Your official NOVAtoday Wrapped is here. | Graphic by NOVAtoday
Your 2025 NOVAtoday Wrapped is here. For the past eight months, you’ve received daily updates on restaurant openings, concerts, weekly events, and so much more. Now we’re taking a look back at the year’s biggest stories — starting with some fun stats.
NOVAtoday now has 15,142 subscribers — thank you for reading and supporting us. We appreciate every one of you.
Since we launched in April, you’ve read 157 editions of our newsletter.
On average, it takes our readers about five minutes to go through the newsletter, which means you’ve spent 785 minutes (about 13 hours) with us if you caught every newsletter.
Step into the light: Horizon illuminates Met Park this winter
Presented by Amazon
Horizon was created by Olivier Landreville in collaboration with Serge Maheu, produced by Init and is tour produced by Creos. | Photo via Creos
Don’t let this moment “glow” unnoticed — Horizon is lighting up Met Park now through Jan. 24, and it’s brighter than ever.
This immersive installation by Creos transforms the park into a playful, interactive lightscape designed to spark joy and ignite curiosity.
Whether you’re hoping to brighten an evening stroll, reflect on the season, or simply lighten the mood, Horizon offers a radiant escape from the ordinary.
Grab your skates, a new ice rink is now open at Metro Park at Tyson’s Capital One Center. This rink is about 9,000 sqft, providing ample space for you to practice your tricks or learn how to stay on your feet. Admission is $16 for adults and $14 for children and senior citizens, and that includes skate rentals. (FFXnow)
Drink
A “dirty soda” shop called CloudFizz is opening a pop-up location tomorrow, Dec. 6 in One Loudoun. What’s “dirty soda,” you may ask? It’s a non-alcoholic drink mixing a soda with other elements like syrups, creamer, and lime. Peek at the full menu here. (The Burn)
Ranked
The 2025 Made in Virginia Awards are here, and there are a variety of businesses that have been recognized based right here in NOVA. Check out the full roundup — you might even get some gift inspiration this holiday season. (Virginia Living)
Development
Plans to redevelop the Old Towne West building into affordable housing have been approved by the Planning Commission in Alexandria. This plan comes from Alfred Street Baptist Church, which outlines creating a four-story, 145-unit complex. (ALXnow)
Coming Soon
The Bombay Canteen, a new Indian restaurant, is coming to Eisenhower East in Alexandria this January. It will bring flavors from Mumbai — see potential menu items. (ALXnow)
Sports
The World Cup is almost here. This summer’s tournament is just around the corner, and today the Kennedy Center is hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup Draw, which will be broadcast around the globe. Learn more about the event here.
Number
27,400+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in manufacturing, sales, marketing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Show
Have you made your list and checked it twice? Not your gift list: We’re talking about your holiday traditions checklist. If not, don’t sweat it. Here’s the performance you’ll want to add to the top.*
Pets
Cats are naturally mysterious — but their health doesn’t have to be. With Basepaws Cat DNA Test, you’ll uncover your cat’s breed mix, genetic traits, and potential health risks that other tests miss. Get 47% off for Cyber Week and gain science-backed insights into your feline’s health.*
The Buy
A foaming toilet cleaner that tackles stains, rings, and odors with zero scrubbing. Splash Foam Cleaner offers a hands-free way to achieve a sparkling clean toilet in three easy steps: pour, let it foam, and flush. It’s that easy.
Online ticket sales for the Winter Wonderland event at Burke Lake end soon for tomorrow, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. However, tickets will still be available at the gate for $25 on a first-come, first-served basis. Take a ride on the Holiday Express Train, hop on the carousel, play mini golf, and even visit Santa.
Can’t make it this weekend? The event will also run for the following two weekends.
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