Even during a pandemic, the holidays must go on. As we inch closer to December, many annual tree lightings are either going virtual or imposing social distancing guidelines to ensure everyone stays safe during the holiday season. Here are 12 virtual and in-person tree lightings to catch in the coming weeks.
Occoquan Virtual Tree Lighting
Nov. 20, 8 p.m.
Occoquan is kicking off its annual HolidayFest with a special Facebook Live tree lighting ceremony. Grab your computer and join Mayor Earnie Porta for the holiday celebration from your cozy home. // free
City of Alexandria Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 21
Instead of the usual Market Square lighting, the city of Alexandria will be taking the ceremony online. Viewers can expect the same celebratory events, including the proclamation from the Town Crier and a message from Santa Claus. // free
Salamander Tree Lighting
Nov. 28, 4:30 p.m.
Stop by the Salamander Resort for a socially distanced and outdoor tree lighting as the resort gets ready for Santa’s arrival. Once the tree is lit, enjoy delicious cookies, hot cocoa or mulled cider and get a photo with the big man himself. // Salamander Resort & Spa: 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg; free
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lansdowne Resort and Spa
Nov. 29, 5 p.m.
End your mini Thanksgiving vacation at Lansdowne Resort’s tree lighting. As you take in the lights enjoy holiday cocktails and hot cocoa from the pop-up bar. Social distancing will be required throughout the event. // Lansdowne Resort and Spa: 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg; free
Church Street Holiday Stroll Live Stream
Nov. 30, 6 p.m.
Make yourself a cup of hot chocolate and sit down for a live stream of the town of Vienna’s tree lighting. The virtual event will kick off with the tree on Church Street being lit, followed by a message from the mayor, holiday tunes and a visit from Santa. // free
National Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 3
This year the National Tree Lighting in Washington, DC is going virtual. The 98th annual lighting and holiday performances will be available to watch online. People will be able to visit President’s Park to see the National Tree and the 56 tree that represent the states, territories and the district. // free
Holidays in Leesburg
Dec. 4, 6 p.m.
Join the community of Leesburg for its annual ceremony on the Town Green. Sing carols and watch local groups perform as the tree is lit for the holiday season. After you see the tree lighting, drive around downtown to see some of the city’s holiday displays. // Town Green: 25 W. Market St., Leesburg; free
Santa Lights the Tree
Dec. 4, 6-6:30 p.m.
Santa is stopping by Manassas to start the holiday season. The live-stream event will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus lighting the tree online. While Santa will not be meeting with the kids on Friday night, additional events will be open to guests throughout the night. // free
Purcellville Town Tree Lighting
Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.
Christmas in Purcellville starts with the tree lighting. While a majority of those wishing to watch the lighting will have to do so virtually, there will be a limited number of tickets available. // Town Hall: 221 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville; free
One Loudoun 8th Annual Tree Lighting
Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m.
One Loudoun’s biggest holiday event is finally here. Gather on the plaza for the tree lighting, then take part in the additional activities, which includes ice skating, holiday music and Santa photos by appointment only. // One Loudoun: 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn; free
Nightly Holiday Tree Light Show
Through Jan. 2, 2021
Travel over the bridge to Maryland for the National Harbor’s nightly light show. Every night through the holiday season the 56-foot tree will amaze with two million lights. In order to keep the crowds distanced, there will be a line to view the tree. // National Harbor: 165 Waterfront St., National Harbor; free
Warrenton Christmas Tree Lighting
TBA
Join Mayor Carter Neville for a virtual tree lighting in Warrenton. Special guests Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also be in attendance. More details are scheduled to be announced.
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