Tree lightings, holiday markets, and Santa visits bringing cheer to Arlington in coming weeks

It’s holiday time and the lights are coming on in Arlington.

Over the next several weeks, a slew of tree lightings, Santa visits, markets, and holiday celebrations are happening around the county. That’s in addition to last night’s Shirlington tree lighting and the Santa photo shoots already underway at the Pentagon City mall.

Next week, the Rosslyn Business Improvement District is set to turn on the lights at its annual tree lighting ceremony, which now takes place at Central Place Plaza near the Metro station. It’s happening on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. and will be aired on ABC 7 with a countdown from local reporter Kidd O’Shea.

There will be musical performances from Cherry Blossom Organ Trio and HB Woodlawn’s Choir, as well as raffle prizes, holiday cocktails, free photos, and a coat drive benefiting PathForward.

Other upcoming Rosslyn holiday activities include:

• Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.: Rosslyn Cinema featuring”Elf” at Bennet Park Atrium

• Dec. 9 at 5 p.m.: Santa Paws Happy Hour at Central Place Plaza

• Dec. 10 & 11 at 11 a.m.: Holiday Market at Central Place Plaza

Santa is making his way to Ballston, meanwhile, and will be taking holiday photos with well-behaved children every weekend until Christmas starting this Saturday, Dec. 3, as well as the entire week between Dec. 19 and Dec. 23.

Santa will be stationed on the first floor of the mall near the Wilson Blvd street entrance.

Additional Ballston holiday events include:

• Dec. 3, 10, & 17 at 2 p.m.: Holiday Tunes & Treats at Ballston Quarter

• Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.: Ballston Sip & Jingle at the Ellipse Building at 4350 Fairfax Drive

• Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.: Barkin’ Holiday Bash at Ballston Quarter

The annual Peppermint Mocha Competition put on by the National Landing BID returns this weekend as well.

On Saturday, Dec. 3 starting at 11 a.m., three local businesses — The Freshman, Commonwealth Joe, and Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique — will compete to see which has the best peppermint mocha.

Other holiday activities in Crystal City and Pentagon City include:

• Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.: Miracle on 23rd Street at 750 23rd Street South

• Dec. 3 at 10 a.m.: National Landing Holiday Market at 556 22nd Street S.

• Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.: Wreath Making Workshop at 241 18th Street S.

• Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.: Gingerbread House Making Workshop at 241 18th Street S.

There are also holiday markets at Wakefield and Washington-Liberty high schools as well as a number of Christmas tree sales across Arlington.