Your complete guide to local holiday events, Pages

Holiday Events are Back

BY INSIDENOVA STAFF

info@insidenova.com

Looking for ways to usher in the Christmas season? Dozens of parades, tree lightings, holiday markets and visits with Santa are happening across Northern Virginia this season.

NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Dec. 2, and Dec. 4 through Jan. 1 15th and E streets NW, Washington, on the Ellipse thenationaltree.org

This year’s 99th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting and ceremony will take place on Thursday, Dec. 2, on the Ellipse. The National Christmas Tree site is free to visit and will be open to the public Dec. 4 through Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

WORKHOUSE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Saturday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 11 Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton Workhousearts.org

The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton

MORE TO DO

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will offer a 20% discount on all resident and associate artists’ original creations for Small Business Saturday starting Saturday, Dec. 4. On Dec. 11 there will be a holiday-themed Second Saturday Art Walk. Stroll the community market as roving holiday carolers spread cheer. During the evenings, the campus quad will also be seasonally lighted in special and decorative ways.

SANTA VISITS MANASSAS

Friday, Dec. 3, 5:15 p.m., continuing throughout December

Historic Old Town Manassas

Visitmanassas.org

Santa has been lighting the Christmas tree in Old Town for over 27 years. Santa

retro vintage new

A Unique Mix of Old & New Fun!

Pokémon Cards Action Figures Comic Books Children’s Books Dolls and Plush Hot Wheels Funko POPs Transformers Collectibles and more!

9216 Center Street • Historic Manassas 703•420•2180 kerbobble-toys.com

BUY SELL TRADE!

arrives at the Manassas Depot on the Virginia Railway Express train shortly after 6 p.m. After Santa lights the tree, he takes time to visit with the children. Free horse-drawn carriage rides will round out the evening and continue every Sunday in December from 1 to 4 p.m., and ice skating at the Harris Pavilion will be available throughout the season.

75TH ANNUAL GREATER MANASSAS CHRISTMAS PARADE

Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-noon

Old Town Manassas visitmanassas.org

Parade-goers line the streets of Manassas once again for the 75th annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, this year with the theme “Right Down Santa Claus Lane.” Over 100 marching bands, floats, dancers and more from local schools and groups will wind through Old Town to kick off the holiday season and mark the beginning of Merry Old Town.

HAYMARKET CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Saturday, Dec. 4, 3-6 p.m.

Haymarket Town Hall, 15000 Washington St. townofhaymarket.org

Join the Town of Haymarket for their annual Christmas and Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting. Cookie decorating, craft and gift bazaar, holiday carols, s'mores by the bonfire and local food vendors are featured, and of course a visit by Santa. This event is free, and everyone is welcome.

OCCOQUAN HOLIDAY EVENTS

Dec. 4-5 458 Mill St., Occoquan occoquanva.gov

River Mill Park in Occoquan will be transformed into a winter wonderland for a special shopping experience.

The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, to be held Dec. 4 this year, is one of the largest holiday parades in Northern Virginia, with more than 100 units winding through downtown Manassas. PAUL LARA | INSIDENOVA

Artisans and craft persons will offer original, handmade work in a full range of media, from handmade bath and body products, candles, gourmet food products and home décor to fine art and jewelry.

Visit with Santa while you are in town. The big guy will arrive by boat at the town dock at Mamie Davis Park on Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m. Kids of all ages are then invited to escort Santa to River Mill Park. He will be ready to visit with families from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both market days.

JINGLE ON LAKE ANNE

Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lake Anne Plaza, Reston

Santa arrives by boat at the 50th annual Jingle on Lake Anne. There will be children's crafts, music and more, with Santa arriving by boat at noon.

HOLIDAY EVENTS PAGE 4

FREE

to Attend EVENTS

DECEMBER

SATURDAY 4

Dale City Farmers Market is hosting a Holiday Market 9am-2pm

14050 Gemini Way, Woodbridge

HOLIDAY MUSIC ✽ S’MORES ✽ TREE DISPLAY 3-5pm

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

ALEXANDRIA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS

Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Waterfront Park

VisitAlexandria.com

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 21st annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, as dozens of brightly lighted boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park.

ALEXANDRIA’S SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WALK

Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.

Old Town Alexandria

VisitAlexandria.com

The Campagna Center’s 50th Anniversary Scottish Christmas Walk, featuring a parade of Scottish clans and Scottie dogs, hits the streets of Old Town Alexandria once again.

NATIONAL HARBOR HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGS

Through Dec. 31

National Harbor Waterfront District, Prince George's, Md. nationalharbor.com

National Harbor’s 54-foot tree lights up the holidays every evening through Dec. 31. Shows run on the half-hour from sunset to 9 p.m. The National Harbor Waterfront District is on the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, Md., 149 Waterfront St.

This year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Thursday, Dec. 2

PROVIDED

ILLUMINATIONS AT MOUNT VERNON

Dec. 17 and Dec. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

George Washington's Mount Vernon mountvernon.org

See George Washington’s Mount Vernon illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns as you listen to Christmas carolers and visit an 18th-century winter encampment and a winter market. End the evening with a holiday fireworks show starting between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. Make sure to stop and see Aladdin the camel, who will be at the mansion until Jan. 6. Mount Vernon is at 3200 Mount Vernon Highway in Fairfax County.

SANTA VISITS POTOMAC MILLS

Daily through Dec. 24

Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge simonsanta.com

Mr. Claus will return this year for the Santa Photo Experience at Potomac Mills beginning this weekend and continuing daily through Christmas Eve. Reservations are required. For details, see simonsanta.com.

Gainesville-Haymarket 7324 Atlas Wa alk Way Gainesville, VA 703-782-9552 Order Online: nothingbundtcakes.com

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BULL RUN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Through Jan. 2. Monday-Thursday nights, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday nights, 5:30-10 p.m.

Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights

Load your family in the car for one of Northern Virginia’s favorite holiday activities. The route is 2.5 miles, illuminated by a wide array of holiday light displays. Be socially distant and drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow.

TINSEL!

Through Jan. 22 45425 Holiday Drive, Sterling

Open nightly, timed tickets start at $28 tinselva.com

Tinsel! is an immersive outdoor festival and interactive winter destination featuring light displays, food and drink, entertainment and Washington Capitals experiences like a Capitals-themed Igloo experience, oversized Capitals-themed photo opportunities and alumni and mascot appearances.

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

Through Jan. 9, 6-10 p.m. daily

Prince William County Fairgrounds, Manassas visitpwc.com

Nights of Lights features mesmerizing holiday light displays spanning over one mile along with a Christmas Village

George Washington’s Mount Vernon glows in lights for the Christmas season.

DAN CHUNG

where visitors can join holiday sing-alongs, take a photo with Santa, shop local artisans, get lost in the mazes, find the perfect holiday selfie stations and more. A special addition to the village will be the custom-designed Gingerbread Café featuring gingerbread cookies, sweet treats, hot cocoa, hot apple cider, s’mores kits for the fire pits, and hot soups catered by a local bakery.

‘GIFT OF THE MAGI,’ THE MUSICAL Weekends through Dec. 12 Fauquier Community Theatre 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton fctstage.org

It’s Christmas in New York in 1905. Imagine the excitement of a busy street, bustling with shoppers and carolers singing joys of the season. Della, a stunning young woman, strolls along, looking in store windows, a bit saddened that she has only $1.87 to spend on a gift for her husband, Jim. Down the street, Jim does likewise; wistfully knowing that the items in the stores that he would love to buy for Della are beyond his means. You will enter a beautiful musical adaptation of O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.”

HOLIDAY EVENTS PAGE 6

After a cancellation last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 50th Scottish Christmas Walk returns to Old Town Alexandria this season. PROVIDED

WARRENTON CHRISTMAS PARADE

Friday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.

Old Town Warrenton

WarrentonChristmasParade.com

The parade is back on Main Street this year, led by Santa in his horse and sleigh, and featuring lighted floats, bands, and kids and lots of holiday cheer. The parade will travel down Main Street from 5th past the Courthouse and down to Pelham Street. Christmas carols and the tree illumination at the courthouse follow, then fireworks to usher in the season.

Connect with us:

www.pwcparks.org/HistoricPrograms Facebook: www.facebook.com/pwhistoric Twitter: @PWHPF Instagram: PWC History Scan for dates, times & advance registration (which is required for some programs):

WARRENTON’S GUMDROP SQUARE

Opens Friday, Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m.

Gloria’s, 92 Main Street, #204, Warrenton oldtownwarrenton.org

GumDrop Square is a long-time Warrenton holiday tradition and photo-op for families. The visit provides a personal experience with Santa and a beautifully decorated backdrop including Christmas trees and a fireplace on Gloria’s stage – the perfect spot to capture that traditional Santa photo. Another highlight of a visit to GumDrop Square is Santa’s Secret Shop, where children can purchase $2 tickets to buy gifts for family and friends without parents looking over their shoulder.

SWING INTO THE HOLIDAYS WITH

THE SILVER TONES SWING BAND

Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Vint Hill Community Center, 4235 Aiken Drive, Warrenton

Silvertonesswingband.com

The Silver Tones Swing Band kicks off the holiday season swing concert and dance featuring your holiday favorites plus big band swing hits. The Vint Hill Community Center features a huge dance-floor with plenty of room to swing. There will be a beginner swing dance lesson with worldclass swing instructor Ewa Burak at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be for sale.

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET

Daily through Dec. 23

Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C. downtowndc.org

Downtown Holiday Market, presented by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, Diverse Markets Management and Events DC, returns to the nation’s capital for a 17th year. DowntownDC’s open-air village runs through Dec. 23, filling two entire blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW, with the main entrance in front of the National Portrait Gallery.

Admission is free, and the market is open daily from noon to 8 p.m.

present &

present

Including Music in Your

Holiday Traditions

Music is powerful. Here’s how to include music in your holiday celebrations to set a joyful, festive mood and help create happy family memories. 1. Whistle while you work: Decking the halls shouldn’t be a chore. It should be a fun holiday tradition. Create a playlist of all your favorite carols, old standards and pop-infused holiday hits. As you adorn the tree, decorate the cookies and hang the stockings, pop on your playlist to fill the house with your personalized sounds of the season. 2. Create your own music: With more time off from school and work and a treasure trove of seasonal music to draw inspiration from, this can actually be the ideal time of year to take up a new instrument or embark on music lessons.

For beginners, consider a Castiotone. User-friendly and created with the goal of making music fun for players of all abilities, it connects to the Chordana Play App, which offers interactive at- home beginner piano lessons. Plus the keyboard features built-in Christmas carols, perfect

for sing-alongs. And because it’s portable, you can “gather round the piano” wherevListening to or creating music can help make magical holiday memories. DEAGREEZ | ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS heatre Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra Ballet theatre utcracker Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra Manassas Ballet theatre in Nutcracker with the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra er you spend the holidays. 3. Go caroling: Caroling is one of best ways to spread holiday cheer among neighbors and members of your community. Organize friends and family to join you. You may even consider turning your efforts into a fundraiser for a local charity or a music-related nonprofit such as at the Music & Memory, which helps individuals with cognitive and physical conditions engage with the world and ease pain through their favorite music. 4. Attend a performance: From “The Nutcracker” to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” many classic holiday performances are staged at theaters all around the region. Enjoy a live show or watch your favorite seasonal musicals at home. Through the power of listening and creating your own music, you can fill @manassasballettheatre Photo by David Mattingly Also Streaming Starting 12/24 at 7:30 pm EST: Tickets $25 https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mbtnutcrackerFor more info: manassasballet.org info@manassasballet.org • (703) 257-1811 @manassasballettheatre Photo by David MattinglyTickets starting at $35 Also Streaming Starting 12/24 at 7:30 pm EST: Tickets $25 https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mbtnutcracker www.hyltoncenter.org • 703-993-7759 For more info: manassasballet.org info@manassasballet.org • (703) 257-1811 @manassasballettheatre Photo by David Mattingly Dec. 16-23 Tickets starting at $35 Also Streaming Starting 12/24 at 7:30 pm EST: Tickets $25 https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mbtnutcracker www.hyltoncenter.org • 703-993-7759 your seasonal traditions with joy and make happy holiday memories that last for years to come. – StatePoint info@manassasballet.org • (703) 257-1811 Manassas Ballet Theatre is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas Manassas Ballet Theatre is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas Manassas Ballet Theatre is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Prince William County, and the City of Manassas