(Updated at 4:10 p.m.) With the holidays approaching, there are plenty of events happening around the Tysons area for people looking for some festive fun.
From tree lightings to shopping events, Tysons Reporter compiled a list of events across the community in the coming weeks.
Tysons
Breakfast with Santa will take place on Saturday (Dec. 7) from 8-11 a.m. at level three of Tysons Corner Center. There will be entertainment by “Those Funny Little People” (featured on “America’s Got Talent“), a balloon artist, holiday crafts, free breakfast and Santa.
Tysons Corner Center will also host a Holiday Storytime PJ Party on Thursday (Dec. 12) from 6 to 8 p.m. on level one. There will be storytime, sweet treats and entertainment provided by Dee Vinchey Entertainment. This event is free and open to the public.
Town of Vienna
The Church Street Holiday Stroll takes place on Monday (Dec. 2) this year from 6-8:30 p.m. Santa will arrive on a Vienna Volunteer Fire Department 1946 fire engine and spend the evening visiting with kids around town.
Mayor Laurie DiRocco is set to help Santa light the town’s Christmas tree around 6:20 p.m. at the Freeman Store and Museum (131 Church Street NE). There will be live music throughout the streets and several businesses will be serving hot cocoa and warm beverages.
The town is also hosting a competition encouraging local businesses to put up holiday decorations. The theme is “Home for the Holidays” and all decorations must be put out by Friday (Nov. 29).
McLean
The McLean Woman’s Club is set to host its annual Holiday Homes Tour on Thursday (Dec. 5) from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., highlighting four houses — two at the 6-acre Ballantrae Farm estate and another two on Benjamin Street in Langley Forest. Tickets are $35 and food and drinks will be provided. Guests will also have access to a craft show at Trinity Church. All proceeds go to charity.
The 11th annual McLean WinterFest will take place this year on Sunday (Dec. 1) and feature a parade beginning at 3:30 p.m. between Fleetwood and Elm streets on Old Chain Bridge Road. Beverly Road and Fleetwood Street to Old Chain Bridge Road will be closed to traffic along with the parade routes beginning at 2 p.m. that day.
Falls Church
Nova Lights Chorale will host a free global holiday concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (3439 Payne Street) on Sunday (Dec. 8) at 4 p.m. The performance will feature songs in more than seven languages and from different cultures.
The Annual Lighting of the Trees will take place on Monday (Dec. 2) at Mr. Brown’s Park (W. Broad Street) around 6 p.m. Santa will be in attendance, escorted by the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department. There will be live music from the George Mason High School Chamber Singers and free hot cocoa.
The Holiday Craft Show will take place at the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls Street) on Saturday (Dec. 7) from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday (Dec. 8) from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Mosaic District
People can get their selfies with Santa in the street-level lobby of the Target building (2905 District Avenue, Suite 400) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays between Nov. 30-Dec. 23, Friday (Nov. 29) and Monday (Dec. 23).
A Holiday Gift Fair is coming to Mosaic District on Friday (Dec. 6) from 3:30-8:30 p.m. The fair will feature more than 50 vendors selling handmade and vintage goods.
On the same day, people can also watch the Holiday Tree Lighting from 5-7 p.m. in Strawberry Park.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
With Thanksgiving upon us next week followed closely by the December holidays, it’s important to know that due to the high cost of living in Northern Virginia, there are many families in need this holiday season.
Whether you’re looking for an in-person volunteer opportunity to do as an adult or with the family, or if you’d prefer to work behind the scenes and donate something, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in our community at the local level.
Please check out some of the organizations and their needs at this time of year:
SHARE of McLean
Share has a Holiday Celebration which is their biggest event of the year. They need volunteers, as well as donations. You can also sign up to host a food drive to help stock their pantry which they use to give food and gift cards to families in need. They have in person volunteer hours which may include moving furniture, sorting clothing, or restocking the shelves. If you want a more hands-on interaction, you can also greet and register the clients.
Committee for Helping Others (CHO) of Vienna
CHO hosts a Christmas Store on December 7 for families in need in the Vienna and Oakton areas. They’re looking for new toys, gently used clothing and gift cards. Gift cards can be dropped off to the church office on the 2nd floor (Vienna Presbyterian Church — 124 Park Street NE ,Vienna). All other physical items can be dropped off by December 1 to the bins outside of the the VPC Narthex. You can find a list of their needs on their website.
Women Giving Back (Sterling, Virginia)
WGB is an organization that supports women and children with the basics to get back on their feet. They are collecting new, unwrapped toys for their children to be donated by December 13. You can drop them off locally at First Excel Title just outside of Oakton at 3201 Jermantown Road Suite 350, Fairfax, VA 22030. The store throughout the rest of the year needs clothing, accessories, shoes and kids clothes. Learn more.
You can also search more volunteer opportunities throughout Fairfax at Volunteer Fairfax.
Veterans Day on Monday (Nov. 11) will celebrate the servicemen and women who currently or previously served in the United States Armed Forces.
The federal holiday means many people will have a long weekend, meaning more time to relax at home, check out local events or get away.
Whether you’re hopping on a plane, speeding away in a train, hitting the roads or staying local, Tysons Reporter wants to know what your weekend travel plans are.
Now that Halloween and the election, Santa Claus is coming to Tysons for photos with kids and pets.
Presented by HGTV, the “Santa HQ” is returning to Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road) on Saturday (Nov. 9) to let families “explore the wonder of Santa in the digital age,” according to a press release.
More about the HGTV event:
HGTV Santa HQ guests can customize their individual experience by using augmented reality to view the Elf Academy in magical ways. Visitors can use the workshop’s Magic Mirror to transform into one of Santa’s elves.
Guests can virtually change their elf’s outfits, create customized Elf Academy ID collector cards at the Elf ID station, explore Santa’s Workshop and Elf Academy using ELF-RAY Vision and test out the Naughty O’ Nice Meter. Families can continue their adventure with a custom photo opportunity and an in-person visit with Santa inside his modernized sleigh.
Adding another dimension to the holiday experience, Tysons Corner Center will provide multiple camera angles to capture your family’s entire Santa experience.
Photo packages start at $39.99. Santa HQ will be available until Dec. 25, according to the press release.
Shoppers at the mall can also bring an unwrapped toy and participate in “Help Through Holiday Giving” that will support the Salvation Army’s Giving Tree.
Additional Christmas events at the mall include:
- Nov. 15: Holiday Tree Lighting on The Plaza from 6-9 p.m.
- Dec. 7: Breakfast With Santa from 8-11 a.m.
- Nov. 9-Dec. 24: Dreamworks Spirit Activation
- Tuesdays from Nov. 19-Dec. 17: Sensory Santa from 6-8 p.m.
- Dec. 9 and Dec. 16: Yappy Hour from 6-8 p.m.
Over at Tysons Galleria (2001 International Drive), kids can take photos with Santa from Friday, Nov. 15 through Tuesday, Dec. 24. People can sign up for free photo packages from Nov. 9-27.
Santa will also do pet pictures from Nov. 18 until Dec. 16. with photo packages starting at $39.99.
The “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” photo takeover, Brookfield Properties and Autism Speaks are partnering up to offer “Santa Cares Day” — a sensory-friendly event for families with kids with autism and other special needs to take pictures with Santa — on Nov. 24.
For the third year in a row, the Town of Vienna will host a competition encouraging local businesses to put up holiday decorations.
The Town/Business Liaison Committee wants businesses within Vienna to decorate their storefronts with the theme “Home for the Holidays” and participate in the upcoming decoration competition.
Winners will receive special social media shoutouts and Mayor Laurie DiRocco will volunteer her time as a guest employee for business with the best decorations, according to a press release.
All decorations must be put out by Friday (Nov. 29). Competition winners will be announced at the Church Street Holiday Stroll on Monday (Dec. 2).
“The TBLC is hosting this third annual competition to draw attention to local businesses, foster a festive atmosphere that attracts visitors and encourage residents to discover local gems as they tackle their holiday shopping in person,” a press release said.
Any business wishing to participate must register online by Friday, Nov. 22.
Photos courtesy Town of Vienna
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
This week marks the beginning of the true Holiday season: Halloween, Thanksgiving, then bring on December!
There are always so many things going on at this time of year between kids events, friendsgiving, Diwali, field trips and regular every day life, it’s hard to keep up with things! Here are some highlights of great events during the month of November:
Trick or Treating on Thursday — Rainy Day Ideas
In case it’s raining on Thursday and you want a back up plan, Tyson’s Corner Mall has “Malloween” from 3-5 p.m. On the plaza, Fairfax County Police will be handing out candy, American Scream will be providing spooky entertainment, face painters will be available and then you can take your kids trick-or-treating inside the mall to 50+ stores.
Bootique Trick or Treating Spooktacular at Mosaic: Trick or treating in the stores from 5-7 p.m. and then a showing of Monsters Inc on the green at 6:30 p.m.
November 1, 7 p.m. — Haunted Halloween Murder Mystery at Maggiano’s Tysons
Murder mystery night with dinner, bar, and entertainment. Buy tickets online.
November 2, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. — Town of Vienna Fall Clean-Up Day
Help the town staff pick up trash, remove invasive plants and generally clean up designated areas. Call 703-255-6336 or email John King at [email protected] to sign up.
November 8, 5:30 p.m. — Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Garden
A magical walk around the beautifully decorated botanical garden with awesome light displays. Stay at the end for smores, popcorn, hot chocolate and hot cider. Inside they usually have a photo area with props on a sleigh. Buy tickets early.
November 8, 11 a.m. — Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion Opens
Reston Town Center transforms into an ice skating pavilion on November 8. Hours vary, check their Facebook page for more details.
November 17, 8 a.m. — McLean Rotary 5k Turkey Trot
5k Turkey Trot held at Central Park Tysons. Open to anyone who wants to run or walk!
November 18, 5 p.m — Pet Pictures with Santa at Macy’s Court in Tysons Galleria
Every Monday from November 18 to December 16 at 5 p.m., pets can take photos with Santa. Reservations available online!
November 22 — Bull Fun Festival of Lights
2.5 mile illuminated holiday light display (drive-through) with a festival at the end that includes rides, refreshments and photos with Santa Claus.
November 24, 8 a.m. — Vienna Turkey Trot
Annual Fun Run, 5k and 10k in Vienna held at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Register here. Walking is also welcome along with strollers.
November 24, 2 p.m. — Nutcracker Tea Party in Falls Church
Presented by Adagio Ballet, the Nutcracker Tea Party with Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara at the Marriott Fairview Park in Falls Church. There will be treats, games and activities. Buy tickets online.
Quick Preview of December:
- Vienna Church Street Stroll — Monday, December 2 at 6 p.m.
- Tiny Tots Holiday Concert at Madison High School, December 5 at 7 p.m.
- Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long — Saturday, December 7 at 4 p.m.
Labor Day is coming up on Monday (Sept. 2). For people staying in the Tysons area for the holiday weekend, some government facilities will be closed and public transit options will be operating on modified schedules.
Tysons Reporter has rounded up a list of public services that will be affected by the upcoming holiday.
County-wide
- All county offices, schools and libraries will be closed on Labor Day.
- The State Courts will be closed for the day.
- The Metrobus and Metrorail will adopt a Sunday schedule for Labor Day and resume typical service on Tuesday.
- The Fairfax Connector will operate on a Sunday schedule for Labor Day.
- Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services will be closed from Saturday (Aug. 31) until Monday (Sept. 2).
- United States Postal Service offices will be closed Labor Day.
Vienna
- The Vienna Community Center will have reduced hours on Labor Day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
- The Town of Vienna’s government offices will be closed Labor Day.
McLean
- The McLean Community Center will be closed on Labor Day.
Falls Church
- The City of Falls Church’s government offices and buildings will be closed Labor Day.
- The City Council Work Session, originally scheduled for Monday, will be moved to Tuesday (Sept. 3) at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center (223 Little Falls Street).
- The Mary Riley Styles Public Library will be closed on Sunday (Sept. 1) and Monday (Sept. 2).
- Falls Church Community Center will be closed for cleaning until Tuesday (Sept. 3).
Speaking of closed offices, Tysons Reporter will be on a break as well on Monday.
The unofficial end of summer is approaching with Labor Day coming up this weekend.
Drivers can expect moderate to heavy congestion between noon-6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Sept. 2, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
On Monday, HOV restrictions will be lifted on I-66 and I-395 and rush hour tolls on the 66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway.
“With nearly 100 million Americans embarking on getaways with family this summer, and with 33% of Americans indicating they would go on at least one additional road trip, if gas prices remained low, which is occurring, odds are millions are packing up their cars for their final summertime excursion this Labor Day,” according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration expects 263 million passengers and crew to pass through security checkpoints nationwide from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Whether you’re hopping on a plane, speeding away in a train, hitting the roads or staying local, Tysons Reporter wants to know your Labor Day weekend travel plans.
It’s not even fall yet and already a holiday decoration store is planning to return to Tysons Corner Center.
Tysons Reporter spotted a sign for A Christmas to Remember and several large, red ornaments hanging in a storefront in the mall.
Building permits indicate that A Christmas to Remember has been in Tysons Corner Center before.
The website for the store describes it as the “one-stop-shop for a personalized holiday shopping experience.”
“We offer a large selection of ornaments, lights, gifts and collectibles, in addition to officially licensed merchandise,” the website says.
The holiday store says it plans to open in Tysons on Sept. 28 — just a few days after fall starts.
The store will fill the former spot of the now-closed Charlotte Russe.
It might not be the national holiday from the week before, but National Free Slurpee Day is coming up on Thursday, July 11.
The event is 7-Eleven’s celebration of its unofficial birthday. Stopping by a 7-Eleven between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. will allow the visitor to receive a free 12 oz Slurpee while supplies last.
Below, Tysons Reporter has put together a map of 7-Elevens around the Tysons area to stop by for a free Slurpee. Also, stay tuned for more information on the new 7-Eleven planned at Tysons Corner Center this fall.
If you get a brain freeze from your Slurpee, National Day Calendar advises you to press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, cover your nose and mouth with your hand, and breathe through your nose — allowing warmer air to circulate through your sinus passages.
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