This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
’Tis the season for gathering with family and friends!
If you’re looking for ways to entertain your guests or explore Arlington’s vibrant arts scene this holiday season, we’ve got you covered. With events running through January, Arlington’s Winter Arts Highlights offers a comprehensive guide to arts and cultural happenings across the County, ensuring you’ll find something for everyone.
Arlington, together with Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, ranked fourth among the most arts-vibrant communities in the U.S. as evaluated in 2024 by the National Center for Arts Research’s Arts Vibrancy Index. This ranking assesses vibrancy by analyzing supply, demand and government support for the arts across 900+ communities. Since the index’s debut in 2015, Arlington has remained a top-ranked community for the arts, bolstered by a creative mix of visual and performing artists. This high ranking was achieved because of Arlington’s exceedingly talented and creative array of visual and performing artists.
This winter, Arlington’s vibrant cultural calendar includes unique events for all ages and range from a staging of the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof by the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre (through Jan. 25, 2026); an Artist Talk at Arlington Artists Alliance (Dec. 18), to Encore Stage & Studio’s staging of Disney’s High School Musical, Jr. (Jan. 9–18, 2026).
Below are just a few of the highlights, with a full schedule available on the Arlington Arts’ Winter Arts Highlights page.
Fiddler on the Roof
Signature Theatre
Now thru Jan. 25, 2026, Signature Theatre, Shirlington
The iconic musical gorgeously staged in-the-round in Signature’s intimate setting and directed by Joe Calarco (Jesus Christ Superstar, Gypsy). Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, his family and their tightknit community honor tradition but must contend with a changing world and a rise in antisemitism at their home in Czarist Russia. The glorious score with songs “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker” unite with exquisite dance in this classic of the musical theater canon filled with humor, heart — and life.
Film Screening & Conversation: Tactics for Remembering
Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
Thursday, Dec. 18, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., MoCA Arlington, Virginia Square
Join us for a special screening of a short documentary developed in conjunction with the exhibition Tactics for Remembering. The documentary features exhibiting artists Amalia Caputo, Reynier Leyva Novo and Lisu Vega discussing their work. The screening will be followed by a conversation between guest curator Fabiola R. Delgado and panelists Ricardo Betancourt (film director) and Luis Vasquez La Roche (artist and professor), whose practices engage with themes of memory, migration and cultural continuity. The post-screening conversation will delve into how artistic practices can sustain vulnerable histories and activate remembrance across distance and time.
Holiday Cheer!
National Chamber Ensemble
Saturday, Dec. 20, Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Barcroft
Our most beloved annual tradition returns with a joyful celebration for the whole family. This concert brings together rising young stars — winners of the 2025 Nancy Peery Marriott Young Artist Piano Competition and talented student performers from the community — alongside the acclaimed Voce Chamber Singers, conducted by David Mann. Festive classics, seasonal favorites and a Carols Sing-Along make this a heartwarming event that shines with the spirit of togetherness and musical excellence. Kids 10 and under free.
Disney’s High School Musical, Jr.
Encore Stage and Studio
Jan. 9–18, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, Arlington Heights
Join Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High in Disney’s High School Musical Jr., a fun-filled musical about friendship, self-discovery and following your dreams. As cliques clash and the “status quo” is challenged, this energetic show reminds everyone that it’s okay to break the mold and shine in your own way. Recommended for ages four and older.
Nashville-Style Songwriters in the Round
Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
January 23 | 7:00-9:00pm | MoCA Arlington | Virginia Square
Hosted by Arlington’s own Sarah Fridrich, songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and one-half of the local duo, String Mamas. Four local songwriters will take turns sharing their original work as well as respond to and support each other, and offer wisdom, care, and truth around everyday life experiences. Come experience community through song, music, and story!
