From holiday parades and displays to comedy and musical performances, this December is full of exciting events. Whether you’re just looking to get out of the house or you want to show visiting family a fun time over the holiday season, here are the best December events in Northern Virginia and DC.
Through January 4
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Experience 2.5 miles of holiday lights and displays at Northern Virginia’s largest drive-thru light experience. This annual show has been around for nearly 20 years, and the festival includes a carnival at the end of the route with holiday shopping, food vendors, and a petting zoo. Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, starting at $32.45
December 5
National Christmas Tree Lighting
Witness the lighting of a giant Christmas tree on the lawn of President’s Park and hear several live holiday performances and guest speakers. Visitors who can’t make the lighting in person can watch the event on a CBS broadcast. The Ellipse at President’s Park: 15th Street NW and E Street NW, Washington, DC, free
December 5
Portugal. The Man
This Alaskan alternative rock band is touring across the world performing hits from its new album, Denali. Get ready to dance and sing along to the band’s viral songs “Feel It Still” and “Glide.” The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $66
December 5–6
Christmas in Middleburg
Kick off your Christmas celebrations at Middleburg’s annual festival with a tree lighting and carols on December 5. On December 6, breakfast with Santa is followed by the Middleburg Hunt parade with nearly 150 horses, dozens of hounds, and riders in hunting attire, and then a community parade with bands and floats. Washington Street, Middleburg, free but paid parking passes are required
December 12–March 29
Ruth Orkin: Women on the Move
Explore an exhibit of 21 vintage photographs of women in post-war America during the mid-20th century. 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
December 12–13
Earth, Wind & Fire
This iconic band blends jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and disco in hit songs like “September,” “Let’s Groove,” and “Boogie Wonderland.” Grab a drink, dress your best, and get ready to dance. The Theater at MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland, starting at $243
December 13
Virginia Sweet and Sparkle Wine Festival
Indulge in dessert and sparkling wines from six local wineries and vineyards at this indoor tasting festival. Take home a complimentary souvenir glass and stock up on gifts and bubbles for holiday gatherings. Morais Vineyards: 11409 Marsh Rd., Bealeton, $60.54
December 14
National Menorah Lighting
Celebrate the start of Hanukkah with the lighting of a giant menorah right outside the White House. The event includes musical performances from the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington, and special guest speakers. Ellipse at President’s Park: 15th Street NW and E Street NW, Washington, DC, free
December 14
Andrea Bocelli
Grab tickets to see this world-famous Italian tenor known for blending pop and opera. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $107
December 16–January 4
Monty Python’s Spamalot
This two-act parody of medieval British legends is coming to DC. The Tony Award–winning Broadway musical features dancing knights, flying cows, and well-known songs like “Find Your Grail” and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $49–$199
December 18–21
John Mulaney
Get ready to giggle at one of John Mulaney’s five DC shows. The award-winning comedian is known for his time on Saturday Night Live and his stand-up specials. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $169
December 20
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
At this special screening of the cult classic film, actor Cary Elwes (who played Westley) will share personal behind-the-scenes accounts of his time filming. Some VIP packages include a meet-and-greet and a signed copy of Elwes’s book As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $54
December 20–21
The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet is a timeless tradition. See it performed by the Fairfax Ballet Company, with music from the Fairfax Symphony. Center for the Arts at George Mason University: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, starting at $44
December 26–28
Miracle on 34th Street
Don’t miss this show from playwright Meredith Willson, who wrote The Music Man! Set in New York City at Christmastime, it’s a heartwarming musical adaptation of the beloved Christmas film. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $119.55
December 31
Ultimate ’80s NYE Dance Party with DJ D
Grab your neon leg warmers, a crimper, and some hairspray in preparation for this ’80s-themed New Years Eve dance party. With music from artists like Prince, The Cure, Billy Idol, Run DMC, and Duran Duran, people of all ages can ring in the year 2026 in style. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, $40
Feature photo of the National Christmas Tree Lighting by Paul Morigi for the National Park
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
