Get cozy this winter with these campfire events in NoVA

With winter in full swing and temperatures continuing to drop across NoVA, cabin fever is at an all-time high. Instead of spending another night in front of the TV, escape the confines of your home and spend the night fireside. Beat those colder winter nights and stop by one of these warm, welcoming campfires.

By Michele Kettner • Posted December 20, 2019 at 10:48 a.m.

S’more, Please! Add some sweet to the winter season with marshmallows around the campfire. (©shaiith/adobe.sctock.com)

5 marshmallows in front of campfire — *S’more, Please! Add some sweet to the winter season with marshmallows around the campfire. (©shaiith/adobe.sctock.com)*

S’mores Wednesdays

Take a midweek break from your busy schedule and spend some time with family and friends at S’mores Wednesdays at Cascades Overlook. Pick up a s’mores kit from Abbott’s Frozen Custard and enjoy conversations by the fire pit as you toast (or burn) some marshmallows for a delicious nighttime snack. // Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 5-8 p.m.; Cascades Overlook Town Center: 21453 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling; free

Campfire Fridays

Celebrate the end of the week with Campfire Fridays. Start your weekend off right by cuddling next to the fire as the group makes s’mores, tells stories and learns about the nature center and the animals that inhabit the park. // Jan. 10, 6-7:30 p.m.; Hidden Pond Nature Center: 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield; $10

This post originally appeared in our January 2020 print issue. For similar content, subscribe to our weekly newsletters.

Fire Building for Women

Ladies, leave your significant others at home and head over to the Gulf Branch Nature Center for its Fire Building for Women class. This women-only event allows participants to practice their fire-building skills, while learning fire safety tips, minus the stress. So dress for the weather and grab a cup of hot chocolate for a fun girls’ day around the fire. // Jan. 11, 1-3 p.m.; Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park: 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington; $8

Astronomy Festival

Enjoy a night under the stars at Turner Farm Park’s Astronomy Festival. Spend the night stargazing with a telescope and listening to legends about the constellations around the warm campfire. Don’t forget to pick up a hot chocolate and snack on the way in for a perfect evening. // Jan. 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Turner Farm Park: 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls; $1

Capitals Campfire

Show off your Caps pride this season by heading down to The Wharf for a Capitals-themed winter wonderland, centered on the Capitals Campfire in District Square. With a trailer serving s’mores, a three-story window display for photo-ops and the nearby Wharf ice rink all decked out in the team’s logo and colors, it’s most definitely #ALLCAPS. // through Feb. 25; Camp Wharf: 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC; free

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.