Get ready to unwrap the magic of the holiday season in Prince William County! As the crisp winter air settles over our charming towns, Visit PWC is delighted to present a sleigh-full of festive events that will enchant both locals and visitors alike. From dazzling light displays to spirited holiday markets, join us in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year in Prince William County, where joy, community, and seasonal cheer come together to create unforgettable memories for everyone
Thanksgiving Events
Potomac People: Indigenous Tribes of Eastern Prince William
- Saturday, November 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Meet at the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk parking lot.
- $5 per person; advanced registration required.
- Before Europeans came to the area, the Doegs inhabited the local region. For Native American Heritage Month, join us as we rediscover the Algonquian Nation during this boardwalk tour.
- More information: https://www.pwcva.gov/events/potomac-people-indigenous-tribes-eastern-prince-william
Preparing a “19th Century Thanksgiving Meal”
- Saturday, November 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Ben Lomond Historic Site
- $15 per person; advanced registration required
- Take advantage of this unique opportunity to help prepare a holiday meal using techniques and equipment commonly used in the 19th century. From roasting meat and dressing using a reflector oven, to baking bread and desserts, boiling vegetables in cast iron pots, learn how food was prepared in the 19th century.
- More information: https://www.pwcva.gov/events/preparing-19th-century-thanksgiving-meal
Wine Dinner with Chef Ryan Ross
- Saturday, November 18th at 6:00 p.m.
- The Winery at La Grange
- Tickets : $150 per person
- Gather with us and your friends as we indulge in her impeccable menu, expertly paired with our La Grange Cabernet Sauvignons.
- More information: https://wineryatlagrange.com/events
Drinksgiving
- Wednesday, November 22nd from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- The Farm Brewery at Broad Run
- We have exactly what you're looking for when the whole family is in-town for thanksgiving! Dueling pianos, Beer release, cocktails, smores kits and fire pits.
- More information: https://www.thefarmbreweryatbroadrun.com/events
Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch
- Thursday, November 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- The Clubs at Quantico
- Tickets: $39 for 13 & up, $19.50 for children 4-12, children under 3 are free.
- Join us for a lavish Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch buffet. Enjoy a variety of breakfast classics and traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Also featuring a made-to-order omelet station, New York Striploin carving station, and a delectable assortment of handmade desserts.
- More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thanksgiving-champagne-brunch-at-the-clubs-at-quantico-tickets-714714388977?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Holiday Markets
Woodbridge High School Holiday Market
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Saturday, November 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Woodbridge High School
- Come visit close to 100 vendors and crafters, including - wreath makers, jewelry, beauty products, sweet treats and an amazing variety of unique handcrafted items. Come support small, local businesses and get all your holiday shopping done in one place!
- More information: https://woodbridgehs.pwcs.edu/events/2023/11/wshs_pso_2023_annual_holiday_market
Holiday Market & Tree Lighting
- Thursday, November 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Marine Corps Exchange (MCX)
- Calling all Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ) crafty individuals, and home-based businesses for the opportunity to bring your arts and crafts, wares, and other sell-able goods to the MCBQ Tree Lighting and Holiday Market Event.
- More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-market-mcbq-tree-lighting-tickets-689346533037
Dale City Holiday Market
- Saturday, December 2nd from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Gemini Way
- Come find unique gifts, crafts, specialty items and your favorite treats. From books, jewelry, leather goods, wreaths, holiday items, crochet items and more.
- More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/3861149080778832/
Artisan Market
- Saturday, December 2nd through Sunday, December 3rd
- Town of Occoquan
- Each year, Occoquan dresses up for the holidays! You’ll think you’ve walked onto the set of a winter wonderland Hallmark movie. This year, visiting Occoquan becomes a magical holiday shopping experience as our Holiday Artisan Market extends to Mill Street.
- More information: https://www.visitoccoquanva.com/holiday
Holiday Fair
- Saturday, December 2nd from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Clyde N. Washington, Jr. Community and Recreation Center
- Are you ready to spread holiday cheer and showcase your amazing products or services to a fantastic audience? We're thrilled to invite vendors to be part of the Dumfries Holiday Fair,
- More information: https://www.dumfriesva.gov/residents/holiday_fair.php
Holiday Market
- Saturday, December 9th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- The Winery at La Grange
- Join us for our annual Holiday Market with local craft vendors! Hosted indoors, this event is an amazing opportunity to snag last minute, locally made gifts for the holidays while sipping wine!
- More information: https://wineryatlagrange.com/events
Concerts & Shows
Winter Wonderland
- Sunday, November 19th at 3:00 p.m.
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- $12 per person; free for children ages 3 and under
- Join Axial Dance for Winter Wonderland as they explore winter holidays, weather, festivities, and everything in between.
- More information: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/winter-wonderland
Virginia National Ballet
- Friday November 24th at 2:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Ticket Range from $45, $40, $35, $30, $25, $20
- This full-length professional Nutcracker features outstanding international soloists as well as pre-professional students from VNB's school, beautiful choreography, and magical sets and costumes, which are being upgraded in 2023!
- More information: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/virginia-national-ballet-the-nutcracker
Northern Virginia Ballet: The Nutcracker
- Saturday, November 25th at 2:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Ticket Range from $35 adult; $25 senior (55 and up) and youth (ages 1-17) and military (active and retired)
- Start your holiday season with the Northern Virginia Ballet’s (NVB) traditional and family-friendly production of The Nutcracker. Featuring guest artists and international award-winning company dancers, the performance includes exquisite costuming and Russian-produced sets.
- More information: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/northern-virginia-ballet-the-nutcracker
A Canadian Brass Christmas
- Sunday, November 26th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Tickets: $60, $51, $36; half-price for youth through Grade 12
- Clad in their iconic white running shoes, the brass quintet performs a varied repertoire that includes their original arrangements and signature takes on classical standards, pop favorites, and traditional holiday music.
- More Information: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/a-canadian-brass-christmas
Handel’s Messiah
- Friday, December 1st at 8:00 p.m.
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- $20 adult; $15 senior 65+; free for youth (17 years and younger)
- OBCO is joined by the Gainesville Community Choir for this presentation of Handel's Messiah. Sing along during the Hallelujah Chorus with the vocal score.
- More information: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/handel-39-s-messiah
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
- Friday, December 8th at 8:00 p.m.
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Tickets: $60, $51, $36; half-price for youth through Grade 12
- Now in his second season, Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Wilson welcomes old and new friends to the stage for a festive program of musical favorites, including an uplifting audience singalong of beloved carols.
- More information: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/american-festival-pops-orchestra-holiday-pops-songs-of-the-season
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly
- Friday, December 8th through Sunday, December 17th
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- $25 adult; $20 senior, student (ID Required), and military; $18 group (eight or more); $15 youth (12 and under)
- A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the story resumes with bookish sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. Weary of her role as the dutiful middle sister, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and even love at a Pemberley Christmas family gathering.
- More Information: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/miss-bennet-christmas-at-pemberley
Historic Holidays and Christmas Concert at Brentsville Courthouse
- Saturday, December 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Brentsville Courthouse Historic Site
- Free; advanced tickets required for the concert.
- Experience the holidays of years past at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre as you explore each of Brentsville's historic buildings decorated for the holidays. Learn how locals celebrated the holidays and how they enjoyed the winter weather through the years through crafts and activities. Get your picture taken with Santa and have some hot cider as you enjoy a musical performance by the Brentsville District High School Choir.
- More information: https://www.pwcva.gov/events/historic-holidays-christmas-concert-brentsville-courthouse
Vienna Boys Choir
- Sunday, December 10th at 2:00 p.m.
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Tickets: $55, $47, $33; half-price for youth through Grade 12
- The beloved ensemble is praised for its heavenly voices, harmonic purity, and endearing charm. Made up of boy sopranos and altos from ages eight to 14 and from 31 countries, the Vienna Boys Choir is one of the best international choral ensembles of its kind.
- More Information: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/vienna-boys-choir
Santa's Coming to Town
Santa’s Arrival Party
- Tuesday, November 21st from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Potomac Mills Outlet Mall - Mall Management Office
- Enjoy face painting, festive balloon twisting, holiday characters and giveaways while supplies last! Santa photos are also available for purchase. Don’t miss out on this family fun event!
- More information: https://www.simon.com/mall/potomac-mills/stores/mall-management-office/stream/santas-arrival-party-6228872
Santa at the Farm
- Saturday, November 25th
- The Farm Brewery at Broad Run
- Come get your photos with Santa! Pups are welcome! We will have specialty cocktails, beer releases, New Limited Merch and more.
- More information: https://www.thefarmbreweryatbroadrun.com/events
Cookies with Santa
- Sunday, November 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Merrifield Garden Center
- $10 per child
- Join us at the Gainesville store for a special treat! Santa will be talking to kids and taking photos with families while everyone enjoys decorated Christmas Cookies.
- More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cookies-with-santa-at-the-gainesville-store-tickets-750712079037?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Carriage Rides & Santa
- Saturday, December 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Gateway Promenade Drive
- FREE admission
- Old-Fashioned Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides around Gateway Promenade Drive, including strolling Holiday Characters, and more!
- More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/6872262639507446/
Santa Comes to Rippon Lodge
- Saturday, December 9th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Rippon Lodge Historic Site
- $5 per person; reservations required.
- You better watch out! You better not cry! Santa Claus is visiting Rippon Lodge for one afternoon only! Be on your best behavior and keep your name on the "Nice" list.
- More information: https://www.pwcva.gov/events/santa-comes-rippon-lodge
Holiday Lights
Annual Tree Lighting
- Saturday, November 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Town of Occoquan – Town Hall
- Mayor Earnie Porta will officiate this time-honored tradition, as Occoquan residents and visitors gather to kick off the holiday season.
- More information: https://www.visitoccoquanva.com/holiday
Holiday Walk of Lights
- Friday, December 1st through Saturday, December 23rd
- Neabsco Regional Park
- Our 2nd annual Holiday Walk of Lights is back this year and brighter than ever!
- More information: https://www.pwcva.gov/department/neabsco-regional-park/holidaylights
Arts & Crafts
Reindeer Wreath Workshop
- Wednesday, November 15th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Cedar Run Brewery
- $30 per person
- This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity and make a unique holiday decoration.
- More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reindeer-wreath-workshop-tickets-747759939107
Paint Nite: Festive Gnomes
- Monday, November 20th from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Eavesdrop Brewery
- $45 per person
- Unleash your inner artist and learn how to paint Festive Gnomes! Paint it for your own wall-decor or as a holiday gift! This event is open to all ages!
- More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/3014208138719775/
Stuff-A-Stocking for Youth in Foster Care
- Friday, December 8th through Tuesday, December 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Southbridge Community Association
- Join us again this year as we collect and distribute beautifully stuffed Christmas Stockings for Youth in Foster Care.
- More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stuff-a-stocking-for-youth-in-foster-care-2023-tickets-730608177727
Family Gingerbread House Contest
- Saturday, December 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Veterans Memorial Park
- $5 per person
- Start planning your winter wonderland designs! Each family will receive one gingerbread house kit to build and decorate to submit for judging.
- More information: https://parksandrec.pwcgov.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=134700859
American Holidays
Holiday Through the Ages
- Friday, December 1st through Friday, December 22nd
- Rippon Lodge Historic Site
- $5 per person, children six and under are free.
- With interiors and exteriors richly decorated for the holidays, guests enjoy an in-depth exploration of seasonal festivities over the centuries.
- More information: https://pwcparks.info/holidaythroughtheages
Civil War Christmas
- Saturday, December 9th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Ben Lomond Historic Site
- $5 per person, children 6 and under free.
- Christmas 1861 brought many questions to the free and enslaved citizens of Prince William County and the soldiers huddled around warm fires in their winter camps. Explore how the war impacted the Pringle family at Ben Lomond and their Christmas traditions, as well as those of the local enslaved population.
- More information: https://parksandrec.pwcgov.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/iteminfo
Stafford NAACP Holiday Social
- Saturday, December 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- The Clubs at Quantico
- General Admission $75
- Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with good company, great music, and delicious food. It's the perfect opportunity to reflect on the year gone by and connect with fellow community members.
- More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stafford-naacp-holiday-social-2023-reflections-tickets-733991898527
Wreaths Across America
- Sunday, December 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Quantico National Cemetery
- 4th Annual Wreaths Across America at Quantico National Cemetery.
- More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wreaths-across-america-quantico-national-cemetery-virginia-tickets-722964685837?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
As the holiday season unfolds in Prince William County, we hope this guide sparks your festive spirit and encourages you to explore the heartwarming events our community has to offer. Please make sure to visit our Events Page to keep up to date with all the upcoming holiday events this season!
See you all there!