Holiday Happenings in the Parks

From special events and day trips to winter craft workshops, historic and nature programs, the Fairfax County Park Authority offers something for every age and interest to make the holidays memorable this year!

Special Events

Two popular holiday events are returning to Burke Lake Park this year, Winter Wonderland and Celebration Station. During the day, go to the Winter Wonderland, where you can take a train ride on the Holiday Express, ride the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread

Man Mini Golf, and enjoy s’mores and cocoa by the fire. The festivities continue at night with Celebration Station when the park twinkles with thousands of holiday lights. After a magical train ride, children can take a spin on the festively lit carousel. Don’t delay purchasing your tickets in advance online to either event-both are expected to sell out.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Don’t miss your chance to snap a photo while the kids meet Santa! He will make the rounds at the parks, visiting Colvin Run Mill, Burke Lake Park’s Winter Wonderland, and Sully Historic Site. A delicious treat and festive craft will complete your little one’s day.

Get Crafty

The Park Authority will help you get ready for the holidays with winter decoration and craft workshops for young and old. Winter wreath making workshops are being offered at Green Spring Gardens and Hidden Pond Nature Center. Other holiday décor and craft workshops are being held at Audrey Moore Rec Center, Green Spring Gardens, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, and Lewinsville House.

Happenings at Historic and

Nature Sites

Travel back in time with a candlelight tour of Sully Historic site or a holiday lantern tour at Colvin Run Mill. Feast on delicious tea and treats at events offered at Historic Huntley, Green Spring Gardens, Colvin Run Mill, and E.C. Lawrence Park. Or take your children to Colvin Run Mill so they can shop for everyone on their list in the historic General Store and then gift wrap their purchases. Perhaps you’re feeling more adventuresome? Guided winter walks, lectures, wagon rides, and campfires are being offered in several parks, including E.C. Lawrence, Green Spring Gardens, Lake Fairfax, Riverbend Park, Frying Pan and Huntley Meadows.

Get in the Holiday Spirit with a Day Trip

No one can resist getting in the holiday spirit with a visit to Longwood Gardens as you walk amongst the beautiful and elegant holiday displays. Or be transported to colonial days with a trip to Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination. For a trip that the whole family can enjoy, board the Potomac Eagle North Pole Express train ride to help Santa save Christmas. To find out more information about Holiday Events in the Parks, please turn to the Events section starting Winter 2023 on pg. 46 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/. Registration is required for most events.