Add some holiday cheer to your schedule this weekend by packing your weekend full of fun. Try a waltz through a Regency-era ball, craft your own snowflake ornament, enjoy the joys of a petting zoo, and more with these events throughout Northern Virginia and DC.
A Christmas Carol – A Pied Piper Theatre Intensive
December 13–15
Experience a heartwarming rendition of A Christmas Carol. This one-hour adaptation features young actors bringing the magic of Christmas and the power of redemption to life. ARTfactory: 9419 Battle St., Manassas, $15 plus fees
Jungle Book
December 13–15
Washington National Opera’s holiday opera returns. In a new adaptation, Mowgli’s journey through the jungle is brought to life with a blend of South Asian and Western music, plus captivating Bollywood dance. Join familiar characters like Baloo and Bagheera in a heartwarming story of friendship and forgiveness. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $25–$49
Alexandria Jazz Fest
December 13, 5–9 p.m.
Begin your evening at the A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest sipping on Port City Brewing Company’s beer and wine, enjoying light bites, and exploring art exhibitions by David Amoroso and Ngoc ‘Naomi’ Le. Later, the Memorial Theater comes alive with performances by Night and Day Music and Wes Biles & Friends, alongside poetry from Alexandria’s Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam and host Sean Murphy. Santa Claus himself will make an appearance to close out the night. George Washington Masonic National Memorial: 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, free but RSVP required
Firelight Night
December 13, 6–9 p.m.
Gather around the fire pits for Occoquan’s Firelight Night in front of the Mill House Museum. Enjoy s’mores, beer, wine, and cocktails under the stars. Don’t forget to bring blankets and chairs so you can curl up and soak it all in. 413 Mill St., Occoquan Historic District, free
Met Park Winter Movie Night: Frozen 2
December 13, 7 p.m.
Bundle up for a festive movie night under the stars at the Met Park Winter Movie Nights showing of Frozen 2. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, leash up your pup, and grab some to-go bites from nearby eateries. Metropolitan Park: South 13th Street and South Eads Street, Arlington, free
The Holiday Time Travelers
December 13–14
The Alexandria Children’s Theatre show follows three siblings on a magical journey where they witness Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a bullied boy to a miserly adult and discover the true meaning of family and kindness. Burgundy Farm Country Day School: 3700 Burgundy Rd., Alexandria, $15
Swissmas & Christkindl Market
December 14, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Enjoy Swiss and German holiday treats, including sausages, raclette, pretzels, and specialties like stollen and panettone. Live music, hot drinks, and imported goods will set the festive atmosphere. The Swiss Bakery: 5224 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, free
Santa Visits Lake Accotink
December 14, noon
Jolly old Saint Nick will make a visit to Lake Accotink Park, as the Friends of Lake Accotink work to spread holiday cheer. There will be holiday goodies, prizes, and photo opportunities. Pets are welcome. 7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield, free
Herndon WinterMarkt
December 14, noon–7 p.m.
The Herndon WinterMarkt embodies the festive spirit of European Christmas markets. This family-friendly event features holiday food, drinks, handcrafted gifts, and decorations, while celebrating the diverse community. Lynn Street and Station Street, Herndon, free
Paper Quilling Snowflake Ornament Workshop
December 14, 3–5 p.m.
Expert instructors will show you quilling techniques to transform paper strips into intricate ornaments. Materials are provided and all skill levels are welcome. Banditos Tacos & Tequila Fairfax: 10621 Braddock Rd., Ste. C, Fairfax, $20–$40
Stargazing at the Udvar-Hazy Center
December 14, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club and Smithsonian staff for a free stargazing event. Explore the night sky with telescopes provided, observing planets, stars, and the moon. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free
Georgetown Dumbarton House Christmas Ball
December 14, 6:30–10 p.m.
Step back in time. This elegant Regency-era evening features waltz lessons, classical music, desserts, and optional mansion tours. Formal or period attire is encouraged. Dumbarton House: 2715 Q St. NW, Washington, DC, $69–$79
Jane Franklin Dance
December 14–15
Theatre on the Run hosts Jane Franklin Dance as they close out 2024 with a showcase featuring works by six choreographers. The program includes Dressed Up by Kelsey Rohr, a piece inspired by Donna McCullough’s Women’s Work, and Knew by Robert J. Priore, which explores the duality of queer joy and sadness. Theatre on the Run: 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, $23–$25
54th Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour
December 14–15
Marvel at nine historic homes across several Fredericksburg streets on this annual guided tour that benefits the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation. The tour includes eight full interior tours and one exterior tour. 400 Fauquier St., Fredericksburg, $35
Petting Zoo & Moana Kids and Family Festival
December 15, noon–6 p.m.
Enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, moonbounces, live performances (including Moana herself), and Jake the Great’s magic show. Don’t miss the adorable petting zoo. Celebrate the season with photos with Santa, s’mores by the fire, and a festive winter wonderland featuring holiday inflatables, Christmas trees, and a cozy hot drinks menu. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free
L’Chaim II: A Tribute to the Jewish Legacy of Broadway (and Christmas)
December 15, 2 p.m.
This sequel to last year’s show brings four Broadway singers back to the stage for a spirited exploration of musical theater’s roots in Jewish American history. Expect an afternoon of music, humor, and stories connecting Broadway legends to holiday classics. The Alden Theatre: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, $25–$40
Feature image of The Holiday Time Travelers by Lisa W. Vohra
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