Lucky you. You just found NOVAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Northern Virginia each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Winter fun for the whole fam
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.
Celebrate Christmas with the Critters | Friday, Dec. 5-Tuesday, Dec. 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Leesburg Animal Park, Leesburg | $17 | Celebrate the holidays alongside your children with activities like a mini Christmas train ride, photos with live animals, and other festive fun.
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.”
Celebration of Lights | Sunday, Dec. 7 | 4-6 p.m. | Great Falls Village Centre, Great Falls | Free | Sip on hot cocoa and snack on cookies while visiting a petting zoo and listening to live music. The tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m., and you can also expect a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
Waterskiing Santa | Wednesday, Dec. 24 | 1 p.m. | Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria | Free | Watch Santa waterski down the Potomac in Old Town Alexandria on Christmas Eve, just in time to head out and deliver those presents.
In my eyes, winter means hockey. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Sports games to watch
Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks | Monday, Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | $22+ | As a former Wisconsinite, this is a game I want to watch. Basketball season is a little over a month in, so make sure to catch some games this season. Check the schedule for more December games.
Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys | Thursday, Dec. 25 | 1 p.m. | Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD | $113+ | What better way to celebrate Christmas than rooting for your Washington Commanders on home turf? Check the schedule for other home games in December. Note: The date + time for this game might change.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 12:30 p.m. | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | $118+ | Get ready for the puck drop. Celebrate New Year’s Eve by watching the Washington Capitals take on the New York Rangers.
Fireworks over Mount Vernon sound like the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. | Photo via Flickr
Celebrate the holiday season
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria | Free | Embrace Scottish traditions during this Christmas parade through Old Town Alexandria.
79th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 10 a.m. | Historic Downtown Manassas, Manassas | Free | Celebrate the beginning of December with the 79th annual Manassas Christmas Parade, full of various floats, including Santa.
One Loudoun Annual Holiday Tree Lighting | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 5-7 p.m. | One Loudoun, Ashburn | Free | Don’t miss the 13th annual holiday tree lighting with One Loudoun, along with performances and other special family-friendly events like ornament making and ice carving.
25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 5:30 p.m. | Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, Alexandria | Free | Along a mile of the Potomac River shore, watch boats adorned with holiday lights. Dockside events, including a pop-up beer garden, food, and other activities, will take place from 2 to 8 p.m.
4th Annual German Christmas Market | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Knights of Columbus, Arlington | Price of purchase | Browse local gifts as you indulge in seasonal treats, sip festive beverages, and enjoy live entertainment.
Kwanzaa Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 12 p.m. | Alexandria Black History Museum, Alexandria | $12+ | Explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa in this hands-on workshop filled with art, storytelling, and other creative elements.
Chanukah Festival | Monday, Dec. 15 | 6 p.m. | The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum, Alexandria | Free | This Chanukah festival will feature a menorah lighting, free food, lively Chanukah music, and a free light stick for every kid.
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.
The Official Christmas Bar Crawl | Saturday, Dec. 20 | 4-11:59 p.m. | The Light Horse, Alexandria | $13 | Take advantage of drink and food specials at this bar crawl in Alexandria. Make sure to wear your most festive attire.
Christmas Illuminations | Saturday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 21 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Mount Vernon | $29+ | Mount Vernon’s Christmas Illuminations offers festive fireworks, evening Mansion tours, 18th-century encampment experiences, and holiday-themed activities for the whole family.
Kwanzaa Opening Celebration | Friday, Dec. 26 | 12-2 p.m. | Anacostia Community Museum, Washington, DC | Free | This is the first event of many to celebrate Kwanzaa and will include various traditional ceremonies like honoring ancestors and candle lighting.
Looking for some live music? You’re in luck. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Jam out at these concerts
The Barns 300th Anniversary Concert & Dinner | Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna | $500+ | Celebrate 300 years of the Wolf Trap with an orchestral performance followed by an elegant dinner.
PORTUGAL. THE MAN | Friday, Dec. 5 | 8 p.m. | The Anthem, Washington, DC | $59 | Known for their Grammy-winning hit “Feel It Still,” this group blends indie rock with psychedelic elements. Their newest album, “SHISH,” came out on Friday, Nov. 7.
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 4 p.m. | Filene Center, Vienna | Free | Register for this free sing-along holiday concert performed by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.
The Allman Betts Band | Monday, Dec. 8 | 8 p.m. | Capital One Hall, Tysons | $66+ | This Southern rock group was formed by the sons of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts, which is where the group’s name originates from. They add a modern twist to the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band.
Bird and Byron | Saturday, Dec. 20 | 8 p.m. | Jammin Java, Vienna | $21 | Check out this indie rock and soul duo hailing from Nashville, TN, at this intimate venue.
The Flaming Lips | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 9:30 p.m. | The Anthem, Washington, DC | $91 | With a career spanning over three decades, you won’t want to miss this legendary band. Hear classics like “Do You Realize??” and “Fight Test” at this popular venue.
Get your tickets now for a New Year’s Eve river cruise. | Photo via Flickr
New Year’s Eve festivities
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 Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Jammin Java, Vienna | $15 | The annual Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball is the perfect way for families to ring in the new year. The show includes an apple juice toast, New Year’s resolutions, and the famous Ball Drop.
New Year’s Eve at The Branch | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 1-9:45 p.m. | The Branch, Leesburg | $151 | Book a dedicated time for you and your family to enjoy an exciting bowling session, complete with pizza and your favorite drinks, this New Year’s Eve.
Gatsby’s DC Fireworks New Year’s Eve Yacht Party 2026 | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 9:30 p.m. | Spirit of Washington DC, Washington, DC | $248 | End the year with a bang at this Gatsby-themed party complete with a DJ, buffet-style dinner, an open bar, and dancing.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.