Week of Events
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail aglow with countless sparkling lights. Take an evening stroll through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, adorned with lighted trees and displays featuring nature, winter, and holiday themes. The half-mile paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Sip on a cozy, hot beverage (with or without spirits), or ...
Bull Run Festival of Lights
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Every year from November until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car. This year, don't miss the carnival at the end of your drive for holiday shopping, a petting zoo, and more festive ...
Garden of Lights at Brookside
(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Let the magic begin! Tickets are now on sale for Brookside Gardens’ dazzling Garden of Lights — where winter nights sparkle with more than a million twinkling lights. The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind ...
Zoo Lights
(DC) (Smithsonian National Zoo) Celebrate the holidays at ZooLights! Enjoy twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere as this beloved winter classic returns to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Journey through magical displays of glowing animal lanterns, watch live musical performances, sip hot cocoa and other festive treats, and explore the Zoo under the dazzling glow of one million environmentally-friendly LED lights. ZooLights ...
Season’s Greenings: Dino-Mite!
(DC) (US Botanic Garden) Celebrate the holiday season in our annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” with the Conservatory full of poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants. In the outdoor gardens, find festive lights and decor throughout plus our model train show. This year, G-gauge model trains will chug through displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts, including ...
Winter Festival at the National Arboretum
(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Get in the holiday spirit at the National Arboretum! FONA’s Winter Festival returns this year. Buy your Christmas tree and shop from 30+ local artisans in the gift vendor village, take a holiday train ride around the Capitol Columns, and enjoy free family-friendly activities! There will also be plenty of hot chocolate and caroling ...
Sunday, December 14, 2025
No events on this day.
Monday, December 15, 2025
No events on this day.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
No events on this day.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
No events on this day.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
No events on this day.
Friday, December 19, 2025
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December 19, 2025 -Solstice Celebration Hike
Solstice Celebration Hike
(VA) (Nature Forward) The first day of winter is arriving. Whether you call this astronomical event the shortest day – or the longest night – of the year, it’s a good occasion to pause the bustle of daily life and join fellow nature lovers on a hike in a beautiful place! Our outing starts at the Widewater area along the ...
Saturday, December 20, 2025
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December 20, 2025 -Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake
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December 20, 2025 -Holly Day at Temperance Alley
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December 20, 2025 -Going Green Workshop – Modeling Nature
Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) All aboard the Holiday Express! Climb on for a train ride, spin around the Carolers Carousel, play a round of Gingerbread Man Golf or cozy up by the fire to make s’mores. Celebrate the season with family fun, a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and candy canes.
Holly Day at Temperance Alley
(DC) (U Street Neighborhood Association) ‘Tis the season to gather in recognition of all end-of-year festivities! Come celebrate the Winter Solstice & help decorate our Holly Tree at Temperance Alley Garden with bird-friendly treats. We’ll sing some carols and stay warm with hot cocoa. Warm drinks and light snacks will be served – BYO thermos if you can in addition to ...
Going Green Workshop – Modeling Nature
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Explore the fascinating concept of biomimicry and how we can model natural systems and structures to solve complex problems and create a greener world. We will compare our current "take-make-waste" system to an updated model known as the circular economy. Get inspired by businesses and products that are committed to reducing, repurposing and repairing. We will ...
