Filled with cheerful wintry activities and gorgeous holiday displays, Arlington is your perfect home base for winter fun in the nation’s capital.
From cozy campfires to seasonal concerts, Arlington features plenty of uniquely inspiring holiday experiences for the whole family during your next winter getaway in Virginia:
Bundle Up and Get Outside
In one of the nation’s most moving, memorable holiday traditions, join thousands of volunteers on Dec. 15 in laying wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery in Wreaths Across America.
Wreaths Across America via @radlifeag
Celebrate the longest night of the year, Dec. 21, at Arlington’s Gulf Branch Nature Center with a Solstice Eve Campfire and Hike. Start with candle-making and s’mores, then take a night hike under the half moon.
Lace up your skates and hit the ice. Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating continues its holiday tradition of nightly snowfalls as you make figure eights under the stars. It’s magical!
Take the Kids to Visit Santa
Get photos with Santa at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City from Nov. 28 through Dec. 11. A special Caring Santa photo experience takes place Dec. 2, supporting the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children of all abilities.
Visit jolly old Saint Nick at local favorite Kinder Haus Toys in Clarendon on Dec. 8, 9 or 15 from noon to 1 p.m.
Register for a one-on-one with the man in the red suit at Gulf Branch Nature Center Dec. 9, 10 and 16.
Pentagon Row Ice Skating
Enjoy Arlington Neighborhood Events
Come for holiday cheer in Rosslyn Dec. 6 at Central Place Plaza, with holiday-themed food, drinks, activities, music and a chance to take a picture in front of the festive Rosslyn tree! From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy food and drinks and a holiday craft by Lemon Collective. From 5 to 8 p.m., cozy up under a heat lamp while enjoying a moonshine tasting paired with sweet treats and views of the illuminated tree. For even more spectacular views, take the elevator up 31 flights to The Observation Deck at CEB Tower to see the whole capital area decked out in twinkling glory.
Enter Winter Wonderland on Columbia Pike on Dec. 8! Make your own Yeti mask at the Arlington Arts craft table at Penrose Square from 2 to 5 p.m., then join the Yeti Parade around the Penrose Square Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance each year, hear your holiday wishes and let you snap a photo with them!
Hear Holiday Musical Classics
See the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants perform the annual holiday concert series, “Spirit of the Season” on Dec. 9. The free event at DAR Constitution Hall in D.C. features traditional and modern holiday music plus a surprise visitor from the North Pole. Tickets are required.
Held in Arlington, the National Chamber Ensemble holiday concert has a “time warp” theme that blends old classical masterpieces and festive favorites for the whole family. The Dec. 15 concert concludes with a Carols Sing-Along to get you in the holiday spirit. Start singing along now with a flashback to last year’s concert:
