December in Arlington

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us and there's no shortage of ways to celebrate and get festive in Arlington.

Explore unique holiday displays, vote for the best Peppermint Latte, or grab a photo with Santa. There's something for everyone to enjoy this December in Arlington.

Festive Activities

Ballston Singing Tree | Beginning Dec. 4

Starting Dec. 4 in Ballston's Welburn Square, this interactive tree lights up with sounds. Bring your besties, family and friends to sing your favorite holiday tunes and make the tree come alive with lights and colors. It’s the perfect way to spread cheer and create magical memories this season!

Rosslyn Cheer 2024: Tree Lighting | Dec. 6

Join the Rosslyn BID live at Central Place Plaza on Dec. 6 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for music, raffles, an outdoor bar, and more, as they light the plaza this holiday season.

Rosslyn Cheer 2024: Santa Paws Yappy Hour | Dec. 6

Rosslyn’s holiday festivities continue on Dec. 6 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a dog-friendly evening of fun! Bring your furry friends out to Central Place Plaza to enjoy pictures with Santa and pet goodie giveaways. Yappy Hour will include beer, wine, and spiked cider for pet parents, while your pup can enjoy a puppuccino or bone broth. Dog-friendly vendors will also be on-site for you and your pup to explore!

The Lodge at National Landing | Dec. 7

'Tis the season to celebrate at National Landing! Join the National Landing BID at The Lodge, a ski-themed holiday festival, on Dec. 7 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. to ring in the most wonderful time of year. Celebrate the season with train rides, photos with Santa, cozy drinks, holiday market vendors, live performances and more in Metropolitan Park.

Melwood's Miracle on 23rd Street | Dec. 13

Join Melwood for its annual event, Miracle on 23rd Street, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 13. Enjoy this free community event and kick off the holiday season with a grand tree lighting, ice skating, photos with Santa, refreshments and more! Please remember to bring a non-perishable item for Melwood’s food drive.

Wreaths Across America | Dec. 14

The public is invited to join in wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 14 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Registration is not required; however, it is recommended that visitors participating register with WAA to ensure they receive the most up-to-date information about volunteering.

Pictures with Santa | Through Dec. 24

Come grab photos with Santa this holiday season at Ballston Quarter! Walk-ups are welcome or you can reserve your timeslot ahead of time here.

Closer to Fashion Centre at Pentagon City? You can also grab a photo with Santa at this location here.

Menorah Lighting | Dec. 30

Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington is hosting a Menorah Lighting at Metropolitan Park in National Landing on Dec. 30 at 5:30 p.m. Join in the free celebration featuring latkes, donuts, hot chocolate, music and lights!

Holiday Markets

Rosslyn Cheer 2024: Holiday Market | Dec. 7 and 8

Enjoy two days of local vendors, festive drinks, photo ops with Santa, and more in Rosslyn! A variety of local vendors will be selling unique goods from art and jewelry to bath products, snacks, and more from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on each of the days.

LAC Studios Winter Show & Sale | Dec. 7

Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? Shop local on Dec. 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at LAC Studios. This annual show features ceramics, pottery and hand pulled prints for sale by member-artists.

Washington-Liberty High School Holiday Bazaar | Dec. 7

Support Washington-Liberty High School's senior class and many clubs and teams by buying gifts from more than 85 local craft vendors and 50 school clubs and boosters from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Dec. 7. This annual fundraiser also features high school choir performances and tasty snacks to enjoy while you browse.

Holiday Market at The Crossing Clarendon | Dec. 7 and 8

Kick off the holiday season with a full weekend of festive vibes at The Crossing Clarendon on Dec. 7 and 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shop curated gifts from URBNmarket vendors, enjoy live music, and get into the holiday spirit.

Arlington Artists Alliance Winter Artful Weekend | Dec. 13-15

Don’t miss Winter Artful Weekend in its 22nd year at Fort C.F. Smith Park. This annual holiday art fair will showcase nearly 40 artists from the Arlington Artists Alliance and is free and open to the public. Find original works for every budget and occasion!

Opening Reception: Dec. 13, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Show Dates and Hours:
Dec. 13: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Dec. 14: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dec. 15: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Holiday Performances

Enchant - Arlington Chorale Holiday Performance | Dec. 7

Join the Arlington Chorale for an enchanting concert that will warm your heart and spark your holiday spirit on Dec. 7 at 5:00 p.m. at Westover Baptist Church. Immerse yourself in the joy and wonder of the season as the Arlington Chorale brings beloved holiday classics to life! Stay afterwards to meet the performers and enjoy some holiday cookies. Get your tickets here.

Brassy Brilliance: Holiday Brass Ensemble Concert - Arlington Philharmonic | Dec. 7 and 14

Ring in the holidays with the Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra as they bring two concerts to the National Landing Water Park from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 14.

Holiday Cheer! - National Chamber Ensemble | Dec. 14

NCE's Holiday Concert on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington will bring the finest classical masterpieces and holiday favorites together for the whole family. Star soprano Sharon Christman and Outstanding Young Artist Award string competition winners will perform.

Holiday Displays

The boulevards and public spaces in Arlington get all dressed up for the holidays, making winter in Arlington a jolly one. Marvel in front of gigantic trees, stroll through festive neighborhoods, experience magical holiday surprises, and ice skate outdoors to catch the holiday spirit.

Rosslyn Central Place Plaza

Throughout December, you can enjoy the Rosslyn neighborhood’s dazzling Christmas tree the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Lynn Street, just steps from the Rosslyn Metro Station. See the magic come to life at their Christmas Tree Lighting and enjoy a variety of additional holiday events happening in Rosslyn.

Ballston Quarter

In the heart of the Ballston neighborhood, the Ballston Quarter shopping and entertainment district is all decked out for the holidays. While you’re there to admire the tree, stop in for some Christmas shopping or a hot cocoa doughnut from Good Company Doughnuts. Brighten your day by stopping at any of their exciting and festive holiday events.

The Village at Shirlington

On the other side of town, The Village at Shirlington always puts on its seasonal best with hanging light ornaments, holiday lights and a Christmas tree. Browse the boutiques for some unique holiday gifts, and pop into one of the sidewalk cafes to warm up with a to-go drink.

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City goes all out for the festive season with a Christmas tree, glitzy
decorations and a Santa Photo Experience. Stop into major retailers to do some holiday shopping and pick up a few goodies for yourself.

Westpost at National Landing

Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row) brings the Christmas spirit outdoors with a has an ice-skating rink adorned with giant glowing stars, a menorah and a Christmas tree. Grab some hot cocoa and hit the ice.

Related Stories

Author

Paola Fernandez

Featured: