Christmastime in Arlington brings numerous tree lightings, holiday markets and other festive activities for residents of all ages.
Upcoming highlights include a snowball fight in Aurora Highlands, a dog sweater contest and various opportunities for Christmas shopping. Here’s a look at what is ahead.
Wintry activities
Rosslyn Cheer: Light the Plaza
When: Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5-7 p.m.
Rosslyn’s Central Place Plaza will light up with a 24-foot Christmas tree amid festive music, raffles and a cash bar.
1800 N. Lynn Street (Rosslyn)
Miracle on 23rd Street
When: Friday, Dec. 5 from 5-8 p.m.
This event at Melwood’s Arlington campus will feature photos with Santa, s’mores, seasonal refreshments, live music, a holiday market and a snowball fight. It’s intended to be accessible and sensory-friendly for guests with and without disabilities.
750 23rd Street S. (Aurora Highlands)
Winterfest at Westpost
When: Friday, Dec. 5 from 5-8 p.m.
Ice skating at Westpost at National Landing will come with free giveaways, holiday crafts and specials from some local vendors.
1201 S. Joyce Street
The Lodge Winter Festival
When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 1-7 p.m.
This family-friendly winter festival will include a dog sweater contest, a tasting and vote on the best peppermint mocha lattes, live music, a holiday market and activities like holiday train rides, photos with Santa, face painting and ornament decorating. After dark, District Karaoke will bring holiday karaoke to Metropolitan Park.
1330 S. Fair Street (Pentagon City)
ACPD’s Santa Escort
When: Saturday, Dec. 6 beginning at 2 p.m.
The Arlington County Fire Department and Arlington County Police Department will accompany Santa’s sleigh across several neighborhoods on the way to The Village at Shirlington (4280 Campbell Avenue). There, visitors are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys for children in need.
Various locations
Light Up Clarendon kickoff
When: Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5-8 p.m.
This holiday celebration will feature caroling by the Arlington Chorale, a local craft market and visits with Santa, as well as pizza from Colony Grill and warm drinks from Rossana for purchase. Attendees are invited to bring a box of cereal to support local families in need.
3140 Clarendon Blvd (Clarendon)
Holiday markets
Singing Tree Market
When: Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 2-6 p.m.
A holiday market at Welburn Square will feature complimentary hot cocoa and spiced cider, a tree lighting at 4:30 p.m. and live performances by the Arlington Children’s Chorus from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
901 N. Taylor Street (Ballston)
W-L Holiday Bazaar
When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The 65th annual fundraiser will host dozens of local artisans in the Washington-Liberty High School cafeteria, selling handcrafted items like jewelry, art prints, clothing and ornaments. Students will also sell baked goods, hot drinks and homemade food in the main hallway for cash only.
1301 N. Stafford Street (Ballston)
Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market
When: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7
This event at The Crossing Clarendon will bring “a weekend of holiday activities, live music and market vendors with URBNmarket.”
2800 Clarendon Blvd (Clarendon)
A Very Village Holiday
When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 4-7 p.m.
A holiday market, live music, food and drinks and photos with Santa will bring “a can’t-miss community event filled with joy, cheer, and holiday spirit” to The Village at Shirlington.
2700 S. Quincy Street (Shirlington)
Water Park Neighborhood Holiday Market
When: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13 from 5-9 p.m.
Live music, drinks and “unique gifts from local vendors” will spotlight this festive event.
1601 Crystal Drive (Crystal City)
Winter Artful Weekend
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-14; various times
The Arlington Artists Alliance’s most popular annual event will showcase work from 40 artists at Fort C.F. Smith Park.
2411 24th Street N. (Parkway-Woodmont)
