The holidays are here, and this year, instead of talking about real estate, I thought I’d share a quick list of fun holiday events happening around Northern and Central Virginia. 

If you’re looking for something festive to do, here are ten events worth checking out, along with links so you can explore them anytime:

1. Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna. This is one of my favorite spots. It’s a gorgeous walk-through light display in the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. The trail is about a half mile long, and it’s perfect for an evening stroll with family or friends.

2. Bull Run Festival of Lights. Instead of walking, this event lets you stay warm in the car while you drive through miles of holiday lights. It’s an easy option for families or anyone who wants something low-effort but still fun.

3. Christmas at Mount Vernon. If you want something historical and cozy, Mount Vernon is the place to go. Grab a hot cocoa and enjoy the festive decorations throughout the estate.

4. ICE! Featuring the Polar Express at the Gaylord National. If you haven’t been to ICE!, this could be the year to go. The entire exhibit is made of ice sculptures, and the theme changes each season. Just remember: they keep it at nine degrees, so bundle up.

5. Dominion Energy Garden Fest of Lights. If you're heading south, around the Richmond area, this is a beautiful, must-see event. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden transforms with lights everywhere, and there’s even a holiday train ride.

6. The Tacky Light Tour in Richmond. This one is fun and totally free. Different neighborhoods deck out their homes with big, bold holiday lights. You can drive or walk through and enjoy the creativity.

7. Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Every season, the Richmond Ballet puts on this enchanting show, making it a warm and inviting experience. If you want to do something relaxing indoors, the Richmond Ballet is a great way to enjoy a classic holiday tradition.

8. Legendary Santa at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. This is a well-known tradition for families with little kids. They offer both a paid Santa visit and a free walk-through option, depending on what you prefer.

9. Ashland’s Winter Wonderland of Lights. Ashland is a charming small town, and their holiday lights make for a simple, relaxing stroll. It’s casual, festive, and completely free.

10. First Night Alexandria. This New Year’s Eve celebration is a long-time Alexandria tradition. It’s family-friendly, filled with performances, and ends with a fireworks show to ring in the new year.

I hope this list gives you a few ideas and makes your holiday planning a little easier. If you end up checking out any of these events, share it with a friend and maybe make plans to go together.

Have a wonderful holiday season! And as always, if you ever have any real estate questions, feel free to call, text, or email me at (703) 216-4272 or terrirobinson@remax.net. I’m always happy to help.