Christmastide at Gunston Hall
Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
See how Christmas was celebrated differently by the Mason family in the 1780s and the Hertles in the 1920s. // Gunston Hall: 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck; $15 (adults), $10 (children)
Holidays Through the Ages
Dec. 1-Dec. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Get a taste of what the holidays were like at Rippon Lodge from the Colonial era to the 1940s as the house is decorated inside and out. // Rippon Lodge: 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge; $5
Scottish Walk Open House
Dec. 1, noon-4 p.m.
After Alexandria’s annual Scottish Walk Parade makes its way through the streets of Old Town, continue to celebrate the area’s Scottish traditions by visiting the Carlyle House and its classic holiday traditions. // Carlyle House Historic Park: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; Free
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Dec. 1, 7, 8, 16, 5 p.m
Experience a lantern-lit tour of the grounds decorated for the holidays. At the end of the tour, enjoy dancing, caroling, cookies and warm cider. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; $25
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Alexandria’s Christmas celebration sets sail as boats, adorned with festive lights, head out onto the Potomac River for what has become an annual tradition in Alexandria. // Alexandria City Marina: 0 Cameron St., Alexandria; Free
Holiday Crafts Workshop
Dec. 2, 1-4 p.m.
Go all natural with your holiday decorations, taking local greens and pinecones to make wreaths or over festive decorations. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington; $20
Holiday Open House at the Mary Washington House
Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Enjoy a candlelight tour of Mary Washington’s home, as well as samplings of hot cider and Mary Washington’s famous gingerbread. // Mary Washington House: 1200 Charles St., Fredericksburg; Free
Candlelight Tours
Dec. 8, 4-9 p.m.
Feel like you’re traveling back in time as you tour some of Old Town Alexandria’s historic buildings—Gadsby Tavern, Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall House—by candlelight. Entertainment and light refreshments will also be provided. // Carlyle House Historic Park: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; $25 (adults), $20 (65+), $5 (5-12)
Christmas Bird Count
Dec. 9, 8-11 a.m.
Bring the binoculars to take in the avian residents that call Northern Virginia home. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington; Free
Nature Hike—Changing Seasons
Dec. 15, 1-2 p.m.
Explore Potomac Overlook Regional Park and how its native animals adapt to the changing season in this hike led by a park naturalist. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington; $5
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Through Jan. 6, 5:30-10 p.m.
Enjoy this eclectic display of holiday lights while driving your car through 2.5 miles of Bull Run Regional Park. Stop by the holiday village after the ride for refreshments and photos with Santa. // Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville; $20-$25
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Through Jan. 6, 5:30-10 p.m.
Meadowlark’s winter tradition returns with favorites like the the animated Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights and the Holiday Nature Walks, as well as new displays for this year. Marshmallow roasting and hot beverages around the fire are also available. // Meadowlark Botanical Garden: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna; $8-$14