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

Light Up the Village | December 1

The Village at Shirlington is hosting its annual Light Up the Village event featuring holiday musical performances, a tree lighting celebration, photos with Santa and much more.

Melwood's Miracle on 23rd Street | December 2

Join Melwood for its annual event, Miracle on 23rd Street! Enjoy this free community event on Friday, December 2 and kick off the holiday season with a grand tree lighting, photos with Santa, refreshments and more festivities! Please bring a non-perishable item for Melwood’s food drive.

National Landing Christmas Tree Lot | December 3

Come pick out the perfect mini tree to light up your home at our Christmas Tree Farm Pop-Up on the Patio and Terraces of 23rd Street Restaurant Row.

Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition | December 3

Join the National Landing BID for their annual Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition. Commonwealth Joe, The Freshman, and Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique will offer a sample of their signature holiday drinks. Guests will then be able to vote on their favorite holiday latte.

Rosslyn Cinema: Holiday Special | December 7

Join the Rosslyn BID in kicking off their holiday festivities with a fun indoor screening of the holiday classic Elf. Grab your popcorn and free hot chocolate and enjoy a cozy evening of holiday fun!

2022 Ballston Sip & Jingle | December 7

Enjoy specialty drinks, and holiday tunes and enter an ugly sweater contest at this year's Ballston Sip & JIngle, hosted by the Ballston BID.

Rosslyn Tree Lighting | December 8

Stop by Central Place Plaza and enjoy a magical tree lighting event featuring live music, prizes, holiday cocktails and more.

Holiday Tunes & Treats at Ballston Quarter | December 10 & 17

Stop by Ballston Quarter to hang out with Santa, enjoy live music and dig into delicious holiday treats and creamy hot cocoa from Sidekick Bakery.

Gingerbread House Workshop | December 11

Make your way to The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City with the little ones and enjoy a fun and interactive gingerbread house workshop. Children can decorate their own gingerbread houses and take home their masterpieces!

Balaclavas & Baklava Winter Accessory-Making Workshop | December 13

Join WalkArlington, BikeArlington, and Arlington Public Library for Balaclavas & Baklava, a fun winter accessory-making workshop. Sewing experts from the library and BikeArlington teams will teach you to make your own balaclava (a warm full-head covering similar to a ski mask) or a pair of ear warmers to help you feel comfortable walking and biking all winter long.

Ballston Singing Tree Lighting | December 14

Join the Ballston BID for an evening of great food, live music performances, and the lighting of the Ballston Singing Tree at Welburn Square.

Gingerbread House Decorating with MOCAA | December 14

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is delighted to host people in the fun -- and tasty -- craft of making gingerbread houses. So put your skills to the test and get ready to decorate!

Chanukah on Ice 2022| December 15

Make your way to Pentagon Row for a fun Hannukah celebration! Enjoy ice skating with family and friends, delicious latkes, a free raffle and the lighting of a 6ft Menorah.

Barkin' Holiday Bash at the Plaza | December 17

Bring your pup pals to Ballston Quarter and take selfies at our holiday photo booth in your best festive 'fits, while you jam out to DJ CYD playing your favorite holiday hits. Enjoy treats from bartaco and a doggie swag bag from Heart + Paw for your pups!

Holiday Tea | December 1 - January 1

Warm up with a cup of tea this December at Santé (inside The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City) for a festive tea party. Enjoy homemade scones, tea sandwiches, and pastry delights served with a selection of loose-leaf teas.

Holiday Makers Markets

MoCA x Made in Arlington Holiday Market | December 1

Celebrate the holiday season with unique gifts from the MoCA Arlington x Made in Arlington Holiday Market! MoCA Arlington will host artists and artisans from across Arlington for this fun and unique holiday shopping opportunity

National Landing Holiday Market | December 3

This market is the perfect place to find that special gift and get into the holiday spirit with a unique curation of vendors, including food, art, jewelry, vintage clothing, and collectibles. Plus enjoy live entertainment and giveaways!

Winter Fest & Market at George Mason University | December 5

Stop by Mason Square for a day of merriment and shopping featuring Made In Arlington vendors. Sip hot chocolate, enjoy music and warm up by the fire pits starting at 3:00 p.m.

Rosslyn Holiday Market | December 10

Shop handmade goods at this Rosslyn holiday market featuring local vendors selling art, jewelry, bath products, snacks and more. Stop by and find unique gifts for your loved ones!

Forever Grateful Market - Winter Bazaar | December 17-18

Come shop local, enter to win raffle prizes, get your gifts professionally wrapped and more at this indoor two-day curated holiday market highlighting multiple businesses and entrepreneurs from Arlington County and the surrounding areas!

Meet Santa

Santa Cares Day | December 4

Ballston Quarter and Fashion Centre at Pentagon City are hosting sensory-friendly Santa photo ops, perfect for families getting in the holiday spirit.

Pet Nights with Santa | December 5

Get your furry friends together at Ballston Quarter to strike a pose with St. Nick, capturing paw-fect holiday moments to share with family and friends.

Santa Paws Yappy Hour | December 9

Bring your furry friends out to Central Place Plaza in Rosslyn to enjoy pictures with Santa, pet goodies, and giveaways.

Pet Photos with Santa | December 11

Make your way to Fashion Centre Pentagon City with your pet and pose with Santa! Enter the mall entrance from Level 1 of the parking garage next to Nordstrom.

Pictures with Santa | December 3-24

Embark on an enchanted adventure to take pictures with Santa. Join him at Ballston Quarter to create magical memories you and your family will always remember!

Breakfast with Santa | Dec 3-17

Enjoy a wonderful holiday breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City with a magical appearance from Santa Claus!

Art Shows & Live Theater

Winter Artful Weekend at Fort C.F. Smith Park | December 2-4

Celebrate the return of the 20th annual Winter Artful Weekend Art Show at the lovely historic Hendry House at Fort C.F. Smith Park in Arlington. This event will feature artwork by 40 artists from the Arlington Artists Alliance, including ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, glasswork, and more.

LAC Studios Show and Sale | December 3

The annual LAC holiday show & sale is back after a two-year hiatus. Browse beautiful hand-crafted ceramics, pottery, and hand-pulled prints made by the member artists of LAC Studios.

Which Way to the Stage | December 6- January 22

Enjoy Signature Theater's production of this playful yet profound comedy about friendship, ambition, and what happens when dreams fall just out of reach.

Snow Maiden | December 1 - 23

This Synetic Theater presentation features a lonely boy who builds a girl from snow. When she mysteriously comes to life, mischief, laughter, and enchantment abound.