Here are some local holiday highlights and other events happening this month in Reston, Herndon, and the surrounding areas of Northern Virginia. For our full holiday events calendar, refer to the 2015 Guide to Holiday Events in Reston, Northern Virginia, and DC.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015
Black Nativity by Langston Hughes
8pm: CenterStage at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
This retelling of the Christmas story from an Afro-centric perspective is infused with rich gospel, blues, funk, jazz, and dance with griot-style storytelling from an ensemble cast. $35, tickets available online.
The German military hosts a popular Christmas market each December, and donates all proceeds to charity.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015
German Christkindlmarket
4pm-8pm, German Armed Forces, 11150 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
Experience a German Christmas market with beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and desserts. Shop for German crafts and Christmas decorations. Proceeds benefit Cornerstones. [View our previous article]
Opening Reception: Continuum by Rebecca Kamen
6-8pm: Greater Reston Arts Center, 12001 Market Street, Suite #103, Reston
Rebecca Kamen presents abstract sculptures and prints informed by research into cosmology, neuroscience, history of science, and philosophy. The exhibit will be on display at GRACE from 12/1/15 – 2/13/16. FREE.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015
Holiday Shop Artist’s Reception
5:30-7:30pm: Reston Museum, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Meet the Reston artists whose work is in the museum’s holiday shop. Browse the handmade scarves, hats, glassware, ornaments, jewelry, pottery, and cards. Also available for sale will be a brand new beautifully illustrated book on Reston, martini glasses etched with Bob Simon’s signature, Reston sweatshirts, tee shirts, hats and more. Wine, soft drinks, cheese, and snacks will be served. FREE.
Santa arrives by boat to cheering crowds at Lake Anne on December 5, 2015.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2015
Jingle on Lake Anne
11am-2pm, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Santa arrives by boat to crowds of excited children at this beloved annual event. Kids can visit with Santa, explore a petting zoo, and enjoy Christmas caroling and crafts. [View our previous article]
Gifts from the HeART
11am-4pm, Reston Community Center at Lake Anne Plaza
Sales of original artwork, including watercolor, oil, acrylic, clay, mixed media, photography, and fiber, will benefit Cornerstones.
Alternative Gift Market and Craft Fair
10am-2pm, The Unitarian Universalist Church, 1625 Wiehle Ave, Reston
Support several local charities and people in need by contributing your holiday shopping time and money to this alternative gift market.
Hyatt Gingerbread Village Opening Day
Daily, December 5 through Christmas: Hyatt lobby at Reston Town Center
A joint effort between the hotel’s engineering and kitchen staffs, this village is created of giant gingerbread sheets, candy, and whipped cream. [View our previous article]
Herndon Holiday Homes Tour
10am-4pm, Tickets at the Visitor’s Center at 717 Lynn Street, Herndon
Tour Herndon homes that are beautifully decorated for the holidays.
“The Wonder of the Season” by the Reston Chorale
4:30pm and 7pm, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods
Celebrate the holidays with beloved carols and customs from around the globe, plus Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata for brass and organ.
Herndon Christmas Tree Lighting and Sing-Along
5pm, Herndon Town Hall Square
Carols, tree lighting, and a visit from Santa.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015
Run With Santa 5K
8:30am: Reston Town Center
Wear your most festive holiday costume as you run, and bring your kids for the free kids fun run. Register online.
Herndon Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
10am-4pm: Herndon Community Center, Herndon
More than 100 vendors will offer unique gifts, holiday decorations, and handmade items.
Christmas at the Farm
11:30am, 1:30pm, or 3:30pm: Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon
Enjoy a special holiday visit and take a wagon ride with Santa through the woods and fields.Activities include a holiday craft, cookie decorating and puppet show. Register in advance.
Holiday Open House at Walker Nature Center
1pm-3pm, 11450 Glade Dr, Reston
Tour Reston’s nature center while enjoying holiday refreshments, crafts, live music, and a family sing-along. Meet artist Dana Scheurer and photographer/author Don Chernoff.
Opening Reception: Wonderland, by R. Neville Johnston and N. Barry Carver
1:30-3:30pm: Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Wonderland, an eclectic collection of art works from two Reston artists and writers, displays their ability to create linear, often surreal, abstract art. Exhibit will be on display at the RCC throughout December. FREE.
A lakeside menorah will be lit on December 8, followed by a celebration in the community center.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2015
Chanukah at Lake Anne
5:30pm: Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
A community Menorah will be lit at the waterfront, and then there will be a party in the Reston community center with latkes, donuts, chocolate gelt, dreidels, and musical performances. FREE.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015
The Nutcracker
December 9-13: Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods
Reston’s Conservatory Ballet makes holiday magic come to life with its 43rd annual production of The Nutcracker. Young dancers from the Reston area will perform this Christmas classic.
Reston Sings! G.F. Handel’s MESSIAH
7:30pm: Chapel of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Rd, Reston
Join Artistic Director David B. Lang, Associate Director Allan Laino and a talented quartet of guest soloists in singing the glorious Christmas portion of Handel’s masterpiece.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015
“Home for the Holidays” Photography Exhibit Reception
7pm-9pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
Meet photographer Jim Kirby, whose work has been featured in 20 years of “At Home in Herndon” town calendars. The exhibit will be on display Dec 8-Jan 17. FREE.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015
Herndon Holiday Train Show
10am-5pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750-A Center Street, Herndon
Model Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy this holiday-themed train show. The W&OD caboose and Herndon Depot Museum will also be open for tours. FREE.
A Storybook Holiday
11am-2pm: Herndon Community Center, Herndon
Bring your child to enjoy holiday fun. Cost includes kiddie open gym, craft projects, a visit with Santa and a reading of a holiday story by a special guest. $9 per child.
Ride the Holiday Train
12pm-6pm, Lake Fairfax Park, Reston
Train rides, crafts, campfires, and holiday decorations add to the fun when kids meet and greet Santa at Lake Fairfax Park. $10 each, register online.
Santa at Colvin Run Mill
3pm-6pm, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls
Visit Santa in the mill and see the Christmas tree trimmed with Victorian decorations. Join the costumed 49th Virginia Volunteer Infantry caroling around a bonfire while roasting marshmallows. $5 per person.
Christmas Concert at Washington Plaza Baptist Church
4pm-5:30pm, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
The church at Lake Anne Plaza will offer a choir concert and reception.
Opening Reception: Korean Pop Art in America
7-9pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
The exhibit features the art of invited guest artists Kyungjoo Park, Robert Yi, Chris Mona, and Franc Rosario along with participant artists of Han-mee. The exhibit will be on display 12/8/15 – 1/10/16. FREE.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015
Herndon Holiday Train Show
11am-4pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750-A Center Street, Herndon
Model Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy this holiday-themed train show. The W&OD caboose and Herndon Depot Museum will also be open for tours. FREE.
Christmas at the Farm
11:30am, 1:30pm, or 3:30pm: Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon
Enjoy a special holiday visit and take a wagon ride with Santa through the woods and fields.Activities include a holiday craft, cookie decorating and puppet show. Register in advance.
Chanukah on Ice
5-7pm: Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion, Reston
This Chanukah celebration includes ice skating, hot latkes and donuts, dreidels and chocolate gelt, and a grand Menorah lighting. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Explore the holiday lights of Reston on the annual Tour de Lights bike ride on December 19.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015
Santa’s Workshop
11am-1pm: Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
Holiday fun for children ages 3 and up, to include a visit with Santa, holiday tattoos, games and lunch. $7 per child, $3 per adult
Tour de Lights
4:40pm-6:00pm: Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
An evening bike ride to view some of Reston’s best holiday lights, approximately 10 miles. Riders are required to have a front light and red, rear light. Helmet strongly recommended and required if under 15 years old. FREE, but reserve in advance.
Melinda Doolittle – It Must Be Love
8pm: CenterStage at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
Fans of American Idol will recognize extraordinary singer Melinda Doolittle, who will perform songs ranging from American Standards to Top 40 Hits. Tickets are $25/$30.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015
Kalypso’s Ridiculous Christmas Party
9pm: Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Dress like a holiday weirdo and get your dance on with DJ John Coulter, a Modern Reston favorite.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015
New Year’s Eve Celebrations for Children
2-4pm: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
Children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy celebrating the New Year at ArtSpace Herndon’s Crafts and Dance Workshop. The program includes a fabric design craft activity and children’s dance led by local artist Acoatzin Torres. $5 per child. Register online.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations for Adults
10pm-12:20am: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
Save the date for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration at ArtSpace Herndon: A Night of New Orleans Jump Blues with Herbie D. and the Dangermen. $25/person for entertainment and h’oeuvres. Cash bar. Register online.
Related stories:
The 2015 Guide to Holiday Events in Reston, Northern Virginia, and DC
Jingle on Lake Anne 2014: Photo Gallery
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christkindlmarkt
The Inside Scoop on the Hyatt Gingerbread Village
A Hanukkah Latke Vodka Party: Get Lit While Lighting the Candles!
Gift Guide: Holiday Gifts that Celebrate Reston
Shopping Reston’s Small Businesses for Handmade Holiday Decorations
Photo credit: Charlotte Geary