Holiday Happenings in Northern Virginia Oh What Fun!

Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade — Help ring in the holiday season at the tree lighting ceremony, watch Santa spread cheer from his firetruck (er, sleigh) and take care of your shopping list at Mosaic's Holiday Village.

Tysons Corner Center — The holiday tree lighting kicks off the season in the Plaza, and kiddos can get their photo-op with Santa November 9 – December 24.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens — The Winter Walk of Lights transforms the beautiful Vienna park into an enchanting half-mile route.

Bull Run Festival of Lights — Drive the 2.5 miles of festival route to enjoy the animated light displays in Manassas. Helpful hint: Enjoy the show on the weekdays for a less-crowded experience.

ZooLights at the National Zoo — In its 16th magical year, this holiday light spectacular invites you to stroll twinkling pathways and explore immersive displays. Marvel at glowing lantern animals, enjoy live performances, and spin on the Conservation Carousel.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights — The Potomac River reflects the festive lights that adorn the boats that cruise one mile of the shoreline.

Georgetown GLOW — This free, curated light art experience is set against the historic backdrop of the capital’s oldest neighborhood.

National Christmas Tree Lighting — A century-old American tradition, the tree lighting is part of a holiday program with a variety of performers helping to share a message of peace and hope.

#LIT Light Show — Thousands of lights are synchronized to a vibrant seasonal soundtrack, along with a centerpiece tree and a curtain of Christmas imagery.

ICE at Gaylord National — An enchanting holiday experience featuring hand-carved ice sculptures and interactive displays. Visitors can explore a winter wonderland with stunning artistry, including themed ice slides and holiday scenes. 

Mount Vernon — Head to George Washington’s estate for two holiday happenings: Christmas Illuminations with wintry lights and sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River, and Mount Vernon by Candlelight.

AKB, a hotel bar —  AKB Falls Church and AKB Tysons to experience festive cocktails and shareables. 

2941 Restaurant — The celebrated Falls Church restaurant serves inventive cuisine and outstanding service in an impressive atmosphere. For an intimate private event of 100 guests, choose the Waterfall Room; for 60 guests, the Koi Room; or for 30 guests, the exclusive Tasting Room.

Filomena — Over-the-top holiday bling is a sight to behold (the restaurant celebrates different holidays all year long). The highlight of this Georgetown Italian eatery? The just-bigger-than-necessary Christmas tree, bedecked with 10K+ lights, plus thousands of ornaments and little treasures.

Garden District — D.C.’s neighborhood German beer garden transforms with loads of tinsel, twinkling lights, holiday music and an expanded beverage menu (plus outdoor heaters). Check out the holiday popup markets on weekends — but do so before mid-December, when the beer garden closes for the season.

Captain Gregory’s — This intimate speakeasy tucked inside a donut shop caps reservations at four guests and serves up holiday-themed cocktails and elevated comfort food.

Capital One Hall — Give the gift of entertainment. A 6-minute walk from Archer Hotel Tysons, Capital One Hall presents concerts, Broadway theatre, comedy shows and expert speakers in a world-class venue.

Mosaic — Fairfax’s go-to shopping and entertainment district has a select mix of retailers and services to help complete your holiday shopping list. Join us on the weekends (starting 11/23) for Mosaic Holiday Village by URBNMarket

Eden Center — This Vietnamese center with an exact replica of downtown Saigon’s clock tower has more than 125 stores, restaurants and businesses to explore. While perusing gift shops, jewelers and health stores, stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and bakeries.

Tysons Galleria — Anchored by Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Galleria is home to upscale retail shops, including 30+ exclusive-to-market designers, along with a bevy of restaurant and dining options.

Tysons Corner Center — The 10th-largest mall in the U.S. is massive, anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom. Shop luxury brands, designer apparel, fast fashion, home goods, toys, electronics — you name it.

King Street Mile — Named one of the “Great Streets” in America by the American Planning Association, King Street is home to 100+ charming (and independently owned) boutiques. Don’t miss The Hour Shop specializing in vintage glassware, barware and tools, Red Barn Mercantile offering a curated collection of treasures for the home and The Old Town Shop with gifts that celebrate the local charm and historic heritage.

Downtown Holiday Market — Happening Nov. 22 thru Dec. 15 at Dupon Circle on 19th Street NW, D.C.'s "one-stop winter wonderland" supports small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region. Expect more than 70 exhibitors and six food vendors, plus a live stage and other entertainment.