Winter has kicked into full gear, but the chilly temperatures haven’t stopped Northern Virginia and DC from being packed with fun activities. Get out of the house with the best events from December 11 to 14 in the region.
SantaCon
December 11, 6 p.m.
Stop by The Lost Fox Hideaway in your best Santa outfit for this toy drive benefitting Northern Virginia Family Services. Donate a toy to have a chance to win a Lost Fox holiday basket, sip on holiday cocktails, and enjoy live music starting at 7 p.m. The Lost Fox Hideaway: 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn, free
Lego Holiday Bricktacular Adult Night
December 12, 6–8:30 p.m.
Are you a Lego fanatic? Grab your ugliest Christmas sweater and get ready to explore the Discover Center at this adults-only event. Entry includes full access to the center’s attractions like themed building stations, a 4D cinema, and the Mini World. Participate in building competitions and an ugly sweater contest to win special LEGO prizes. LEGO Discovery Center: 6563 Springfield Mall, Suite 12004, Springfield, $24.99
Kill Lincoln
December 12, 8 p.m.
Grab tickets to this ska punk band known for high energy shows with singalongs and stage dives. The DC natives released their album No Normal in 2024, featuring songs like “Stinkbug” and “All Worries.” Opening ska and punk acts American Television and Thirteen Towers are also from the DMV region. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $30.55
Earth, Wind & Fire
December 12–13, 8 p.m.
Dress in your best ’70s attire and get ready to groove to iconic hits like “September,” “Fantasy,” and “Boogie Wonderland.” This legendary band is known for blending jazz, funk, disco, and soul, and they are sure to get you up from your seat and dancing. MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave., National Harbor, Maryland, starting at $111.55
Ruth Orkin: Women on the Move
December 12–March 29
Enjoy 21 vintage photographs of women’s lives during the post-war 20th century by Ruth Orkin. Orkin used photography to capture people as they were; the exhibition features shots of members of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, Broadway stars, and tourists in Europe. National Museum of Women in the Arts: 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $16
Del Ray Vintage Flea Market
December 13, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
This flea market is held once a month from April through December, with over 60 vendors selling vintage clothes, home goods, decorations, art, and more. This month’s market is holiday themed, with live music from the Stardust Four Jazz Ensemble. 1900 and 2000 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
December 13, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
This holiday market is packed with handmade gifts, holiday decor, and ornaments from local artisans. Browse through vendors while sipping on a warm beverage and enjoying live performances from carolers. The event also includes pictures with Santa and a kids crafting station, where little ones can create their own ornaments to hang on the tree. John Carlyle Square: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, free
Herndon WinterMarkt
December 13, 12–7 p.m.
Shop your way through this traditional German-inspired market full of handcrafted decorations, wood-working, art, textiles, and more. Over 50 vendors will be lined up selling their handmade goods, along with holiday bites and drinks. Corner of Lynn and Station streets, Herndon, free
Kiss Under the National Mistletoe
December 13, 3–5 p.m.
Help beat a Guinness World Record by sharing a kiss under the 10-foot National Mistletoe lifted up more than 30 feet in the air. To participate in beating the record, couples must register online. Grab a bite to eat and sip on a drink from City Tap House and Root & Vine, enjoy live entertainment, and get ready to pucker up. Anthem Row: 800 K St., Washington, DC, free
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event
December 13, 7:30 p.m.
For World Wrestling Entertainment superfans, 17-time World Champion John Cena is saying goodbye to his in-ring career with his final match against Gunther. The event has three other fights on the match card,and can be streamed on Peacock for those who can’t grab tickets for the in-person experience. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $401
National Menorah Lighting
December 14, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Celebrate the first day of Hanukkah at the lighting of this giant menorah and holiday celebration. The event will feature a performance from the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington, special guests, food, and the recognition of the Mendy Deren National Menorah Essay Contest winner. Ellipse at President’s Park: 15th Street NW and E Street NW, Washington, DC, free
Andrea Bocelli
December 14, 8 p.m.
This Italian tenor is known for blending pop and opera in his world-famous performances and collaboration with artists like Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, and Luciano Pavarotti. The singer will be accompanied by live music conducted by Maestro Steven Mercurio. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $152.32
A Candlelight Christmas
December 14-22
Celebrate the holiday season with this annual performance by The Washington Chorus and special guests like the National Capital Brass and Percussion, the Detroit School of Arts, Annandale High School, and more. Enjoy holiday classics conducted by Eugene Rogers, and sing along to interactive carols. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $17.25
Feature photo of Candlelight Christmas by Ryan Maxwell
