Winter Lantern Festival

DullesMoms

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October 30, 2025

You’re invited to an immersive festival illuminating the night sky in the heart of Northern Virginia! The Winter Lantern Festival is a dazzling world of Chinese legends and lore.

This enchanting night walk, inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals, is the perfect winter outing for friends and families. Explore hundreds of intricately crafted lanterns and discover a world of festive fun for all ages. More than a stroll through a stunning display of larger-than-life lanterns, you’ll also watch jaw-dropping live performances from award-winning Chinese acrobats and tuck into tasty local food.

The fun happens at Lerner Town Square in Tysons, VA (adjacent to Tysons Galleria), on select nights from November 20-January 20, 2025. Purchase your admission in advance; parking is fee-based.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Select Nights, Nov 20-Jan 20, 2026

Location:
Lerner Town Square • Tysons, VA

Like This?
Check out our Guide: Holiday Illuminations

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

#WinterLanternFest

ICE! at Gaylord National Resort

DullesMoms

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October 28, 2025

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<< The Big Holiday Guide

Gaylord National Resort’s signature holiday event, ICE!, is back for another year of memories and fun! Inspired by the beloved The Polar Express, visit from November 14-January 4, 2026.

Flash sale! Save big on tickets through November 1, 2025 — up to 50% with online code GIFT25.

An experience like no other — ICE! features more than 2 million pounds of colossal sculptures and art made from ice, hand-carved by master artisans from Harbin, China! Wind your way through larger-than-life holiday displays, zoom down ice slides, and enjoy story-driven holiday scenes inspired by Christmas classics. And, don’t worry about the cold. Upon admission, Gaylord provides oversized blue parkas to keep all ages warm.

Before and after, there’s plenty to see and do, too:

Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
Fee-Based
Enjoy a Cirque-style holiday spectacular featuring soaring acrobatics, stunning stunts, and Broadway flair.

Gingerbread Decorating Corner
Fee-Based
Design delicious gingerbread creations and enjoy a meet-and-greet with Nutmeg, the resort’s very own gingerbread man.

Mistletoe Mile Scavenger Hunt
Fee-Based
Follow festive clues around the resort, complete an interactive guidebook, and earn a special souvenir at the finish.

Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions
Fee-Based
Meet Mrs. Claus for cozy storytime, classic carols, and fresh-baked cookies.

Photos with Santa
Fee-Based
Children share their wishes, confirm their spot on the nice list, and capture a keepsake photo with Santa.

Snowball Build & Blast
Fee-Based
Build snowballs and launch them in a frosty, hands-on play zone.

Wildlife Rescue
Complimentary
Embark on a virtual AR safari to discover endangered animals, bring them to life, learn fun facts, and snap photos along the way.

Here-We-Glow
Complimentary
In the resort’s multi-story atrium, enjoy a stunning, choreographed light show set to a holiday soundtrack, with a high-energy sing-along finale.

Details:
Website • Tickets

Dates:
Nov 14-Jan 4, 2026

Location:
Gaylord National • National Harbor, MD

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

#GaylordIce, Christmas, Santa, Hanukkah, Chanukah, ice festival, hotel, Maryland

Visit for Free: the National Children’s Museum

DullesMoms

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October 27, 2025

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Visit for Free: the National Children’s Museum

The National Children’s Museum sparks curiosity and creativity in the littlest of learners! This playful indoor family destination offers a wide range of interactive activities, exhibits, and experiences centered on science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, the National Children’s Museum is offering free admission for up to 550 veteran and active-duty family members from November 1-30, 2025. This special opportunity is made possible through their partnership with the Boeing Company.

The museum is open daily, except Tuesdays. However, in celebration of Veterans Day, they’re extending their daily operating hours from November 8-11, 2025, and will also be open on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Tickets are limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. To reserve, veteran and active military members should visit the National Children’s Museum online and click Tickets. Select your desired date/time and enter promo code NVMF26 during checkout. Please be prepared to show a form of military service verification at the door during check-in.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Nov 1-30, 2025

Location:
National Children’s Museum • Wash, DC

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

#Military

Northern Virginia Christmas Market

Liz Jones

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October 27, 2025

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<< The Big Holiday Guide

The holiday season begins with the Northern Virginia Christmas Market!

From November 7-9, 2025, this highly anticipated weekend event brings 300+ one-of-a-kind artisans from all over the United States to the Dulles Expo Center.

Like this? You’re invited to discover 40+ Craft Shows & Holiday Markets!

The show’s selection offers guests the chance to shop for jewelry, pottery, gourmet fare, decor, collectibles, and more. Enjoy returning businesses and new artists — each remarkable vendor brings their best and hard-to-find gifts, making the season bright!

Admission is $9 for adults, cash or credit at the door (Children under 12 are free). Sign up here to take advantage of discount admission coupons and updates about exciting new exhibitors.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Nov 7-9, 2025

Location:
Dulles Expo Center • Chantilly, VA

Like This?
Check out our Guide: 40+ Holiday Markets

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

#NOVAXmasMarket

This Weekend! Veterans Parade

Liz Jones

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October 27, 2025

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Old Town Manassas proudly welcomes the Northern Virginia Veterans Parade on November 1, 2025! Join Veterans and their families at this annual event to thank, honor, and celebrate those who served our country!

The parade begins promptly at 11 am, with divisions led by the 2025 Grand Marshal, George L. Snyders. Attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly due to parking restrictions along the parade route, which begins at the intersection of Prescott Avenue and Quarry Road.

Details:
Website

Date:
Nov 1, 2025

Location:
Old Town Manassas, VA

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

#VetsParade, #VetParade

Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show

Month: 12/25

DullesMoms

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October 27, 2025

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<< The Big Holiday Guide

You’re invited to the largest and longest-running train and toy show in the northeast!

From December 20-21, 2025, the Greenberg Train & Toy Show returns to the Dulles Expo Center! This weekend show features trains and collectible toys for sale, merchandising tables, huge operating layouts, free modeling seminars, activities for kids, and more. Test your own trains on the show’s free test tracks, too!

Admission can be purchased in advance here or on-site (cash only). Kids age 11 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

Details:
Website

Dates:
Dec 20-21, 2025

Location:
Dulles Expo Center • Chantilly, VA

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

#ToyTrainShow

WinterFest @ Brown’s Chapel Park

Month: 12/25

DullesMoms

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October 27, 2025

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<< The Big Holiday Guide

Winterfest returns as the area’s most exciting and enchanting holiday opportunity under the stars! From December 4-6, 2025, make winter memories at Brown’s Chapel Park, including:

Enchanted Forest
Lightning up the night, this almost half-mile self-guided trail is adorned with beautifully decorated and illuminated trees! At the end, vote for your favorite theme, most creative tree, and most original tree. Following the event, all trees will be donated to less fortunate families in the Reston community.

Vendor Village
After your stroll, step into Vendor Village! Enjoy fire pits, s’mores, music, and a pop-up bar. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to shop for the perfect holiday present!

Santa Experience
Get your lists (and camera!) ready to share when you visit with the man of the season! This year, enjoy a free photo opportunity with Santa.

New offerings this year include live music performances, a Grinch’s Village, and an expanded light and Enchanted Forest display! Tickets to this three-night event are available online. As always, admission for RA members is always free!

Details:
Website

Dates:
Dec 4-6, 2025

Location:
Brown’s Chapel Park • Reston, VA

Like This?
Check out our Guide: Holiday Fun

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

#WinterFest, Winter Fest, Winter Festival

Spooktacular @ Mosaic District

DullesMoms

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October 27, 2025

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<< More Halloween Fun

Mosaic District comes alive with Halloween fun on October 31, 2025! Little monsters and witches dressed in their favorite costumes are invited to trick-or-treat store-to-store!

After collecting candy (and sneaking a few pieces here and there, too!), your family is invited to spread out and enjoy Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire on the big screen in Strawberry Park!

Details:
Website

Date:
Oct 31, 2025

Location:
Mosaic District & Strawberry Park • Fairfax, VA

Like This?
Check out our Guide: Halloween Fun

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

Step Right Up — The Carnival’s in Town!

DullesMoms

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October 27, 2025

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You’re invited to experience the sights, sounds, and delicious smells of the carnival at Dulles Town Center!

From October 23-November 2, 2025, enjoy exciting rides, sweet treats, and plenty of family fun. Get your tickets in person; unlimited ride wristbands and more are available.

To find the carnival, head to Dulles Town Center and look for signs pointing to the fun.

Details:
Website • Website • Facebook

Dates:
Oct 23-Nov 2, 2025

Location:
Dulles Town Center • Sterling, VA

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

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London’s Calling: British New Year

DullesMoms

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October 27, 2025

0

<< More New Year’s Eve Celebrations

If you fancy a party unlike any other, Vanish Brewery’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration is for you!

On December 31, 2025, enjoy food for all, beer for adults, and live music. For families who need to hit the hay way before midnight, the countdown and ball drop takes place at 7 pm — right when London welcomes the new year!

Reserve your table and grab your tickets online now; kids 15 and under are free with a ticket holder.

Details:
Tickets

Date:
Dec 31, 2025

Location:
Vanish Brewery • Leesburg, VA

Like This?
Check out our Guide: New Year’s Eve Celebrations

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Important Disclaimer: Events/opportunities on DullesMoms.com are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancellations that might not be reflected. Always click on the provided event link to confirm details.

#VanishNYE