Dozens of ideas for FREE family fun in late December!

So…. a couple of weeks ago we posted our huge list of 40 totally free ideas for fun things to do this holiday season right here in Fairfax and Northern Virginia. You may be thinking that most of those special events and opportunities have passed, right? Think again!  Most of these family-friendly community events go on through Christmas, New Year’s, and even beyond!  See below for all the fun coming up, plus other ideas for kid-friendly fun — we’ve added some new things! You have at least three dozen choices, all of which are free or have no admission fees!

FREE FAMILY FUN IN LATE DECEMBER

1. All aboard! See the magical Winter Wonderland Train Show Dec. 18 in Manassas
2. Enjoy a free carriage ride with Santa at the Burke Town Center Dec. 19 11 am-1pm
3. Find holiday cheer at the Christmas in Fairfax concert Dec. 19 by the City of Fairfax Band
4. Celebrate parks with a free holiday party and puppet show at Frying Pan Farm Park Dec. 19
5. Sing along at the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra’s production of Handel’s Messiah 18-19
6. Take in the sounds of the seasons with free holiday concerts at Fairfax Corner through Dec. 19
7. Join the Reston Community Orchestra in a  free play/sing-along on Dec. 19
8. Catch a free holiday performance at the Reston Town Center Dec. 19-20
9. Enjoy a free Christmas concert with a choir and orchestra on Dec. 20 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
10. Enjoy movies, cookie decorating, Santa visits and more fun at the IHOP Centreville Holiday Party on Dec. 22
11. Revel in the excitement of the Water-skiing Santa in Old Town Alexandria Dec. 24
12. See Santa riding a fire truck through various area neighborhoods
13. Relive the Christmas story at one of the many live nativity events in our area
14. Enjoy beautiful lights and live music at the Festival of lights at the Mormon Temple in MD
15. Watch a spectacular tree show at the Village at Leesburg through Jan. 3
16. Watch ice skaters glide under the pretty lights at the outdoor Reston Town Center ice rink
17. Go Christmas caroling with family and friends
18. Learn about holidays around the world and adopt a new tradition
19. Tour the Manassas Museum and see its holiday and tree displays all month long
20. Enjoy a magical display at the US Botanic Gardens “Seasons Greenings”now through Jan. 3
21. Volunteer in your communitywith family and friends
22. Visit Union Station in DC to see the Norwegian Christmas tree, model trains, and more, through Jan. 1
23. Enjoy a favorite or classic family film through the ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas
24. Roast marshmallows, play, and visit farm animals at the Cox Farms Corner Market
25. Watch the “indoor falling snow” and lightshow at the Gaylord National at National Harbor
26. Enjoy free holiday concerts and movies on Saturdays on the Plaza at National Harbor
27. See the largest gingerbread White House at the White House Historical Society in DC through Dec. 22
28. Go see the National Christmas Tree in DC and enjoy free nightly evening entertainment
29. See the decorations around Mosaic District and see the shops while you enjoy a free pedicab ride
30. See the giant gingerbread village at the Hyatt Regencyat Reston Town Center through Dec. 31
31. Enjoy the holiday lights display at the Sherwood Community Center through Jan. 3
32. Find and check out elaborate home light displays in your neighborhood
33. Go see the National Christmas Tree in DC and enjoy free nightly evening entertainment
34. Ring in the new year with a at the Falls Church Watch Night, a family-friendly NYE celebration
35. Or… head to Vienna for First Night Vienna, the town’s own family-friendly NYE event
36. See the National Zoo in a new light at the ZooLights festival, now through Jan. 2

BONUS:  other fun activities… not free, but cheap!

1. Experee mini-versions of several Christmas and Hanukkah shows at the Westfield High Ho-Ho-Holiday Show 18 and 19 ($5 per person)
2. 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)
3. See “The Nutcracker” play at Workhouse Arts Theatre through Dec. 26 ($9-13 per person)
4. Learn about Santa Through the Ages at Sully Historic Site, now through Jan. 29 ($5-7 per person)
5. Have fun on the farm with many attractions at Ticonderoga Farms through Dec. 20 ($9.95 per person)
6. Enjoy holiday lights at Bull Run (from $15 per carload) and Meadowlark (from $7 per person)
7. 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!