Holiday Events in Northern Virginia: Your 2026 Guide to Lights, Parades and Tree Lightings
Daniel ParkNo. 185
Updated
Key takeaways
- NOVA Parks’ three holiday light shows run into early January 2027.
- Reston Town Center’s parade and tree lighting is on November 27.
- Old Town Alexandria hosts the Scottish Walk Parade and the Boat Parade of Lights on December 5.
- Popular events sell out or fill up, so buy tickets and plan parking early.
The holidays are one of the best times to explore Northern Virginia’s neighborhoods. Here are the events worth putting on your calendar this season. Dates are from each organizer as of publication, so check the links before you go.
Holiday light shows
| Event | Where | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna | Nov. 11, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Bull Run Festival of Lights | Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville | Nov. 14, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Bright Nights | Cameron Run Regional Park, Alexandria | Nov. 14, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027 |
Meadowlark tickets are $19 online and $24 at the door through December 3. From December 4 to 31, tickets are $24 and must be bought online. Details are on the NOVA Parks website.
Parades and tree lightings
| Event | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| City of Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting | Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St., Old Town (new location for 2026) | Sat., Nov. 21, 6 to 8 p.m. |
| Reston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting | Reston Town Center | Fri., Nov. 27. Parade at 11 a.m., tree lighting at 6 p.m. |
| Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade | Old Town Alexandria | Sat., Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
| Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights | Old Town waterfront | Sat., Dec. 5. Parade at 5:30 p.m. |
See the City of Alexandria’s holiday parades page and Reston Town Center’s event page for updates.
Daniel’s tip: December 5 is Old Town’s biggest holiday day. Take Metro to King Street or park early, then make a day of it with the morning parade, lunch on King Street and the evening boat parade.
Make it a neighborhood tour
Thinking about moving? Holiday events are a great way to feel the community spirit of Vienna, Reston, Centreville and Old Town Alexandria before you buy.
Curious which Northern Virginia area fits your lifestyle?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need tickets for the light shows?
Yes. Meadowlark and Bright Nights ask for advance reservations for a specific date, and popular nights sell out.
Are the parades free?
The parades and tree lightings listed here are free to watch. Arrive early for a good spot.
Filed under Inside Alexandria, Inside Fairfax County, Lifestyle & Community
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