Weekender Newsletter

Friday, Dec. 19 - Sunday, Dec. 21

Editor's Note: This is the final edition for 2025. The next Weekender Newsletter will be sent Jan. 8. Happy Holidays! 

Make the Season Bright and Visit Holiday Light Displays

Lights, lights and more lights. Take a drive this weekend to explore neighborhood light displays and shows across the county. Check out Visit Fairfax's list of must-see Christmas lights this holiday season.

Weekend-Long Events

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake

Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, ride the Holiday Express, play Gingerbread Man Golf and make s'mores at Burke Lake Park. Registration is $20.

Holiday on the Farm

Friday and Saturday, Times Vary

Come celebrate the holidays at Frying Pan Farm Park with an evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animals, campfires and visits with Santa. Registration is $15.

Friday, Dec. 19 Events

Holiday Lantern Tour (6:30 - 8 p.m.) Tour Colvin Run Mill by candlelight. Discover how a 200-year old mill looks at night, and visit the miller’s house decorated for the holidays. Learn how families of the mill spent the winter months and enjoy holiday treats. Registration is $12 for adults and $10 for children.

American Red Cross Blood Drive (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

Register to make a lifesaving blood donation at the McLean Community Center. The McLean Community Center, in partnership with NoVa Prism Center, is helping the American Red Cross with diverse blood donations.

Virtual Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education Training (10 - 11 a.m.)

Learn how to help save a life during this free online opioid overdose emergency class. The course will cover how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan nasal spray.

Chair Yoga (11 a.m. - noon)

Use a chair for support as you practice stretching, strengthening and safe movement at the Dolley Madison Library in McLean.

Winter Solstice Teen Event (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)

Discover the magic of winter solstice with crafts, snacks and stories at Kingstowne Library.

Holiday Tours at Pope-Leighey House (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)

Tour the Pope-Leighey House in Alexandria during special evening tours. See the home decorated for a mid-century holiday while enjoying cookies and a cup of hot cider. 

Game Night After Hours (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)

After Kings Park Library in Burke closes, we're opening the doors for a night of mischief and matches. Play a selection of competitive games, and enjoy a collection of classic board games, snacks and drinks.

Saturday, Dec. 20 Events

Family Skate and Dance Holiday Tacky Sweater Night (6 - 9 p.m.) Come skate and enjoy a variety of music from our guest DJ at the Franconia Rec Center. Elves and Santa will be visiting us from the North Pole. Remember to bring your skates and wear your favorite holiday attire.

Saturday Family Storytime: Holiday Theme (10:30 - 11:15 a.m.)

Join us for an interactive holiday storytime with stories about Santa, Christmas trees, reindeer and more at the Oakton Library. For children up to age 5 with a caregiver.

A Nutcracker Celebration: Music and Stories (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Celebrate the season with stories from the "The Nutcracker" at the City of Fairfax Regional Library. The Appassionata Music School of VA will host a family storytime and music program.

Winter Wonderland with Mr. Jon & Friends (11 a.m. - noon)

Join award-winning musician Mr. Jon & Friends for a concert at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria. Mr. Jon and his silly friend George the Monkey will have you laughing and dancing along to fun winter songs.

Winter Open House (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Drop in to Centreville Regional Library for a festive day of community and merriment. Enjoy performances, crafts, ornament decorating and a visit from Santa Claus. 

Going Green Workshop - Modeling Nature (1 - 4 p.m.)

Learn about biomimicry and how nature-inspired designs can create solutions for a greener world at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. We'll end the class with three upcycling projects for holiday gifting. Registration is $28.

Chinese Culture Club (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)

Explore Chinese history, art, music and culture through a variety of activities at the Dolley Madison Library in McLean. Learn traditions to celebrate the winter solstice in China and make a nine‐nine cold‐dispelling chart. Activities will be in English and Chinese Mandarin.

'Navidad Flamenca' Presented by Furia Flamenca (8 p.m.)

Celebrate the holidays the Spanish and Puerto Rican way with "Navidad Flamenca" at the Leila Gordon Theatre in Reston. Enjoy a festive evening of Spanish holiday music, flamenco dancing and Puerto Rican parrandas.

Sunday, Dec. 21 Events

Winter Solstice Evening Walk (4 - 5:30 p.m.)