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- Events & Happenings- December 11th - 17th
Events & Happenings- December 11th - 17th
Holiday fun in Arlington
Table of Contents
Announcements
Arlington County Board meeting.The next Arlington County Board Regular meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at 9:30am in the County Board Meeting Room at Bozman Government Center. To learn more about the meeting, including the agenda and how to speak, visit the county website.
EcoAction Arlington Trees. EcoAction Arlington is offering Arlington residents, apartments, condos, and places of worship an opportunity to receive a free native tree, which will be planted on their property during the Spring planting season. Applications are open until January 14, 2026. Apply now!
Events
Thursday, December 11th
Join us as we kick off the holidays with caroline by The Arlington Chorale, a local craft market, visits with Santa, and more. Pizza from Colony Grill and warm drinks from Rossana will be available for purchase during the kickoff event.
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Clarendon Metro Park
Do you have small items around your house that are broken or need repair: Perhaps your favorite pair of jeans needs to be patched, or an old lamp has seen better days? Don't just throw them out - figure out how to fix them! We'll have a sewing machine, jewelry parts, hand tools, and more on hand, as well as some inventive library staff who will be happy to investigate with you. We have a limited amount of replacement parts, therefore we suggest you bring your own, such as lamp sockets, plugs, or zippers. We’ll do our best to help, but we cannot guarantee that your object will be fixed. Registration recommended.
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: The Shop at Central Library
Join us for a hilarious evening of comedy at El Rey! Get ready to laugh your socks off with the DMV's best comedians! This Standup Comedy Night is sure to be a blast!
Time: 8:00pm-9:30pm
Location: El Rey Ballston
Cost: Free, but please tip!
Friday, December 12th
Join us for a cozy evening of holiday shopping and seasonal charm at our first ever Goats & Gifts Holiday Market in Arlington. Soak in the glow of the holiday season as you wander through a curated selection of local vendors offering thoughtful gifts. Hot cocoa will be available for purchase, and be sure to take a moment in our festive photo booth with our friendly goats. This will be a relaxed evening filled with warmth, laughter, and a touch of whimsy. FESTIVE attire encouraged!
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Faith Lutheran Church (3313 Arlington Boulevard)
Cost: Tickets are $12.51 each.
Save the date for our most popular event: Winter Artful Weekend at Fort C.F. Smith Park in its 23rd year! This annual event will showcase 40 talented artists from the Arlington Artists Alliance and is ideal for holiday shopping. Find original works for every budget and occasion. The event is free and open to the public.
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Hendry House (2411 24th St)
Saturday, December 13th
Save the date for our most popular event: Winter Artful Weekend at Fort C.F. Smith Park in its 23rd year! This annual event will showcase 40 talented artists from the Arlington Artists Alliance and is ideal for holiday shopping. Find original works for every budget and occasion. The event is free and open to the public.
Time: 10:00am-6:00pm
Location: Hendry House (2411 24th St)
You’ll find unique, quality, handmade gifts from dozens of local artisans, small business owners, and our own talented Wakefield students.
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Location: Wakefield High School Town Hall and Cafeteria (1325 S. Dinwiddie St)
Join us at the beautiful Knights of Columbus estate for a Christmas market packed with unique gifts, seasonal treats, and live entertainment. This community-favorite blends the charming traditions of a German-American Christkindlmarkt with fun for all ages. Whether you're shopping for loved ones or just looking to treat yourself, this event has something for everyone. Bring the kids and experience the magic of the season at our annual Christkindlmarkt.
Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Knights of Columbus Main Hall (5115 Little Falls Road)
The Crochet Cart Project is an initiative to spread the joy of knitting and crocheting to all of our neighbors. As of December 6, look out for the cart in the MoCA Innovation Studio + Store, where you can enjoy exploring the introductory kits with step-by-step instructions, yarn, and whatever else you need. On Saturday, December 13, the Crochet Cart Project will guide this free public workshop! A chance to get together, be social, and learn some crochet (if you don't already know the basics!). You'll be guided in some simple crochet techniques to create a square, and those squares will all be combined to create a group blanket!
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Innovation Studio + Store (525 14th St S)
This planetarium show traces the history and development of many of the world's most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah. The show covers not only the astronomy related to the changing of the seasons, but also many different religious and cultural rituals that have been practiced during the time of winter solstice — Christian and Jewish, Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe, to songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing, and the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well.
Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium
Cost: Tickets are $5 for adults and $3.50 for seniors and children
Join us for Taco Rock’s Comedy Tour at our Rosslyn location! Enjoy a night of hilarious stand-up performances, delicious tacos, and signature drinks in the ultimate lively atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the perfect mix of laughs and flavor—grab your friends and make it a night to remember!
Time: 8:00pm
Location: Taco Rock Rosslyn
Cost: Free, but registration required. Please tip!
Sunday, December 14th
Join us as we ring in the holiday season. This family-friendly event will feature 30 local vendors, live musical performances, and beautiful holiday decorations transforming the space into a cheerful winter wonderland. Designed to celebrate the holidays, support local businesses, and uplift our vibrant community, the event invites families and residents to shop, eat, and enjoy seasonal entertainment together.
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: Pike Park (2520 Columbia Pike)
This planetarium show traces the history and development of many of the world's most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah. The show covers not only the astronomy related to the changing of the seasons, but also many different religious and cultural rituals that have been practiced during the time of winter solstice — Christian and Jewish, Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions: from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe, to songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing, and the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by as well.
Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium
Cost: Tickets are $5 for adults and $3.50 for seniors and children
Join us for an in-person teach in. We will first review the history of Palestine, and then discuss Arlington for Palestine’s main campaign - Arlington Apartheid Divest. Refreshments will also be provided.
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Location: Location will be shared upon RSVP
No one knows how to do vacations like the Griswolds. Sure, their holidays are wild, chaotic, and often fraught with peril, but everyone’s family gatherings are a little stressful, aren’t they? Fortunately, you can just let Clark and the gang shoulder all that stress while you enjoy the ride at our CHRISTMAS VACATION Movie Party. This party will be a real beaut, with yuletide props like pine tree air fresheners, Christmas lights necklaces, and shocked cat keychains to help you feel like you're an honorary Griswold. It’ll be more fun than a membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City
Cost: Tickets are $16
Monday, December 15th
Take time for you! Start your week off the right way by joining us at Westover for a self-care craft or activity the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Supplies, coffee/tea and a relaxing atmosphere will all be provided. It's important to encourage and support mindfulness efforts during the stress of the holiday seasons. Join us as we recycle beautiful clear bottles using paint and fairy lights that will serve as gentle light-filled reminders to take care of ourselves. Registration required.
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Longfellow Room at Westover Library
Tuesday, December 16th
Join us for a Death Cafe - an open, informal gathering where people come together to talk about death, dying, and the many thoughts and feelings that surround them. There is no set agenda or objective beyond creating a welcoming space for honest conversation. It’s not a grief support group or counseling session, but rather a chance to explore a topic we all share in common. Tea and cake will be served as we reflect, share, and listen in a spirit of curiosity and respect. These conversations are meant to stay in the room - no recordings, note-taking, or sharing or personal details. Facilitated by an experienced volunteer. All are welcome. Registration recommended.
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Location: Cherry Conference Room at Courthouse Library
Make fabric coasters embellished with Sashiko stitching. Previous knowledge of basic hand sewing and machine sewing is recommended. Age 18+. Registration required.
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Location: The Shop at Central Library
Wednesday, December 17th
Join us as we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Metropolitan Park
Gong (also spelled Chi Kung or Qigong) is a traditional Chinese practice that involves physical movements, breathing techniques, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy, known as "Qi" or "Chi." Qi Gong is part of traditional Chinese medicine and is considered a holistic approach to health and well-being.Qi Gong is based on the belief that the body's vital energy flows through energy channels or meridians and that practicing Qi Gong can improve the flow of Qi, promoting health and healing. The practice typically involves slow, gentle movements synchronized with deep breathing and a meditative focus. Led by Dante Baker, a Sound Bath practitioner, Holistic Health coach, Qi Gong instructor, Yoga Instructor, and Martial Art enthusiast. Registration required.
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Innovation Studio + Store
Cost: Tickets are $23.18 each