Virginia Holiday Event Guide 2023: Pop-up bars, performances, lights and more
WASHINGTON - The holiday season has arrived and FOX 5 has your guide to the best attractions and events taking place in Virginia to celebrate!
Holiday lights in Virginia
Bull Run Festival of Lights:
The 2023 Festival of Lights is a dazzling 2.5 mile holiday light display that allows visitors to drive the full route from the comfort of your car.
Nov. 11 - Jan. 7 | 7700 Bull Run Dr. Centreville, VA 20121
$30 per vehicle online
$40 per vehicle in person
More information here.
Winter Walk of Lights:
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is a luminous garden trail aglow with countless sparkling lights. The half-mile paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Nov. 10 - Jan. 7 | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
$18 online, $22 in person
More information here.
2023 Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run:
This outdoor light show includes unique light displays and an ice skating rink under the stars.
Nov. 17 - Jan. 1 | Cameron Run Regional Park
5 p.m. -10 p.m.
$8 admission, $20 admission and skating
More information here.
Second Annual Lighting of the Barn:
Watch the North Garden, Virginia barn light up with a dazzling display of twinkling lights. There will be letters to Santa, pony rides, food and more!
Sunday, Dec. 17 | North Garden Barn
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
$10 admission
More information here.
Holiday pop-ups and celebrations in Virginia
Miracle Pop-up:
The Miracle pop-up is back with their holiday-themed dine-in experience at Sense of Thai. The Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar will be offering seasonal drinks in a festive setting until the end of the year.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. | 20413 Exchange St., Ashburn VA 20147
Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Free
More information here.
Joy on the Avenue:
This holiday pop-up bar is serving up festive cocktails, late night snacks, and tasty bites.
Mon. - Weds. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. | 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301
Thurs. - Sat. 5 p.m. - 12 am.
Sun. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Free
More information here.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights:
The 23rd annual boat parade features dozens of brightly lit boats cruising along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Visitors can enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park, including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.
Dec. 2 | Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
1 - 9 p.m.
Free
More information here.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon:
Head over to Mount Vernon and enjoy an evening filled with activities. Visitors can go on a mansion tour, enjoy wintry lights, and stunning holiday fireworks over the Potomac River.
Dec. 15 - 16 | Mount Vernon
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Members: Adult with Mansion Tour: $50, No Tour: $48 | Youth with Mansion Tour: $28, No Tour: $26
General Public: Adult with Mansion Tour: $50, No Tour: $48 | Youth with Mansion Tour: $28, No Tour: $26
More information here.
Holiday Market and LEGO Display:
Enjoy a number of holiday activities in Purcellville, from a holiday market to a detailed Lego display. Visitors will also be able to enjoy an annual holiday lights tour.
Dec. 9 | 221 South Nursery Avenue Purcellville, VA 20132
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Free
More information here.
2023 Hillsboro Holiday Home Walking Tour:
Join a holiday tradition with a walking tour in historic Hillsboro, see decorations, historic homes with self-guided and guided options!
Dec. 9 | 37098 Charles Town Pike Hillsboro, VA 20132
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
$15 - $22
More information here.
Santa's Workshop Holiday Extravaganza at The Boro:
At Santa's Workshop at The Boro, guests of all ages will be invited to enjoy a fun filled morning of holiday kids crafts, a DJ dance party, specialty hot chocolate bar with lots of fun fixings from Bluestone Lane, a holiday themed bounce house, and calligrapher on site to customize ornaments.
Dec. 9 | 8350 Broad Street Tysons, VA 22102
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free
More information here.
Holiday performances in Virginia
The Nutcracker with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra:
Enjoy a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, candy canes, a ginger bread house, and sugar plum fairies in the timeless holiday favorite, The Nutcracker.
Dec. 16 - 17 | Center for the Arts at George Mason University
4 p.m.
$54+
More information here.
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season:
This festive musical performance will include uplifting audience singalongs of a number of beloved carols.
Dec. 9 | Center for the Arts at George Mason University
4 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
$36+
More information here.
Ice skating in Virginia
Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating:
Pentagon Row’s 7,200 square foot ice rink is now the largest outdoor rink in Northern Virginia and the second-largest in the state! Enjoy the outdoor dual-sided stone fireplace and many shops, restaurants and a coffee shop.
November - March | 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202
Hours vary
Adults: $13, children: $12, Seniors: $10, $6 skate rental
More information here.
Ice Skating at Reston Town Center:
Skate, hop and jump while skating at the Reston Town Center rink! The Ice Skating Pavilion is open seasonally from early November-mid-March, offering public skating every day and extended hours for all Holidays.
November - March | 1818 Discovery Street, Reston, VA 20190
Hours vary
Adults: $11, Children (12 and under): $9, Senior (55+): $9, Military: $9, Skate Rentals: $7
More information here.
Ice Skating at Potomac Town Center:
Winter magic awaits you at the Stonebridge Ice Rink at Potomac Town Center. After hitting the ice, shop or dine at one of the many stores or restaurants in the center. Character skate nights are also held every Thursday in December!
Now - Feb. 25 | 14900 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge, VA 22191
Hours vary
Adults: $10, Children: (12 and under): $9, Senior/Military: $9, Skate Rentals: $6
More information here.
Ice Skating at Harris Pavilion:
Enjoy the winter fun at the Harris Pavilion in downtown Manassas. Buy tickets online for your 1 ½ hour skating session. Guests are asked to arrive early to make sure they hit the ice on time.
October - February | 9201 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110
Hours vary
Adult admission and skate rental: $16, Children admission and skate rental: $14
More information here.
Fairfax Ice Arena:
November 1 – March 31 | 3779 Pickett Rd., Fairfax, VA 22031
Hours vary
Weekday admission: $9, Weekend/Holiday admission: $10, Skate Rental: $4
More information here.
Ashburn Ice House:
Year-round | 21595 Smith Switch Rd., Ashburn, VA 20147
Hours vary
$9
More information here.
Wreath-Making Workshops in Virginia
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop at Hedge Fine Blooms
Holiday Wreath Making - Kents Store
Second Annual Holiday Wreath Making at the Venue at Orchard View Farm