Holiday Guide Over 20 things to do this holiday season, Pages 2-6 How to plan the perfect party, Page 6 Stocking stuffers that won’t break the bank, Page 7
INSIDENOVA.COM | NOVEMBER 2022 | HOLIDAY GUIDE
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23 things to do across Northern Virginia
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ooking for ways to usher in the holiday season? Dozens of parades, tree lightings, holiday markets and visits with Santa are happening across Northern Virginia this season. ROCKING AROUND THE BOARDWALK HOLIDAY WALK OF LIGHTS Nov. 26 to Dec. 31 Neabsco Regional Park, 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge pwcva.gov/department/neabsco-regional-park/ Prince William Parks and Recreation’s Holiday Walk of Lights at the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk begins Nov. 26 and runs nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Beginning Dec. 10, the boardwalk will also feature a unique holiday tree display. ENCHANT Nov. 25 to Jan. 1 Nationals Park, 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington enchantchristmas.com Enchant, billed as the world’s largest holiday-themed light event, opens Friday at Nationals Park. The walk-through light
Want more? » For a complete, searchable list of events throughout Northern Virginia, visit insidenova.com/calendar. maze created from over 4 million lights features a 100-foot-tall holiday tree, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits and a village marketplace with crafts, gifts, festive culinary treats and holiday cocktails. THANKSGIVING WEEKEND COMEDY SHOWCASE Saturday, Nov. 26 Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton workhousearts.org See some of the best comics in the region and let laughter burn off that last piece of pumpkin pie you shouldn’t have eaten Nov. 26 starting at 7 p.m. Hosted by Patrice DeVeaux and featuring Charlie Ross, Prince Arora and Eddie Morrison.
Prince William Public Libraries
WINTER READING PROGRAM All Ages December 1–February 28 This winter, enjoy your favorite stories and earn a free prize! Sign up at any of our 12 libraries or through the Beanstack Tracker app. Complete 10 challenges for the chance to win a prize.
Sponsored by:
pwcva.gov/library
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Enchant, billed as the world’s largest holiday light event, takes over Nationals Park in Washington with more than 4 million twinkling lights, an ice-skating rink and more through Jan. 1. PROVIDED
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Lighting ceremony Nov. 30; open to the public Dec. 2 through Jan. 1 15th and E streets NW, Washington, on the Ellipse thenationaltree.org The 100th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Nov 30, with the site free to visit and open to the public Dec. 2 through Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Lights on the National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening. SANTA LIGHTS Friday, Dec. 2, 5:15 p.m. Old Town Manassas Visitmanassas.org Santa Lights Manassas, also known as the tree lighting, has been a fixture in the community for 28 years. It takes place the Friday night before the Christmas Parade beginning at 5:15 p.m. Santa arrives in Manassas shortly after 6 p.m. After the tree is lighted, Santa and Mrs. Claus greet children and listen to their holiday wishes near the gazebo. Families can enjoy free wagon rides to get into the holiday spirit. The Harris Pavilion Ice Rink will be open for the season as well as the downtown shops and restaurants. 76TH ANNUAL GREATER MANASSAS CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-noon Old Town Manassas visitmanassas.org Parade-goers line the streets of Manassas once again for the 76th annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, this year with the theme “Hometown Christmas: Past, Present, and Future.” Marching bands, floats, dancers and more from local schools and groups will wind through Old Town to kick off the holiday season and mark the beginning of Merry Old Town. OCCOQUAN HOLIDAYFEST Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 3-4 Town of Occoquan occoquanva.gov HolidayFest returns to historic Occoquan with Shop Small Weekend Nov. 25-27 and Santa Claus arriving by boat at
Mamie Davis Park on Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m. Kids of all ages are then invited to escort Santa to River Mill Park. He will visit with families from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The town is also hosting a holiday artisan market both days at the park. LEESBURG HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Friday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. Town Green, 25 West Market St., Leesburg leesburgva.gov The Town of Leesburg will hold this year’s holiday tree lighting ceremony on Town Green beginning at 6 p.m. There will be lights, live music, holiday characters and community cheer. STAFFORD COUNTY HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Dec. 2 starting at 6 p.m. George Gordon Government Center staffordcountytreelighting.com Welcome the holiday season with Stafford County’s annual Tree Lighting Festival held at the George Gordon Government Center on Friday, Dec 2. Community festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. CHRISTMAS IN MIDDLEBURG Dec. 2-3 Washington Street, Middleburg christmasinmiddleburg.org The Town of Middleburg rings in the season starting Friday, Dec. 2, with the annual tree lighting at 5 p.m. On Dec. 3, starting at 11 a.m. the Middleburg Hunt Review takes to the streets with 150 horses, riders in hunting attire and dozens of hounds come through the town. The Middleburg Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. along Washington Street. ALEXANDRIA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m. Waterfront Park VisitAlexandria.com Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 22nd annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, as dozens of brightly lighted boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park. HOLIDAY EVENTS
The The MarketPlace MarketPlace at at Madison Madison Crescent Crescent Allstate Arthur Murry Dance Centers Avalon Nail & Spa Brooklyn Brothers Pizza Capital One Century 21 Millennium D Smiles Family Dentistry Eggspectation Fashion Forward Salon Gainesville Complete Dental Mattress Firm Premier Martial Arts Prince William Family Medicine Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop Virginia ABC
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HOLIDAY EVENTS
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The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade celebrates its 76th year of marching through town this year. INSIDENOVA FILE PHOTO
Visit KO's Distillery Store in Manassas for holiday gifts, craft cocktails, and distillery tours. Shop online at kodistilling.com to ship spirits nationwide.
Explorations
A Concert for the Entire Family Student Soloist John Ross • Viola Patriot High School Senior Special Guest Christine Maxted Soprano
Saturday December 10, 2022 3:30 pm Tickets Children/Students Free Adult $25 Hylton Performing Arts Center 10900 George Mason Circle Manassas, VA 20110 Hylton Center.org Box Office 703-993-7759
The Path* World Premiere Composed by Ben Bernstein. Based on the book by award winning children’s author Bob Staake. Narrated by Rick Davis, GMU Dean of Visual Arts Exclusive synchronized light & holiday music show Pre-concert performance by The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestra *Bob Staake©2022
James Villani Music Director
ALEXANDRIA’S SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WALK Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. Old Town Alexandria VisitAlexandria.com The Campagna Center’s 51th Anniversary Scottish Christmas Walk, featuring a parade of Scottish clans and Scottie dogs, hits the streets of Old Town Alexandria once again.
Manassas Ballet Theatre will present “The Nutcracker” from Dec. 16 to 23 with the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra on the Merchant Stage at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at www.manassasballet.org or call 703-257-1811. Tickets start at $35. Streaming will be available starting Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
SANTA VISITS RIPPON LODGE Saturday, Dec. 10 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge pwcva.gov/department/historic-preservation/rippon-lodge Santa Claus is coming to Rippon Lodge Historic Site in Woodbridge on Dec. 10 from noon to 3 p.m. Bring your camera for pictures and dress appropriately for weather as some activities are outside. This is always a popular event so be sure to register.
NATIONAL HARBOR HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGS Through Dec. 31 National Harbor Waterfront District, Prince George’s, Md. nationalharbor.com National Harbor’s new 60-foot RGB tree comes to life nightly in the heart of the Waterfront District. The light show dances alongside a holiday medley performed by the United States Air Force Band. The show runs every half hour from sunset to 9 p.m. with the exception of Saturday nights through Dec. 17 when the show begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be accompanied by fireworks.
HAYMARKET CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Saturday, Dec. 10 Haymarket Town Hall, 15000 Washington St. townofhaymarket.org Join the Town of Haymarket for its annual Christmas and Holiday Celebration and tree lighting. LEESBURG CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY PARADE Saturday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg leesburgva.gov On the second Saturday of December, the holiday spirit will be in full swing at Leesburg’s annual Christmas and Holiday Parade. The parade will usher Santa and his friends down King Street, through Historic Downtown Leesburg. MANASSAS BALLET THEATRE’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ Dec. 16-23 Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas
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HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2022 | INSIDENOVA.COM
ILLUMINATIONS AT MOUNT VERNON Dec. 16 an 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m. George Washington's Mount Vernon mountvernon.org See George Washington’s Mount Vernon illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns as you listen to Christmas carolers and visit an 18th-century winter encampment and a winter market. End the evening with a holiday fireworks show starting at 8:30 p.m. Mount Vernon is at 3200 Mount Vernon Highway in Fairfax County. SANTA VISITS POTOMAC MILLS Daily through Dec. 24 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge simonsanta.com Mr. Claus has returned this year for the Santa Photo Experience at Potomac Mills continuing daily through Christmas Eve. Reservations are required. For details, see simonsanta.com.
The 51st Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade returns to Old Town on Dec. 3 with Scottish clans and Scottie dogs. PROVIDED
BULL RUN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Through Jan. 8. Monday-Thursday nights, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday nights, 5:30-10 p.m. Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights Load your family in the car for one of Northern Virginia’s favorite holiday activities. The route is 2.5 miles, illuminated by a wide array of holiday light displays.
Old Town Warrenton WarrentonChristmasParade.com The annual parade down Main Street is led by Santa in his horse and sleigh and features lighted floats, bands and lots of holiday cheer. The parade will travel along Main Street from 5th Street past the Courthouse and down to Pelham Street. Christmas carols and the tree illumination at the courthouse follow, then fireworks to usher in the season.
WARRENTON CHRISTMAS PARADE Friday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m.
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HOLIDAY EVENTS
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HOLIDAY EVENTS
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Donate hope. This year, the need is greater than ever.
Help make the holidays happy for everyone in Prince William County.
Join InsideNoVa in supporting The Salvation Army’s Christmas Basket campaign. Scan to Donate
Donate online: https://bit.ly/Novachristmasbasket Donations can be dropped off at Salvation Army 1483 Old Bridge Rd #102, Woodbridge, VA 22192
OR MAIL DONATIONS TO:
The Salvation Army | PO Box 2424, Woodbridge, VA 22195 (In memo line please write InsideNoVa Christmas Basket) NAME ���������������������������������������������������������� ADDRESS ������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� PHONE ��������������������������������������������������������� IN MEMORY OF / IN HONOR OF ������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� Donations will be published in InsideNoVa/Prince William unless otherwise requested. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published.
PLEASE SEND DONATIONS BY: DECEMBER 31ST
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A holiday tree-lighting kicked off Occoquan’s HolidayFest, which continues for the next two weekends. INSIDENOVA FILE PHOTO
WARRENTON’S GUMDROP SQUARE Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, from 1-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. John Barton Payne Building, 2 Courthouse Square, Warrenton oldtownwarrenton.org GumDrop Square is a long-time Warrenton holiday tradition and photo-op for families. The visit provides a personal experience with Santa and a beautifully decorated backdrop. Another highlight of a visit to GumDrop Square is Santa’s Secret Shop, where children can purchase $2 tickets to buy gifts for family and friends without parents looking over their shoulder.
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET Daily through Dec. 23 Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C. downtowndc.org Downtown Holiday Market, presented by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, Diverse Markets Management and Events DC, returns to the nation’s capital for a 17th year. DowntownDC’s open-air village runs through Dec. 23, filling two entire blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW, with the main entrance in front of the National Portrait Gallery. Admission is free, and the market is open daily from noon to 8 p.m.
5 Tips for Planning the Perfect Holiday Party
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rom family get-togethers to office parties, the holidays are about spending time with the ones you love most. Should you become the host or hostess of said party, you may need a few pointers to get you through it. Choose a theme. Streamline your party planning by choosing a theme. This will not only help guide your menu, activities (such as games, crafts, a photo booth, etc.) and decorations, but it will show your guests just how much thought and effort you put into planning the event. Potential holiday party themes include Ugly Sweater Party, Holiday Character Party or a Gatsby Christmas. Set a date. There are only four Saturdays in the holiday season, which makes choosing the perfect date for your party tough. If children are on the guest list, you may need to pick a time that’s early enough that they’ll be tucked in by bedtime. Before you decide on a date, consider your guests, their priorities and your vision for the party (such as casual cocktails, office party,
family-friendly affair, etc.). Decide on a location. Throwing a house party is convenient and affordable. However, if you plan on inviting a large number of guests, you may want to consider renting an event space. If you’re on a tight budget and hosting the party at home isn’t an option, look for a free location (such as a local park, community center or library). To help you decide on a location, think about the number of guests, the food you’ll serve, whether there will be alcohol at the party and the overall atmosphere you’d like to create. Plan the menu and set a budget. After you’ve nailed down the theme, date and location, you’ll need to plan a menu. If money is tight, consider making the party a potluck or opt for snacks and appetizers instead of a full-on meal. Send an evite. Once you’ve figured out the who, what, when and where, send out email invites. This way, you’ll be able to bypass the stress of buying and mailing customized invitations. Just be sure to give your guests plenty of notice!
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Creative Stocking Stuffers That Won’t Break the Bank
ome of the best holiday fun comes from dumping out a stocking of little gifts wrapped in pretty paper and big bows. Check out these stocking stuffers that are all around $10, so they won’t break the bank.
TECH TALK A cell phone stand keeps texts and videos in clear view and hands-free. Most options are compatible with any smartphone. Plus, the stand keeps cables organized on a desk, kitchen counter or bedroom nightstand. Tired of messy fingerprints on tech gear? A screen cleaning pad is a reusable faux suede cloth sized for home or office use and is perfect for all touchscreen devices. Never misplace their AirPods or headphones again with a carrying case that protects regular or wireless earphones. Many come in all different shapes, colors and sizes. TIME TO RELAX A reusable pouch filled with skincare products like facemask and lotions is great for your on-the-go
loved one. Who wouldn’t love luxury soaps? They make for a beautifully packaged gift and come in all sorts of fragrances – lavender, carrot, cucumber, fig, peach, cherry blossom, tangerine and more. Even little girls and boys need a chance to relax. Crayola Bath Dropz are fragrance-free, non-toxic water-coloring tablets that will magically change your tub to blue, yellow or red. And kids shouldn’t have all the bath time fun. Create rich bubbles and vibrant colors while treating your skin with beneficial ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and essential oils. Bath bombs are the perfect stocking stuffer and even come in fun shapes like cupcakes, hearts and doughnuts.
midst? A mini star projector beams the constellations of the astrological zodiac onto the walls of your home. Does your family love games? Codenames Board Game is a spy game for multiple players ages 10 and up. Two rival spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents, and teammates know the agents only by their code names given on the cards. Or, keep them laughing all day long with a holiday joke book for boys and girls.
FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE Save the planet with easy-clean reusable straws. Most are dishwasher safe, and some even come with a linen carrying case. They’re perfect for a greener lifestyle. You can also consider a personalized key chain. Many retailers offer options with common names, or surf FOR THE COFFEE LOVERS the web for a way to make a truly A package of coffee paired with a trio customized gift in a favorite color or of mini syrups makes a great stocking style. stuffer for every coffee lover in your life Ready to travel? A universal power or your favorite at-home barista. wall charger with a power plug adapter is a great gift. Look for an FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES option that will work in many counHave a budding astronomer in your tries.
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FROM PAGE 5
Holiday Programs
Baking For The Holidays
https://bit.ly/HolidayswithPWCparks Monthly Paint Series At Pat White Center at Ben Lomond
At Pat White Center at Ben Lomond & Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center
A holiday tree-lighting kicked off Occoquan’s HolidayFest, which continues for the next two weekends. INSIDENOVA FILE PHOTO
Holiday Nature
at James S. Long Park
Holiday Market
at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center
Historic Holidays & Christmas Concert
at Pfitzner Stadium, Home Of The Prince William Farmers Market
at Brentsville Courthouse
Holidays Through The Ages
Holiday Evenings
at Rippon Lodge
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Winter Break Camp
at Rippon Lodge
HOLIDAY GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2022 | INSIDENOVA.COM
WARRENTON’S GUMDROP SQUARE Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, from 1-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. John Barton Payne Building, 2 Courthouse Square, Warrenton oldtownwarrenton.org Holiday Walk of WarGumDrop Square is a long-time Lights renton holiday tradition and photo-op for The visit providesPark a personal atfamilies. Neabsco Regional experience with Santa and a beautifully decorated backdrop. Another highlight of a visit to GumDrop Square is Santa’s Secret Shop, where children can purchase $2 tickets to buy gifts for family and friends without parents looking over their shoulder.
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET Daily through Dec. 23 Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C. downtowndc.org Downtown Holiday Market, presented by the DowntownDC BusiA Holiday Tree ness Improvement District, Diverse Display Markets Management and Events DC, returns to the nation’s at Neabsco Creekcapital for a 17th year. DowntownDC’s open-air Boardwalk village runs through Dec. 23, filling two entire blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW, with the main entrance in front of the National Portrait Gallery. Admission is free, and the market is open daily from noon to 8 p.m.
5 Tips for Planning the Perfect Holiday Party
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