Invisible link to canonical for Microformats

Last updated: November 11, 2024


Holiday excitement is in the air, Springfield! Let our guide lead you to all the festive fun. For Springfield residents and visitors, this guide unlocks the best of the holiday season.

Popular Events: One standout attraction is the Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, where the historic estate is beautifully adorned with spectacular lights, bringing a touch of magic to the season. In addition, Winterfest transforms the local area into a winter wonderland filled with seasonal activities and entertainment. And the Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring enchanting displays throughout the gardens. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.



Springfield Holiday Light Displays


What to Expect:

Holiday fireworks and 18th-century winter encampment.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with Christmas Illuminations, featuring lantern-lit historic areas, a glowing mansion, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Enjoy an 18th-century winter encampment, working blacksmith shop, Christmas carolers, and Aladdin the Camel. Explore 18th-century traditions and shop for holiday gifts at the Winter Market.

Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Live music and expanded Enchanted Forest with holiday trees.

Description:

Winterfest is a three-night holiday event at Browns Chapel Park in Reston, featuring a walk-through trail of thousands of festive holiday lights, fire pits with s'mores, an Enchanted Forest, live music performances, and a Santa Experience.

Where: Reston | More Info: Winterfest

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Live Nativity scene and festive school choir performances.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season with Great Falls Celebration of Lights, featuring hot cocoa, cookies, and performances by local school choirs. Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo before Santa and Mrs. Claus light the tree. The event concludes with a live Nativity scene.

Where: Great Falls | More Info: Great Falls Celebration of Lights

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Animated light displays with interactive elements and festive atmosphere.

Description:

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights features a half-mile trail lined with countless sparkling lights, showcasing nature, winter, and holiday themes. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing visitors to sip on hot beverages and roast marshmallows while enjoying the illuminated displays.

Where: Vienna | More Info: Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Time-honored tradition of over 50 years featuring a decorated tree on the U.S. Capitol grounds.

Description:

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce from West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest. The tree travels to Washington, D.C., making stops in various communities before arriving at the U.S. Capitol. It is decorated by AOC staff and lit on the West Front Lawn, spreading holiday cheer to visitors from around the world.

Where: Washington | More Info: US Capitol Tree Lighting

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Description:

Santa Lights Manassas is a long-standing tradition in the Manassas community, featuring holiday musical performances, the lighting of the city's Christmas tree, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Families can enjoy free wagon rides and ice skating at the Harris Pavilion.

Where: Manassas | More Info: Santa Lights Manassas

Event Organizer?

Springfield Holiday Markets and Shopping


What to Expect:

Local artisans and gourmet food vendors with live music and dance.

Description:

The Fairfax City Holiday Market in Old Town Square offers a variety of handmade crafts and gourmet food items. Enjoy live music and dance while shopping from different vendors each weekend.

Where: Fairfax | More Info: Fairfax City Holiday Market

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Authentic German-style market with diverse community vendors.

Description:

Herndon WinterMarkt brings the old world charm of Christmas markets from Europe to Herndon, Virginia, featuring hand-crafted decorations, local artisans, and traditional German food and drinks.

Where: Herndon | More Info: Herndon WinterMarkt

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique holiday decor and design in a restored 100-year-old farmhouse.

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 variety of beautifully displayed items for sale. Visitors can relax by the fire or enjoy glass wine from Vanish Brewery.

Where: Leesburg | More Info: Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Local artisans and vendors showcasing handcrafted holiday items.

Description:

The Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square offers a day filled with local artisans, delicious food vendors, and heartwarming holiday activities. Explore handcrafted delights, indulge in culinary treats, and immerse yourself in Christmas music and joyful vibes. Visit Santa's Corner and the Kids Corner for ornament crafting.

Where: Alexandria | More Info: Old Town Alexandria Holiday Events

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Diverse and enjoyable holiday market experience with local businesses.

Description:

The DowntownDC Holiday Market, located in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a rejuvenating transformation under the guidance of Makers Show. Expect upgraded vendor kiosks, a fresh array of artisans, captivating community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.

Where: Washington | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Traditional Norwegian foods and goods.

Description:

The Norwegian Christmas Festival & Bazaar offers a variety of Norwegian goods, including giftware, linens, books, cookware, and traditional foods like cheeses, chocolates, and hotdogs. The event features both indoor and outdoor shopping areas with demos and tastings.

Where: Fairfax | More Info: Norwegian Christmas Festival & Bazaar

Event Organizer?

Springfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment


What to Expect:

Colorful parade with Candyland theme.

Description:

The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade is an annual event held in Historic Downtown Manassas, featuring marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons, and more. This year's theme is Christmas in Candyland, making it a colorful and lively celebration of the holiday season.

Where: Manassas | More Info: Manassas Christmas Parade

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Immersive Encanto-themed experience with live music and interactive play structures.

Description:

Step into the vibrant world of Disney's Encanto at CAMP in Tysons Corner Center. Explore the Madrigal casita with its intricate sets, interactive magic, and live musical performances. Enjoy sing-alongs, play structures, and endless photo opportunities amidst the enchanting atmosphere.

Where: Tysons | More Info: Disney Encanto x CAMP experience

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Elegant tea service with live piano entertainment.

Description:

Indulge in an exceptional Afternoon Tea experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. Savor canapés, a variety of desserts, and a selection of teas accompanied by piano entertainment.

Where: McLean | More Info: Holiday Teatime

Event Organizer?

Springfield Other Holiday Activities


What to Expect:

Mile-long Christmas parade with foxhunt riders and hounds.

Description:

Christmas in Middleburg is a festive celebration featuring tree lighting, a Christmas parade, shopping, caroling, and the famous Middleburg Hunt Review. Enjoy progressive food and wine tastings at local establishments, and experience a charming evening in Middleburg's bistros and cafes.

Where: Middleburg | More Info: Christmas in Middleburg

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with Santa aboard a fire truck and children's activities.

Description:

The Church Street Holiday Stroll in Vienna, VA, features holiday tunes, school choruses, Santa aboard a fire truck, s'mores, children's activities, and holiday specials from historic Church Street businesses.

Where: Vienna | More Info: Church Street Holiday Stroll

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Trick-or-treating with farm animals and crafts.

Description:

Trick-or-treat on the farm with farm animals, create crafts, play games, and tour the decorated farmhouse.

Where: Herndon | More Info: Deck the Stalls

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Nationally ranked holiday parade with Santa and tree lighting.

Description:

The Reston Holiday Parade is a festive event featuring a nationally ranked holiday parade, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, tree lighting, and horse-drawn carriage rides. It is a full day of community, charity, and cheer at Reston Town Center.

Where: Reston | More Info: Holiday Fu

Event Organizer?

Springfield Holiday News

Latest Updates and Events

View News

Find Other Markets