40 holiday events for free and festive family fun

FREE and Festive Family Fun – LOTS of choices still remain now through late December!

Looking for something to do during the holidays that is fun, family-friendly, and free, and right in (or very close to) Fairfax County? Look no further! Our annual Fairfax Family Fun list has lots of ideas for things to do with the family that are all free! Please note: by “free” we mean events that you can do totally for free or that at least have no admission fees; we do not include those that are free but where a donation of some sort is expected (we encourage you to donate!). Any extras such as food or concessions, merchandise, parking, or other charges are not taken into account for the “free” label. As always, events may change (especially for inclement weather) so always confirm by going to the official websites.

The following events have NO admission fees… free family fun!

1. Attend a community menorah lighting and Chanukah festival
2. See Santa riding a fire truck through various area neighborhoods
3. Tour DAR Constitution Hall during its Christmas open house Dec. 10
4. Enjoy free Holiday Harmonies at the Reston Town Centernow through Dec. 11
5. Relive the Christmas story at one of the many live nativity events in our area
6. Take free pictures with Santa at Spartans Family Restaurant on Dec. 12, 11 am-2pm
7. While at Spartans (see #3) take part in the Burke Village Center Stocking Run Dec. 12 for free goodies
8. Have a full day of fun with a parade and more at the Occoquan WinterFest on Dec. 12
9. Enjoy entertainment, crafts, and Santa photos at the Worldgate Center Holiday Workshop on Dec. 12
10. Enjoy lots of fun at the nZone’s Christmas Palooza event on Dec. 12
11. Greet Santa and friends at the Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade on Dec. 12
12. Delight in the illuminated cars of the Manassas Park Light Parade on Dec. 12
13. Enjoy beautiful lights and live music at the Festival of lights at the Mormon Temple in MD
14. Watch a spectacular tree show at the Village at Leesburg through Jan. 3, and don’t miss the Dec. 13 TubaChristmas concert
15. Watch ice skaters glide under the pretty lights at the outdoor Reston Town Center ice rink
16. Enjoy a free carriage ride with Santa at the Burke Town Center Dec. 19 11 am-1pm
17. Find holiday cheer at the Christmas in Fairfax concert 19 by the City of Fairfax Band
18. Celebrate parks with a free holiday party and puppet show at Frying Pan Farm Park Dec. 19
19. Sing along at the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra’s production of Handel’s Messiah 18-19
20. Take in the sounds of the seasons with free holiday concerts at Fairfax Corner through Dec. 19
21. Enjoy movies, cookie decorating, Santa visits and more at the IHOP Centreville Holiday Party on Dec. 22
22. Revel in the excitement of the Water-skiing Santain Old Town Alexandria Dec.24
23. Go Christmas caroling with family and friends
24. Learn about holidays around the world and adopt a new tradition
25. Enjoy a magical display at the US Botanic Gardens “Seasons Greenings”now through Jan. 4
26. Volunteer in your communitywith family and friends
27. Visit Union Station in DC to see the Norwegian Christmas tree, model trains, and more, through Jan. 1
28. Enjoy a favorite or classic family film through the ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas
29. Roast marshmallows, play, and visit farm animals at the Cox Farms Corner Market
30. Watch the “indoor falling snow” and lightshow at the Gaylord National at National Harbor
31. Enjoy free holiday concerts and movies on Saturdayson the Plaza at National Harbor
32. See the largest gingerbread White House at the White House Historical Society in DC through Dec. 22
33. Go see the National Christmas Tree in DC and enjoy free nightly evening entertainment
34. Ring in the new year with a family-friendly NYE celebration (two big ones are free!)
35. See the giant gingerbread village at the Hyatt Regencyat Reston Town Center through Dec. 31
36. Enjoy theholiday lights display at the Sherwood Community Center through Jan. 3
37. Find and check out elaborate home light displays in your neighborhood
38. Go see the National Christmas Tree in DC and enjoy free nightly evening entertainment
39. Ring in the new year with a family-friendly NYE celebration
40. See the National Zoo in a new light at the ZooLights festival, now through Jan. 2

BONUS:  10 more fun activities… not free, but cheap!

1. Experience a Civil War Christmas at Fort Ward Park on Dec. 12 ($2 per person)
2. Enjoy old-fashioned holiday fun and see Santa at Colvin Run Mill 12 ($5 per person)
3. See mini-versions of several Christmas and Hanukkah shows at the Westfield High Ho-Ho-Holiday Show 18 and 19 ($5 per person)
4. Meet animals, see a nativity scene, enjoy crafts and indoor play, and more at Leesburg Animal Park’s Christmas Village Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 19 ($7.95 per person)
5. See “The Nutcracker” play at Workhouse Arts Theatre through Dec. 26 ($9-13 per person)
6. Learn about Santa Through the Ages at Sully Historic Site, now through Jan. 29 ($5-7 per person)
7. Enjoy A Storybook Holiday with crafts and Santa in Herndon on Dec. 12 ($9 per child)
8. Have fun on the farm with many attractions at Ticonderoga Farms through Dec. 20 ($9.95 per person)
9. Enjoy holiday lights at Bull Run (from $15 per carload) and Meadowlark (from $7 per person)
10. Enjoy an old-fashioned movie on New Year’s Eve afternoon at Cabell’s Mill ($8 per person)

See LOTS more holiday events on our full Holiday Guide!