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2025 Out & About Fairfax Winter Fun Guide
Where to find winter festivals, seasonal markets, family fun, and more across Fairfax County this season
Matthew Knoedler
December 03, 2025
Hey gang, Matt here! Pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa, grab a blanket, and scroll through our brand new 2025 Out & About Fairfax Winter Fun Guide! You have helped to make our Farmers Guide Market Guide and Fall Fun Guide some of our most popular features yet. Now, we’ve packed this guide full of festive winter fun for the month ahead.
Just like our previous guides, below you will find lots of local winter-themed festivals, markets, family-friendly events, and more fun across Fairfax County this holiday season. In all, we have details about more than 40 local winter events, including 20+ events with free admission or free options available.
We hope you find this guide to be useful as we kick off the winter season!
Mosaic District during the 2024 holiday season. | Photo: Out & About Fairfax
A few quick notes before we dive in —
If we missed a winter festival or event in Fairfax County that you think should be included, please email us — [email protected].
P.S.: We will continue to add new events as they become available.
Please note: We have compiled this list of events from publicly available information. Events are subject to change.
📸 While you’re Out & About shopping, sampling, and maybe even sledding (fingers crossed for some snow!), follow us and tag us on Instagram (we’ll re-share your posts!) and join our FREE weekly newsletter to receive more fun events and things to do each weekend directly to your inbox every Thursday.
See you Out & About! 👋
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Fairfax (City of Fairfax, Merrifield, Fair Oaks, etc.), Annandale, Burke
40th Annual Festival of Lights and Carols
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 12:00p.m.-6:00p.m.
Where: Old Town Square, 10415 North St., Fairfax
What You Can Find: Celebrate the holiday season in Old Town Fairfax with sparkling Christmas trees, holiday music, complimentary s’mores, warm cider, activities, and more.
Notes: Admission is free.
9th Annual Fairfax City Holiday Market
When: Dec. 5-7, 2025 & Dec. 12-14, 2025
Where: Old Town Square, 10415 North St., Fairfax
What You Can Find: Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and support local artisans during the first two weekends of December in Downtown Fairfax.
Notes: Admission is free.
Creative Corner Pop-Up at Fairfax Corner
When: Runs on select dates through Dec. 24, 2025
Where: Fairfax Corner, 4100 Monument Corner Dr. Fairfax
What You Can Find: A series of pop-up events — from mini golf to cookie decorating to sourdough — and a mix of plus local vendors will take over Fairfax Corner during the holiday season.
Notes: Events feature free and fee options.
When: Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Where: Norway House, 3846 Meredith Dr., Fairfax
What You Can Find: Visitors can shop and enjoy Norwegian foods among other seasonal activities.
Notes: Pre-registration is encouraged.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 from 3:30p.m.-6:00p.m.
Where: Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale
What You Can Find: The festive fun includes a tree lighting ceremony, music, food, and much more.
Notes: Admission is free.
George Mason University’s Winter Festival
When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 at 7:00p.m.
Where: Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax
What You Can Find: Enjoy the sounds of the seasoning featuring GMU’s Orchestras and Choirs during this live performance.
Notes: Admission is free.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Where: Mosaic District, 2910 District Ave., Fairfax
What You Can Find: Shop from 65+ local artisans as the Mosaic Holiday Market fills the streets with festive finds, handmade gifts and community cheer.
Notes: Admission is free.
When: Runs through Dec. 24, 2025
Where: 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
What You Can Find: A chance to meet and greet with Santa. Photos and other events are scheduled throughout the season.
Notes: Reservations are encouraged.
Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park
When: Saturday, Dec. 6 , Dec. 13, & Dec. 20, 2025, 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Where: Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station
What You Can Find: Climb on for a train ride, spin around the Carolers Carousel, play a round of Gingerbread Man Golf or cozy up by the fire to make s’mores.
Notes: Tickets: $20-$25.
Falls Church, McLean, Tysons, Vienna
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
When: Runs through Jan. 4, 2026
Where: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
What You Can Find: The Winter Walk of Lights is illuminating Meadowlark Botanical Gardens for its 14th season. You can also enjoy s’mores to round out the evening.
Notes: Tickets: $19-$24.
Winter Lantern Festival in Tysons
When: Runs through Jan. 18, 2026
Where: 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons
What You Can Find: Hundreds of lanterns light the night sky in Tysons for the holiday season.
Notes: Tickets: $18+.
Church Street Holiday Stroll in Vienna
When: Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Where: Freeman Store and Museum, 131 Church Street NE
What You Can Find: Enjoy visits with Santa, live holiday music, firepits, and gingerbread ornament decorating stations.
Notes: Admission is free.
McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival
When: Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
Where: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
What You Can Find: This three-day indoor juried show featuring approximately 80 talented regional artisans selling everything from pottery, fine arts, artisanal foods, and more.
Notes: Admission is $5, free for ages 12-under.
When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 from 2:30p.m.-7:00p.m.
Where: Langley Shopping Center, 1300 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
What You Can Find: This event includes the parade in the afternoon together with a host of food and events throughout the day.
Notes: Admission is $5, free for ages 12-under.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 12:00p.m.-3:00p.m.
Where: The Boro Tysons, 8350 Broad St., Tysons
What You Can Find: An afternoon of holiday cheer with cozy treats, festive activities — including a hot chocolate bar — photos with Santa, and much more.
Notes: Admission is free.
Falls Church Holiday Gift and Craft Show
When: Saturday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, times vary daily
Where: City of Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church
What You Can Find: Deck the halls and shop small from more than 50 crafters and holiday vendors showcasing handmade items, baked goods, and unique holiday gifts.
Notes: Admission is free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, 4:30p.m.
Where: Spring Hill Rec Center, 1239 Spring Hill Rd., McLean
What You Can Find: A family-friendly way to warm up and bring their wish list to Santa. Each child receives a small gift from Santa, as well.
Notes: Admission: $15, Ages 7-12
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 12:00p.m.-6:00p.m.
Where: The PARC at Tysons, 8508 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
What You Can Find: A festive winter wonderland featuring 25+ local makers, artisans, and crafters offering unique gifts fit for the holidays.
Notes: Admission is free.
Chanukah Celebration at The Boro
When: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, 5:00p.m.-5:30p.m.
Where: The Boro Tysons, 8350 Broad St., Tysons (Upper Promenade near Boro Park)
What You Can Find: In partnership with Chabad Tysons Jewish Center, enjoy a lighting of the Menorah, holiday treats and festive music.
Notes: Registration is not required.
Meet with Santa at Tysons Corner Center
When: Runs through Dec. 24, 2025
Where: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons
What You Can Find: A chance to meet and greet with Santa. Photos, pet nights, and other events are scheduled throughout the season.
Notes: Reservations are encouraged.
Go Out & About Together
Great Falls, Herndon, Reston
When: Thursday, Dec. 4-Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
Where: Brown’s Chapel Park, 1575 Browns Chapel Rd., Reston
What You Can Find: A holiday festival complete with a Vendor Village, a walk-through trail illuminated by thousands of holiday lights, fire pits, festive carols, and much more.
Notes: Admission is free for Reston Association members, non-member tickets are $10-$20.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 5:00p.m.-6:30p.m.
Where: Herndon Old Town Hall, 730 Elden St., Herndon
What You Can Find: A night of light, music and togetherness in downtown Herndon.
Notes: Admission is free, registration is recommended
Reston Town Center Carriage Rides & Train Rides
When: Runs through Dec. 21, 2025.
Where: Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston
What You Can Find: A festive horse-drawn carriage ride or a mini-train ride around Reston Town Center, perfect for a date night or a family adventure.
Notes: Ticket prices vary per event.
When: Select dates from Dec. 5-20, 2025
Where: 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon
What You Can Find: Enjoy the holidays at Frying Pan Park with a wagon ride, campfires, meet Santa, create fun crafts, and more.
Notes: Tickets: $15-$20
Aslin Beer Co.’s “Snow Daze” Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m.
Where: Aslin Beer Co., 767 Elden St., Herndon
What You Can Find: Find local and regional vendors at the market, plus food and fresh beer releases for the event.
Notes: Admission is free.
Jingle On The Lake & Christmas Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Where: Lake Anne Plaza, 1617 Washington Plaza W., Reston
What You Can Find: Find local and regional vendors at the market, plus music, food, Santa’s arrival, and more.
Notes: All ages are welcome.
Children’s Holiday Shopping at Historic Colvin Run
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at 11:00a.m.
Where: Colvin Run Mill Site, 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls
What You Can Find: Children are accompanied by a secret shopper to assist them with purchasing holiday gifts at the Colvin Run Mill General Store. Assistants help wrap and tag gifts. Cost of gifts not included. Adults may tour the site and visit the Miller’s House exhibit while waiting.
Notes: Tickets: $7.
Great Falls Celebration of Lights
When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, 4:00p.m.-6:00p.m.
Where: Great Falls Village Field (behind the U.S. Post Office)
What You Can Find: The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony also features hot cocoa and cookies, the sounds of the season filling the air, a petting zoo, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Notes: Admission is free.
When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Where: Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
What You Can Find: The festive shopping tradition returns in Herndon where you can browse unique, handcrafted gifts and seasonal décor from over 80 local and regional vendors—all under one roof.
Notes: Admission is free, all ages are welcome.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 12:00p.m.-7:00p.m.
Where: Corner of Lynn St. and Station St., Herndon
What You Can Find: Enjoy the old world charm of Christmas in Europe right here in Northern Virginia with this blend of holiday food, drinks, gifts, and decorations.
Notes: Admission is free, all ages are welcome.
Ice Skating at Reston Town Center
When: Runs through March 8, 2026
Where: RTC Skating Pavilion, 1818 Discovery St., Reston
What You Can Find: A seasonal favorite in Reston where skaters, both beginner and experienced, can hit the ice.
Notes: Tickets: $9-11, plus skate rental.
Centreville + Chantilly
When: Runs through Jan. 4, 2026
Where: Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville
What You Can Find: A local favorite, and Northern Virginia’s largest drive-through holiday light experience continues in Bull Run Regional Park this season with a 2.5-mile display of holiday and fairytale vignettes.
Notes: Tickets: $32/vehicle.
Caroling Wagon Ride & Campfire
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 2:00p.m.
Where: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Visitor Center & Amphitheater, 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly
What You Can Find: This family-friendly event is full of festive songs while you explore the park. Warm up with refreshments at the campfire. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Notes: Admission: $10, Ages 4+
When: Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, 5:00p.m.-8:30p.m.
Where: The nZone, 14550 Lee Rd., Chantilly
What You Can Find: The market will feature new and familiar vendors ranging from jewelry to coffee and everything in between.
Notes: Admission is free, registration is recommended
Alexandria, Lorton, Mount Vernon, Springfield
Holiday Pop-Up Market in Springfield
When: Dec. 5-7, Dec. 12-14, Dec. 19-21, 2025
Where: Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield
What You Can Find: The Holiday Pop-Up Market at Springfield Town Center brings together local vendors, artisans, and small businesses over the next month.
Notes: Admission is free.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Where: 10709 Gunston Rd., Mason Neck
What You Can Find: A holiday favorite at George Mason’s Gunston Hall where you can peek into holiday celebrations at Gunston Hall in the 1920s and the 1780s with games, live music, crafts, a visit from Santa and more.
Notes: Tickets: $8-$15.
Aslin Beer Co.’s “Snow Daze” Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m.
Where: Aslin Beer Co., 847 S. Pickett St., Alexandria
What You Can Find: Find local and regional vendors at the market, plus food and fresh beer releases for the event.
Notes: Admission is free.
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
When: Ongoing through Dec. 30, 2025, 5:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Where: Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
What You Can Find: Enjoy ice skating amidst a winter wonderland in a fun, outdoor family experience.
Notes: Tickets range from $9-$24.
54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
Where: Old Town Alexandria
What You Can Find: The annual parade honors the the city’s Scottish roots and features dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands.
Notes: Will be held rain or shine.
25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at 5:30p.m.
Where: Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, Alexandria
What You Can Find: Check out dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline, plus food and a pop-up beer garden by Port City Brewing Company.
Notes: Dockside festivities run from 2:00p.m.-8:00p.m., parade held rain or shine.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 from 2:00p.m.-4:30p.m.
Where: Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
What You Can Find: A festive art workshop for kids ages 7-13 while adults can shop for one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts from our artisan vendors
Notes: $75 per child.
When: Dec. 12-13, Dec. 19, Dec. 22-23, 5:30p.m.-8:30p.m.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
What You Can Find: A candlelit guided tour brings the holidays during the 18th century to life at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Notes: General admission: $33-41.
Alexandria Christmas Market & Craft Show
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 at 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Where: John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
What You Can Find: Shop from local vendors, artisans, and crafters and enjoy the sounds of the season. Kids can also visit the Ornament Creation Station.
Notes: Admission is free, event will be held rain or shine.
Old Town Run Club Jingle Bell Christmas 5K
When: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 at 9:30a.m.
Where: Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
What You Can Find: A Family- and Pup-Friendly Charity Jingle Bell 5K, all proceeds to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting fallen veterans and first responders.
Notes: Post-race concludes at Atlas Brew Works & Andy’s Pizza
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