Your DMV Holiday Kickoff Guide
With Halloween behind us, it’s officially time to look ahead to the holiday season. Events are starting to pop up across the DMV — from markets and lights to tree lightings and skating rinks.
To make planning easy, I’ve pulled together a curated list of the best seasonal kick-off experiences by location. Save a few dates, gather your people, and enjoy the start of the season.
Northern Virginia
Tysons Corner Center – Holiday Kick-Off Celebration
📍 Tysons | 🗓 Nov 14 | ⏰ 6–8 PM
A lively evening celebration with a holiday tree lighting, live performances, immersive light displays, and even fireworks. Great energy, great photos, and a full welcome to the season.
The Village at Leesburg – Tree Lighting Festival
📍 Leesburg | 🗓 Nov 15 | ⏰ 2–7 PM
Ice skating, train rides, carolers, Santa and Mrs. Claus — a charming family-friendly day that feels straight out of a holiday movie.
Bull Run Festival of Lights
📍 Centreville (Bull Run Regional Park) | 🗓 Begins Nov 14 | ⏰ Evenings Throughout the Season
A drive-through holiday lights experience spanning miles of illuminated displays, ending with a carnival-style holiday village. Bring hot cocoa and enjoy from the warmth of the car.
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
📍 Vienna (Meadowlark Botanical Gardens) | 🗓 Running Now Through Winter
A magical walking trail through glowing gardens, twinkling woodland scenes, and nature-inspired light sculptures. Peaceful, cozy, and beautiful.
Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion
📍 Reston Town Center | 🗓 Open for the Season
Skate under string lights surrounded by cafés, shops, and the charming town center atmosphere. A festive evening outing with easy places for hot drinks afterward.
Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting
📍 Market Square / City Hall | 🗓 Nov 22 | ⏰ 6–8 PM
Old Town at its most picturesque. Expect music, local vendors, community warmth, and that classic candle-lit small-town glow.
Arlington
Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating
📍 Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row) | 🗓 Open for the Season
A beloved local rink with lively energy and plenty of surrounding restaurants for warm-up drinks afterward. Perfect for date nights or family skating fun.
Washington, DC
Downtown Holiday Market
📍 Penn Quarter / Chinatown | 🗓 Opens Nov 15
A festive outdoor market featuring local makers, cozy treats, live music, and a joyful city atmosphere. Great for holiday gifting and an afternoon stroll.
The Wharf Ice Rink
📍 The Wharf (SW Waterfront) | 🗓 Opens Mid-November
Skate along the waterfront with views of the river, twinkle lights overhead, and plenty of spots nearby for warm drinks and dinner. Very romantic, very DC.
Canal Park Ice Rink
📍 Navy Yard / Capitol Riverfront | 🗓 Opens Mid-November
A neighborhood-friendly rink with a modern, open layout. Close to restaurants and kid-friendly spaces — great for an easy weekend outing.
Welcoming the Season, Close to Home
From light displays and markets to community tree lightings and outdoor skating, the holiday season offers plenty of ways to get out, connect, and enjoy the area.
Save this guide, share it with a friend, and start adding a few dates to the calendar — a little planning goes a long way toward making the season feel intentional and enjoyable right here in the DMV. ✨
