Nov. 22-Jan. 7
Bull Run Festival of Lights. Monday-Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m., $15 per car; Fridays-Sundays and holidays, 5:30-10 p.m., $20 per car. Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. The Bull Run Festival of Lights is more than just a light show. After enjoying two and a half miles of light displays, stop at the Holiday Village, complete with bonfires, s’mores, holiday merchandise and free activities, the Holiday Village is fun for the whole family. Have a photo taken with Santa. Call 703-631-0550 or visit www.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights.
Friday/Nov. 24
Black Friday Brunch. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Community Canteen in Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. Breakfast menu includes custom omelets, breakfast sandwiches, Belgian waffles, and more, plus fresh-baked treats at the
counter, Metropolis Coffee and Rishi Tea. Call 703-707-9442 or visit communitycanteen.com for more.
Holiday Celebration. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. at Reston Town Center. 27th annual Reston Holiday Parade, tree lighting, and a full day of events. Rain or shine.
Ice skating all day. Festive, 1-hour procession of Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, characters, community groups, VIPs, and the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus; Conservatory Ballet Performance in Fountain Square. Call 703-579-6720 or visit restontowncenter.com/holidays for schedule.
Friday/Nov. 24-Thursday/Jan. 4
Gingerbread Village. On display in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Reston. See the Hyatt’s annual Gingerbread Village. Call 703-709-1234 or visit reston.hyatt.com for more.
Saturday/Nov. 25
The Nutcracker. 2 and 7 p.m. in the Centreville High School Auditorium, 6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton. The entirely student and volunteer production features Little Rocky Run residents, MSB alumnae dancers and current students from Mia Saunders School of Ballet. Email msb.nutcracker.tickets@gmail.com for more.
Nov. 24-26
Thanksgiving Weekend Show. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Spring Hill ReCenter, 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean. Approximately 80 juried artisans offering original, handmade arts and crafts, including decorative painting, fused, etched, painted and stained glass, ceramics and pottery, hand-painted silk, woodworking handweaving, photography, paintings and drawings,clothing and functional textiles, jewelry and much more. All of the artists and artisans will be on hand to answer questions and talk about their work. $5, Free for children 12 and under. Email anneclark01@comcast.net or call 703-391-5611.
Nov. 24-Jan. 4
Gingerbread Village. Various times at at the Hyatt Regency Reston, Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. See the annual display in the hotel lobby. Call 703-709-1234 or visit reston.hyatt.com for more.
Saturday/Nov. 25
Turkey Walk. 10-11 a.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. Discover the wild turkey’s habits and secret ways during a walk through the cedar forest. Look for turkeys and their signs. This program for participants age 3 to adult. Call 703-631-0013 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
Nov. 25-26
Fairfax Ballet Company's Nutcracker. Nov. 25, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Nov. 26,
2 p.m. at W.T. Woodson High School, 9525 Main St., Fairfax. Fairfax Ballet Senior company member Ana Victoria Smith of Clifton, dances the role of Clara. Company members, along with students from the Russell School of Ballet and professional guest artists. Email events@fairfaxballet.com or call 703-665-9427 for more.
Monday/Nov. 27
Tree Lighting in Vienna. 6-9 p.m. Ring in the holiday season at this annual event along Church Street. After his arrival at 6:15 p.m.on a fire truck, Santa will greet children at the historic Freeman Store and Museum and help the mayor light the holiday tree at 6:20 p.m. Various local musical groups perform throughout the evening. Marshmallow-roasting stations and hot chocolate add to the festive atmosphere. Call Historic Vienna Inc. at 703-938-5187.
Friday/Dec. 1
Guitarist Peter Griggs Holiday Concert. 7 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath St., Springfield. Show is called “Music For An Old English Christmas.” Visit www.gracepresby.org or call 703-451-2900 for more.
Tree Lighting in Clifton. 7 p.m. at Chapel Road and Main Street in Clifton. Set the holiday season in motion with the official lighting of the town Christmas Tree. Carol, drink hot chocolate, roast s’mores over the fire, and join in the holiday spirit. Visit clifton-va.com.
Saturday/Dec. 2
Annual Holiday Train Show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Bring broken locomotives to the "Train Doctor" to fix or advise on other options. Stop and admire the antique cars visiting for this event, weather permitting. Visit the gift shop for holiday gift items and Santa may stop by to visit. Museum members and ages 4 and under, free; 5-15, $2; 16 and older, $5. Visit www.fairfax-station.org for more.
Meet the Christmas Author. 11 a.m. at Scrawl Books, Reston Town Center, 11862 Market St. Sue Fliess will be doing a storytime reading and book signing with her new Christmas book “We Wish for a Monster Christmas.” Visit www.scrawlbooks.com for more.
Holiday Sing-A-Long Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Springfield Golf and Country Club, 8301 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. $20. Call 703-922-6438 or email Springwmconn@yahoo.com for more.
Festival of Lights and Carols. 2-7 p.m. at 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. Children ages 12 and under can enjoy lunch with Santa at Sherwood Community Center. Lunch seatings will be offered at 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., must pre-register. Listen to live holiday music and enjoy s’mores and hot cider at Old Town Square from 2-7 p.m. Enjoy caroling and lighting of the Christmas Tree at Old Town Square at 6 p.m. Visit fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/festival-of-lights-and-carols.
Christmas in Brass. 3 p.m. at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, Springfield. Featuring the Barclay Brass Quintet. This stellar ensemble will present a program of secular and sacred seasonal music that will appeal to a broad audience of all ages. Email concerts@kirkwoodpres.com, visit www.kirkwoodpres.com, or call the church office at 703-451-5320.
Town of Clifton Holiday Homes Tour. 4-7 p.m. at 7140 Main St., Clifton. Five homes in Town and a bonus home outside of Town, in addition to the caboose and two historic churches that will be open to the public. $25 adult pre-sale, $30 on Dec. 2; $5 child; credit cards are more. Visit clifton-va.com or email melissa.milne9@gmail.com for more.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. 4-9 p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. $5 per person; children 5 and under ride free with adult. Proceeds go to local charities. Call 703-709-6720 or visit restontowncenter.com for more.
Home for the Holidays Musical. 7:30 p.m. at The Falls Church Episcopal, 115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church. Tysons Mclean Orchestra performs with Melissa Mino. Call 703-893-8646 for more.
Sunday/Dec. 3
Breakfast with Santa. 8-10 a.m. at Tysons Corner Center, Upper Level Food Court by AMC. Guests are encouraged to participate in Help Through Holiday Giving by bringing an unwrapped toy to Santa Breakfast to be donated to Second Story. Santa will be leaving promptly at 10am and the line will be closed accordingly. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m. and is first come first serve while supplies last. Guests are permitted to take 1 photo per person/group. Visit www.tysonscornercenter.com/Events.
Run with Santa 5K. 8:30 a.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. Jump
into the season’s spirit and wear the favorite holiday gear or costume. Free kids fun-run with finisher medals.Call 703-689-0999 or visit prraces.com/runwithsanta for more.
Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. Over 80 artisans and craftspeople will exhibit and sell their work at this annual arts and crafts show sponsored by the Town of Herndon Department of Parks and Recreation. Free admission and parking. Additional parking at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course. Visit herndon-va.gov/recreation/special-events/holiday-arts-and-crafts-show.
Mini-Train Rides. noon-4 p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. Proceeds go to local charities. Call 703-709-6720 or visit restontowncenter.com for more.
McLean WinterFest Parade. Pre-parade entertainment begins at 2:30 p.m. and the parade will step off at 3:30 p.m. sharp. The parade route will be the same as previous years: Old Chain Bridge Road from Fleetwood Road to Elm Street. WinterFest 2017 will have food trucks again this year in the Langley Shopping Center. Visit www.mcleanwinterfest.org.
Home for the Holidays Concert. 4-6 p.m. at Lanier Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road, Fairfax. Main Street Community Band plays a mix of seasonal favorites. Visit www.fairfaxband.org.
Tree Lighting in Great Falls. 4-6:30 p.m. on the Great Falls Village Centre Hill. Celebrate the beginning of the season with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Drink hot cider or cocoa next to the fire and listen to local children’s choral groups sing seasonal music. The petting zoo and pony rides will keep children busy until Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive by antique fire truck. Free. Visit www.celebrategreatfalls.org/celebration-of-lights.
Holiday Crafts Day. Various times at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Enjoy Christmas at the Farm, write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, take a wagon ride with Santa, and enjoy seasonal craft projects. Call 703 -437-9101 for more.
Wednesday/Dec. 6
Supervisor Hudgins Holiday Open House. 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center Community Room, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive. Email huntermillRSVP@fairfaxcounty.gov for more.
Friday/Dec. 8
Santa, Stars, and S'mores. 6-7:30 p.m. at Runnymede Park in Herndon. Follow the luminaries to the campfire and Santa. He’ll be here to chat with each child, as well as read a story. Dress for the outdoors. S’more kits available for sale. In case of inclement weather, event will be held Sunday, Dec. 10 at same time. Visit herndon-va.gov/recreation/special-events/a-storybook-holiday-celebration to register.
Flutist in Concert. 8 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. Celebrate the Sounds of the Season with the Columbia Flute Choir in the Christmas Concert. Free. Call 703-385-7858 or visit www.fairfaxva.gov/culturalarts.
Dec. 8-9
Christmas Store Help Needed. Friday night for set up and Saturday to escort shoppers at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St. NE. Call 703-938-7213 for more.
Saturday/Dec. 9
Lunch with Santa. 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. Children ages 10 and under can enjoy lunch with Santa. $6. Call 703-385-7858 or visit www.fairfaxva.gov/culturalarts.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. 4-9 p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. $5 per person; children 5 and under ride free with adult. Proceeds go to local charities. Call 703-709-6720 or visit restontowncenter.com for more.
Sunday/Dec. 10
Holiday Ornament Craft Day. 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Museum members and ages 4 and under, free; 5-15, $2; 16 and older, $4. Visit www.fairfax-station.org for more.
Saturday/Dec. 16
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. 4-9 p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. $5 per person; children 5 and under ride free with adult. Proceeds go to local charities. Call 703-709-6720 or visit restontowncenter.com for more.
Sunday/Dec. 17
Handel’s “Messiah.” 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Enjoy a free performance of Handel’s “Messiah” by the choirs of Unity of Fairfax and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Visit www.unityoffairfax.org/events. Mini-Train Rides. noon-4 p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. Proceeds go to local charities. Call 703-709-6720 or visit restontowncenter.com for more.
Saturday/Dec. 23
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. 4-9 p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. $5 per person; children 5 and under ride free with adult. Proceeds go to local charities. Call 703-709-6720 or visit restontowncenter.com for more.
Sunday/Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Celebrations. Celebrate Christmas in a positive, welcoming and inclusive spiritual community. Meditation service at 9 a.m., family-oriented service at 11 a.m.; candlelight service at 7:30 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax, Oakton. Free. Visit www.unityoffairfax.org/events.
Through Dec. 24
Santa’s Flight Academy. Various times at at Fair Oaks Mall, 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax. Santa surrounded by a space motif. Visit www.santaexpresslane.com for more.
Sunday/Dec. 31
Burning Bowl Ceremony. 9 and 11 a.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Experience this ritual of releasing what no longer serves you and envisioning the year ahead. Free. Visit www.unityoffairfax.org/events.
New Year’s Eve Scramble. 10 a.m. at Herndon Centennial Golf Course, 909 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. Shotgun start. Entry fee includes green fee, cart fee, range balls and prizes. $60 per player. Call 703-471-5769 or visit www.herndongolf.com.
Monday/Jan. 1
New Year’s Labyrinth. noon-4 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Set your intentions for 2018 while walking Unity’s indoor labyrinth. Free. Visit www.unityoffairfax.org/events.
New Year’s Day 5K. 10 a.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Music, food, awards, and fun celebration following the race. Presented by Potomac River Running. Call 703-709-6720 or visit restontowncenter.com for more.
Through Early January
Winter Walk of Lights. At Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. During the Winter Walk of Lights, the garden is transformed into a half-mile, walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the animated Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Round out a visit roasting marshmallows and sipping on hot beverages, available for purchase. Visit www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights.