Come welcome Santa to Lake Anne Saturday, December 7. The Jingle on Lake Anne is fun for the whole family!
Can you believe it's already December? The first Saturday in December is upon us, and in Reston that means Santa is coming to Lake Anne plaza. Watching the children as they wait for Santa to come into sight is one of my absolute favorite things. Jingle on Lake Anne got me thinking of other fun holiday festivities near Reston. There are many things to do, but these are five of my favorites. Enjoy!
Jingle on Lake Anne Cost: Free Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston http://www.lakeanneplaza.com/
Come cheer with the crowds as Santa Claus travels to Lake Anne by barge. Santa loves taking photos and greeting the children. He loves the other activities too--caroling, a petting zoo, music, wine tastings, children's crafts, cookie decorating, a holiday arts and crafts market and much more!
City of Fairfax Festival of Lights & Carols Cost: Free December 7, 2013, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Kitty Pozer Garden and Old Town Hall, 3999 University Dr., Fairfax http://www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/festival-of-lights-and-carols
After you visit Santa at Lake Anne, venture over to Historic Downtown Fairfax for a day and evening of seasonal fun. The holiday cheer lasts all day long--I especially love the s'more's by the yule log! There is also ice sculpting, hot cider, face painting, Christmas tree lighting and caroling.
National Christmas Tree Cost: Free E St NW & 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20500, Phone:(202) 619-7400 Hours: Wednesday 4:00-6:30 pm, 7:00-9:30 pm
If you didn't win a ticket to the tree lighting this weekend, don't worry--you can still enjoy the National Christmas Tree. I love parking on the Mall and walking over to the tree to enjoy its majesty. From Wednesday, December 11 until Sunday, December 22, 2013, you can enjoy fabulous music while you gaze at the tree. Bring along a thermos of hot chocolate and a blanket and enjoy the free concert!
Festival of Lights at Bull Run Cost: See the website for fee schedules. Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, Virginia, (703) 359-4633 http://www.bullrunfestivaloflights.com/
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is a 2.5-mile drive-through holiday light show at Bull Run Regional Park. I love the penguins and snowmen. You'll see candy canes, jumping deer, Santa's workshop, Frosty the Snowman, tin soldiers, elves and Santa too. After viewing the lights you can visit the Winter Wonderland Holiday Village that includes amusement rides, an ice skating rink, entertainment, shopping, contests, food, and more. The park is located just off of Interstate 66 in Centreville, on Rt. 29 (Lee Highway).
Dates and Hours:
- November 20, 2013 - January 5, 2014.
- Hours: Monday - Thursday & Sunday: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.,
- Fridays, Saturdays & holidays: 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight Cost: $22 for adults and $15 for children under 12 November 29 - December 22, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/view/2013-11-29/5037
Visiting Mount Vernon by candlelight is one of the most delightful ways to experience this piece of history. The town crier invites your group into the historic area and an expert Mount Vernon guide takes you on a tour of candlelit lanes, sharing the history of Christmases past as you approach Washington's beloved home. Meet characters from Washington's time, including "Martha Washington" and "Nelly Custis" inside the Mansion as you hear stories about how the Washingtons celebrated Christmas.
After the Mansion tour, stay around for some 18th-century dancing in the greenhouse and enjoy the crisp evening air near an outdoor bonfire, complete with caroling, cookies, and cider.
Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance as you'll be assigned a tour time. Click her to buy them.
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