December in Arlington

Festive Activities

Rosslyn Cheer 2025: Light the Plaza | Dec. 4

Join the Rosslyn BID at Central Place Plaza on December 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to witness the lighting of their 24-foot holiday tree. Enjoy festive music, exciting raffles, a cash bar, and more as the plaza shines bright with holiday magic!

Rosslyn Cheer 2025: Santa Paws Yappy Hour | Dec. 5

Rosslyn’s holiday festivities continue on December 5 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 treats for your furry friends, drinks for pet parents, and photos with Santa — plus plenty of opportunities to mingle and make new four-legged friends.

Melwood's Miracle on 23rd Street | Dec. 5

Join Melwood for its annual event, Miracle on 23rd Street, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on December 5. 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.

The Lodge at National Landing | Dec. 6

'Tis the season to celebrate at National Landing! Join the National Landing BID at The Lodge, a ski-themed holiday festival, on December 6 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.

Gingerbread House Workshop | Dec. 7

Create cherished holiday memories as children design their own gingerbread houses, guided by the talented pastry team at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City on December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Each masterpiece is yours to take home and enjoy throughout the season. Get tickets here.

Light Up Clarendon | Dec. 11

Join the Clarendon Alliance on December 11 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Clarendon Metro Park for a joyful evening filled with holiday lights, live performances and caroling, warm cocoa (available for purchase), and community giving. Enjoy a festive photo op with Santa, local music performances, and a cheerful holiday market featuring neighborhood favorites.

Wreaths Across America | Dec. 13

The public is invited to join in wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery on December 13 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.

Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 14

Experience the magic of the holidays with a festive breakfast and a special visit from Santa Claus at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City on December 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children can share their holiday wishes, enjoy storytelling, and delight in holiday films and giveaways. Get tickets here.

Light Up Arlington | Dec. 16

Experience the festival of lights with Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington in Clarendon on December 16 at 6:00 p.m. Watch the lighting of a giant 9-foot Menorah, enjoy delicious hot Potato Latkes, Hot Cocoa, Donuts, Chocolate Gelt and Dreidels for all, as well as lively Chanukah music. Get tickets here.

Menorah Lighting at National Landing | Dec. 17

Join Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington as they celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more in Met Park on December 17 at 5:30 p.m. Get tickets here.

Photos 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.

Holiday Markets

Ballston Singing Tree Market | Dec. 3

The Singing Tree Market in Ballston's Wellburn Square on December 3 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. is a one-day holiday market featuring local makers, festive music, and seasonal cheer. Shop for unique gifts, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and spiced cider, and take in live performances by the Arlington Children’s Chorus from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Rosslyn Cheer 2025: Holiday Market | Dec. 6 and 7

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. 6

Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? Shop local on December 6 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.

Theresa's Table: A Slow Shopping Experience | Dec. 6

No rushing or overwhelming crowds - just beautiful things made by artists who care deeply about their craft and meaningful conversations with local makers! Swing by Open to Being on December 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for early access) to shop local and appreciate the works of local artisans.

Washington-Liberty High School Holiday Bazaar | Dec. 6

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 December 6. This annual fundraiser also features high school choir performances and tasty snacks to enjoy while you browse.

Holiday Market at The Crossing Clarendon | Dec. 6 and 7

Kick off the holiday season with a full weekend of festive vibes at The Crossing Clarendon on December 6 and 7 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. 12-14

Don’t miss Winter Artful Weekend in its 23rd 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. 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Show Dates and Hours:
Dec. 12: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Dec. 13: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dec. 14: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Columbia Pike Farmers Market Holiday Market | Dec. 14

The Columbia Pike Farmers Market turns festive on December 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pike Park. Shop a wide variety of local vendors and ring in the holiday season! The Columbia Pike Farmers Market runs year-round.

Arts & Culture

MoCA on the Move: Handcrafted Holidays | Dec. 4, 11, 18

Drop in to The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington's Innovation Studio in National Landing Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for some holiday crafting fun. Each week will offer a different activity, like super-size snowflakes, scented ornaments and garlands, holiday cards, and more! Take home what you create for free.

Sustainable Gift-Wrapping Workshop | Dec. 4

Celebrate creative reuse as you transform everyday materials into beautiful, memorable packages at this workshop at Open to Being on December 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Repurpose t-shirts, scarves, tea towels, and discarded fabric through the Japanese art of furoshiki fabric wrapping, making the wrapping itself into a gift. Furoshiki wrapping cloths are available for purchase in the shop ($20).

Rejoice - Arlington Chorale Holiday Performance | Dec. 6

Join the Arlington Chorale for an enchanting concert that will warm your heart and spark your holiday spirit on December 6 at 5:00 p.m. at Westover Baptist Church. Two choral masterpieces tell the same powerful story: a young woman receiving life-changing news and responding with a song of joy and hope. Francesco Durante and Kim André Arnesen both use the Magnificat to portray Mary's wonder, devotion, and gratitude upon learning she will be the mother of God's son. Experience how these two composers, separated by centuries, portray this joyful moment from the Christmas story. In addition to these two major works, you'll hear beloved holiday songs that will inspire you to celebrate the season!

Holiday Orchestra Concert - Arlington Philharmonic | Dec. 6

Ring in the holidays with the Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra as they bring a magical concert to Ballston Quarter's lower level on December 6 alongside Arlington Public Schools music students.

In Clay - Signature Theatre | Beginning Dec. 9

In Clay is a witty, vivacious and charming new musical put on by Signature Theatre based on an overlooked twentieth century female artist. On the eve of a visit from her estranged childhood friend, now an acclaimed painter, French ceramist Marie-Berthe Cazin recounts her life. From her early days as a gifted protégée discovering the art of pottery, to watching her husband rise to fame partly by claiming her work as his own, through the upheaval of World War I, Marie’s unwavering spirit reveals the beauty in the broken. Set in 1930s Paris, with an upbeat, vibrant Parisian Jazz score, In Clay celebrates the joy of creativity, love of art and recognizing your worth. Get tickets here.

Columbia Pike Lunch Club | Dec. 17

On the Pike, you’ll find the most eclectic food scene in Arlington, home to dozens of international, locally owned restaurants. Columbia Pike Partnership's Monthly Lunch Club will introduce you to these beloved eateries. Join them on December 17 at noon at Boru Ramen to find your new favorite go-to spot!

Holiday Cheer! - National Chamber Ensemble | Dec. 20

NCE's Holiday Concert on December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington brings together rising young stars—winners of the 2025 Nancy Peery Marriott Young Artist Piano Competition and talented student performers from the community—alongside the acclaimed Voce Chamber Singers, conducted by David Mann. Festive classics, seasonal favorites, and a Carols Sing-Along make this a heartwarming event that shines with the spirit of togetherness and musical excellence.