Take a video tour:

It’s the holiday season, and with every day we’re falling more in love with Fairfax County! You won’t have to settle on a Hallmark holiday film and hot cocoa every night, though. There’s so much to see and do around Christmas this year around Halstead Square, whether you’re 9 or 90.

Don your cozy winter gear and check out these magical holiday activities in Fairfax County.

1. Church Street Holiday Stroll

November 30, 2015

Join other Vienna residents, friends, and family, at the annual Holiday Stroll on historic Church Street. There will be no street traffic between Lawyers Road and Mill street, and you’ll get to work off some of that turkey while enjoying the “sights and sounds of the holiday season” in Fairfax County. This is one holiday tradition we absolutely love. Don’t miss it.

2. Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights

November 13, 2015 – January 3, 2016

We love Meadowlark’s garden any time of year, but we have a special place in our hearts for the annual Winter Walk of Lights. Get into the holiday spirit as early as mid-November with sparkling light displays that softly illuminate paths and span entire hills. It’s an image you won’t soon forget.

3. Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long

December 5, 2015

No December is complete without a candlelit sing-along with friends, family, and neighbors. Head to the Wolf Trap on December 5, and sing along to Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with choir and vocal groups at the Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long. Oh, and did we mention it’s free? Keep in mind Toys for Tots will be collecting new, unwrapped toys at the entrance, so if you’d like to make a voluntary donation, it will be much appreciated.

4. Ice Skating at Tyson’s Corner

November 6, 2015 – March 6, 2016

Ice skating should be made mandatory during the holidays. At least once! Head to Tyson’s Corner and give the ice skating rink a whirl. (Pro tip: wait until the zamboni smooths it all out before getting out there).

When you get back to Halstead Square, stop at the Dunkin Donuts downstairs and grab a mint hot chocolate to warm up!

5. See The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

December 3, 5, & 6, 2015

We’re pretty excited about this pageant, full of naughty children and plenty of shenanigans to keep the whole family entertained. Buy your tickets now for one of the performances on December 3, 5, or 6. Several of the performances are for dinner and a ticket, and those are likely to be sold out first!

6. Catch a Holiday Movie

Opens December 20, 2015

You won’t need to go far to see a professional ballet show. Head to the Angelika Cafe to catch the Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker. The trailer hints at a breathtaking performance that will keep the whole family captive.

(Oh, and of course, Star Wars: Episode VII hits theaters on December 18, if that’s more in line with your family’s holiday traditions.) Too chilly to leave home? If you live in The Lofts or The Lotus, you can catch a flick in our warm cinema-quality Buddha Theater.

7. Jammin Java Holiday Music Events

December 12 & 21, 2015

If you have kids, there’s no better place to be than at Jammin Java’s Rainbow Rock: Rockin in a Rainbow Wonderland show. For just $8, you and your kiddos will enjoy a fantastic holiday show on December 12, 2015.

Looking for something more laid back? Head to the Clauster Eve: Jammin Java Songwriters Holiday Edition on December 21, 2015. You’ll see four singer/songwriters “share the stage, tell stories, and play holiday-themed originals and covers.” Sounds like a jolly good time, all for only $16 GA.

8. Visit Santa at the Freeman Store

Dec 6 & 13, 2015

Take the kids to see Santa at a local spot this year! The Freeman Store (131 Church Street NE) will be hosting the man himself on two Sundays, December 6 and 13.

Don’t have kids? Come anyway. This historic little general store will be decked out for the holidays, and you’ll be able to purchase one-of-a-kind handmade ornaments and other holiday goods.

9. George Mason University Holiday Events

December 12, 2015

There’s always a lot going on at GMU—and this year, we’ve got our eye on the American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season event happening December 12. Buy your tickets ASAP at the link above.

10. Hunt for the Best Christmas Light Displays in Fairfax County

December 2015

Want to take this Christmas at your speed? Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights website will show you where you’re most likely to see the best Fairfax neighborhood light shows. Pack your friends and/or family into the car, and head out to explore winter scenes all month long.

Once you’ve finished caroling, skating, and eating all the Christmas treats you can handle, there’s nothing better than cozying up in your luxury Fairfax apartment with your loved ones.

Looking for a new apartment where you’ll have room to spare? Get in touch with us today, and we’ll set you up with your very own place to call home in Vienna (better buy your ‘nog now! You’ll be moved in no time).

Flickr via Ambuj Saxena