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!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Springfield
- Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington)
- Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights (Vienna)
- Winterfest (Reston)
- City Center Christmas Tree Lighting (Washington)
- Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights (Centreville)
- US Capitol Tree Lighting (Washington)
- Fairfax City Holiday Market (Fairfax)
- Mount Vernon by Candlelight (Mount Vernon)
- Christmas in Middleburg (Middleburg)
See these and even more events listed below!
Springfield Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
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
Winterfest
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
Great Falls Celebration of Lights
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
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
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
Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Unique drive-through holiday light experience with 2.5 miles of illuminated displays.
Description:
Drive through 2.5 miles of holiday light displays at Bull Run Regional Park, featuring a variety of festive and fairytale vignettes.
Where: Centreville | More Info: Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights
Scottish Walk Open House at Carlyle House
What to Expect:
Historical home tour with period-specific decorations.
Description:
Explore the historic Carlyle House during the Scottish Walk Open House, featuring period-specific decorations and activities that highlight the home's colonial past.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Scottish Walk Open House at Carlyle House
City Center Christmas 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 75-foot tree, live music by The Revels, balloon artists, face painters, and holiday treats. NBC4's Eun Yang will host the official tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Washington | More Info: City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
US Capitol Tree Lighting
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
Santa Lights Manassas
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
Holidays in Purcellville: Town Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Illumination of the town's tree at Town Hall.
Description:
The Town Tree Lighting in Purcellville is a cherished annual event where the town's tree is illuminated, symbolizing the start of the holiday season. It takes place at Town Hall on Friday, December 6, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Purcellville | More Info: Holidays in Purcellville: Town Tree Lighting
Springfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
Fairfax City Holiday Market
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
Winter Market at The PARC at Tysons
What to Expect:
Local artisans and Santa appearances.
Description:
The Winter Market at The PARC at Tysons features 20 local makers, artisans, and crafters, along with appearances by Santa and other winter friends. Enjoy local performances and browse a variety of seasonal items.
Where: Tysons | More Info: Winter Market at The PARC at Tysons
Herndon WinterMarkt
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
Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds
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
Old Town Alexandria Holiday Events
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
Downtown Holiday Market
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
Norwegian Christmas Festival & Bazaar
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
Springfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Concert at Sully Historic Site
What to Expect:
Live music in a historic setting.
Description:
Attend a holiday concert at Sully Historic Site, featuring live music and historic ambiance.
Where: Chantilly | More Info: Holiday Concert at Sully Historic Site
Manassas Christmas Parade
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
Disney Encanto x CAMP experience
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
Holiday Teatime
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
Springfield Other Holiday Activities
Jingle on Lake Anne Holiday Event
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 festive activities for all ages.
Where: Reston | More Info: Jingle on Lake Anne Holiday Event
Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park
What to Expect:
Holiday train and carousel rides under festive lights.
Description:
At Burke Lake Park, experience a holiday celebration with a festive evening train and carousel ride amidst holiday lights. Enjoy activities like visits with Santa, hot chocolate, and various crafts.
Where: Burke | More Info: Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park
Sensory-Friendly Santa at Colvin Run Mill
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly Santa visit with historic ambiance.
Description:
At Colvin Run Mill, experience a sensory-friendly Santa visit amidst historic settings, candlelit paths, and Victorian decorations. Enjoy children's craft activities and hot chocolate while Santa sits in the mill's office.
Where: Great Falls | More Info: Sensory-Friendly Santa at Colvin Run Mill
Christmas in Middleburg
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
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
What to Expect:
45-minute candlelit tour with historical reenactments.
Description:
Join Mount Vernon for a candlelit tour of the historic area, where you'll interact with costumed 18th-century Virginians sharing stories about the holiday season.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Church Street Holiday Stroll
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
Deck the Stalls
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
Holiday Fu
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
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- West Springfield (2 miles)
- Annandale (3 miles)
- Lincolnia (3 miles)
- Rose Hill (4 miles)
- Burke (5 miles)
- West Falls Church (5 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (5 miles)
- Woodlawn (6 miles)
- Fairfax (8 miles)
- Alexandria (8 miles)
- Arlington (8 miles)
- Oakton (9 miles)
- Lake Ridge (9 miles)
- McLean (10 miles)
- Fort Washington (11 miles)
- Washington (11 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (11 miles)
- Dale City (12 miles)
- Centreville (13 miles)
- Bethesda (14 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (15 miles)
- Suitland (15 miles)
- Oak Hill (15 miles)
- Reston (15 miles)
- Chantilly (15 miles)
- Clinton (16 miles)
- Manassas (16 miles)
- Potomac (16 miles)
- Chillum (16 miles)
- Silver Spring (16 miles)
- Herndon (16 miles)
- Waldorf (18 miles)
- North Bethesda (18 miles)
- Landover (19 miles)
- Saint Charles (19 miles)
- Wheaton (19 miles)
- College Park (19 miles)
- St. Charles (19 miles)
- South Riding (19 miles)
- Sterling (20 miles)
- Rockville (20 miles)
- North Potomac (21 miles)
- Aspen Hill (21 miles)
- Linton Hall (21 miles)
- Greenbelt (22 miles)
- Fairland (23 miles)
- Ashburn (24 miles)
- Gaithersburg (24 miles)
- Olney (26 miles)
- South Laurel (27 miles)
- Bowie (27 miles)
- Montgomery Village (27 miles)
- Laurel (28 miles)
- Scaggsville (29 miles)
- Leesburg (30 miles)
- Crofton (31 miles)
- Odenton (33 miles)
- Severn (36 miles)
- Columbia (36 miles)
- Fredericksburg (37 miles)
- Hanover (37 miles)
- West Elkridge (38 miles)
- South Gate (38 miles)
- Ellicott City (39 miles)
- Ilchester (39 miles)
- Severna Park (40 miles)
- Annapolis (40 miles)
- Glen Burnie (40 miles)
- Pasadena (40 miles)
- Arnold (40 miles)
- Catonsville (41 miles)
- Arbutus (41 miles)
- Eldersburg (44 miles)
- Woodlawn (44 miles)
- Milford Mill (45 miles)
- Frederick (45 miles)