Last updated: November 11, 2024
You've discovered the perfect holiday guide for Lake Ridge! Let us lead you to the best festive activities and events. Whether you call Lake Ridge home or are just passing through, this guide will make your holidays special.
Popular events during this season in Lake Ridge include the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, where vibrant bagpipers and lively floats create a charming atmosphere. The Mount Vernon by Candlelight transforms the historic estate into a winter wonderland, showcasing the beauty of the holiday in an enchanting setting. And the Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring local artisans and unique gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Lake Ridge Holiday Light Displays
Santa Lights Manassas
- What to Expect
- Tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus and festive activities.
- Description
- Santa Lights Manassas is a long-standing community event where Santa Claus lights the city's Christmas tree, accompanied by holiday musical performances and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event includes free wagon rides and ice skating at the Harris Pavilion.
- Where
- Manassas | More Info : Santa Lights Manassas
Lake Ridge Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
- What to Expect
- Local artisans and vendors selling handmade items and seasonal treats.
- Description
- The Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square offers a day filled with local artisans, delicious food and desserts, and heartwarming holiday activities. Explore handcrafted delights, indulge in culinary treats, and enjoy Christmas music and festive vibes. Visit Santa's Corner and craft your own Christmas ornaments at the Kids Corner.
- Where
- Alexandria | More Info : Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
City of Fairfax’s Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Variety of local artisans and gourmet food vendors.
- Description
- The City of Fairfax’s Holiday Market is a two-weekend event featuring handmade crafts, gourmet food items, and live music. Vendors will vary each weekend, offering a diverse selection of artisanal goods.
- Where
- Fairfax | More Info : City of Fairfax’s Holiday Market
Lake Ridge Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Teatime
- What to Expect
- Elegant tea service with live piano entertainment.
- Description
- Indulge in an exceptional Afternoon Tea experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, featuring canapés, a variety of desserts, tea selection, and piano entertainment.
- Where
- McLean | More Info : Holiday Teatime
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Illuminated boats parade along the waterfront, showcasing creativity and festive spirit.
- Description
- A stunning display of festive boats adorned with twinkling lights and decorations glides along the waterfront. Spectators gather along the riverside to witness the vibrant array of creativity and craftsmanship as each vessel competes for top honours. The atmosphere is filled with cheer, making it a memorable occasion for families and friends.
- Where
- Alexandria | More Info : Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Lake Ridge Other Holiday Activities
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
- What to Expect
- Celebration of Scottish heritage with a parade of clans and bagpipe bands.
- Description
- The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is a historic event celebrating the city's Scottish heritage. It features a parade of Scottish clans, bagpipe bands, and Scottie dogs through Old Town Alexandria, showcasing colorful tartans and festive attire.
- Where
- Alexandria | More Info : Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Santa’s Arrival Parade
- What to Expect
- Parade of antique cars and holiday floats with community performances.
- Description
- The Christmas on Green Street event features a parade of antique cars, holiday floats, marching bands, and community groups starting at the Gainesville Civic Center. It includes activities like open houses at historic homes, musical performances, strolling magicians, face painters, balloon artists, storytellers, jugglers, Santa Claus, and miniature train rides.
- Where
- Gainesville | More Info : Santa’s Arrival Parade
Reston Town Center Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Nationally ranked holiday parade with tree lighting and festive activities.
- Description
- The Reston Town Center Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting is a nationally ranked event featuring a festive parade, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, and great shopping opportunities.
- Where
- Reston | More Info : Reston Town Center Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
- What to Expect
- Intimate candlelit tour with historical interpreters.
- Description
- Join us for a candlelit tour of the historic area, where you'll interact with costumed 18th-century Virginians and learn about their holiday traditions.
- Where
- Mount Vernon | More Info : Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Historic Leesburg's Holiday & Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Santa's procession through Historic Downtown Leesburg.
- Description
- The Historic Leesburg's Holiday & Christmas Parade features Santa and his friends marching through Historic Downtown Leesburg, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
- Where
- Leesburg | More Info : Historic Leesburg's Holiday & Christmas Parade
Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with live animal encounters and festive lights.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas with critters at Leesburg Animal Park, featuring photos with Santa, Grinch visits, illuminated hill slides, and more festive activities.
- Where
- Leesburg Animal Park | More Info : Christmas Village
Christmas Cookie Decorating
- Hands-on sugar cookie decorating with live instructors.
- Learn the basics of sugar cookie decorating with our Christmas-themed class. You'll get royal icing and cookie recipes, and cover decorating techniques like piping and marbling. Perfect for beginners or those looking to have fun with family and friends.
- McLean | More Info : Christmas Cookie Decorating