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This December we are so excited for the festive holiday parades, tree-lightings, music and theater, craft shows, 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 Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC this month. Hope to see you and Happy Holidays!
Parades, Festivals & Holiday Fun
Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon by Candlelight | December 1-3, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 17
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.
Christmas in Charles Town
Merry & Bright Charles Town Lighting | December 1, 6 PM
101 E Washington St, Charles Town, WV
Charles Town/Ranson Parade | December 2, 2 PM
Start off 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!
Photo by Brandon Coburn
Christmas in Middleburg | December 2
Multiple locations throughout Middleburg, VA | Parking
Rain or Shine, Middleburg is the perfect setting for evoking the Christmas spirit — tree lighting, a Christmas parade, shopping, caroling, and so much more. Stay at one of the picturesque inns or the incomparable Salamander Resort & Spa. Relax in the countryside without missing a moment of holiday magic. McEnearney Associate Laticia Headings is this year’s co-host for the Christmas in Middleburg Parade!
The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade | December 2, 11 AM – 1 PM
Old Town Alexandria, VA
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, the parade brings the community together as part of Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend! Plan to follow up with the Alexandria Parade of Lights along the waterfront after the parade.
Alexandria Parade of Lights | December 2, 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 festivities, a pop-up beer garden from Alexandria’s award-winning Port City Brewing Company, along with hard cider from Alexandria’s Lost Boy Cider.The 23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights as more than 50 boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River.The parade begins at the Alexandria City Marina at 5:30 PM and cruises southward.
Photo courtesy of The Wharf
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade | December 2, 6 – 9 PM
This free family-friendly event features over sixty 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 the Royals and Too Much Talent Band, family photos with Santa, fireworks, and so much more.
Fairfax City Festival of Lights and Carols | December 2, 12 – 6PM
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.
Holidays in Leesburg
Holiday Tree Lighting | December 2, 6 PM
Christmas and Holiday Parade | December 9, 6 PM
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.
Kensington’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting | December 3, 5:30-6:30 PM
Join the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department for music and treats at the annual tree lighting. Santa will arrive at 5:30 PM.
Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon | December 15 & 16, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Join 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.
National Menorah Lighting | December 7
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.
Enchant Christmas – Reindeer Games | Through December 31
Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Enchant is an immersive experience weaving magic into its’ every corner, perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Adventure through Enchant’s newest adventure Reindeer Games, a captivating, larger-than-life light maze that is the cornerstone of the Enchant experience. In a mischievous moment, forest animal friends of Santa’s reindeer thought it would be fun to fly Santa’s sleigh. So they hatched a plan to get the reindeer’s magic bells — and it worked! Help us find the magic bells in time to save Christmas.
Music, Dance & Theatre
Darren Criss – A Very Darren Crissmas | December 2, 8PM
The Barns, Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
Bring your holiday glee to The Barns as singer and actor Darren Criss showcases his recent holiday album A Very Darren Crissmas. His first full-length project includes big band Christmas classics like “The Christmas Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” novelty songs, and modern folk-pop ballads.
Photo courtesy of Visit Montgomery
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | December 2, 3PM & 7PM
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.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas In Concert | December 7, 7:30PM
The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a celebration of the holiday spirit! Why is the Grinch such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out, and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas.
Madeline’s Christmas | December 1-17
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.
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker | December 2 – 30
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.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show | December 8 – 17
Fichandler Stage, Washington, DC
As the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African-American tradition of stepping, the show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom — Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear — along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family!
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas | December 1 – 31
Olney Theatre Center, Olney, MD
One actor, over 50 characters. This stunning solo rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale is adapted and performed by Paul Morella. Make this a new family tradition.
Shopping & Craft Shows
Photo courtesy of Downtown Holiday Market
From the popular outdoor market in downtown DC to local community craft shows, there are so many wonderful ways to support artisans and local businesses this holiday season. There’s even one called the Procrastinator’s Holiday Market!
Note: Some events do charge admission or require tickets. Please check online for details.
- Downtown Holiday Market | Through December 23
Centered at 8th and F Streets, NW, Washington, DC - Heurich House Christmas Markt | December 1 – 3
1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC - McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival | December 1 – 3
McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA - Fairfax City Holiday Market | December 1 – 3 & December 8 – 10
Old Town Square, 10415 North Street, Fairfax, VA - Del Ray Artisans’ Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market | December 1 – 23
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA - Leesburg Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show | December 2 & 3
Town Green, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg , VA - Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair | December 3
Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD - Takoma Park Gift(ing) Market | December 8
201 Ethan Allen Avenue, Takoma Park, MD - Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show | December 9
John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria, VA - Lucketts Holiday House | Through December 10
The Old Lucketts Store, Leesburg, VA - The Procrastinator’s Holiday Market | December 16
Bryant Street NE, 514 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington, DC
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