Hosting family and friends this holiday season? Here are some creative and celebratory things to do in addition to visiting the usual D.C. landmarks.
Signature Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof
A poor Jewish milkman strives to honor tradition while confronting a changing world and the rise of anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia. Iconic songs such as Sunrise Sunset and If I Were a Rich Man resonate in this classic story of family, community and resilience. The show runs through Jan. 25, 2026. See website for show times and ticket prices. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Arlington Turkey Trot
Run or walk for a cause on Thanksgiving morning and earn your turkey and stuffing. The annual 5K fundraiser, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, benefits a number of Arlington nonprofits. Registration is $50; $25 for kids ages 6-17; free for children under 6. Lace up and bundle up for this brisk morning jaunt on Nov. 27, 8 a.m. Looking for more reasons to run in silly costumes? Check out our list of upcoming holiday fun runs. 3020 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington
Santa at Tysons Galleria
Santa Claus is coming to town and setting up shop Nov. 21-Dec. 24 on Level 1 near Lucky Strike. Get a photo with the jolly old elf during regular mall hours. Got a pet? Bring your furry or feathered baby to Pet Nights with Santa on Mondays and Tuesdays, Nov. 24-Dec. 16, 4-7 p.m. Visitors with sensory issues can swing by Dec. 7, 9:30-10:30 a.m., for a quieter atmosphere and visit the Fairfax County K-9 Units. 2001 International Drive, McLean
Mosaic Holiday Village Weekends
Get some fresh air and knock out a little holiday shopping while you’re at it. URBNmarket presents two festive pop-up market weekends at Mosaic District, on Nov. 22-23 and Dec. 13-14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The long list of participating vendors includes pet-themed housewares from the ever-popular Naked Decor, heavenly soaps from Arlington-based Lemon & Whim and bracelets by B.Birdwatcher. On Sundays, the Mosaic Farmers Market will also be in full swing from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. See our roundup of holiday markets for more seasonal shopping bazaars featuring goods by local makers. 2905 District Ave., Fairfax
Holiday Events at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Need a posh break from gift shopping? This luxe hotel adjoining The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is going all out for the holidays. From Nov. 28-Jan. 4 on Thursdays-Sundays, noon-3:30 p.m., enjoy Holiday Tea ($84 per adult, $55 per child 12 and younger) complete with fresh-baked scones, finger sandwiches and, of course, tea. Little ones might prefer the Teddy Bear Tea, with kid-friendly hot chocolate and a bear to take home. On Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., kids can design and decorate their own gingerbread houses. Santa will swing by for breakfast Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., plus storytelling and holiday film-watching. Tickets to both events starts at $75. 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington
Holiday Events at Tysons Corner Center
Let’s face it: You’re probably going to hit the mall at some point during the holiday season. You might as well enjoy some merriment while you’re there. Through Dec. 24, visit Santa’s Chalet on the lower level near Wasabi to say hi to the big man himself. (A visit is free but professional photo packages carry a fee.) On Dec. 7, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Santa will host a sensory-friendly experience in partnership with Autism Speaks for littles who prefer a lower-key encounter. Bring your pet Monday nights through Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m., to pose with Santa. Stop by the Enchant Light Experience on PenFed Plaza through February 2026. It’s got 14 interactive light sculptures. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
Winter Walk of Lights
Meander along the half-mile paved path at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and immerse yourself in whimsical light displays through Jan. 4. Warm your hands with a hot beverage—with or without alcohol—or go for the new chilled Amaretto Snow Globe drink. There’s a spot to roast marshmallows for s’mores at the end of the walk. Check this website for discount nights, including Kids Nights (Nov. 24; Dec. 1, 8 and 15; and Jan. 2), when children ages 2-12 enter free with a paying guest. Tickets start at $19. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Mosaic Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Firetruck Parade
Santa will make a color-coordinated entrance when he arrives at Mosaic District’s tree-lighting ceremony in a firetruck Nov. 28. Local personality Tommy McFly will emcee the event, which kicks off at 6 p.m. The parade leaves Penny Park at 6:30 p.m., and the tree lights up at 7 p.m. Before and after, listen to performances by the George Mason University Band, Vienna Singing Princesses and Metropolitan Follies. Santa will pose for selfies at Angelika Film Center from 7:10-8:30 p.m. 2910 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park
D.C.’s ballpark will transform into a winter wonderland Nov. 28-Dec. 30, complete with a six-lane snow tubing hill, a snowball speed throw, LED curling lanes and fire pits for staying warm. Be sure to look for the hidden speakeasy (hint: it’s in the batting cage). Food and drinks, including cocktails, will be available, too, at this all-ages event. Timed-entry tickets cost $29.50 each. 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C.
A Victorian Christmas
Get in the Christmas spirit with a Victorian-inspired celebration hosted by the Victorian Society of Falls Church. Costumed re-enactors will welcome guests Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., to join in holiday traditions of the 1860s and 1870s. Cherry Hill Farmhouse, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Bull Run Regional Park gets a holiday transformation this time of year. Through Jan. 4, 2026, drive 2.5 miles of dazzlingly illuminated holiday and fairytale vignettes. (Pro tip: Play some holiday tunes in the car as you go.) Tickets are $30 per vehicle. Pay a little extra for 3D diffraction glasses that turn the lights into holographic holiday images. 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Christmas Gathering with Santa at Tea with Mrs. B
For the 15th year running, Santa will make a stop in Falls Church for this pinkies-up event, held Dec. 1-5, 4:30 and 6 p.m., and Dec. 6, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Visit with the man in red, make a keepsake craft, sample treats and sweets, and snap a professional portrait. A private photo shoot with St. Nick is also available and includes cookies and hot chocolate. Tickets to the gathering are $88; the mini photo shoot is $350. 136 W. Jefferson St., Falls Church
Lego Discovery Center’s Holiday Bricktacular
Make memories that click at this kid-oriented building event, Dec. 4-24 at the Lego Discovery Center inside the Springfield Town Center. The fun includes a Mini World Winter Wonderland with iconic holiday scenes on wintry city streets, and the chance to build a heart as part of the company’s Build to Give program. For every heart, the company will donate a Lego set to a child in need through Lego’s charity partners. Visitors can also build an ornament to hang on the center’s tree and take photos with the Lego Gingerbread character. Tickets start at $24.99. 6563 Springfield Mall, SpringfieldÂ
Creative Cauldron Presents Madeline’s Christmas
In this delightful musical adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans’ picture books, little Madeline must save Christmas after illness prevents her classmates from traveling home for the holidays. Performances are Dec. 5-21, 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets begin at $20 and $18 for students. Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad St., Falls Church
54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Bust out the plaid and head to Old Town Alexandria on Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., to see a parade of Scottish clans march through the streets of this colonial town, founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and named after Scotsman John Alexander. This year’s grand marshal is Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins. Admission is free. The route starts at South St. Asaph and Wolfe streets, goes north on St. Asaph, turns east on Queen Street, then south on Fairfax Street, and west on King Street to end at Market Square. Multiple locations in Old Town Alexandria
McLean Winterfest Parade
Get prepped for the Dec. 7 parade with preview performances by local dance groups, then watch as marching bands, festive floats and dancers make their way through town. Stick around for a Winterfest Block Party with Santa, music, food and fun. Everything kicks off at 2:30 p.m.; the parade starts at 3:30 p.m. and the party is 4:45-7 p.m. See website for locations.
Wreaths Across AmericaÂ
Each year, volunteers converge on Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreaths at the graves of veterans and their families. This year’s event is Dec. 13, 8 a.m. Registration is not required but recommended. 1 Memorial Ave., Fort Myer, Arlington
Light Up Arlington
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington will host a Hanukkah celebration, Dec. 16, 6 p.m., that includes lighting a 9-foot menorah. The event also will feature latkes (potato pancakes), hot cocoa, donughts, gelt (chocolate coins) and dreidels. It’s free to attend, but spaces are limited so registration is required. 1307 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
The Nutcracker
Virginia National Ballet presents its whimsical version of the timeless holiday tale at Capital One Hall on Dec. 19, 6 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Check the website for seats and availability. 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
A Holiday Tribute to Elvis Presley
They say imitation is the best form of flattery, and Jesse Garron has been perfecting his impersonation of The King since 1997. Catch his Vegas-style show at the State Theatre on Dec. 19, 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the show. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Welcome the holidays with a bang at the first president’s property on Dec. 20 and 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fireworks will light the night sky over his estate, and guests can chat with soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment, meet Aladdin the Camel, and tour the newly renovated first and second floors of George Washington’s mansion. Nosh on fresh-baked gingerbread from resident bread baker Justin Cherry and make s’mores while you take a gander at goods at the artisan winter market. Tickets are $58; $36 for children ages 6-11. Members get a discount. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Waterskiing Santa Show
Who needs a sleigh when you can make your grand entrance on waterskis? See Santa arrive with a splash Dec. 24, 1 p.m. Free to attend. Between BARCA Pier and Founders Park, Alexandria
The Second City’s Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire
Have some laughs with the comedy troupe that launched the careers of Bill Murray and Tina Fey, among others. Watch as comedians lampoon classic holiday family gatherings, office parties, movies and Mariah Carey. Performances run Dec. 26-30. Check the website for time and age restrictions; some shows are for adults only. Tickets are $51 or $61. Arlington Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)