Looking for a way to kick off the last month of 2018 in style?
There are plenty of holiday and nightlife events around Tysons this weekend, including McLean’s annual WinterFest and an auction featuring a Star Wars Episode IV movie poster signed by the original cast.
Tomorrow (Dec. 1)
22nd Annual ReinDog Parade (8-9:30 p.m.) — In exchange for two cans of dog food, the community is invited to bring their dogs and costumes to a dog parade at the Langley Shopping Center (1398 Chain Bridge Road). The parade, hosted by the McLean Animal Hospital, will include gift bags, hot chocolate, and donuts.
Sensation Saturday Grand Opening (6 p.m.-2 a.m.) — The Palladium (1524 Spring Hill Road), Tysons’ newest club, is hosting its first “Sensation Saturday.” The event will be DJed by Jeff Carr and DJ Pootie.
Wilder vs. Fury Live at Tysons’ Biergarten (7 p.m.-1 a.m.) — The Tysons Biergarten will host a cover-free viewing of the boxing match between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. Sound will be on for the event. Registration is required.
Merry & Bright Bash (8 p.m.-11 p.m.) — The Junior League of Northern Virginia, a women’s organization devoted to voluntarism, is hosting a gala in the Sheraton Tysons Hotel (8661 Leesburg Pike). The event will feature an open bar, a DJ, and an exclusive auction and raffle. Items at the raffle include the aforementioned Star Wars Episode IV poster, as well as an NHL hockey puck signed by Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and an autographed Taylor Swift album. The event is black tie optional and tickets are $90, with proceeds going towards the Junior League’s community and leadership development programs.
Sunday (Dec. 2)
Santa Breakfast (8-10 a.m.) — Tysons Corner Center is hosting its 2018 Santa Breakfast. Guests can bring their own camera to get a picture with Santa or have professional photographs taken. Those attending are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys for the mall’s Help Through Holiday Giving program. The breakfast is first-come, first-serve at 8 a.m. and Santa is scheduled to leave promptly at 10 a.m.
After Thanksgiving Healthful Hike (1-2:30 p.m.) — The Friends of Wolf Trap are hosting a group hiking tour through the forests and trails around Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. The event is free, but attendees can bring canned or non-perishable food items for humans, dogs or cats to be donated to local food pantries and animal rescues. The group will meet at the Ranger Station to the left of the Filene Center Box office for an easy-moderately paced three-mile hike.
McLean WinterFest Parade (3:30 p.m.) — McLean’s annual parade starts at the Langley Shopping Center, with pre-parade entertainment beginning at 2:30 p.m. before the parade’s start at 3:30 p.m. Be aware, there may be road closures along Old Chain Bridge Road as a result of the parade from 2-5 p.m.
Also this weekend, Santa will be traveling McLean via fire truck, courtesy the McLean Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD). Tomorrow he will be in the Kings Manor/Dolley Madison Library area and on Sunday he will be at Churchill Road in the McLean Central Park area. The MVFD’s Santa Tracker will allow locals keep track of where they can find Santa.
The United Methodist Women of Andrew Chapel’s annual Christmas Market returns to the Tysons area next weekend.
The market will run Dec. 8 and 9, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. The Christmas Market will be held inside the Andrew Chapel at 1301 Trap Road.
The market will feature handcrafted holiday gifts, jewelry, photography and other items available for purchase. Any and all gifts will be wrapped while you continue to shop.
On Saturday, Santa will be available to take pictures from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Proceeds of the Christmas market will support women and children’s missions.
Photo via Andrew Chapel
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
Monday, November 26, 6 p.m.: Church St Holiday Stroll
Santa arrives on his firetruck at 6:15 p.m. to greet children by the Freeman Store and Museum and will help the mayor light the holiday tree and menorah at 6:20 p.m. There will be music and marshmallow roasting stations.
Thursday, November 29, 7 p.m.: Tiny Tots Holiday Concert
The James Madison High School band program presents a seasonal music concert on Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m., along with a Thursday 7 p.m. concert. Tickets require advance purchase at $9/person. The concert takes place at JMS at 2500 James Madison Drive, Vienna.
Friday, November 30, 5 p.m.: Mosaic District Holiday Tree Lighting
Mosaic district welcomes Santa on his firetruck, the Vienna Singing Princesses, Chasing Autumn Trio and a screening of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, all surrounding a 7 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony.
Saturday, December 1-2, 9 a.m.: The Enchanted Forest by the Junior League of Northern Virginia
Hosted both Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m., the Junior League of Northern Virginia hosts the Enchanted Forest at the Sheraton Tysons Hotel. Events include visits from Santa, crafts, live entertainment like the Great Zucchini and more. Tickets required.
Saturday, December 1, 8 a.m.: McLean Reindog Parade
Hosted by the McLean Chamber of Commerce – dress your dog up and walk in a parade for prizes! Santa on the firetruck will visit, along with donuts, hot chocolate and entertainment. Register here. Admission is 2 cans of dog food to donate to a local animal shelter.
Saturday, December 1, 4 p.m.: Wolftrap Holiday Sing-A-Long
A FREE holiday sing-a-long concert starting at 4 p.m. Wolf Trap will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at the entrance. Admission is free and so is parking. If you bring a candle, you can join in the tradition of exiting the Filene Center with a candlelight processional.
Sunday, December 2, 8 a.m.: 2018 Santa Breakfast at Tysons
Driving through fancy neighborhoods and marveling at Christmas decorations is a time-honored American suburban tradition, but the Woman’s Club of McLean is offering visitors a chance to go inside those homes for a tour.
On Thursday, Dec. 6, the club will host their 52nd annual Holiday Homes Tour. The tour, which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will stop at four homes throughout the area. Homes on the tour range from older colonial style brick homes to a sprawling seven-bedroom home in Odricks Corner, just north of Tysons.
This year’s honorary tour host will be state Sen. Barbara Favola (D).
Tickets for the tour are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, with all proceeds going to local charities. Tickets can be purchased at:
- Mesmeralda’s in McLean (1339 Chain Bridge Rd)
- Karen’s Florist in Vienna (527 Maple Ave E)
- Great Dogs of Great Falls (9859 Old Georgetown Pike)
In addition to the tours, one home in River Oaks will be selling jewelry, handmade wreaths and gift baskets. There will also be a raffle for gift certificates to several local businesses.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
As I sat here this weekend trying to come up with a traditional Thanksgiving meal for my vegetarian in-laws, a 4-year old who will only eat the rolls with butter and a small gathering of 2 families, the fantasy of going out for Thanksgiving slowly become a loud battle cry.
Did you know that nearly 20 million people dine out or cater their holiday meal? You’re not alone!
So if this weekend of meal prepping stressed you out or the idea of fighting your way through Whole Foods is giving you shingles, here’s a list of my favorite local places who might still have reservations or who might still take orders for take out:
Vienna
- Clarity — Booked for tables, but still have open bar seating
- Bazin’s On Church — A la carte options or full to-go menu.
- Maple Ave Restaurant — Brunch options until 2 p.m.
- Café Renaissance — Dinner menu
- Chima — Complete menu plus Thanksgiving day favorites
McLean
- Assaggi — Special Thanksgiving day menu
- Barrel & Bushel
- Eddie V’s — Thanksgiving day menu
- J’Gilberts — Prix-fixe 3-course menu, regular dinner and prix-fixe menus too
- Wildfire — Full family style meal plus carryout, also a portion of each meal goes to Food for Others
- Ritz Carlton — To-go meals (orders due Monday 11/19 at 5 p.m.) or brunch available
Looking for Catering?
Other Local Favorites
- Pie Gourmet — Desserts
- Fresh Market — Apple crisp (my personal favorite)
- Norm’s Beer and Wine
Whether you’re eating out, cooking at home, traveling or avoiding your mother-in-law, may you be surrounded by loved ones, laughter and happiness on your Thanksgiving day. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
Happening Now: Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
Daily, 5:30 p.m.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens transforms into a half mile walk of amazing light displays with music. You can buy tickets online with the first entrance starting at 5:30 p.m.. At the end, there’s a big fire pit and a S’mores Snack Shop (the kids favorite part!).
The event runs everyday until January 6 and you can buy tickets online here.
Vienna Turkey Trot
Sunday, November 18, 8 a.m
Kids Fun Run, 5k and 10k race starting at 8 a.m.
Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild Art & Craft Show
Friday, November 23, 10 a.m.
Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild hosts their annual Art & Craft show at the Vienna Community Center where approximately 60 artists offer handmade pieces. Admission is $5 and you can learn more here.
Reston Town Center Holiday Parade
Friday, November 23, 11 a.m.
Macy’s style balloons, musicians, dancers, antique cars, characters, dignitaries and more come together at Reston Town Center for a 1-hour, half mile parade along Market Street.
The event includes Santa and Mrs Clause, along with photos, a mini-train ride and later in the day, the tree lighting and sing along. They usually hand out bells and the stores surrounding are open. You can find more info here.
2018 Church Street Holiday Stroll
Monday, November 26, 6 p.m.
Hosted on Church Street in front of the Freeman Store and Museum, you’ll find Santa on his fire truck at 6:15 to help the mayor light the Holiday Tree. There will be music, marshmallow-roasting stations and crafts.
Ever wanted to march in a parade? Registration is now available to join the annual McLean Winterfest.
The parade is scheduled to be held along Old Chain Bridge Road on Sunday, Dec. 2 as part of the 10th annual Winterfest. Check-in for the parade starts at 2 p.m. and the parade itself will begin at 3:30 p.m.
From 2-5 p.m., Old Chain Bridge Road from Fleetwood Street to Elm Street will be closed for the parade.
The parade will feature an “official” Santa Claus, so others in Santa costumes not be allowed in the parade. Also, pets that are not a part of rescue organizations are not allowed to march without prior written approval from parade officials.
A full list of rules for those marching or driving in the parade is available online.
Photo via McLean Winterfest
Charlie Puth, the hit singer known for his debut single “See You Again,” will be headlining a party at Tysons Corner Center to announce the lineup for this year’s HOT 99.5 Jingle Ball.
Starting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, The Kane Show and the HOT 99.5 crew will broadcast live from the mall. Puth is scheduled to give a special performance from The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center during the broadcast.
This event is open to the public with no ticket required.
At 5 p.m., the lineup of the Jingle Ball concert will be announced, followed by a chance to win tickets to the show, according to the radio station’s website.
