An abundance of holiday-inspired events are being held around Fairfax County in coming weeks.
From music to shopping to visits with Santa, there is plenty to keep all ages embraced in the warmth of the holiday season. Some highlights are below.
Thursday, Dec. 5
- Reston Winterfest 2024: Reston Association will kick off three days of holiday activities at Brown’s Chapel Park (1575 Browns Chapel Road), promising to expand on the inaugural event last year. New additions will include a bigger light display, live music, free photos with Santa and a Vendor Village. Free for RA members, events continue from 5-9 p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 7.
Friday, Dec. 6
- Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park: Frying Pan Park hosts an evening of wagon rides, animal interactions, food, campfires, indoor activities and visits with Santa from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Additional dates are Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
- Holiday Lantern Tour at Colvin Run Mill: Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls hosts holiday lantern tours at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. The event also will be held Dec. 7. Tickets are $12.
- Westfield Tree-Lighting Celebration: A Merry and Bright Tree Lighting sponsored by the Westfields Business Owners Association will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. There also will be free photos with Santa, live performances, games, cocoa and more. Admission is free.
Saturday, Dec. 7
- Jingle Bell Bash at The Boro: The Boro in Tysons hosts a holiday celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with family friendly events ranging from a DJ dance party to stocking-decorating and ornament calligraphy. Tickets are free, but advance registration is encouraged.
- Jingle on the Lake: The Lake Anne Washington Plaza Merchant Association in Reston will host its annual “Jingle on the Lake” festival at Lake Anne Plaza from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a holiday market, performances by school choirs and a visit from Santa himself, who will arrive by holiday boat accompanied by his elves.
- Herndon Holiday Tree-Lighting: The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Holiday Tree-Lighting and Sing-Along at 5 p.m. at Herndon Town Square. Santa will arrive by fire truck, town officials will light the holiday tree and the Herndon High School Band will provide seasonal music for the sing-along.
- Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park: Climb aboard the Holiday Express for a train ride, spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf, savor s’mores by the fire and enjoy a visit with Santa at from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Burke Lake Park. Additional dates are Dec. 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Sunday, Dec. 8
- Fairfax Connector Winterfest: Fairfax Connector will host its second annual Winterfest celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Springfield Community Business Center Community Garage. Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, tours of the Santa Bus and other holiday activities will be presented. At 9:30 a.m., there will be a sensory-friendly time for neurodivergent children and families. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
- McLean Winterfest Parade: The McLean Revitalization Corporation is bringing back the McLean holiday parade after a five-year hiatus. Pre-parade entertainment begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Langley Shipping Center, with the parade down Old Chain Bridge Road stepping off at 3:30 p.m.
- Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show: The Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show will feature more than 80 vendors at the Herndon Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the event, sponsored by the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department, is free.
Saturday, Dec. 14
- Santa Comes to Lake Accotink: Friends of Lake Accotink Park will host a community holiday celebration at the Springfield park from noon to 2 p.m., with Santa arriving at noon for photos. There will be treats for attendees and their pets. Admission is free but registration is required. Volunteers are sought to begin set-up at 10 a.m.
- Santa Stops at Colvin Run Mill: “Santa at the Mill” brings Saint Nick to the historic site at 10017 Colvin Run Road in Great Falls from 3 to 5:30 p.m., with a sensory-friendly experience slated for 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 ($40 for groups attending the sensory-friendly experience). Events will be repeated on Dec. 15.
- Winter Market Returns to Tysons: Celebrate Fairfax hosts the fourth annual Winter Market, featuring more than 20 local artisans and crafters plus holiday events and free photos with Santa, from noon to 5 p.m. at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). Admission is free.
