There are a ton of ways to get into the holiday spirit around NOVA this year. | Photo via Celebrate Great Falls
December is packed with events, from festive holiday activities to your favorite sports teams facing off. Don’t miss this month’s roundup.
Holiday on the Farm | Friday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 20 | Times vary | Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon | $15+ | Get crafty, see friendly farm animals, and take a ride on a carousel at this family-friendly farm event... say that three times fast.
PRCS WinterFest | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park, Aldie | Price of purchase | This festival is full of local vendors, children’s activities, music from various DJs, and appearances from Santa + characters from “Frozen.”
Clarendon Menorah Lighting | Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 6 p.m. | Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, Arlington | Free | Savor warm potato latkes, fresh donuts, and hot cocoa as you take in live music and watch the lighting of a nine-foot menorah.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise from Alexandria | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Various times | Alexandria City Marina, Alexandria | $150 | Float along the Potomac River for this 1.5-hour cruise with complimentary champagne, a beer + wine package, music entertainment, and a great view of the fireworks.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the requested changes to the RTC Next plans, including an increase in office space and a revised location for the planned arts facility. Learn more about what’s coming with RTC Next. (FFXnow)
Coming Soon
Little Beast Cafe & Bistro, a new pizza spot in Falls Church, is planning to open in early 2026 after facing some delays. You can expect Detroit-style pizza, along with salads and Italian-inspired appetizers. (ARLnow)
Environment
Alexandria residents have through Friday, Dec. 5 to share their opinions about the Taylor Run Infrastructure Stabilization Project plans. Learn more about the recent updates to the project. Give your feedback here.
Drink
A gourmet wine + beer shop is now open in Alexandria. The Department of Beer and Wine recently soft-opened in Del Ray at 2805 Mount Vernon Ave. The original location opened eight years ago in Potomac Yard. (ALXnow)
Edu
Arlington Public Schools could soon shift away from its seven-period block schedule. Take a look at the three new scheduling models the Arlington School Board is exploring. (ARLnow)
Number
82 million. That’s how many Americans are projected to travel 50+ miles for Thanksgiving — a new AAA record. Hopping on a plane instead? Peruse our Dulles International Airport guide for parking, security, and gate details — so you can focus on the turkey, not the trip.
This local ballet brings the magic of the holidays to life. The Manassas Ballet Theatre’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker” features professional dancers, a live orchestra, and more, running Dec. 17 through Dec. 23. Pro tip: Streaming is available starting Dec. 24. Learn more.*
Featured Deal
Athleta’s full site is 30% off for Black Friday, happening right now through Saturday, November 29. From sunrise workouts to Sunday strolls, these are the pieces you’ll reach for on repeat. Grab 30% off today.*
Post of the Day
Have you stayed in this new hotel in Leesburg? | Photo via @hotelburgva
Hotel Burg, a new addition to Historic Downtown Leesburg, has been named one of USA Today’s nominees for 10 Best New Hotels. Housed in a beautifully restored 1880s estate, the boutique property features 39 thoughtfully designed guest rooms.
If you’re a fan, you can cast your vote for them before Monday, Dec. 22 at noon. The winner will then be announced on Friday, Jan. 2 at noon.
Amazon’s Black Friday Week sale features thousands of deals. Don’t spend hours sorting through them — we already did that for you. Here are three you can’t miss:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Good news for all of my animal lovers. An Asian elephant in DC’s Smithsonian National Zoo is expected to give birth sometime between mid-January and early March 2026. This will be the first elephant birth in almost 25 years at the zoo. Stay tuned for updates on the arrival of this beautiful creature.
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