Week of Events
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 ...
Sunday, December 14, 2025
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December 14, 2025 -Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
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December 14, 2025 -Search for Santa’s Critters
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December 14, 2025 -Flying Squirrel Campfire
Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
(VA) (Friends of Dyke Marsh) Join FODM for a bird walk every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a freshwater, tidal marsh on the Virginia side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County. It is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, U.S. National Park Service.
Search for Santa’s Critters
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Santa’s animal friends are lost in the park and need rescuing! Join this festive scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats in time for the holidays! This event is appropriate for families and children of all ages.
Flying Squirrel Campfire
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Enjoy an evening around the campfire, toasting marshmallows over the embers and learn about flying squirrels that live in our area. Cancelled in case of inclement weather. Children must attend with an adult and all attendees must register. Ages 4 to Adult.
Monday, December 15, 2025
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December 15, 2025 -Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
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December 15, 2025 -Senior Wellness Walk: Arboretum
Monday Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows
(VA) (Friends of Huntley Meadows) The Monday Morning Bird Walk is sponsored by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and takes place every Monday at 8 a.m. Following the walk, members of the group gather at the nearby Denny’s for breakfast and to compile the morning’s bird list. All are welcome.
Senior Wellness Walk: Arboretum
(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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December 16, 2025 -Birding at Blue Mash (Waitlist)
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December 16, 2025 -Guided Walk at Meadowlark
Birding at Blue Mash (Waitlist)
(MD) (Montgomery Bird Club) Join members of the Montgomery Bird Club at one of the county’s top birding hotspots! We’ll be looking for raptors and overwintering sparrows and waterfowl. The path can be muddy and overgrown, so waterproof boots are recommended. The walk will be led by a knowledgable birder who knows local birds and their habitats. Contact the organizer ...
Guided Walk at Meadowlark
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy free garden admission and a guided walk around Meadowlark's 95 acres on Tuesdays. Each one-hour walk will be over uneven, hilly terrain, have a positive focus, and include a silent, meditative portion and a few interesting facts from our docent along the way. Ages 18 and up.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
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December 17, 2025 -Senior Wellness Walk: Deanwood
Senior Wellness Walk: Deanwood
(DC) (Department of Parks and Recreation) Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Participants will enjoy group walking around the neighborhood, around the park, or just ...
Thursday, December 18, 2025
No events on this day.
Friday, December 19, 2025
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December 19, 2025 -Solstice Celebration Hike
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December 19, 2025 -Nocturnal Animal 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 ...
Nocturnal Animal Hike
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Learn about the animals active at night (nocturnal) and try to find some! There will be a short introductory presentation in the nature center followed by a hike outside around the park. We will stay on the walking paths; dress for the weather. Families.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
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December 20, 2025 -Search for Santa’s Critters
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December 20, 2025 -Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake
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December 20, 2025 -Winter Solstice Nature Therapy
Search for Santa’s Critters
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Santa’s animal friends are lost in the park and need rescuing! Join this festive scavenger hunt to locate the critters so they can help Santa deliver candy and treats in time for the holidays! This event is appropriate for families and children of all ages.
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.
Winter Solstice Nature Therapy
(VA) (NOVA Parks) Enjoy a grounding and revitalizing experience among the serene landscape of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens as the earth settles into winter. This restorative journey blends mindful movement with nature therapy to support both stability and renewal. Through gentle movement, guided forest immersion, and sensory awareness, connect with the steady presence of the earth below us while embracing the ...