Every year, there are always a large number of Northern Virginia Christmas events. Whether you are interested in perennial concert favorites like The Nutcracker or Handel’s Messiah, dazzling light displays, historic presentations, or Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies, the area has something to offer just about everyone!
Below are some of my top recommendations for Christmas Events in the Northern Virginia area in 2021:
Concerts
The Washington Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
The Washington Ballet hosts an annual performance of Tchaikovsky’s timeless, whimsical classic, The Nutcracker. Their version features a Washington, D.C. inspired take on the tale.
Location:
The Warner Theatre, Washington, D.C.
Dates:
November 27 – December 26, 2021
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased here.
Manassas Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
Closer to Northern Virginia, the Manassas Ballet Theatre also presents The Nutcracker at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, VA.
Location:
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, VA.
Dates:
December 16 – December 23, 2021
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased here.
Miami City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
For a limited engagement, the Miami City Ballet will be presenting George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker in a production that hasn’t been seen at the Kennedy Center in over a decade.
Location:
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C.
Dates:
November 24 – November 28, 2021
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased here.
NSO at the Anthem:
Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert
The fabulous National Symphony Orchestra presents a fun and exciting spin on the holiday season, featuring ugly sweater attire and popular holiday tunes. Please note that the performances takes place at The Anthem.
Location:
The Anthem, Washington, D.C.
Dates:
December 8, 2021 at 7:30pm
Tickets:
Tickets can only be purchased in person at the Kennedy Center Box Office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
This holiday-themed musical, based on the famous movie, had several very successful holiday runs on Broadway, and it is coming to The National Theatre in Washington, D.C. for the 2021 season.
Location:
The National Theatre, Washington, D.C.
Dates:
November 23 – December 5, 2021
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased here. You can also get discount family tickets (Buy 3, get 1 Free) by using the offer code FAMILY4.
Handel’s Messiah at the National Cathedral
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the National Cathedral, the Washington National Cathedral Choir and Washington National Cathedral Baroque Orchestra present Handel’s glorious Messiah. The performance also features world-class soloists.
Location:
The Washington Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
Dates:
December 4 – 5, 2021
Tickets:
Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.
The National Symphony Orchestra Presents Handel’s Messiah (Part I)
& Bach’s Magnificat
The National Symphony Orchestra also presents a performance of Handel’s Messiah Part 1, plus a performance of Bach’s Magnificat.
Location:
The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
Dates:
December 16 – 19, 2021
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased here.
Light Displays
Meadowlark
Every holiday season, Meadowlark Park, located in Vienna, VA, hosts the Winter Walk of Lights. I have attended numerous years in a row with my family, and we thoroughly enjoy it. The event features a half mile walking path outside among dazzling Christmas light displays, and the exhibits feature music, fountains, automated animals, and much more. There is also a gift shop, plus hot cider, hot chocolate, and other snacks for purchase.
Location:
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
Dates:
November 11, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Tickets:
I recommend reserving tickets ahead of time, as the event can sell out.
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Bull Run Regional Park offers a 2.5 mile drive through holiday light display, similar to the display at Meadowlark, only note Meadowlark is a walking light tour, while Bull Run is a driving light tour.
Location:
Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, VA
Dates:
November 11, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchase online here.
Fairfax Christmas Lights
Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights is a fun resource for all of the best local holiday light displays in Northern Virginia. You can use this guide to find the closest displays to your home, or create your own custom-made driving routes to check out the best local displays. This could be a fun evening and weekend activity for the family!
The website also includes other local holiday events. The site is updated daily in December each year.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
National Christmas Tree Lighting 2021
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony by the White House will be taking place on December 5, 2021. It will also be aired live on CBS. Performers for the event include Billy Porter, LL Cool J, Patti LaBelle, and Kristin Chenoweth, among others.
National Harbor Tree Lighting
The 54 foot tree will be on display and will feature a light show every half hour from sunset to 9pm.
In addition, there will be a fireworks show every Saturday from November 12 – December 18, 2021 at 5:30pm.
Location:
National Harbor, Maryland
Dates:
November 17 – December 31, 2021
Tysons Corner Tree Lighting
Tysons Corner Shopping Center will be hosting a tree lighting event on November 19 from 6-8pm.
Location:
Tysons Corner Shopping Center, McLean, VA
Date:
November 19, 2021