ice Skating Party
December 4, 6–8 p.m.
Celebrate the beginning of the season for outdoor ice skating at Ice & Lights with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration with Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and members of the Alexandria City Council. The event includes free hot chocolate, and tickets are half off for ice skating and the adjacent winter village online with the code MAYOR50. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, starting at $10.75
Portugal. The Man
December 5, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a performance of hits like “Feel It Still” and “Tanana” by this Alaskan alternative rock band touring its latest album with openers La Luz. The band will donate $1 from every ticket sold on the world tour to support the band’s community impact initiatives Pass The Mic and Frances Changed My Life. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $58.75
Fairfax City Holiday Market
December 5–7, 12–14
Discover unique gifts for loved ones at this two-weekend event showcasing local artisans and vendors. Each weekend has different vendors. This weekend will have artisans like Coastal Driftwood, True Honey Teas, Pottery By Megan, and more. Enjoy live entertainment from local performers like the Patriot Pitches, Fairview Elementary School students, and City of Fairfax Theater Company. Old Town Square: 10415 North St., Fairfax, free
Del Ray Artisans Fine Art and Fine Craft Holiday Market
Fridays through Sundays, December 5–21
For the 30th year, the Del Ray Artisans will host a fine-art and craft fair featuring handmade jewelry, ornaments, mosaics, paintings, prints, and more. Different artists are featured each weekend, and wall calendars with art by Del Ray Artisans members will be for sale, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit art organization. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
Leesburg Animal Park Christmas Village
Fridays through Sundays, December 5–23
Celebrate Christmas with furry friends like the Grinch, llamas, sheep, donkeys, zebras, bunnies, and more. This family-friendly petting zoo and holiday celebration will have giant slides, train rides, pictures with Santa, pony rides, marshmallow roasting, holiday lights, and a craft room. Leesburg Animal Park: 19246 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, $16.95
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
December 6
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this riverside tradition. Watch as dozens of boats cruise by with intricate and dazzling holiday decorations, sip on a beer from Port City Brewing Company, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy family-friendly holiday activities. Waterfront Park: 1A Prince St., Alexandria, free
The Wharf’s Holiday Boat Parade & Party
December 6
Head to the Wharf to see a parade of more than 60 illuminated boats make their way down the Washington Channel. There will be fireworks over the water at 8 p.m., plus a tree market, stations for ornament decorating and holiday karaoke, and live music. Plus, stop by the Wharf’s ice rink for more wintry fun. District Pier: 101 District Sq. SW, Washington, DC, free
Christmas in Middleburg
December 6
This holiday event is a Loudoun County tradition. The three-day event includes a Tree Lighting Ceremony, carolers, breakfast with Santa, a Middleburg Hunt and Hounds parade, a community Christmas parade, and more. Grab a bite from a local restaurant, browse holiday gifts from shops, and get into the holiday spirit. W. Washington Street, Middleburg, free
Lovettsville Cocoa Crawl
December 6
Explore Lovettsville and collect stickers in a Cocoa Crawl Passport while sipping on festively flavored hot cocoas from local businesses. Each location of the crawl has their own chocolate-themed beverages, snacks, and goods. The first 20 participants to turn their passport in at the town tree lighting will receive a complimentary cocoa crawl mug designed by local artist Sally Sloan-Scott. Multiple area locations, free
Native Art Market
December 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
This annual market showcases and celebrates Indigenous art from artists across the country. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet local artists, learn about traditional and contemporary Native art, and purchase handmade jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculptures, and more. National Museum of the American Indian: Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC, free
Holiday Sing-A-Long
December 6, 4 p.m.
Sing along to holiday classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night” with a local choir and vocal groups from the DMV area at this annual musical celebration. This festive event includes a performance by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, and the Filene Center will host a toy drive for Toys for Tots. The Filene Center at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, free
Rock For Schools
December 7, 7 p.m.
Raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools at this benefit concert and fundraiser thrown by nonprofit Educate Fairfax. Two bands featuring FCPS educators, the Randos and Aftermath, will perform hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and more. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, $21
Palmyra
December 7, 7 p.m.
This Virginia-native folk trio is coming back to singer Teddy Chaporous’ hometown of Leesburg to perform their latest album, Restless. Leesburg band ViRG is opening the show, a great way to support local artists. Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg, $23.03–$45.91
Feature image of Boat Parade & Party courtesy The Wharf, Washington, DC
