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This December, we are so excited for the festive holiday parades, tree and menorah lightings, music and theater, and other local celebrations of the season. We even relish a nip in the air so we can warm ourselves with a cup of hot cocoa and a fresh-baked treat. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia this month. Hope to see you out and about. Happy Holidays!
Parades, Festivals & Holiday Fun
Photo courtesy of Matt Chenet for visitalexandria.com
Christmas in Middleburg | December 5 & 6
Multiple locations throughout Downtown Middleburg, VA | Parking
Rain or shine, Middleburg is the perfect setting for evoking the Christmas spirit — tree lighting (Friday, December 5, 5 PM), the Christmas parade, shopping, caroling, and so much more. Stay at one of the picturesque inns or the incomparable Salamander Resort & Spa. Stop by our Corcoran McEnearney office at 10 E Washington Street for some holiday cheer!
Christmas in Charles Town | December 5 & 6
101 E Washington St, Charles Town, WV
Start the holiday season in Charles Town when they light the City and their Christmas tree on Friday evening, followed on Saturday by the best parade around!
54th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade | December 6, 11 AM
This perennial favorite supports the programs of the Campagna Center, with plenty of plaid, drums, bagpipes, and dogs to put you in the holiday spirit. Keep an eye out for your favorite Corcoran McEnearney Realtor® in the parade, stay for lunch, and finish your day with the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights along the waterfront.
25th Annual Alexandria Parade of Lights | December 6, 5:30 PM
Waterfront Park, Alexandria, VA
Head to Old Town’s Historic Waterfront Park at the foot of King Street for festivities from 1 to 8 PM, including kid-friendly activities, a pop-up beer garden from Alexandria’s award-winning Port City Brewing Company, and hard cider from Alexandria’s Lost Boy Cider. The parade begins at the Alexandria City Marina at 5:30 PM and cruises southward along the Potomac River.
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade & Fireworks | December 6, 5-8 PM
This free family-friendly event features more than 60 beautifully decorated boats parading up the Washington Channel, as well as fun landside holiday activities including ornament decorating, s’mores, a signature music performance by Too Much Talent Band and My Hero Zero, family photos with Santa, fireworks at 8 PM, and so much more.
Fairfax City Festival of Lights and Carols | December 6, 12-6 PM
Old Town Square, North Street, Fairfax, VA
Listen to live holiday music, shop the Holiday Market, enjoy s’mores, crafts, and hot cider, all leading up to the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 5:30 PM.
Photo courtesy of Town of Leesburg
Holidays in Leesburg | December 6 & 13
Downtown Leesburg, VA
Holidays in Historic Downtown Leesburg start with the tree lighting on the first Saturday of December and are in full swing when Santa and his friends parade down King Street on the second Saturday of December.
- Holiday Tree Lighting | December 6, 6 PM
Town Green, Leesburg, VA
- Christmas and Holiday Parade | December 13, 6 PM
Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA
Kensington’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting | December 7, 5:30 PM
Join the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department for music and treats at the annual tree lighting. Santa will arrive at 5:30 PM.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight | December 12, 13, 19, 22 & 23
Learn about the holiday traditions of 18th-century Virginia during a 45-minute candlelit tour of George Washington’s Mansion and outbuildings. You can even participate in 18th-century dancing in the Greenhouse or greet Aladdin, the Christmas camel.
Woodlawn Manor Yuletide Celebration | December 13, 5-7 PM
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, Sandy Spring, MD
Celebrate the Yuletide 19th-century style! Try your hand at 19th-century dancing, enjoy a tasting menu inspired by an 1840s holiday feast, and listen to readings of popular holiday poems of the period. Enjoy holiday carolers as you create your own Victorian greeting card and play games of the era. Tickets must be purchased by December 3rd.
Photo courtesy of National Menorah
National Menorah Lighting | December 14, 3:30-5:30 PM
Hailed by international media as “the most prominent public Chanukah event in the world,” the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally.
Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting | December 14, 6 PM
The Town’s annual Menorah Lighting at the start of Hanukkah includes music and treats for all.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon | December 20 & 21
Visit Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Tour the Mansion to get an up-close look at the Washington home and watch a stunning holiday fireworks display to end the festivities overlooking the Potomac.
Winter Walk Of Lights | Through January 4
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
Take an evening stroll through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, adorned with lighted trees and displays featuring nature, winter, and holiday themes. The half-mile paved trail is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ | Through January 4
Gaylord National, National Harbor, MD
Celebrate Christmas in Washington, D.C. with a visit to ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ to experience the classic holiday story in real life through larger-than-you-can-believe ice sculptures. Ride down thrilling frozen slides, wander through awe-inspiring tunnels, and capture the coolest pictures with your family throughout this frozen attraction.
Winter Lantern Festival | Through January
Lerner Town Square, Tysons, VA
Celebrate the cold season like never before at Winter Lantern Festival — a limited-time event where art, tradition, and technology light up the night. Set in a charming outdoor space, it’s perfect for cozy evening strolls and unforgettable memories. Tickets are limited — don’t miss the magic!
Music, Dance & Theatre
Photo courtesy of The Washington Ballet
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker | Through December 28
Warner Theatre, Washington, DC
The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed. Set in the heart of DC, this reimagined ballet features a George Washington Nutcracker who leads a heroic battle against the notorious Rat King.
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas | Through December 28
Olney Theatre Center, Olney, MD
One actor, over 50 characters. This stunning solo rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale is adapted and performed by Michael Russotto. Make this a new family tradition.
Elf In Concert | December 5, 7:30 PM
The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised among Santa’s elves. This holiday season, Buddy travels to New York – with the BSO! Experience John Debney’s wonderful score as the full film plays on the big screen.
Madeline’s Christmas | December 5 – 21
Creative Cauldron, Falls Church, VA
“In an old house in Paris, covered in vines, lived 12 little girls in two straight lines.” And with that familiar phrase, author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans sets in motion the adventures of the brave and resourceful Madeline! In this musical adaptation, Madeline’s schoolmates and tutor are all sick in bed on Christmas Eve, unable to go home for Christmas to be with their families. So it’s Madeline to the rescue! And with the help of a magical rug merchant, she takes her friends on a Christmas journey they will never forget.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show | December 5 – 23
Fichandler Stage, Washington, DC
Bring the entire family to join DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends for an electrifying journey packed with high-energy stepping, festive music, and non-stop holiday cheer! This fan-favorite tradition promises laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | December 7, 2 & 6 PM
The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD
The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warm glow and nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
Photo courtesy of The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins | December 11 – 22
The Puppet Co Playhouse, Glen Echo, MD
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)?
BSO Presents Cirque Nutcracker | December 12, 7:30 PM
The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD
Troupe Vertigo’s acrobatic stunts keep you on the edge of your seat with a unique twist on Tchaikovsky’s holiday blockbuster.
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones Jingle All the Way | December 14, 7:30 PM
The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD
This winter, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones return with Jingle All the Way, a tour featuring jazz-infused takes on seasonal classics and fan favorites from their GRAMMY-winning album of the same name.
Celtic Woman Symphony Christmas Tour | December 16, 7:30 PM
Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Celtic Woman’s Symphony Tour 2025 is a reflection of the magic of winter. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear Celtic Woman’s angelic harmonies with the thrilling live sound of a full symphony orchestra in an intimate concert setting.
VOCES8: Winter Tales | December 19 & 20, 7:30 PM
Washington National Cathedral, Washington, DC
The GRAMMY-nominated a capella ensemble VOCES8 makes its Cathedral debut with a winter program of carols, contemporary choral works, and festive favorites.
New Year’s Eve
Photo courtesy of Big Night DC New Years
Big Night DC | December 31, 9 PM
Big Night DC combines world-class entertainment, luxury, and excitement into one unforgettable night. Whether you’re dancing to live bands, grooving to top DJs, or enjoying premium drinks and gourmet food, this is the New Year’s Eve event everyone will be talking about.
First Night Alexandria | December 31
Alexandria, VA
First Night Alexandria is a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration showcasing live music, arts, and family-friendly entertainment that unites the community in joy and creativity.
Tally Ho NYE Party | December 31, 8 PM
Tally Ho, Leesburg, VA
Party like it’s 1984! Tally Ho retro cinema turned live music venue will once again host East Coast 80s cover band The Reagan Years for NYE.
Check out our next blog article for Holiday Markets & Craft Shows.
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