By Danielle Kent and Cameron Wall
The holiday season is finally here, and Northern Virginia is celebrating with a variety of parades, tree lighting ceremonies, craft festivals and more.
Tree-Lighting Ceremonies
Holiday Tree Lighting at Mosaic
Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m.
The Mosaic District will officially light its tree in Strawberry Park at 6:30 p.m., but there will also be performances from the Falls Church High School band and Dupont Brass Band and a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. // Mosaic District: 2905 District Ave., Fairfax
Herndon’s Annual Tree Lighting and Sing-Along
Dec. 3, 5 p.m.
Start the holiday season on the right note at Herndon’s annual tree lighting ceremony and sing along to some of your favorite Christmas tunes. // Town Hall Square: 730 Elden St., Herndon
One Loudoun’s Annual Tree Lighting & Party
Dec. 3, 5 p.m.
The tree lighting ceremony and party will also include food and drink, craft-making workshops and a spectacular fireworks display. // One Loudoun: 20626 E. Hampton Plaza, Ashburn
Falls Church Tree Fest
Dec. 4, 11 a.m.
Falls Church is hosting its third annual Tree Fest at the Hilton Garden Inn. The event will feature live music, tasty treats and a silent auction including a fully decorated tree from local nonprofits. // Hilton Garden Inn: 706 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Spectacular Musical Tree Shows!
Through Jan. 1, on the hour from noon-9 p.m.
See the five-story Christmas tree in the center of the Village at Leesburg along with a music and light show. //Village at Leesburg: 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg
Holiday Parades
Warrenton Christmas Parade
Dec. 2, 6 p.m.
The Warrenton Christmas Parade returns again to travel down historic Main Street. // Old Town Warrenton
71st Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade
Dec. 3, 10 a.m.
This annual parade has been a staple in greater Manassas, and it returns this year with the theme “Believe!” // Manassas Historic District
Christmas in Middleburg Parade
Dec. 3, 2 p.m.
Experience the holiday spirit at Christmas in Middleburg. With more events planed through the weekend, there will be a silent auction, craft fair and plenty of hot chocolate to go around. // Washington Street, Middleburg
17th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Light
Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.
Alexandria’s harbor will be illuminated with more than 40 boats as they compete in a dozen categories. Other festivities will take place throughout the day starting at 2 p.m., including an appearance from Santa and performances by the Alexandria Choral Society and Braddock Brass. // Alexandria Marina
Fredericksburg Christmas Parade
Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.
This joyous annual event brings the holiday spirit through the streets of downtown Fredericksburg. // Downtown Fredericksburg
49th Annual Downtown Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade
Dec 3, 6 p.m.
Head to downtown Leesburg for an evening of holiday festivities, including live performances, lights, seasonal food, carnival games and an appearance from Santa. // Downtown Leesburg
Christmas in Purcellville
Dec. 10, 10 a.m.
The Purcellville parade will start at Loudoun Valley High School and conclude at the train station with more activities throughout the day like Breakfast with Santa, a holiday bake sale and an ornament-making workshop. // Town of Purcellville
Festival of Lights
Chinese Lantern Festival
Through Jan. 1, 5 p.m.
Roughly 800 delicately hand-crafted animal-shaped lanterns made by a master Chinese craftsman will be displayed throughout the zoo. // Roer’s Zoofari: 1228 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Through Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m.
Kick off your holiday season by taking a stroll through Meadowlark Botanical Garden’s Winter Walk of Lights, then enjoy deliciously roasted marshmallows and a hot chocolate by the fire. // Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Through Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m.
Take a 2.5-mile drive through Bull Run Regional Park illuminated by holiday light displays and then stop by the holiday village for refreshments, fun rides and a photo with Santa. // Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Holiday Arts and Crafts Festivals
Fredericksburg Arts & Crafts Show
Dec. 2-4, times vary
The eighth annual Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show will host more than 300 artisans with so many crafts that you’ll be able to find something for everyone on your shopping list. // Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg
McLean Holiday Crafts Show
Dec. 2-4, times vary
In its 34th year, the McLean Holiday Crafts Show will have 70 artisans from across the country showing their work ranging from fiber arts and fashion to gourmet foods and sculptures. // McLean Community Center: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
The Art League’s Holiday Ceramics Sale
Dec. 2-4, times vary
The Art League will host its annual Holiday Ceramics Sale featuring pieces created by 40 of its students and resident artists. The selection of hand-crafted work will include sculptures, bowls, mugs, vases and more. // The Art League’s Madison Annex: 305 Madison St., Alexandria
Holidays in Leesburg
Dec. 3-4, times vary
The Leesburg festival will boast handmade crafts from more than 90 local and regional artists. // Ida Lee Park Recreation Center: 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg
Herndon Holiday and Crafts Show
Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
A variety of items will be available for purchase from more than 80 artisans at this show sponsored by the Herndon Department of Parks and Recreation. // Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
Rosslyn Holiday Market Festival and Bonfire
Dec. 9-10, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
For the fourth year in a row, Rosslyn’s Holiday Market Festival will feature handcrafted clothing, accessories, home goods and more from local businesses. Beyond the craft festival, there will be a bonfire, local food trucks, live performances, gingerbread house workshops and an appearance from Santa. // Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Highway, Rosslyn
Chantilly Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Dec. 9-11, times vary
Since 1975, the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival has brought both local and national artists together for an impressive selection of jewelry, pottery, clothing, photography, paintings and more.// Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
Holiday Sparkle Exhibit
Dec. 3-Jan. 8, times vary
Head to the Reston Art Gallery this holiday season, where you can simply observe and appreciate artwork and fine jewelry or even purchase it right off the walls. The artists will also be on-hand to discuss their owrk and even meet the artists who made the work. An open reception will be held on Dec. 10, but the exhibit will be open from Dec. 3 to Jan. 8 during weekend gallery hours from noon to 5 p.m. // Reston Art Gallery: 11400 Washington Plaza West #B, Reston
Ice-Skating Rinks
Ice Skating at Reston Town Center Pavilion
Through March, times vary
Have fun outdoors this winter at Reston Town Center ice-skating rink. // Reston Town Center Pavilion: 11900 Market St., Reston
Pentagon Row Skating Rink
Through March, times vary
Take a break from your holiday shopping at the Pentagon Row Skating Rink for a relaxing and cooling skate. // Pentagon Row: 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington
Tysons Corner Ice Rink
Through March, times vary
Visit the Tysons Corner Ice Rink for a relaxing skate around the rink and an unforgettable memory with your loved ones. // Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Even More Holiday Events
Holidays Through the Ages at Rippon Lodge
Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, times vary
Visit the historic house at Rippon Lodge and see how seasonal decorations have change over the generations. There will also be live holiday music before the tour and a warm beverage afterward. // Rippon Lodge Historic Site: 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge
Alexandria Archaeology Ornament-Decorating Workshop
Dec. 3, 1-3 p.m.
The Alexandria Archaeology Museum will host this free event for children to decorate their own ornaments shaped like pottery and other artifacts excavated in Alexandria. // Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Suite 327, Alexandria
Gingerbread House and Train Workshop
Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Teach your kiddos the art of making a gingerbread house under the guidance of the Ritz-Carlton’s trained pastry team. // Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom: 1250 S Hayes St, Arlington
Chanukah Celebration at Mosaic
Dec. 29
The Jewish Community Center and local synagogues will celebrate Chanukah with a menorah lighting, spinning the dreidel and traditional desserts. // Mosaic District: 2905 District Ave., Fairfax
