Experience the charm of the holidays in Arlington with our comprehensive guide. From Arlington natives to holiday tourists, this guide is your key to the city's festive season.
Popular events during this time include the National Christmas Tree Lighting, a longstanding tradition where visitors gather to witness the illumination of a beautifully adorned tree. Additionally, the Downtown Holiday Market features an array of local crafts and seasonal treats, perfect for holiday shopping. And the US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing intricate model trains running through stunning plant displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Arlington
- National Christmas Tree Lighting (Washington, D.C.)
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, D.C.)
- US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains (Washington, D.C.)
- Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden (Washington, D.C.)
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- Gaylord National Hotel Show (National Harbor)
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ Winter Walk of Lights (Vienna)
- Bull Run Festival of Lights (Centreville)
- Old Town Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (Alexandria)
- Christmas in Middleburg (Middleburg)
See these and even more events listed below!
Arlington Holiday Light Displays
National Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Unique tree ornaments representing all U.S. states and territories.
Description:
The National Christmas Tree Lighting is a historic holiday event celebrating over 100 years of American tradition. Each year, a unique tree is decorated with ornaments representing every U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia. The ceremony features live performances and is a cherished moment for families and friends to come together during the holiday season.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: National Christmas Tree Lighting
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
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ Winter Walk of Lights
What to Expect:
Animated light show with nature, winter, and holiday themes.
Description:
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens transforms into a spectacular display of lighted trees and nature-themed displays, featuring a half-mile paved trail that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Visitors can enjoy sipping hot beverages and roasting marshmallows while taking in the breathtaking views.
Where: Vienna | More Info: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ Winter Walk of Lights
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, featuring festive and fairytale vignettes, in a family-friendly environment.
Where: Centreville | More Info: Bull Run Festival of Lights
City Center Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Dazzling 75-foot tree with live music and festive activities.
Description:
Join CityCenterDC for its 10th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring a joyful music performance by The Revels, balloon artists, face painters, and holiday treats. NBC4's Eun Yang will host the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown. Enjoy the dazzling 75-foot tree and visit the two resident 25-foot reindeer.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: City Center Tree Lighting
US Capitol Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Decorated tree lighting ceremony on the U.S. Capitol grounds.
Description:
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, a 63-foot Norway spruce from West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest, is decorated and displayed on the West Front Lawn. The tree is lit each evening from dusk until 11 p.m. through January 1, 2024, as part of a time-honored tradition over 50 years.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: US Capitol Tree Lighting
Arlington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse and enjoyable holiday market with reduced costs for local businesses.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday marketplace in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring over 100 local vendors, artisans, and community activations. Expect upgraded vendor kiosks, a fresh array of artisans, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Arlington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
What to Expect:
Unique plant-based pollinator scenes and D.C. landmarks.
Description:
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator scenes made from plant parts, thousands of poinsettias, and D.C. landmarks crafted from plants inside the Conservatory.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Gaylord National Hotel Show
What to Expect:
Larger-than-life ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
Description:
At Gaylord National Resort, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. The event, "ICE featuring 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,'" offers a unique blend of holiday traditions and family-friendly activities.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
Manassas Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday parade with diverse participants.
Description:
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade is a 78-year-old community tradition featuring over 100 units, including marching bands, floats, and high-flying balloons. It takes place on the first Saturday in December, attracting approximately 2,000 participants and thousands of spectators.
Where: Manassas | More Info: Manassas Christmas Parade
Arlington Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
What to Expect:
Unique blend of art and winter activity.
Description:
Ice skating amidst modern and contemporary sculptures on the National Mall, offering skating sessions and lessons for all ages.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
Old Town Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
What to Expect:
Celebrates Scottish heritage with colorful tartans and pipe bands.
Description:
The Old Town Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is a festive celebration of Scottish heritage, featuring colorful tartans, pipe and drum bands, and community groups. It is a long-standing tradition that highlights the city's rich cultural heritage.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Old Town Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Christmas in Middleburg
What to Expect:
Mile-long Christmas parade with foxhunt riders and hounds.
Description:
Christmas in Middleburg is a community event featuring a tree lighting ceremony, Breakfast with Santa, the Middleburg Hunt Review, a mile-long Christmas parade, and progressive food and wine tastings. The event celebrates the holiday spirit with activities, special events, and great eats in a charming historic town.
Where: Middleburg | More Info: Christmas in Middleburg
Kwanzaa & Watch Night: Visions of Freedom
What to Expect:
Cultural celebration linking Kwanzaa and Watch Night with historical significance.
Description:
Celebrate Kwanzaa and Watch Night with activities honoring the last three principles of Kwanzaa: Kuumba, Imani, and Nia. Explore the connection between these cultural holidays and Afrofuturism, and learn about the role of the United States Colored Troops in the Civil War.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: Kwanzaa & Watch Night: Visions of Freedom
A Very Victorian Christmas
What to Expect:
Historical reenactment of Victorian Christmas traditions.
Description:
Step back in time to the Victorian era at Cherry Hill Farmhouse, where you can immerse yourself in traditional holiday activities, decorations, and customs. Enjoy a day filled with historical reenactments, festive decorations, and period-specific entertainment.
Where: Falls Church | More Info: A Very Victorian Christmas
Ballston Sip & Jingle
What to Expect:
Holiday networking event with festive cocktails and live music.
Description:
Join Ballston BID and Monument Home Loans for a holiday networking happy hour at The Commentary inside the Westin Arlington Gateway. Enjoy festive cocktails at the Jingle Bar, live holiday music performances, and delicious dishes. Participate in the Ugly Sweater Contest and bring a toy to support the Arlington County Police Department's Fill the Cruiser initiative.
Where: Arlington | More Info: Ballston Sip & Jingle
The Lodge – National Landing
What to Expect:
Ski-themed holiday festival with diverse activities for all ages.
Description:
The Lodge – National Landing is a ski-themed holiday festival featuring festive activities, seasonal bites, and Instagrammable moments. Community members can enjoy dog bone bars, pet caricature artists, and kid-friendly fun like glitter tattoos and face painting. Adults can participate in Ugly Sweater Aprs Ski and axe throwing, while local restaurants offer smores huts and peppermint mocha competitions.
Where: Arlington | More Info: The Lodge – National Landing
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Baileys Crossroads (3 miles)
- Washington (4 miles)
- West Falls Church (5 miles)
- Lincolnia (5 miles)
- McLean (5 miles)
- Annandale (6 miles)
- Alexandria (6 miles)
- Rose Hill (6 miles)
- Bethesda (7 miles)
- Springfield (8 miles)
- Chillum (8 miles)
- Silver Spring (9 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (9 miles)
- West Springfield (10 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (10 miles)
- Suitland (10 miles)
- Oakton (11 miles)
- Burke (11 miles)
- Potomac (11 miles)
- Fairfax (11 miles)
- Wheaton (11 miles)
- North Bethesda (11 miles)
- College Park (11 miles)
- Woodlawn (11 miles)
- Landover (12 miles)
- Fort Washington (13 miles)
- Clinton (14 miles)
- Aspen Hill (14 miles)
- Reston (14 miles)
- Rockville (14 miles)
- Greenbelt (15 miles)
- Fairland (16 miles)
- Oak Hill (16 miles)
- Herndon (16 miles)
- North Potomac (16 miles)
- Lake Ridge (17 miles)
- Chantilly (18 miles)
- Centreville (18 miles)
- Gaithersburg (19 miles)
- South Laurel (19 miles)
- Olney (19 miles)
- Sterling (19 miles)
- Waldorf (20 miles)
- Dale City (20 miles)
- Laurel (20 miles)
- Bowie (21 miles)
- Montgomery Village (21 miles)
- Saint Charles (21 miles)
- St. Charles (21 miles)
- Scaggsville (21 miles)
- South Riding (22 miles)
- Manassas (22 miles)
- Ashburn (23 miles)
- Crofton (24 miles)
- Odenton (26 miles)
- Linton Hall (27 miles)
- Severn (28 miles)
- Columbia (29 miles)
- Leesburg (30 miles)
- Hanover (30 miles)
- West Elkridge (30 miles)
- South Gate (31 miles)
- Ellicott City (31 miles)
- Ilchester (31 miles)
- Glen Burnie (32 miles)
- Severna Park (33 miles)
- Pasadena (33 miles)
- Catonsville (34 miles)
- Annapolis (34 miles)
- Arbutus (34 miles)
- Arnold (34 miles)
- Woodlawn (37 miles)
- Milford Mill (37 miles)
- Eldersburg (37 miles)
- Randallstown (37 miles)
- Lochearn (38 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (38 miles)
- Baltimore (39 miles)
- Pikesville (40 miles)
- Frederick (40 miles)
- Dundalk (40 miles)
- Owings Mills (41 miles)
- Reisterstown (43 miles)
- Fredericksburg (44 miles)
- Essex (45 miles)
- Towson (45 miles)