Family-Friendly Events Around NoVa This Week

Holiday festivities are in the air! If you’re overwhelmed by the volume of events and activities to choose from, then we’ve got your list of 10 family-friendly things to do around Northern Virginia now through December 11.

Keep reading to find everything from light shows to craft fairs, and holiday concerts to sungazing with astronomers:

Lighted Night at Claude Moore Park

Enjoy festive light displays during a special extended opening of Claude Moore Park this month. Stop by for a leisurely night stroll down Vestals Gap Road and into the historic district to enjoy the festive decorations. Plus, on Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy a campfire, marshmallows, and hot chocolate.

When: Now - Saturday, 12/24 from 5 pm - 7 pm
Price: Free
Address: Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd., Sterling, VA 20164
Find out more here.

Candlelight Tour of Tudor Place

Join Tudor Place for a special holiday experience. Discover the presents, games, and food the families of Tudor Place enjoyed during Christmastime in the 19th century. Learn how class and ethnicity influenced the ways in which DC residents experienced the holiday season. Partake in light, period-appropriate refreshments and complete a holiday craft. This tour is recommended for adults and children ages 10 and up.

When: Select dates over the next two weeks, including Tuesday, 12/6 and Thursday, 12/8. Tours begin at 6 pm and 6:30 pm.
Price: $15 for members; $25 for non-members
Address: Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Click here to learn more and register.

Winter Market at the PARC at Tysons

The Winter Market, held on select dates throughout December, combines the popular year-round monthly Shop Local Market with a sleigh-full of festive activities to enjoy with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Find one-of-a-kind small batch, handmade, and eco-friendly goods from local small businesses! Enjoy free entry to this cozy and warm winter wonderland with free additional activities and entertainment for all ages, including appearances from Santa and beloved icy characters, a community stage, an iceless ice skating rink, a photo station, a donation drive for Domestic Violence Action Center, and MercuryTimes SuperCar Club.

When: Friday, 12/9 and Saturday 12/10 (and the following week on 12/16 and 12/17) from 4:30 pm - 8 pm
Price: Free
Address: PARC at Tysons, 8508 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182
Learn more here.

Holiday on the Farm

Holiday on the Farm continues this week! Join Frying Pan Farm Park for a family-friendly evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animal interactions, campfires, and more! There is a fee for wagon rides, and s’mores will be provided to everyone who buys a ticket. Bring the whole family and see the farm in a new, festive way.

When: Friday, 12/9 and Saturday, 12/10. The first time slot is at 5:30 pm and the last time slot starts at 7:30 pm.
Price: $10
Address: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West Ox Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
Click here to sign up.

Toys for Tots 75th Anniversary Concert

Join Loudoun Symphonic Winds to celebrate the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s 75th Anniversary! This concert performance on Friday will celebrate the season with favorites such as Sleigh Ride and other traditional holiday songs. Bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots to distribute to children in need in Loudoun County. Loudoun Symphonic Winds is a community-based concert band that has become one of the area’s most exciting musical ensembles since its formation in 1993.

When: Friday, 12/9 at 8 pm
Price: Free, but organizers ask guests to bring new, unwrapped toys for donation
Address: Christ the Redeemer Roman Catholic Church, 46833 Harry Byrd Hwy., Sterling, VA 20164
Find out more on their website.

Jingle Bell Rock & Run

The Jingle Bell Rock & Run, a Ringing in Hope event, is returning to Loudoun County with their annual 5K and 10K races and 1K Jammie Jingle run or walk! This year’s race benefits INOVA Life with Cancer, a program that has lovingly supported patients and families facing cancer since 1998. After the race, be sure to enjoy loads of fun at the after-party, where kids can meet with Santa and take part in the festivities that will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

When: Saturday, 12/10. The 10K will begin at 9 am, the 5K at 9:10 am, and the 1-mile Jammie Jingle Fun Run at 10:30 am.
Price: Varies depending on the race distance. The Jammie Jingle Fun Run is free for children ages 3 and under, and $15 for all other participants.
Address: Christian Fellowship Church, 44505 Atwater Dr., Ashburn, VA 20147
Learn more and register here.

Sungazing at Udvar-Hazy Center

Become an astronomer and observe the sun safely with a filtered telescope. Knowledgeable staff from the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will be there to answer questions and guide observing.

When: Saturday, 12/10 from 11 am - 2 pm
Price: Free. Parking is $15
Address: Udvar-Hazy Center (National Air & Space Museum), 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, VA 20151
Click here to learn more on their website.

Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade

The holiday spirit will be in full swing this Saturday as the Town of Leesburg hosts its annual holiday parade! In the heart of the historic district, along King Street, the parade will usher Santa and friends and give you the opportunity to enjoy local bands, seasonal floats, and more!

When: Saturday, 12/10 beginning at 6 pm
Price: Free
Address: Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg, VA  20176
See the route and find out more here.

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Fair & Holiday Craft Show

Find that perfect gift for your loved ones this Saturday at the Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show. More than 110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants, and other local small businesses are looking forward to showcasing their products, just in time for the holidays. From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, to body and hair care, these vendors have everything you wish to surprise your loved ones with.

When: Saturday, 12/10 from 11 am - 4 pm
Price: Free
Address: John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Check out the event here.

Bull Run Festival of Lights

The Bull Run Festival of Lights is still going strong! Grab your friends and family and drive through 2.5 miles of magical holiday light displays. Enjoy this winter-time activity from the comfort of your car! And when you’re done with the Festival of Lights, guests have the option to hop out of their car to enjoy the Holiday Village. Complete with bonfires, s’mores, holiday merchandise, the Holiday Village is fun for the whole family.

When: Available through Sunday, 1/8/2023. Open Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm and Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday nights from 5:30 pm - 10 pm
Price: $30/vehicle when purchased online, $40/vehicle at the door.
Address: Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
Find out more on their website.