Nothing says December in Northern Virginia like cruising Meadow Farms’ dazzling light show in Vienna, sipping hot cider at the Reston Town Center tree lighting, or spotting the 20-foot inflatable Santa waving from a Fairfax Station rooftop. From Leesburg’s holiday parade to Old Town Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk, our corner of Virginia goes all-in on sparkle, songs, and togetherness every December 25.
Christmas itself is the birthday party for Jesus—the day Christians celebrate God slipping into the world as a baby to bring hope and love to everyone. While the rest of us are busy untangling light strands and fighting over the last parking spot at Fair Oaks Mall, local churches fill up for candlelight services, kids act out the manger scene, and carols echo through neighborhoods from Chantilly to Clifton.
Ask any Northern Virginian how we do Christmas and you’ll hear about backyard fire pits, ugly-sweater contests, and the annual debate over real tree vs. fake. We pile the kids in the minivan for Bull Run Festival of Lights, stuff stockings with Wawa gift cards, and argue whether Tysons or National Harbor has the better ice-skating rink. Cookie swaps, neighborhood luminary nights, and way too many photos with Santa round out the season.
Laurie Seaton, director of Fairfax United Methodist Church Preschool and a lifelong local, says the preschool mirrors what so many families are doing at home. “The students and staff here joyfully share each other’s company and invite our families in for a Holiday Concert and parties in the classroom. We also create many special crafts including gingerbread houses that the children take home to help decorate their houses for the holiday,” she laughs, adding that kids from every background join in the fun.
Generosity is big here, too. Seaton notes, “In December we have a Mitten Tree that the children place donated hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves on for children in need.” Drive through any subdivision and you’ll spot similar giving boxes on porches—coats for veterans, toys for foster kids, food pantry barrels at Giant.
Little voices steal the show every year. “It is wonderful to hear so many sweet children’s voices raised in song!” Seaton says of the preschool concert, where pastors retell the Christmas story between jingle-bell solos. Sound familiar? That’s the same scene playing out in school auditoriums and church sanctuaries from Gainesville to Great Falls.
Because we’re such a melting pot, our celebrations look a little different house to house. Seaton loves it: “We welcome with enthusiasm all faiths and backgrounds! We discuss holiday traditions from around the world and eagerly welcome parents to come in and present their family traditions.”
At the end of the day, whether you’re belting “Feliz Navidad” in Spanish, lighting Hanukkah candles next door, or just chasing the perfect light-display selfie, Seaton sums up the vibe we all feel: “I believe the message surely includes kindness, caring, empathy, and love for all.”
So turn up the Mariah Carey, grab another cup of eggnog, and keep those porch lights glowing, NoVa. We’ve got a whole lot of merry to spread.
