Still in need of gifts this holiday season, or looking to get into the holiday spirit? Here are six holiday markets to check out all around Northern Virginia.
Historic Manassas Holiday Market When: Friday, Dec. 5
On Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m., there will be live entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony, and, as Buddy the Elf once said, SANTAAAAA.
Tip: Historic Manassas will also host a parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, and offer free carriage rides on Sundays — Dec. 7, 14, and 21. Carriage ride tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m.
McLean Holiday Art + Craft Festival When: Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7
Explore unique art and handmade goods from nearly 80 regional artists, featuring pottery, jewelry, soaps, and more. Admission is just $5 and is valid the whole weekend.
Winter Wonderfest | Friday, Nov. 28-Tuesday, Dec. 30 | 4 p.m. | Nationals Park, Washington, DC | $30
Saturday, Dec. 6
The Lodge Winter Festival | 1-7 p.m. | Metropolitan Park, Arlington | Celebrate the season at The Lodge Winter Festival — family- and pet-friendly fun, rides, contests, treats, and more.*
Did you answer yes to the question above?It turns out 90% of Gen Z diners would. According to a new Resy study, communal dining is in. Consider this your cue to meet a new friend at one of NOVA’s buzzy new restaurants. (Business Insider)
Show
Arlington Drafthouse will be welcoming an impressive roster of comedians — among them fan favorites from “Saturday Night Live,” “The Office,” and several other acclaimed shows. Take a peek at the lineup. (ARLnow)
Open
The Manassas-based, family-owned MurLarkey Distilled Spirits is opening Flights & Bites in Dulles International Airport. It will be located in the new concourse E, which is planned to open in 2026. Don’t miss our IAD guide. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Mansion Monday
An extra special espresso machine, a smokeless outdoor fire pit, and a Nintendo Switch 2. Those are all gifts featured in Forbes’ vetted list of 100 excellent presents for this holiday season. We think they’d be even better under a tree at this recently listed Great Falls home.
Seasonal
As the eternal starchy advice of Samwise Gamgee goes, “boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew.” But if you’re looking for more from your potatoes this Thanksgiving, the New York Times has some delicious ideas. However you choose to cook them, NOVA’s farmers markets are the way to go.
On This Day
On November 22, 1995, “Toy Story” was released, sending kids across the world into an anthropomorphic, animatronic frenzy. Appease Buzz and Woody by heading to the David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington, where you can reach for the stars and find your new clan.
Outdoors
More than 7,500 ft above sea level, an Italian museum is taking art to new heights. The Frattini Bivouac is only accessible by hiking for 6+ hours, and it has no artwork — only a small window overlooking the Alps. We might not have mountaintop museums, but there are still plenty of wonderful hikes around town. (The Guardian)
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, our Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
The Buy
PSA: Amazon’s Black Friday Week sale is here. With temperatures continuing to drop, we’re stocking up on a few cold weather wardrobe essentials while they’re on sale. These are our top three:
🍂 This pair of ultra-soft wide leg pants are on sale for under $35. We can’t wait to wear them while running errands, lounging, and everything in between.
🍂 Score 30% off this ribbed long sleeve basic tee — perfect for layering under your favorite sweater, vest, or jacket.
🍂 Embrace cozy sophistication with this oversized cable knit sweater that’s marked down to under $28.
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.
I’ve been hearing so much about this pho restaurant in Arlington, and I finally gave it a try. I picked up a large chicken pho to go from Pho 75, and the entire time I waited, the line for a seat kept stretching out the door. I knew it was gonna be good. The chicken was sliced perfectly thin and served in a warm broth with spicy jalapenos and the essential white rice noodles. Just remember to bring your wallet — this spot is cash-only.
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