Enjoy the holidays in Manassas with our ultimate guide to festive fun. For Manassas natives and holiday travelers, this guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's best.
Popular events abound during this special time of year. Experience the charm of the countryside at Christmas in Middleburg, featuring quaint shops and festive decorations that embody the spirit of the season. The National Harbor Tree Light Show promises dazzling displays and synchronized music, creating a delightful atmosphere for all. And the enchanting Disney’s Frozen performance is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing beloved characters and songs. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Manassas
- Disney’s Frozen (Washington, DC)
- Christmas in Middleburg (Middleburg, VA)
- Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, VA)
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor, MD)
- The Nutcracker (Tysons, VA)
- Gaylord National Hotel Show (National Harbor, MD)
- Manassas Christmas Parade (Manassas, VA)
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
- US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains (Washington, DC)
- Ice and Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run (Alexandria, VA)
See these and even more events listed below!
Manassas Holiday Light Displays
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, DC | More Info: City Center 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, MD | More Info: National Harbor Tree Light Show
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
What to Expect:
Historic estate illuminated with festive lights and fireworks.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with Christmas Illuminations, featuring lantern-lit historic areas, a beautifully lit mansion, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Enjoy 18th-century winter encampments, blacksmith shops, and traditional dancing, along with holiday music and patriotic quotes.
Where: Mount Vernon, VA | More Info: Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Holiday Tree Lighting at One Loudoun
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with public awareness.
Description:
The 11th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at One Loudoun is a community event designed to engage the broader community and generate public awareness of One Loudoun and its merchants, restaurants, and partners. The event features a festive atmosphere with free attendance open to the public.
Where: Ashburn, VA | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting at One Loudoun
Ice and Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run
What to Expect:
Recreational ice skating under festive light displays.
Description:
Ice & Lights at Cameron Run offers a festive outdoor experience with unique light displays, family-friendly photo ops, and an ice rink for recreational skating. Enjoy hot beverages, snacks, and holiday shopping in a beautifully lit setting.
Where: Alexandria, VA | More Info: Ice and Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run
Holiday Walk of Lights Neabsco Regional Park
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly nights with reduced crowds and lighting.
Description:
Walk through a path of unique, hand-crafted light displays at Neabsco Regional Park, featuring ornaments, deer, and a 120-foot-long toy train. The event is stroller and wheelchair friendly, with sensory-friendly nights designed for individuals with disabilities.
Where: Woodbridge, VA | More Info: Holiday Walk of Lights Neabsco Regional Park
Manassas Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Enhanced vendor kiosks and community activations.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter-Chinatown is a 20-year tradition featuring upgraded vendor kiosks, diverse artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Herndon WinterMarkt
What to Expect:
Traditional German-style market with diverse community vendors.
Description:
Herndon WinterMarkt brings the old world charm of European Christmas markets to Herndon, Virginia, featuring hand-crafted decorations, local food, and family-focused events.
Where: Herndon, VA | More Info: Herndon WinterMarkt
Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local artisans.
Description:
The Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show features over 70 artisans and craftspeople showcasing a variety of handcrafted items, including wreaths, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, decorations, original artwork, photography, and stained glass. Delectable homemade goodies and treats are also available for purchase.
Where: Herndon, VA | More Info: Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Mosaic District Holiday Village
What to Expect:
Local artisans and vendors selling handmade and vintage goods.
Description:
Mosaic District Holiday Village features over 65 talented makers offering unique gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy live music, a beer garden, and barbecue while shopping for holiday essentials.
Where: Merrifield, VA | More Info: Mosaic District Holiday Village
Manassas Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord National Hotel Show
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday showplace with larger-than-life sculptures.
Description:
At Gaylord National, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring larger-than-life sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Enjoy activities like ice skating, gingerbread decorating, and bumper cars amidst extraordinary Christmas decorations.
Where: National Harbor, MD | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
What to Expect:
Seasonal favorites performed by over 60 professional musicians.
Description:
The American Festival Pops Orchestra presents Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season, featuring conductor Peter Wilson. Enjoy a festive evening of seasonal favorites, including "Night Before Christmas" narrated by George Mason University Dean Rick Davis, toe-tapping classics from the orchestra's embedded Big Band, and an appearance by the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble under Darden Purcell's direction. This event is suitable for all ages and includes an audience sing-along.
Where: Manassas, VA | More Info: Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
What to Expect:
Uplifting audience sing-along with beloved carols.
Description:
The American Festival Pops Orchestra presents Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season, a cherished tradition featuring a festive program of musical favorites, including an uplifting audience sing-along and beloved carols. This annual concert is designed to warm hearts and spread cheer, welcoming both old and new friends to the stage.
Where: Fairfax, VA | More Info: Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Disney’s Frozen
What to Expect:
Spectacular puppetry and expanded musical score.
Description:
Disney's Frozen is a Tony Award-nominated musical featuring songs from the Oscar-winning film, with an expanded score and powerful performances. The show boasts stunning sets, costumes, and special effects, making it a spectacular theatrical experience.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Disney’s Frozen
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Virginia National Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a professional production featuring world-class dancing, great choreography, beautiful sets, and costumes.
Where: Tysons, VA | More Info: The Nutcracker
Festival of Lights and Carols
What to Expect:
Live holiday music and tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
The Festival of Lights and Carols in Old Town Square, Fairfax, VA, features live holiday music, s'mores, hot cider, and activities. The event culminates in a Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 PM.
Where: Fairfax, VA | More Info: Festival of Lights and Carols
Dickens Christmas
What to Expect:
Dickens-themed events with live performances and holiday activities.
Description:
Middleburg transforms into a Charles Dickens novel with carolers, dancers, actors, and musicians encouraging merriment and joy throughout the town. Enjoy renditions of "A Christmas Carol" and wassail on South Madison Street.
Where: Middleburg, VA | More Info: Dickens Christmas
Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas Tour
What to Expect:
Siblings' harmonious holiday performance with original and classic songs.
Description:
Girl Named Tom brings their unique blend of original holiday songs and timeless classics to the stage, featuring the harmonious vocals of siblings Bekah, Joshua, and Caleb Liechty. Known for their chart-topping covers and captivating performances, this sibling trio has captivated audiences with their heartfelt and inimitable familial harmonies.
Where: Alexandria, VA | More Info: Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas Tour
Manassas Other Holiday Activities
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
What to Expect:
Model trains navigating pollinator scenes in the outdoor gardens.
Description:
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator scenes made from plant parts, festive lights, and DC landmarks crafted from plants, all set amidst a tropical Conservatory with thousands of poinsettias.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
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 a tree lighting ceremony, Breakfast with Santa, the Middleburg Hunt Review, a mile-long Christmas parade, and progressive food and wine tastings. The town transforms into a charming holiday setting with caroling, shopping, and dining opportunities.
Where: Middleburg, VA | More Info: Christmas in Middleburg
Manassas Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Annual parade with a Candyland theme.
Description:
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade is a beloved community event featuring marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons, and over 2,000 participants. This year's theme is Christmas in Candyland, setting the mood for the holiday season with multiple generations lining up to watch.
Where: Manassas, VA | More Info: Manassas Christmas Parade
Jingle on Lake Anne
What to Expect:
Christmas crafts and letters to Santa station.
Description:
Jingle on Lake Anne is an annual holiday event at Lake Anne Plaza featuring Christmas crafts, a Letters to Santa station, and activities for all ages.
Where: Reston, VA | More Info: Jingle on Lake Anne
Chanukah Festival
What to Expect:
Traditional Jewish holiday celebration with festive food and music.
Description:
Celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of a giant 6-foot menorah, delicious hot potato latkes, hot cocoa, donuts, chocolate gelt, and dreidels in Old Town Alexandria.
Where: Alexandria, VA | More Info: Chanukah Festival
Holiday Lights on the Farm
What to Expect:
Trick-or-treating with farm animals.
Description:
Explore Frying Pan Farm Park's festive atmosphere with trick-or-treating, animal visits, craft-making, and decorated farmhouse tours.
Where: Herndon, VA | More Info: Holiday Lights on the Farm
Scottish Walk Open House at Carlyle House
What to Expect:
Step back in time to experience 18th-century life at Carlyle House.
Description:
Explore the historic Carlyle House during the Scottish Walk Open House, featuring period-specific decor and activities that bring the 18th-century estate to life.
Where: Alexandria, VA | More Info: Scottish Walk Open House at Carlyle House
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Interactive candlelit tour with historical figures.
Description:
A 45-minute candlelit tour of the historic area at Mount Vernon, featuring costumed 18th-century Virginians sharing their perspectives on holiday traditions.
Where: Mount Vernon, VA | More Info: Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Linton Hall (5 miles)
- Centreville (7 miles)
- Chantilly (10 miles)
- Lake Ridge (11 miles)
- Fairfax (11 miles)
- Burke (11 miles)
- Dale City (12 miles)
- South Riding (12 miles)
- Oak Hill (13 miles)
- Oakton (13 miles)
- West Springfield (14 miles)
- Springfield (16 miles)
- Herndon (16 miles)
- Annandale (16 miles)
- Reston (17 miles)
- West Falls Church (17 miles)
- Sterling (18 miles)
- Lincolnia (18 miles)
- Woodlawn (19 miles)
- Rose Hill (20 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (20 miles)
- Ashburn (20 miles)
- McLean (20 miles)
- Arlington (22 miles)
- Alexandria (23 miles)
- Potomac (23 miles)
- Fort Washington (25 miles)
- North Potomac (26 miles)
- Washington (26 miles)
- Leesburg (26 miles)
- Bethesda (26 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (27 miles)
- North Bethesda (28 miles)
- Rockville (29 miles)
- Silver Spring (29 miles)
- Chillum (30 miles)
- Wheaton (30 miles)
- Waldorf (30 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (30 miles)
- Suitland (30 miles)
- Saint Charles (31 miles)
- Gaithersburg (31 miles)
- Fredericksburg (31 miles)
- Clinton (31 miles)
- St. Charles (31 miles)
- Aspen Hill (31 miles)
- College Park (33 miles)
- Montgomery Village (33 miles)
- Landover (34 miles)
- Olney (35 miles)
- Fairland (36 miles)
- Greenbelt (37 miles)
- South Laurel (40 miles)
- Scaggsville (41 miles)
- Laurel (41 miles)
- Bowie (42 miles)