Last updated: November 11, 2024
Make the most of the holiday season in Oakton with our guide. We’ve gathered all the best events and activities for you. Whether you're a resident or a traveler, our guide helps you explore the holiday magic of Oakton.
One enchanting experience this season is the Bull Run Festival of Lights, where visitors can drive through a stunning array of festive light displays. Another highlight is the Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, which invites guests to stroll through a breathtaking showcase of twinkling installations set in a beautiful garden. And the Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring dazzling lights against the backdrop of George Washington's historic estate. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Oakton Holiday Light Displays
Bull Run Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Unique drive-through holiday light experience with new displays added annually.
- Description
- Drive through 2.5 miles of holiday light displays at Bull Run Festival of Lights, featuring a variety of festive and fairytale vignettes.
- Where
- Centreville | More Info : Bull Run Festival of Lights
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
- What to Expect
- Sparkling light displays along a wheelchair-accessible trail.
- Description
- Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights features a half-mile paved trail through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and nature, winter, and holiday themes. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, offering a serene evening stroll with hot beverages and marshmallow roasting.
- Where
- Vienna | More Info : Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
- What to Expect
- Historic estate illuminated with wintry lights and fireworks.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with Christmas Illuminations, featuring lantern-lit historic areas, the Mansion aglow in amber light, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Enjoy 18th-century winter encampments, blacksmith shops, and Aladdin the Camel. Explore 18th-century traditions and shop for holiday gifts.
- Where
- Mount Vernon | More Info : Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
National Harbor Tree Light Show
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show on a 60-foot RGB tree.
- Description
- The National Harbor Tree Light Show features a 60-foot RGB tree that comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
- Where
- National Harbor | More Info : National Harbor Tree Light Show
Oakton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Diverse local vendors and community activations.
- Description
- The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday market in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, featuring a diverse array of local artisans, upgraded vendor kiosks, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Downtown Holiday Market
Herndon WinterMarkt
- What to Expect
- Authentic German-style market with diverse community vendors.
- Description
- Herndon WinterMarkt brings the charm of European Christmas markets to historic Herndon, Virginia, featuring hand-crafted decorations, local artisans, and traditional German food and drinks.
- Where
- Herndon | More Info : Herndon WinterMarkt
Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a restored 100-year-old farmhouse with curated holiday decor.
- Description
- Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds transform into a holiday spectacle each November, featuring unique holiday murals, photo vignettes, and an over-the-top Holiday House with gorgeous holiday decor. The event is curated by an award-winning design team, offering a wide variety of items for sale. Visitors can relax by the fire and enjoy glass wine from Vanish Brewery.
- Where
- Leesburg | More Info : Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds
Oakton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday concert with professional musicians.
- Description
- The American Festival Pops Orchestra presents Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season, featuring conductor Peter Wilson. Enjoy a festive evening with seasonal favorites, including "Night Before Christmas" narrated by Rick Davis, toe-tapping classics from the Big Band, and an appearance by the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble. This event is designed for the entire family and includes an audience sing-along.
- Where
- Manassas | More Info : Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas Tour
- What to Expect
- Sibling trio known for their angelic harmonies and engaging stage presence.
- Description
- Girl Named Tom brings their exceptional vocal harmonies and heartfelt performances to the stage with their One More Christmas Tour. Featuring popular tracks like "House of the Rising Sun," "One More Day," and "Another Life," along with new material, this tour promises to be a memorable evening of music and connection.
- Where
- Alexandria | More Info : Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas Tour
Gaylord National Hotel Show
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities with elaborate ice sculptures.
- Description
- At Gaylord National, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring stunning ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and spectacular light shows. Enjoy larger-than-life sculptures and interactive activities like gingerbread decorating and bumper cars.
- Where
- National Harbor | More Info : Gaylord National Hotel Show
National Christmas Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Lighting of the iconic National Christmas Tree with live musical performances and celebrity appearances.
- Description
- The National Christmas Tree Lighting showcases a beautifully decorated tree in the heart of Washington, D.C. Surrounded by vibrant decorations and live performances, the event attracts thousands of visitors each year. Concerts featuring popular artists and choirs create a delightful atmosphere, honoring the spirit of the holiday season. This annual occasion brings together families and friends to celebrate and create lasting memories.
- Where
- Washington DC | More Info : National Christmas Tree Lighting
Oakton Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
- What to Expect
- Skating surrounded by modern and contemporary art.
- Description
- Ice skating amidst iconic sculptures and the National Mall, with sessions starting on the hour and lasting 45 minutes.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
Chanukah Festival
- What to Expect
- Giant 6-foot menorah lighting with festive food and activities.
- Description
- Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a grand menorah lighting, delicious potato latkes, hot cocoa, donuts, chocolate gelt, and dreidels in Old Town Alexandria.
- Where
- Alexandria | More Info : Chanukah Festival
FXBG Winter Wine Festival
- What to Expect
- Heated buildings for sampling award-winning wines.
- Description
- The FXBG Winter Wine Festival is an indoor event at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, featuring award-winning Virginia wines and a variety of tastings.
- Where
- Fredericksburg | More Info : FXBG Winter Wine Festival
Christmas in Middleburg
- What to Expect
- Mile-long Christmas parade with mounted foxhunt riders and hounds.
- Description
- Christmas in Middleburg is a festive holiday event featuring tree lighting, a Christmas parade, shopping, caroling, and the famous Middleburg Hunt Review. Enjoy great eats and progressive food, wine tastings, and ciders at various establishments throughout the town.
- Where
- Middleburg | More Info : Christmas in Middleburg