More Christmas and holiday-themed events in Northern Virginia

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve begun to post about the various Christmas parades, holiday craft shows, and other fun events going on in Northern Virginia. Most of these posts are based on things I’ve seen or done in previous years. Today I wanted to post about a few events I haven’t gone to yet, but would love to check out. 

Plantation Christmas at Gunston Hall

Gunston Hall

Plantation Christmas takes place every December. Visitors to Gunston Hall can see Santa, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, enjoy warm cider by a fire and sample 18^th century food prepared in the hearth kitchen. Costumed characters round out the experience as they greet you inside the home and throughout the grounds.  

Gunston Hall is a lovely property to visit. I’m really hoping to make this holiday themed event this year.

Sully Historic Site

Sully Historic Site hosts many educational programs throughout the year. We’ve been there a number of times for various events or programs, including some in December. In years past we’ve attended A Victorian Christmas and World War II Christmas at Home. It seems in recent years they are mixing it up a bit, still offering some candlelight tours, along with other fun stuff for history buffs. Additionally, there are programs geared towards kids. 

Many of Sully Historic Site’s holiday events do require pre-registration and some of these fill up quickly in my experience. See the official website for prices, tour times and to register (they also tell you how many spaces are available). 

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Visiting Mount Vernon during the holidays is one of our annual traditions as we like to see Aladdin the Christmas Camel, the property’s decorations, and also tour the third floor of the mansion which is only opened on a limited basis each year.  

Visitors spending time with Aladdin

I haven't been to it yet, but Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon is a tradition on the historic property. Mount Vernon advertises the fireworks are choreographed to holiday music. It sounds as if there will also be a lot of other holiday themed fun going on these evenings as well.

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights

This is one I have heard of, but just haven’t made it yet.  This event kicks off in November and runs through early January. Meadowlark advertises more than 500,000 lights and displays and is about a .6 mile walk. Timed entry is required and the website recommends pre-purchase of your tickets (but a limited number of tickets can be purchased at the door each night).

This is only a handful of events going on, there are many more. So many places, so little time! I’ll continue to post as I visit and/or hear of other events.