With winter right around the corner, you’re probably looking for ways to stay entertained (and warm) during the holiday bustle. Whether you want to sing along to classic Christmas carols or re-live The Temptations greatest hits, these are the events you need to be at this December.
Through January 2, 2022
2021 Bull Run Festival of Lights
Pack the family into the car for an evening full of stunning holiday lights. The annual drive-through experience features 2.5 miles of light displays. Once you pull up to the end of the road, make a pit stop at the holiday village and carnival to warm up by the bonfire and enjoy gooey s’mores. Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville; $30–$50 per vehicle
Through January 9, 2022
Omnium Circus
Take a break from work and school with a trip to the Big Top. The world’s first fully inclusive circus features performers of different ethnicities, races, and abilities to create a show full of laughter and inspiration. Omnium Circus Big Top: 2000 Galleria Dr., McLean; $25–$75
December 3
An Evening with Chris Botti
From Barbra Streisand and Paul Simon to Lady Gaga and Michael Bublé, the trumpeter has performed with some of the best musicians in the business. Botti’s latest album, Impression, took home the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $110
December 3
Christmas with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith
Get in the holiday spirit with your favorite carols. The Grammy-winning Christian artists will be bringing along the Christmas cheer, while also performing hits from their legendary catalogs. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons; $59.50–$253
December 3–5
Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show
Find all of your handmade gift needs at Fredericksburg’s largest craft show. With 300-plus artisans and crafters in attendance, you’ll find endless tables of baskets, ceramics, gourmet food, jewelry, and much more. Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg; $6–$10
December 3–5
McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival
Looking for a one-stop spot to get all of your holiday shopping done? This is the festival for you. The juried show features more than 80 artisans peddling one-of-a-kind creations, ranging from pottery and glass to fashion accessories and soaps. McLean Community Center: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; $5
December 4
Jingle on the Runway
Instead of running around the airport trying to catch your flight, break out your sneakers to race on the runway. Take to the landing strip to complete the looped course as you run by planes for a completely different look at Dulles. Dulles International Airport: Aviation Dr. and Autopilot Dr., Sterling; $35–$45
December 4, 5
HolidayFest Artisan Market
Occoquan will be turning into NoVA’s very own winter wonderland when the holiday market opens up in town. As you browse the dozens of artisans and shop for your loved ones, enjoy caroling, cocoa, and a visit from Santa himself. River Mill Park: 458 Mill St., Occoquan; free
December 4, 11, 18
Candlelight Tours
Experience a true historic Christmas celebration at the Lee-Fendall House. The home-turned-museum will be decked out in traditional Victorian holiday decorations as you tour the property by candlelight. Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden: 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria; $5–$10
December 5
DMV R&B Fest
Before you start the work week, finish the weekend off with a bang. Headlined by Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, Tevin Campbell, and the DMV’s own Ginuwine, the festival is sure to bring you back to the days when you listened to these chart-toppers on the radio. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax; $55 and up
December 7–12
Tootsie
Your favorite comedy is hitting the musical theater stage. The play follows actor Michael Dorsey as he tries to find work with his “hard-to-work-with” reputation. When the roles dry up, he impersonates a woman to get a job. But can he keep up the act? The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC; $50–$110
December 7–19
The Improvised Shakespeare Company
No two shows are ever the same with this theater troupe. Beginning with one suggestion from the audience, a play snowballs throughout the evening into an off-the-cuff comedy laced with themes of William Shakespeare. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC; $35–$39
December 9
Holiday Gingerbread House Workshop
Make the holidays even sweeter with a family-built gingerbread house. Each set comes with a pre-built house and all of the toppings and frosting you can imagine. McLean Community Center: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; $35–$45 per family
December 9
KT Tunstall
The Scottish singer/songwriter is bringing her talents across the pond to Alexandria. You’ll recognize the rock artists for her smash hits “Suddenly I See” and “Black Horse And The Cherry Tree.” The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $45
December 11, 17, 26
Snowflake Macaron Workshop
If you want to up your holiday baking game, then this is the class for you. The three-hour workshop teaches bakers all the tips and tricks to make the best macarons in time for your next holiday party. Sur la Table: 1101 S. Joyce St., Ste. B-20, Arlington; $79
December 14–January 2, 2022
Beautiful—The Carole King Musical
From Brooklyn girl to two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, see how the legendary singer-songwriter became one of the greatest composers, then performers, in the business. With hits like “It’s Too Late,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” look back to the ’60s and ’70s with the soundtrack of the decades. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC; $49–$149
December 15–January 16, 2022
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
Spend a night at the Kennedy Center to re-live the greatness that was The Temptations. With eye-catching choreography, harmonies, and flair, head back to the 1960s to learn how the band rose to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with songs like “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC; $49–$169
December 18
Wreaths Across America
As we get ready to celebrate the holidays, honor the veterans who bravely served our country. Make your way to Arlington National Cemetery to join other volunteers to lay wreaths on all of the gravestones. Arlington National Cemetery: 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington; free
December 20
Kenny G
Let the stress melt away with the soothing sounds from the country’s most famous saxophone player. A staple on radio stations in the ’80s and ’90s, the jazz musician is releasing a fresh album, New Standards, just in time for the holidays. The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; $75–$85
December 31
NYE 80s Glow Party
Enter the new year in style with a totally ’80s-themed celebration. Dress in your brightest outfit and say “later” to 2021 with the best jams from Madonna, Wham!, Bon Jovi, and other chart-topping artists. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. East, Vienna; $30–$40
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.