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.

In photos: Things to see in Northern Virginia during Christmas

I moved into Northern Virginia about 10 years ago and it's truly been a fun ride. There is just so much to see and explore in this region. With easy access to Washington D.C. and a ton of historic sites and family-friendly activities, if you look in the right places, you can't ever really say "there is nothing to do around here". 

The winter holidays is one of my favorite times of the year here. Cold weather aside, of course! Not every year is cold though, I went my first four years living here thinking 60 degree December temps were the norm. I later found out that isn't quite true, especially that year the "warm spell" broke and we had more than 60 inches of snow. But I digress...

There are some things I see every year as part of our family traditions, but we also actively seek out new and fun things to do. Here are some of my favorite things to see in Northern Virginia during Christmas:

Visiting Mount Vernon is one tradition we do every year. The museum and other buildings are decorated so beautifully (in 18th century the Christmas decorations were sparse, usually a few greens, so the house itself reflects history accurately). We also love to visit Aladdin, the Christmas Camel who comes to visit each year.

Other fun events are the holiday themed evenings over at Sully Historic Site. And of course Old Town Alexandria is hugely festive. Then there are the parades and holiday craft shows, to name a few.

Photos from past years - 

A winter's view of the majestic Mount Vernon

Aladdin comes for his yearly visit to Mount Vernon. He is a beautiful and friendly animal.

 A Victorian Christmas at Sully Historic Site. Living history event. Photo Credit: Leigh Goessl

Santa arrives in Old Town Alexandria during the Annual Scottish Walk Weekend. Photo credit: Leigh Goessl

Holiday Christmas and Craft markets can be found throughout Northern Virginia every year.  

Holiday family fun: Bull Run Festival of Lights

Believe it or not, it's already that time of year again. All the fun holiday and Christmas activity in the region has or is about to begin. Right before Thanksgiving, Bull Run Regional Park, out in western Fairfax County, kicks off its annual Festival of Lights and carnival. 

This is not an annual tradition for our family, but we do go maybe every other year or two. The drive through the lights takes about 30 minutes from the beginning of the festival to the end - at which point you arrive at the carnival. Parking is ample. 

2015 entrance to the lights

We usually don't spend a whole lot of time at the carnival, but it is fun to stroll through and see what's there. Last year the kids had fun coloring holiday sheets and roasting a couple of marshmallows over the fire. There are also regular carnival rides, a photo-op with Santa tent and camel rides, but we only took a peek at these.

Entrance to the carnival

The Festival of Lights usually runs through early January. Weekday admission is $15 for cars and weekends are $20 (although it looks like they boost the price up to $25 for selected days). You can get $3 off on weekdays with this coupon [PDF], but read the coupon carefully before making your plans as there are some "black-out" dates). Also, if you do go to the carnival, dress warmly. In my experience, it's pretty chilly up there in the park at night. 

Weekends usually have long lines and, in my experience, the week of Christmas is a very busy time. In 2013 we tried on Christmas night and the line was backed up at least 3 miles so we drove around some local neighborhoods instead. Last year we decided to go early (in mid-December) on a Saturday night and arrived at about 5 p.m. (gates open around 5:30 p.m.), and had just a short wait.   

For more information and directions to Bull Run Park see the official website.
 

I couldn't do this shot justice. The "snow" falling on the reindeer was one of my favorite parts of the ride.

10 fun facts about Old Town Alexandria

I've written a lot about Old Town Alexandria on this blog. It's one of my favorite places in Northern Virginia. What is it about Old Town? For me it's a lot of things, but definitely the ambiance and history. Not to mention all of the cool things there are to do. 

The historic ballroom at Gadsby's Tavern

Over the years I've visited most of the museums, attended community events, done some shopping, eaten at some great restaurants and just walked its quaint streets for fun. Here's a bit more about this section of the city -

10 fun facts about Old Town Alexandria 

 1. This section of Alexandria dates back long before the city was officially founded in 1749. It's earliest Native American civilizations date back 13,200 years ago and European settlers first arrived in 1669.

2. Robert Howson, an English ship captain, was given the tract of land where Alexandria is by Sir William Berkeley, the Governor of Virginia in 1669. Howson quickly turned around and sold the land to John Alexander. He received 6,000 pounds of tobacco in return for the land. 

3. George Washington, long before he was a General and the first U.S. president, was a surveyor in his youth. He did much of the planning for Alexandria's streets and was an active community member throughout his lifetime. Alexandria was also the city where Washington was first publicly addressed as President (this occurred at Wise's Tavern).

Marker found at 201 N. Fairfax Street where Wise's Tavern used to be

4. Speaking of Washington, the church he attended, Christ Church, is still an active congregation with services held every Sunday.  Robert E. Lee also belonged to this church. During times there are not services, tours are given of this beautiful historic building.

Interior of Christ Church

5. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary is quite a noteworthy building. Established in 1792, this business was continuously run by the same family for 141 years until it couldn't survive the Great Depression. Today one of the business' buildings has been restored as an incredible museum.

Main room at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary

6. Alexandria, for a time, was once part of the District of Columbia. This was established in the late 1700s. In 1847 Alexandria was returned to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

7. There is a real torpedo factory in Old Town Alexandria. Built in 1918, it produced torpedoes used during World War II. Today the torpedo production has long stopped, but the building still stands tall and is open to visitors. It is a huge art center with more than 80 studios, art galleries and an archaeology museum.  

Rear view of the Torpedo Factory Art Center

8. Long before modern paving technologies were discovered, Alexandria was comprised of lovely cobblestone roads which were built in the 1790s. Just two remain. One can be found in lower Prince Street (also known as "Captain's Row") and the other is at Princess Street. I'm not sure about the one on Prince Street (reminder: go back and see this!), but the one at Princess Sreet has only been touched once since it's creation and it was restored using it's original cobbles. 

Marker at Princess Street

9. Carlyle House was built in the 1750s, but almost didn't survive to modern day. This house was long neglected and was even blocked from view by another building for many years. Fortunately, it was saved, beautifully restored by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and is open for tours. If this house could speak, it would have some tales to tell! A lot of history happened between its walls.  

Carlyle House

10. The Ramsay House Visitors Center is a great place to stop by to learn more about what to see and do in Old Town. There is a lot of great information here.

Thank you to our Veterans

Today's post is dedicated to all of our Veterans. On this day, and every day, let us please remember to take a moment to honor those self-sacrificing individuals who have served and do currently serve in the military. 

Thank you to all the men and women who have selflessly served the United States with courage. 

Taken at the National World War II Memorial

Looking for holiday fun? See a Christmas parade in Northern Virginia

A lot of fun is to be found during the holidays in the D.C. metro area. With many events taking place across the region, there is always something interesting and entertaining to do throughout the season. You'll find festivals, visits from Santa, special tours at historical sites and beautiful decorations, to name a few. Oh, and there are also several parades. 

Photo I took at the 2012 parade

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

A very popular event each year, this one is always scheduled for the first weekend in December in Old Town Alexandria. This parade features over 100 marching units and typically draws a big crowd. 

This year 2015 marked the parade’s 45^th year. Sponsored by the Campagna Center (in partnership with The Scottish Government, The Saint Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C. and the City of Alexandria), proceeds go to benefit the center’s six educational programs. There are a number of events throughout the weekend. Check out the Campagna website for more information. Events take place rain or shine. 

Warrenton Christmas Parade

This annual parade usually takes place in late November or early December in Old Town Warrenton on a Friday night. As customary every year, the Christmas parade route is on Main Street. See Santa and the town’s Christmas tree lighting too! The Town of Warrenton also highlights a Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) and fireworks. For more information and updates associated with the parade, you can follow the official website.  

This is a town I would love to explore more. I’ve been there a couple of times and really enjoyed my tour of the 19th-century jail and museum at the Fauquier History Museum.

Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Each December this parade takes place in Old Town Manassas. For over 70 years this parade has been a regional staple for family fun. Usually taking place on the first weekend in December on Saturday morning, this parade takes place rain or shine. The parade route doesn’t appear to be listed just yet, but information is likely to come. Check out www.gmchristmasparade.org for details. 

Annual Christmas and Holiday Parade (Leesburg)

Every year Leesburg holds its annual parade. I went to this parade in 2012 and it was held during the day hours, but I noticed for the past year or two it takes place at night. However, the parade route always takes place in the historic district. It starts at Ida Lee Drive, travels down King Street and finishes on Fairfax Street. We really enjoyed the parade we saw in 2012. 

Parades are not just for the warmer months in Northern Virginia. Come to check out one or more of the local holiday parades, in my experience, it’s a great time out. The evening parades are likely to be a little chilly, so bundle up and have fun!

Visiting historic Leesburg during the holiday season

Every year Leesburg gets all dressed up for the holidays. As Christmas approaches, the shop windows located in the city’s historic district are very festive. Visitors to this section of town can enjoy the decorations, see historic buildings, shop in the quaint shops or eat in the restaurants that line Leesburg's streets.

Leesburg is located about 40 miles west of Washington, D.C. Like many of the Virginia towns, part of town dates back to earlier centuries and has strong roots in early Colonial American history. Officially established in 1758, to this day Leesburg remains the seat of Loudoun County government. Walking through the historic district downtown you get a strong feel for days of yesteryear, but it is balanced with the conveniences of today. Old world charm with modern flavor is a way I’d describe it.

There are dozens of professional and service businesses located in the twelve block area and many of them are decked out for the holidays with pretty displays.

In the midst of this area is the Loudoun County Courthouse. Many visitors can be observed walking around and enjoying the decorations, along with the opportunity to explore the history and memorials located on the courthouse's grounds. 

Every year the town hosts its annual tree lighting, followed during the season with its Christmas and Holiday Parade, along with weekends of free horse-drawn carriage rides through the town's historic district. There also is a holiday event in the business district with a tree lighting in mid-November.

Photos taken in 2012 at the parade. Since then the parade appears to have been moved to the evening hours. 

When thinking of Leesburg, many visitors go straight to the popular Leesburg Corner Premium Outlet Center located off Route 7, but the downtown in the historic district is definitely worth checking out during the holidays. I haven’t been up there in a couple of years, but I really enjoyed just walking around and looking at the festive storefronts the last time I was out that way.