Winter fests, charcuterie workshop, & where to see The Nutcracker

Plus, our new sports section | A preview of the weekend ahead

Author

Matthew Knoedler
December 12, 2024

Hey there, it’s Matt! While I’ve been Out & About lately, I have seen some local organizations selling Christmas trees. A poll shows 70% of Americans plan to put up a Christmas tree this year, with just 24% planning to use a real tree and 46% using an artificial tree. In our house, we have a live tree — the pine is fine.

What about you?! Email us to share your thoughts —> [email protected]

This seems to be the weekend for seasonal craft and art shows with events on tap from McLean to Fairfax to Alexandria and everywhere in between. We also have a list of winter festivals and festive drinks to keep you warm along the way. This weekend is also Wreaths Across America, the annual event to honor America’s fallen heroes — we link to the local events if you’re looking to help out.

A home in Pimmit Hills decorated for the season.

If you missed last week’s edition where we listed many of the Christmas & holiday light displays around the region, check them out here — many events will be happening throughout the month. 🎄

In this week’s newsletter:

  • Winter fests, Alexandria’s highly anticipated Christmas Market, & more

  • Christmas plays in Tysons, Falls Church & seasonal sounds at GMU

  • Wine, beer, Christmas cookies — a tastebud overload county wide

  • Rockets, trains, & Santa’s sleigh … plus, our new sports section.

Let’s dive in!

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

Things To Do

From arts and crafts to giving back, a few big annual events are set for this weekend. Check them out! ⬇️

  • Mosaic District’s Holiday Village

    • The Mosaic District is hosting its second and final Holiday Village Weekend on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15. More than 65 vendors and talented artisans will be on hand for those looking to shop local this holiday season. The event runs each day from 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

      • 2910 District Ave., Fairfax

  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon’s Winter Glow

    • The holiday sweeps across George Washington’s Mount Vernon this weekend with the estate’s “Winter Glow” festivities. The lantern-lit scene will provide guests with a glimpse into the 18th century with a seasonal twist, complete with Washington’s personal traditions, caroling, colonial games, and more. Winter Glow ticket holders can visit the grounds for free, public tickets range from $15-$28. The five-day Winter Glow begins Sunday, Dec. 15.

      • 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon

  • 4th Annual Winter Market

    • This winter wonderland pairs seasonal fun with 20 of the region’s local artisans and crafters for a one-of-a-kind experience. In addition to the shopping, there will be live performances and kids can enjoy a free photo with Santa. Branded as “Fairfax County’s own North Pole,” the free Winter Market runs Saturday, Dec. 14 from 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m. at The PARC in Tysons.

      • 8508 Leesburg Pike, Tysons

  • Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show

    • The long-awaited Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show runs this Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Festive sights and sounds, plenty of food, music, and seasonal vendors are scheduled to fill John Carlyle Square. There is sure to be something for everyone.

      • 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria

  • Wreaths Across America honors veterans across Fairfax County

    • National Wreaths Across America Day is scheduled for this Saturday, December 14. The annual event rallies more than two million volunteers each year to honor fallen military veterans by laying wreaths in cemeteries nationwide. Locally, organizers in Herndon are seeking your help to make this year’s event a special one. You can learn more about their plans here.

      • You can also find more events by searching your city or ZIP code on WreathsAcrossAmerica.org and clicking the volunteer tab.

Live Music & Arts

From Christmas classics on stage to the sounds of the season, check out some of the top live entertainment in the region this week. 🎵

  • The Nutcracker at Capital One Hall

    • The iconic Christmas production takes over Capital One Hall in Tysons this weekend. The beloved Nutcracker ballet features talented dancers from the Ravel Dance Studio where Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy come to life. The performance is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1:00p.m. Tickets are $45.

      • 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons

  • Madeline’s Christmas at Creative Cauldron

    • This holiday tradition at the Falls Church creative and performing arts center enters its second weekend on stage. This adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans tells the tale of a young Madeline, a magical rug merchant, and a Christmas journey they will never forget. Performances run Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15. (Showtimes and ticket information are in the above link.)

      • 410 S. Maple St., Suite 116, Falls Church

  • American Festival Pops Orchestra

    • The talented American Festival Pops Orchestra brings the sounds of the season alive at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts this Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4:00p.m. More than 60 musicians will play classics like “Night Before Christmas” and other hits. Tickets range from $36-$60 with discounts available for students under grade 12.

      • 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax


Go Out & About Together

Food & Drink

There’s a little something for everyone’s taste(buds) in Food & Drink this week. From coffee to cold ones, cookies to cabernet, let’s see what’s on tap. 🍺

  • Cookie Decorating Contest with Sugarcoated Bakery & Lost Boy Cider

    • Two of Alexandria’s favorites team up for a tasty event at the cidery. Participants will learn about the basics of decorating and baking, such as the best way to hold piping bags, and more. A good option for a date night, especially for the “Swifties” among our readers. The theme of the night is Taylor Swift in honor of the pop star’s 35th birthday. Tickets are $68 per person, but come with a Lost Boy Cider, heart sunglasses, a friendship bracelet (T.S. themed), and, of course, cookies. “Are you ready for it?”

      • 317 Hooffs Run Dr., Alexandria

  • Caboose Brewing Company launches winter coffees

    • Caboose Brewing Company (Vienna) and Caboose Commons (Fairfax) launched their new winter coffees this week, introducing three new seasonal flavors — Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, and Oatmeal Latte. Caboose sources their coffee from Lone Oak Coffee Co. in Winchester.

  • Fair Winds Brewing Company’s Annual “Ghost of the Mariner” Open House Pairing

    • The Lorton brewery is set to tap their season imperial stout, “Ghost of the Mariner,” along with other favorites. The open-house style event will also feature dishes from five local chefs who will pair food with Fair Winds beers. There are a few tickets left for this Thursday, Dec. 12 event, which is scheduled for 5:30p.m. Tickets are $50 apiece.

      • 7000 Newington Rd., Suite K&L, Lorton

  • Holiday Charcuterie Board Workshop

    • Wine, mimosas, meats, and cheeses — a fun way to warm up during a chilly December weekend. The Winery at Bull Run is hosting their Holiday Charcuterie Board Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 15 starting at 11:30a.m. with a 2:30p.m. option as well. The bar will be open and guests can add an upgrade for bottomless mimosas. Tickets are $65 apiece.

      • 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville

Families & Kids

Rockets, trains, and Santa’s sleigh — there are many ways to get explore holiday favorites and perhaps something new as well. Away we go! 🚀

  • Rocket Blasts & Star Bursts: Soar Together Family Day

    • This exciting event at the Smithsonian Institution’s Air & Space Museum’s Chantilly location gives parents and kids a chance to learn about all things space. The Museum will host history makers and provide a hands-on activities for families. A virtual component will be offered on Friday, Dec. 13 with in-person fun scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. The event is free with a $15 parking fee at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

      • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly

  • Holiday Mini-Train Rides at Reston Town Center

    • Go for a mini-train ride with the family and benefit local charities! Reservations are required, and one reservation is good for four people and one train car. A memorable experience for the entire family! The whistles sound Sunday, Dec. 15 from 12:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Ticket price details. are listed in the above link.

      • Departures are in front of the ice rink on Market St., Reston

  • Want to take the kids to meet Santa? Here’s where and when.

Sports & Recreation

Each weekend, we run down the schedule as our local pro and college sports teams take the field (or court, ice, etc.) if you’re interested in hitting the big game.

  • 🏀 NCAA WBB: George Mason Women’s Basketball vs. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    • Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3:00p.m., EagleBank Arena, Fairfax

  • 🏒 NHL: Buffalo Sabres. at Washington Capitals

    • Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

  • 🏀 NBA: Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards

    • Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

  • On The Road: Washington Commanders at New Orleans Saints (Sun., Dec. 15 at 1:00p.m.)

  • Off This Weekend: George Mason Men’s Basketball

Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know: Fairfax County was founded in 1742 — 282 years ago.

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