Arlington Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the joy of the season with the National Chamber Ensemble's 'Holiday Cheer!' concert. This beloved annual tradition is a heartwarming celebration for the entire family, featuring festive classics and beloved seasonal favorites. Enjoy performances by talented young artists, including winners of the 2025 Nancy Peery Marriott Young Artist Piano...

Step into a world of rhythm and holiday cheer with Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. This groundbreaking performance celebrates the African American tradition of stepping, blending it with captivating music, storytelling, and energetic dance. Join festive characters like Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear for an...

Immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays with The Washington Ballet's iconic production of The Nutcracker. This cherished DC tradition, running from November 29 to December 28, 2025, features over 380 dancers in a spectacular performance set in historic Georgetown. Experience the familiar story with unique local twists, including...

Experience the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption in this enchanting production of 'A Christmas Carol.' This music-infused adaptation brings Dickens's Yuletide classic to life with beloved characters and a vibrant children's ensemble. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to embody Scrooge in Ford's cherished annual tradition, promising a 'rich visual...

The National Ballet Company returns to the Prince George's Publick Playhouse with their enchanting rendition of 'The Nutcracker.' This timeless holiday classic promises a magical experience for all ages, featuring stunning choreography, vibrant costumes, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Follow Clara's journey through a whimsical winter wonderland as the story of...

Get ready to groove to the soulful sounds of Motown and classic holiday hits! The BRENCORE ALL STARS are set to deliver an unforgettable performance featuring legendary artists. This popular show sells out quickly, so secure your tickets early for a festive concert experience.

Get ready for a magical holiday evening as Dave Koz and Friends present their 28th annual Christmas Tour. This acclaimed jazz ensemble will fill The Music Center with the spirit of the season, performing beloved Christmas classics, a special Chanukah medley, and hits from their individual careers. Joining Koz are...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with The Reston Chorale's 'The Wonder of the Season' concert. This delightful musical treat promises festive favorites perfect for the entire family. For a truly immersive experience, join their 'Messiah' Sing-along, where you can lend your voice to Handel's masterpiece. Attendees can also...

Step back into Victorian London for an acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. This beloved story unfolds with music, magic, and heart, following Ebenezer Scrooge's journey of rediscovery. It's a cherished holiday tradition perfect for families.

Northern Virginia's beloved 'Nutcracker' ballet comes alive with nine enchanting performances. Follow Clara's magical Christmas Eve journey as she receives a special Nutcracker, leading to a dream adventure with the Sugar Plum Fairy and a host of fantastical characters. Featuring breathtaking sets, stunning costumes, and the live Manassas Ballet Theatre...

Discover unique and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list at the Alternative Christmas Market. This event features a variety of local and international fair trade and nonprofit vendors, offering a chance to support meaningful causes while getting a jump on holiday shopping. Credit cards are accepted for easy purchasing.

Discover a treasure trove of unique gifts and delightful treats at the DC Holiday Market in Dupont Circle. This festive market showcases over 35 local artists, crafters, and small businesses offering worldwide handicrafts and boutique brands. Find the perfect holiday presents amidst bright, festive decor in a vibrant neighborhood setting.

Discover the charm of the Chevy Chase Winter Market, a festive gathering supporting local small businesses. Browse unique holiday gifts and artisanal products from a variety of vendors set up along Connecticut Avenue NW. Enjoy special promotions and events hosted by neighborhood businesses, including a potential visit from Elsa at...

Discover festive finds and handmade gifts at the Mosaic Holiday Village Weekends. This vibrant market brings together over 65 local artisans for two weekends of holiday cheer. Browse unique crafts, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and explore the additional Mosaic Farmers Market on Sundays for even more local treasures.

Experience the festive spirit at the National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show. This event brings together over 100 artisan vendors offering unique handmade gifts, holiday decorations, and seasonal treats. It's the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind presents and enjoy a vibrant holiday atmosphere.

Immerse yourself in Danish holiday traditions at the Annual Danish Christmas Bazaar. Browse a curated selection of imported goods, including exquisite porcelain, amber and silver jewelry, and charming Christmas decorations. Indulge in authentic Danish pastries, open-faced sandwiches, and other delicacies at Cafe Danmark. Children can enjoy a dedicated activity area...

Discover Maryland's exclusive Spirit Christmas pop-up store in Waldorf, transforming the Spirit Halloween location into a festive wonderland. Explore Peppermint Village, a magical walk-through featuring life-size animatronics, twinkling lights, and photo-ready displays inspired by beloved holiday classics. Find thousands of holiday items, from indoor and outdoor decorations to themed apparel...

Savage Mill Yuletide transforms the historic mill into a festive wonderland. Discover unique gifts at the Holiday Makers Market, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy live music. Don't miss the magical bridge and tree lighting ceremonies, plus a special exhibition on the mill's Christmas past.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Merriweather District's Tree Lighting and Holiday Market. Discover unique handmade gifts from local artisans, savor seasonal drinks, and enjoy festive entertainment. The event features a special tree lighting ceremony, ice rink opening, and activities for all ages, including visits with Santa.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This cherished national tradition features the beautifully decorated National Christmas Tree, illuminated with thousands of lights. Visitors can also admire unique ornaments representing every U.S. state and territory, creating a festive and inspiring atmosphere.

Experience the enchantment of 'Light Up the Holidays' at Glen Echo Park, where the park transforms into a winter wonderland under twinkling lights. Discover fine art and unique gifts from resident artists, enjoy festive performances, and immerse yourself in holiday magic. This event offers a delightful array of activities for...

Step into a luminous wonderland at the DMV Winter Lantern Festival, a breathtaking celebration of traditional Chinese culture. Marvel at over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns, some created by artisans with over 20 years of experience, illuminating the night with vibrant LED lights. Explore interactive displays, including swings and tunnels, and witness...

Step into a world of enchantment at the Winter Lantern Festival, a dazzling outdoor event that transforms the night with hundreds of illuminated Chinese lanterns. This magical journey blends ancient tradition with modern technology, featuring handcrafted displays inspired by folklore and nature. Be captivated by live acrobatic performances and savor...

Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Gaylord National, featuring the enchanting ICE! attraction brought to life by The Polar Express™. Marvel at colossal ice sculptures, slide down thrilling ice slides, and enjoy festive activities for the whole family. From gingerbread decorating to meeting Santa, create unforgettable holiday memories.

Experience the magic of Winterfest 2025, a vibrant three-night holiday celebration in Reston. Wander through a dazzling trail of thousands of festive lights, enjoy live music, and gather around cozy fire pits for s'mores. Meet Santa for a free photo, explore the enchanting Grinch's Village, and discover unique gifts and...

Experience the enchanting Bull Run Festival of Lights, a spectacular drive-through holiday light display. Journey through 2.5 miles of dazzling illuminations, transforming the park into a winter wonderland. Turn off your headlights and follow the magical glow for an unforgettable festive experience.

Embark on a magical journey through the Symphony of Lights, a breathtaking drive-through holiday spectacle. This immersive experience transforms the night into a wonderland of animated and synchronized light displays, all set to the enchanting sounds of holiday music. It's the perfect way to soak in the festive spirit from...

Experience a quintessential Washington, DC holiday tradition at The Nutcracker Tea Party. This festive event offers delightful treats and family fun, culminating in a choice of attending either the afternoon or evening performance of the beloved Nutcracker ballet at the Warner Theatre. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in...

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a cherished national tradition. Each year, a magnificent tree, sourced from a different national forest across the United States, is selected and transported to the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Visitors can witness the tree's grand arrival with a police...

National Harbor transforms into a winter wonderland with a dazzling array of holiday festivities. Marvel at the nightly tree lighting show, enjoy spectacular fireworks, and explore unique gifts at the Christmas Market. Capture magical moments with Santa and experience the enchanting ICE! at Gaylord National.

Get ready for a season of festive cheer in Bowie! While specific plans for this year are announced in the fall, past events have included magical visits from Santa, charming trainspotting days, and delightful holiday movie screenings. Explore the historic Belair Mansion during its open house and admire the community's...

Join the community for a magical holiday tree lighting ceremony. This festive event marks the beginning of the holiday season, bringing together friends and family to celebrate. Enjoy the festive atmosphere as the tree is illuminated, creating a beautiful spectacle.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Laurel Armory Illumination. This cherished tradition officially kicks off the festive period with a special ceremony. Prior to the illumination, enjoy a vibrant Holiday Parade that winds its way through the city, starting from City Hall.