Holiday Guide 2023 by InsideNoVa

Unwrap the Holidays A Complete Guide to Local Events and More

Where to see Santa, watch parades and enjoy the lights » Pages 2-8

5 gifts to reduce stress and promote happiness » Page 9

Spruce up your home with these DIY holiday decorating tips » Page 10

7 fun-filled trips to take over the holidays » Page 11

INSIDENOVA.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | HOLIDAY GUIDE

'Tis the season

Northern Virginia tree lightings, Santa visits, Christmas parades and more

ooking for ways to usher in the holiday season? Dozens of parades, tree lightings, holiday markets and visits with Santa are happening across Northern Virginia this season. OCCOQUAN HOLIDAYFEST Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 2-3 Town of Occoquan occoquanva.gov HolidayFest returns to historic Occoquan with Shop Small Weekend from Nov. 25-27 and Santa Claus arriving by boat at Mamie Davis Park on Dec. 2 at 10:45 a.m. The town is also hosting a holiday artisan market both Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, along Mill Street. NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Lighting ceremony Nov. 30 Tree open to the public Dec. 2 through Jan. 1 15th and E streets NW, Washington, on the Ellipse thenationaltree.org The 100th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Nov. 30, with the site free to visit and open to the public Dec. 2 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. Lights on the National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening. ENCHANT Nov. 24 to Dec. 31 Nationals Park, 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington enchantchristmas.com Enchant, billed as the world’s largest holiday-themed light event, lights up Nationals Park though New Year’s Eve. The walk-through light maze created from over 4 million lights features a 100-foot-tall holiday tree, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits and a village marketplace with crafts, gifts, festive culinary treats and holiday cocktails. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT THE WORKHOUSE ARTS CENTER Nov. 25-Dec. 9 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton workhousearts.org The Workhouse Arts Center has a full schedule of holiday events planned this

The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Holiday Walk of Lights in Woodbridge is back this season on select days through Dec. 23. DOUG STROUD | FOR INSIDENOVA

season, including theater performances, comedy shows, a winter celebration and an ornament-making workshop. On Nov. 25, the center hosts “Thanksgiving Weekend Comedy Showcase” at the McGuireWoods Gallery in building W-16. On. Dec. 2, learn how to transform used light bulbs into festive holiday ornaments. Participants will be shown how to paint, collage and add glitter for a beautiful transformation. On Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec.

Friday-Sunday, 5:30-9pm Dec 1-3 Dec 8-10 Dec 15-17 Sensory-Friendly Night Tuesday, 5:30-8pm Dec 12 Wednesday-Saturday, 5:30-9pm December 20-23

pwcparks.info/holidaywalkoflights 2

HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2023 | INSIDENOVA.COM

3, the center presents “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale on stage. On Saturday, Dec. 9, from 6-9 p.m, the center hosts WinterWorks, an evening full of fun photo opportunities, carol singers, a Raku ceramics activity, dance demonstrations, hot chocolate bar, s'mores by a fire pit and more. Admission is free. Art activities, food and beverages will be available for purchase. HOLIDAY EVENTS

EVEN

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HOLIDAY EVENTS

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Last days for shipping. Recommended dates for delivery by December 24:

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UPS 2nd Day Air

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The Showcase Dance Studio steps out during the 2021 Manassas Christmas Parade in Old Town. This year’s parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 2, beginning at 10 a.m. INSIDENOVA FLE PHOTO

NEABSCO CREEK BOARDWALK HOLIDAY WALK OF LIGHTS Dec. 1 to Dec. 23, select days Neabsco Regional Park 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge pwcva.gov/department/neabsco-regional-park/ Prince William Parks and Recreation’s Holiday Walk of Lights at the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

beginning Dec. 1, with a sensory-only event on Dec. 12. The lights will be open for its final days from Wednesday, Dec. 20 to Saturday, Dec. 23. 77TH ANNUAL GREATER MANASSAS CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-noon Old Town Manassas visitmanassas.org Parade-goers will line the streets

of Manassas once again for the 77th annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, this year with the theme “Christmas in Toyland.” 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. HOLIDAY EVENTS

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INSIDENOVA.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | HOLIDAY GUIDE

Prince William Public Libraries

HOLIDAY EVENTS

FROM PAGE 3

WINTER READING All Ages December 1–January 31 Complete 10 activities or read 10 books to receive a prize and be entered into a drawing. Turn in your bookmark or track your progress on the Beanstack Tracker app by January 31.

pwcva.gov/library Sponsored by:

present

Manassas Ballet theatre in nutcracker with the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra

Artistry Reimagined

at the

December 14-23 info:

10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA

for tickets:

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

HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2023 | INSIDENOVA.COM

Christmas in Middleburg includes the annual Middleburg Hunt Review on Dec. 2 with 150 horses, riders in hunting attire and dozens of hounds parading through the town. COURTESY TOWN OF MIDDLEBURG

SANTA LIGHTS MANASSAS Friday, Dec. 1, 5:15 p.m. Old Town Manassas Visitmanassas.org Santa Lights Manassas, also known as the tree lighting, has been a fixture in Manassas for 29 years. It takes place the Friday night before the Christmas Parade beginning at 5:15 p.m. Santa arrives in Manassas shortly after 6 p.m. After the tree is lighted, Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children and listen to their holiday wishes near the gazebo. The Harris Pavilion Ice Rink will be open for the season, as will downtown shops and restaurants. STAFFORD COUNTY HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Dec. 1, starting at 6 p.m. George Gordon Government Center staffordcountytreelighting.com Welcome the holiday season with Stafford County’s annual Tree Lighting Festival held at the George Gordon Government Center on Friday, Dec 1. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., with the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH Friday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/handel-39-s-messiah The Gainesville Community Choir presents “Handel’s Messiah,” with a singalong during the Hallelujah chorus. DALE CITY HOLIDAY MARKET Saturday, Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gemini Way, Dale City Find unique gifts, crafts, specialty items and your favorite treats, including books, jewelry, leather goods, wreaths, holiday items, crochet items and more.

CHRISTMAS IN MIDDLEBURG Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2 Washington Street, Middleburg christmasinmiddleburg.org The Town of Middleburg rings in the season starting Friday, Dec. 1, with the annual tree lighting at 5 p.m. On Dec. 2 starting at 11 a.m., the Middleburg Hunt Review takes to the streets TOWN OF DUMFRIES TREE LIGHTING as 150 horses, riders in hunting attire Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. and dozens of hounds come through Cecil W Garrison Park the town. The Middleburg Christmas 17749 Main St., Dumfries Parade begins at 2 p.m. along Washingwww.dumfriesva.gov ton Street. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, have some cookies and hot chocolate and ride a HOLIDAY EVENTS PAGE 5 holiday train.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

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LEESBURG HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Saturday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. Town Green 25 West Market St., Leesburg leesburgva.gov The Town of Leesburg will hold this year’s holiday tree lighting ceremony on Town Green beginning at 6 p.m. There will be lights, live music, holiday characters and community cheer.

ALEXANDRIA’S SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WALK Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. Old Town Alexandria VisitAlexandria.com The Campagna Center’s 52nd Anniversary Scottish Christmas Walk, featuring a parade of Scottish clans and Scottie dogs, hits the streets of Old Town Alexandria once again.

LEESBURG HOLIDAY FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW Downtown Leesburg Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3 The town hosts a holiday market on Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show features local and regional artisans selling handmade items, including candles, stained glass, carved wood, jewelry, table linens and more.

WARRENTON CHRISTMAS PARADE Friday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m. Old Town Warrenton WarrentonChristmasParade.com The annual parade down Main Street kicks off the holiday season each year and brings thousands of residents from the region to Warrenton. It features more than 100 local businesses and nonprofit organizations with floats, decorated vehicles, pets and marchers.

NATURE’S RHYTHMS FAMILY CONCERT BY MANASSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Saturday, Dec. 2, 3:30 p.m. Merchant Hall at Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas Join the Manassas Symphony orchestra for a concert conducted by Kyle Ryu with James Villani as music director.

WARRENTON’S GUMDROP SQUARE Saturdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, from 1-4 p.m. John Barton Payne Building 2 Courthouse Square, 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. 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.

ALEXANDRIA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. Waterfront Park, Alexandria VisitAlexandria.com Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 23rd annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. as WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY CHOIR: dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along CAROLS OF THE NIGHT one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Saturday, Dec 2, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 3 p.m. in Waterfront Park. Dr AJ Ferlazzo Building Auditorium 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, WoodWINTER READING PROGRAM AT PRINCE WILLIAM PUBLIC LIBRARIES bridge Dec. 1-Jan. 31 pwcva.gov/library HOLIDAY EVENTS

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Alexandria’s waterfront will light up with dozens of boats for the 23rd annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 2. The one-mile parade cruises along the Potomac River shoreline. COURTESY VISIT ALEXANDRIA

INSIDENOVA.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | HOLIDAY GUIDE

HOLIDAY EVENTS

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TOWN OF DUMFRIES 49TH CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. Main Street, Dumfries www.dumfriesva.gov Dumfries annual parade this year is themed holiday movies. After the parade, the town hosts a holiday market at 3800 Graham Park Road from noon to 3 p.m. HOLIDAY MARKET AT THE WINERY AT LA GRANGE Saturday, Dec. 9, noon to 6 p.m. 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket wineryatlagrange.com/events Hosted indoors, the market offers locally made gifts for the holidays – visitors can shop while sipping wine. HISTORIC HOLIDAYS AND CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT BRENTSVILLE COURTHOUSE Saturday, Dec. 9, from 5-8 p.m. Brentsville Courthouse Historic Site www.pwcva.gov/events/historic-holidays-christmas-concert-brentsville-courthouse Experience the holidays of years past at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre as you explore each of Brentsville's historic buildings decorated for the holidays. Learn how locals celebrated the holidays and how they enjoyed the winter weather through the years through crafts and activities. Get your picture taken with Santa and have some hot cider as you enjoy a musical performance by the Brentsville District High School Choir. HISTORIC MANASSAS HOLIDAY MARKET Saturday Dec. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 9431 West St., Manassas Discover a winter wonderland and enjoy live holiday music. VIENNA BOYS CHOIR Sunday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/vienna-boys-choir The angelic voices of the centuries-old Vienna Boys Choir will perform a Christmas in Vienna show on Dec. 10 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Made up of boy sopranos and altos from ages 8 to 14 and from 31 countries, the Vienna Boys Choir is one of the oldest international choral ensembles of its kind. CARRIAGE RIDES AND SANTA AT VIRGINIA GATEWAY Saturday, Dec. 9, from 5-8 p.m. Gateway Promenade Drive. Gainesville www.facebook.com/ events/6872262639507446/ Old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon rides around Gateway Promenade Drive, including strolling holiday characters and more. VETERANS PARK FAMILY GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to noon

HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2023 | INSIDENOVA.COM

Veterans Memorial Park, Woodbridge parksandrec.pwcgov.org/ Start planning your winter wonderland designs. Each family will receive one gingerbread house kit to build and decorate to submit for judging. SANTA VISITS RIPPON LODGE Saturday, Dec. 9 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge pwcva.gov/department/historic-preservation/rippon-lodge Santa Claus is coming to Rippon Lodge Historic Site in Woodbridge on Dec. 10 from noon to 3 p.m. Bring your camera for pictures and dress appropriately for weather as some activities are outside. This is always a popular event so be sure to register. Tickets are $5. HAYMARKET CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Saturday, Dec. 9, 2-6 p.m. Haymarket Town Hall, 15000 Washington St. townofhaymarket.org Haymarket celebrates the season with a Christmas craft bazaar, hot cocoa and cider and a Santa's Workshop where kids can make crafts. Enjoy holiday carols and musical performances, and roast marshmallows over the bonfire in front of Town Hall. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also ride through town and visit with the children. LEESBURG CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY PARADE Saturday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg leesburgva.gov On the second Saturday of December, the holiday spirit will be in full swing at Leesburg’s annual Christmas and Holiday Parade. The parade will usher Santa and his friends down King Street, through Historic Downtown Leesburg. MANASSAS BALLET THEATRE’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ Dec. 14-23 Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas manassasballet.org Manassas Ballet Theatre will present “The Nutcracker” on select dates from Dec. 14 to 23 with the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra on the Merchant Stage at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $35 and are available at www.manassasballet.org or by calling 703-257-1811. Streaming will be available starting Dec. 24. A VERY GRINCHY CHRISTMAS AT MCKAY BOOKS Friday, Dec. 15 8345 Sudley Road, Manassas Mckayusedbooks.com/events Prizes for kids in Grinchy costumes. Limited space, so RSVP for free tickets. HOLIDAY EVENTS

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HOLIDAY EVENTS

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George Washington’s Mount Vernon celebrates the holidays on Dec. 15 and 16 with lights and holiday patterns outside the mansion, a winter market, carolers and a fireworks show to end the evening. COURTESY MOUNT VERNON

ILLUMINATIONS AT MOUNT VERNON Friday, Dec. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. George Washington's Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Highway 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 at 8:30 p.m.

SANTA COMES TO POTOMAC MILLS Daily through Dec. 24 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge simonsanta.com Mr. Claus has returned this year for the Santa Photo Experience at Potomac Mills continuing daily through Christmas Eve. Reservations are required. For details, see simonsanta.com. HOLIDAY EVENTS

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Happy

Holidays!

Holiday shopping is easy with OmniRide! Ride OmniRide Local to Potomac Mills Mall, Manassas Mall or other local retail destinations. And OmniRide’s Prince William Metro Express will get you to Springfield Mall and beyond... when you transfer to Metrorail.

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OmniRide.com • 703-730-6664 INSIDENOVA.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | HOLIDAY GUIDE

HOLIDAY EVENTS ’23–’24 SEASON

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR

UPCOMING HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES A Canadian Brass Christmas THE LEGENDARY INGRAMETTES

ARTS WITHIN REACH $ Low Ticket Prices Convenient Location Flexible Ticket Exchanges* Free Parking *Applies to Hylton-presented performances *Applies to Hylton–presented performances

Sunday, Nov. 26 at 4 p.m. “The ‘gold standard’ among brass quintets…” (NPR) ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

The Legendary Ingramettes Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Roof-raising gospel ensemble in a holiday-inspired concert American Festival Pops Orchestra

Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season Peter Wilson, conductor

TICKETS 703-993-7759 HyltonCenter.org The Hylton Center is located in Manassas on the Science and Technology Campus of George Mason University.

Friday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. A festive program of holiday favorites, including an audience singalong

Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in Vienna

Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Austrian folk tunes, festive songs, and much more

FROM PAGE 7

HOLIDAYS AT NATIONAL HARBOR Through Dec. 31 National Harbor Waterfront District, Prince George’s, Md. nationalharbor.com National Harbor celebrates the holidays with Saturday night fireworks at 5:30 p.m., followed by a tree lighting show in the heart of the Waterfront District. The harbor’s 60-foot RGB tree comes to life each night, with a lights show dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band. The show runs every half hour from sunset to 9 p.m. ICE! also returns this year through Dec. 31. Using more than 2 million pounds of ice, the classic 1964 Christmas animated television special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” will be brought to life by a team of 40 ice artisans to create the nearly 20,000-square-foot, frozen attraction. The display is kept at a frosty 9 degrees, but Gaylord National’s signature blue parkas will be provided. BULL RUN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Through Jan. 7 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, illumi-

PROMOTE YOUR LIVE AND VIRTUAL EVENTS VISIT INSIDENOVA.COM/CALENDAR FOR DETAILS AND A CURRENT LISTING OF EVENTS ACROSS NORTHERN VIRGINIA

HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2023 | INSIDENOVA.COM

nated by a wide array of holiday light displays. There's also a Holiday Village and Carnival with bonfires, s’mores, holiday merchandise and rides. CAPITAL ONE CENTER HOLIDAYS Through Dec. 22 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons capitalonecenter.com Capital One Hall will be glowing with twinkling lights, garland, the return of its giant menorah, nutcracker and Christmas tree – and a lineup of more than 10 family-friendly holiday classics, including four performances of "The Nutcracker" by Virginia Ballet, Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith’s Christmas Live in Concert, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, NatPhil Presents Handel's Messiah and more. DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET Daily through Dec. 23 Penn Quarter, Washington 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 an 18th 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.

Saturday, December 2 9:30am-3pm

14050 Gemini Way, Dale City, VA Come find unique gifts, crafts, specialty items and your favorite treats. From books, jewelry, leather goods, wreaths, holiday items, crochet items and more. Browse our wide selection of handcrafted goods, children’s clothing and more from your favorite vendors - old and new! Ready-made foods and drinks also available for purchase.

Visit pwcparks.info/holidaymarket or scan the QR code for more information!

Dale City

Holiday Market

A bike or trike is a great gift that also supports physical and mental wellness.

5 Gifts to Reduce Stress and Promote Happiness

ental health is a critical part of overall wellness. And this holiday season, you can support the well-being of your loved ones with thoughtful gift-giving. From stocking stuffers to big reveal items, use this gift guide to put a smile on the face of loved ones. BATH BOMBS Bath bombs can be used to create a spa-like environment at home and are a great choice for anyone who needs a gentle reminder to unwind. Be sure to select bath bombs made from such calming ingredients as lavender, bergamot and ylang-ylang for an added aromatherapy boost.

cruisers to battery ride-ons and e-bikes, Huffy offers bikes for children and adults that have more functions and features than ever before. For children ages 8 to 15, consider something extra special, like the newly redesigned Green Machine from Huffy, which is engineered to allow for adrenaline-pumping 180-degree drifts and turns and offers dual-lever pivot steering. Riding, drifting and spinning this trike activates LED light effects and patterns, and adjustable seating supports a wide range of rider heights so it can grow with a younger gift recipient, and help dial in the fit for a comfortable ride.

CULINARY INSPIRATION For those who love to bake, the “Mind over Batter” cookbook by licensed psyA WEIGHTED BLANKET Over 40 million people in the United chotherapist and baker Jack Hazan will States have chronic sleep disorders. Sleep combine their passion with a little selfdeprivation is often caused by poor men- care. Great for bakers of all abilities and tal health, and it can exacerbate issues like anyone looking for new ways to approach mental health, the cookbook features anxiety and depression. practical self-care advice alongside 75 Help your gift recipient get higher approachable recipes for savory and sweet quality sleep with a weighted blanket. baked goods. Cozy and comfortable on cool nights, they use pressure therapy to mimic the A MASSAGE feeling of being hugged or held and can Stress affects not only the mind but the help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, sleep disorders, ADHD and autism in children body as well. Help alleviate the muscle tension associated with stress with a gift and adults. certificate for a massage. Be sure you send your gift recipient to a licensed massage A NEW RIDE More than just a toy or gadget, a bicycle therapist. There are many forms of massage therrepresents the freedom to explore the apy, so if you happen to know your loved outdoors, spend time with friends and family, make memories and establish rou- one’s personal preference, try to find that out in advance, or send them to a facility tines that promote physical and mental wellbeing. And of course, it can also pro- that practices many forms of massage vide that stress-relieving, mood-boosting so they can make a choice that best suits their needs. release of endorphins. – StatePoint From traditional mountain bikes and

One Choir ♫ÊOne Sound

“CCarols of the Night” Directed by

Lee Irwin Culbreth

Saturday, December 2, 2023 8:00 p.m.

Dr. A. J. Ferlazzo Building Auditorium 15941 Donald Curtis Drive Woodbridge, Virginia

Sunday, December 3, 2023 3:00 p.m.

Dr. A. J. Ferlazzo Building Auditorium 15941 Donald Curtis Drive Woodbridge, Virginia Par�al Funding Provided by Prince William Board of County Supervisors through Parks and Recrea�on Arts Council

For more information call 703-680-0198 or visit our website at www.woodbridgecommunitychoir.org

INSIDENOVA.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | HOLIDAY GUIDE

Donate hope. This year, the need is greater than ever.

Help make the holidays happy for everyone in Prince William County.

Join InsideNoVa in supporting The Salvation Army’s Christmas Basket campaign. All donations support the Salvation Army’s efforts to support Prince William County families and brighten the holidays for our children. Double the impact: The first $15,000 of donations will be matched by an anonymous contributor. Scan to Donate

Donate online: bit.ly/PWChristmasBasket Donations can be dropped off at Salvation Army 1483 Old Bridge Rd #102, Woodbridge, VA 22192 OR MAIL DONATIONS TO:

The Salvation Army | PO Box 2424, Woodbridge, VA 22195 (In memo line please write InsideNoVa Christmas Basket) NAME �� ADDRESS �� PHONE �� IN MEMORY OF / IN HONOR OF �� Donations will be published in InsideNoVa/Prince William unless otherwise requested. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published.

PLEASE SEND DONATIONS BY: DECEMBER 31ST

HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2023 | INSIDENOVA.COM

DIY holiday decorations can add a meaningful touch to your home.

SONJACHNYJ VIA 123R

DIY Décor Ideas for Your Holiday Home

o much of the joy from the holiday season comes from entertaining. Whether you’re throwing a big bash for the neighborhood or hosting a more intimate gathering of close family and friends, filling your home with exciting and colorful decorations is a must. Rather than buying everything premade, consider rounding out your décor collection with some DIY items that highlight your style and use items you may already have at home. Your guests will be impressed, and your home will have a unique and memorable look. Here are a few ideas to inspire your homemade decoration dreams.

shelves, countertops, and coffee tables. Pair these jars with winter décors, such as cozy pillows and throws, to make your home a winter wonderland.

ELEGANT AND BOLD CENTERPIECES If you want to get your guests’ attention, then focus on a memorable centerpiece for your holiday table. Pull out all the stops with these gold-glittered vases made from Mason jars. You can use gold as suggested or opt for silver or champagne to match a different décor scheme. Filling the jars is half the fun, too – evergreen and flower stems are beautiful, while candy canes and lollipops signal a fun-filled party. If you’d like to put water in the jars and FESTIVE GARLANDS then top with floating cranberries, leave One of the easiest ways to brighten up your home for the holiday season is to use the top half of the jars unpainted (or frost with a light dusting of glitter). For a fun garlands in every room. With so many alternative, make a snowman hat centerdifferent styles to choose from, your garland selection can highlight your personal piece that uses an upcycled coffee can as the base. You can decorate the hat with style and give your guests something faux or real flowers to match the rest of interesting to admire. your décor. This paint chip garland idea is an easy and inexpensive way to incorporate CANDLES AND LIGHTS bright colors into your decorations. Cut One of the most prominent decorations the paint chips into whatever shapes you’d during the holiday season is lighting – like before you string them together. from candles to string lights, a warm glow For a different aesthetic, highlighting adds depth and comfort to a room. These citrus fruits as part of your décor is a wooden tree sconces not only provide an great way to incorporate cozy holiday interesting background for the candles, smells into your decorating. This dried but they’re big enough that you don’t have fruit garland is a wonderful weekend to worry about placing multiples together project and uses ingredients you likely for an impact. You could even decorate already have in the pantry. the wooden trees with paint or glitter for a bolder look. SNOWFLAKES AND SNOWMEN For another rustic option, try these If you’d like a winter theme full of wonstenciled burlap candle holders. Choose der and whimsy, opt for decorations that include lots of snowflakes, snowmen and silhouettes that match your style, including snowflakes, for something you white/blue/silver combinations. can leave out all winter. If small candle These fun snowmen are a great decoholders aren’t filling up your space, decoration for anywhere the kids are likely to congregate. Since they use clear glass balls rate an inexpensive lantern using various and Mason jars as the base, you can easily stems and bows, then place an LED candle inside. make several from dollar store items. Any of these DIY decorations will add Cluster a few together and vary their a meaningful touch to your home that scarves for a fun snowperson family. friends and family alike will remember As a more neutral decoration, painted for years to come. snowflake jars are perfect for adorning

7 Top U.S. Trips to Take During the Holiday Season

addition to museums, Broadway and general entertainment, New York is also home to some of the most prestigious restaurants in America. The average daytime high in New York in December is 42 degrees, so be sure to bring a heavy coat, gloves and a hat.

hile some may agree that there’s “no place like home for the holidays,” for others, the holidays mean vacation time. If you’re thinking about heading out of town for the holidays, here are seven destinations to put on your list.

MONTPELLIER, VERMONT From the changing colors of the leaves to the mouth-watering smell of freshly-baked desserts to bonfires to pumpkin everything, autumn is an all-around cozy season – this is especially true for those who live in Montpellier, the capital city of Vermont. New York City is one of the best places to visit during the holidays. Montpellier is a picturesque city filled with horseback riding or viewing the Sonoran sits Wilmington. Wilmington and its European charm, breathtaking architecDesert while floating in a hot air balloon. nearby beaches – Kure, Carolina and ture, maple syrup farms and vineyards. (It’s typically colder at night, so you may Wrightsville – makes it a fantastic place want to bring a sweater or a light jacket.) to visit, no matter the season. This coastal CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA Thanks to its scenic views and mild fall college town is home to the Seahawks If you’re looking for somewhere that’s temperatures, Scottsdale is also perfect (the mascot of the University of North romantic and irresistibly charming, for al fresco dining. If you’re willing to Carolina Wilmington), various museCharleston is the place to go. This small splurge a bit, consider vacationing like a city has an interesting history, delicious ums, including the Cape Fear Museum food options and several boutique hotels of History and Science and the Cameron celebrity at the Sanctuary Resort, known for its high-end spa and luxury amenities. to choose from. A few standout restauArt Museum, and scrumptious shrimp rants include The Grocery, Fleet Landing and seafood. NEW YORK CITY and Oak Steakhouse. If you’re a fan of SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA ghost stories, you’ll be delighted to know New York City is referred to as one of Phoenix isn’t the only gem in Arizona. the world’s greatest cities – and for good the town offers spooky ghost tours, including a tour of Magnolia Cemetery and Scottsdale is a beautiful city to visit in reason. From viewing the Rockefeller the fall. The average temperatures range The USS Yorktown. Center Christmas Tree to ice skating in between 49 and 74 degrees, which is Central Park to shopping on Fifth Avenue ideal for hiking one of the city’s many to browsing the holiday markets, there’s WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA trails, strolling the Scottsdale Artwalk, always something to do in New York. In Just three hours north of Charleston

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH If you’re an avid skier, December is the best time to hit the slopes of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, which are about 2½ hours from Salt Lake City. In addition to skiing, Salt Lake City has a variety of festive holiday activities, including horsedrawn carriage rides through Temple Square and Christmas at the Grand American Hotel, a five-star hotel known for its delectable breakfast options. If you’re traveling with children, you may choose to have breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village or see the ZooLights! at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. DUCK KEY, FLORIDA Tired of battling the frigid weather? Escape the cold and travel to Duck Key. Duck Key gifts its visitors with sunny weather and the opportunity to enjoy a carefree lifestyle year-round. From boating and swimming to fishing and paddle boarding, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Duck Key is on the small side, so you may want to walk or hop on a bicycle. Some vacationers opt to ride a golf cart around the island.

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