Prepare for an exciting holiday adventure in Reston! Discover all the top festive events with our guide. From those who call Reston home to those just passing through, this guide ensures unforgettable holiday memories.
One standout event is the Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, where enchanting displays illuminate the gardens, creating a magical atmosphere. In addition, the DC Winter Lantern Festival features vibrant lanterns and cultural performances that celebrate the season in a unique way. And the Bull Run Festival of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its dazzling drive-through light display. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Reston
- Bull Run Festival of Lights (Centreville)
- Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights (Vienna)
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington)
- DC Winter Lantern Festival (Tysons)
- Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden (Washington)
- Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
- Ice & Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run (Alexandria)
- Festival of Lights and Carols (Fairfax)
- Holiday Tree Lighting at One Loudoun (Ashburn)
- Winterfest
See these and even more events listed below!
Reston Holiday Light Displays
Bull Run Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light displays with a festive atmosphere.
Description:
Drive through 2.5 miles of holiday light displays at Bull Run Festival of Lights, a family-friendly event featuring illuminated displays and a holiday village with activities.
Where: Centreville | More Info: Bull Run Festival of Lights
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
What to Expect:
Sparkling light displays in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights features a half-mile trail adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, showcasing 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
DC Winter Lantern Festival
What to Expect:
Handmade Chinese lanterns and interactive light displays.
Description:
The DC Winter Lantern Festival features a dazzling display of over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns, creating an immersive experience with interactive light installations, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Tysons | More Info: DC Winter Lantern Festival
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with historic settings and fireworks.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with lantern-lit historic areas, a glowing mansion, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Enjoy an 18th-century winter encampment, working blacksmith shop, 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
Ice & Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and ice skating under the stars.
Description:
The Ice & Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run transforms the waterpark into a festive outdoor space with an ice rink, beautifully lit photo ops, and live music. Enjoy hot beverages and snacks while taking in the unique light displays and family-friendly activities.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Ice & Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run
Festival of Lights and Carols
What to Expect:
Live holiday music and festive activities in a historic setting.
Description:
The Festival of Lights and Carols in Old Town Square, Fairfax, VA, features live holiday music, s'mores, hot cider, and various activities.
Where: Fairfax | More Info: Festival of Lights and Carols
Holiday Tree Lighting at One Loudoun
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with public awareness.
Description:
One Loudoun's 11th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting 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 holiday cheer, free attendance for the public, and opportunities for sponsorship and tabling.
Where: Ashburn | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting at One Loudoun
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Expanded light and Enchanted Forest displays with live music and Santa.
Description:
Winterfest is a three-night holiday event at Brown's Chapel Park featuring a walk-through trail with thousands of festive holiday lights, live music performances, fire pits with s'mores, an Enchanted Forest, and a Santa Experience.
Where: Reston | More Info: Winterfest
Reston Holiday Markets and Shopping
Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
What to Expect:
Unique handcrafted gifts and treats.
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 like cookies, macarons, salsas, and soup mixes are also available for purchase.
Where: Herndon | More Info: Herndon Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse local vendors and community activations.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday shopping destination in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring over 100 vendors, upgraded vendor kiosks, diverse artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Holiday Market at Broad Run High School
What to Expect:
Community-driven shopping with local artisans.
Description:
The Holiday Market at Broad Run High School offers a variety of handmade crafts, local goods, and seasonal items, providing a community-driven shopping experience.
Where: Ashburn | More Info: Holiday Market at Broad Run High School
City of Fairfax’s Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Vendors selling handmade crafts and gourmet food items.
Description:
The City of Fairfax’s Holiday Market features a variety of handmade crafts and gourmet food items, live music, and dance, making it a great place to support local artists and do holiday shopping.
Where: Fairfax | More Info: City of Fairfax’s Holiday Market
Reston Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Fest at Walker Nature Center
What to Expect:
Interactive nature programs for all ages.
Description:
Join families, couples, and individuals for nature programs designed to mix ages. Take exploratory hikes, enjoy outdoor fun, and participate in indoor Nature House programs to learn about and celebrate the natural world around us.
Where: Reston | More Info: Holiday Fest at Walker Nature Center
Manassas Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday parade with diverse participants and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade is a long-standing community event featuring over 100 units, including marching bands, floats, and high-flying balloons. It takes place on the first Saturday in December and has become a family tradition with multiple generations attending.
Where: Manassas | More Info: Manassas Christmas Parade
Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
What to Expect:
Skating surrounded by iconic sculptures.
Description:
Ice skating amidst modern and contemporary sculptures on the National Mall, offering scenic views and a variety of skating sessions.
Where: Washington | More Info: Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
Chaunkah Festival
What to Expect:
Giant 6-foot menorah lighting with traditional holiday treats.
Description:
Celebrate Chanukah with a grand menorah lighting, delicious hot Potato Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts, chocolate gelt, and lively music.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Chaunkah Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Herndon (2 miles)
- Oak Hill (4 miles)
- Sterling (5 miles)
- Oakton (6 miles)
- Chantilly (7 miles)
- Potomac (8 miles)
- Fairfax (9 miles)
- North Potomac (9 miles)
- McLean (9 miles)
- South Riding (9 miles)
- Ashburn (9 miles)
- Centreville (10 miles)
- West Falls Church (11 miles)
- Annandale (12 miles)
- Burke (13 miles)
- Rockville (13 miles)
- Bethesda (13 miles)
- North Bethesda (13 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (14 miles)
- Arlington (14 miles)
- Gaithersburg (14 miles)
- Lincolnia (15 miles)
- Springfield (15 miles)
- West Springfield (15 miles)
- Leesburg (16 miles)
- Wheaton (16 miles)
- Aspen Hill (16 miles)
- Montgomery Village (16 miles)
- Manassas (17 miles)
- Silver Spring (17 miles)
- Washington (17 miles)
- Rose Hill (17 miles)
- Chillum (19 miles)
- Linton Hall (19 miles)
- Alexandria (19 miles)
- Olney (19 miles)
- Lake Ridge (20 miles)
- Woodlawn (21 miles)
- College Park (22 miles)
- Fairland (22 miles)
- Dale City (23 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (23 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (24 miles)
- Suitland (24 miles)
- Landover (24 miles)
- Fort Washington (25 miles)
- Greenbelt (25 miles)
- Scaggsville (27 miles)
- South Laurel (27 miles)
- Clinton (28 miles)
- Laurel (28 miles)
- Frederick (31 miles)
- Waldorf (32 miles)
- Columbia (33 miles)
- Bowie (33 miles)
- Saint Charles (33 miles)
- St. Charles (34 miles)
- Crofton (35 miles)
- Odenton (35 miles)
- Ellicott City (36 miles)
- Severn (36 miles)
- Hanover (37 miles)
- Ilchester (37 miles)
- Eldersburg (37 miles)
- West Elkridge (37 miles)
- Catonsville (39 miles)
- Arbutus (40 miles)
- South Gate (40 miles)
- Randallstown (40 miles)
- Milford Mill (40 miles)
- Glen Burnie (41 miles)
- Woodlawn (41 miles)
- Lochearn (42 miles)
- Pasadena (43 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (43 miles)
- Owings Mills (43 miles)
- Severna Park (43 miles)
- Pikesville (43 miles)
- Reisterstown (44 miles)
- Baltimore (45 miles)