Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Reston: Tree Lightings, Music, More

RESTON, VA — There are plenty of things going on around Reston to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

In Reston, the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation celebrates the Festival of Lights with a Shabbat Chanukah service. Participants are encouraged to bring their chanukkiah and lots of candles. NVHC is located at 1441 Wiehle Ave. in Reston.

Winterfest-Light Up the Park returns to Reston on Thursday, Nov. 30 through Saturday, Dec. 2, from 5-9 p.m. The Reston Association will be providing an Enchanted Forest filled with decorated holiday trees along a 0.41-mile trail.

Visitors can check-in at Brown's Chapel to start their journey to "Light up the Park" and finish at the Vendor Village at The Lake House.

Anyone can reserve a holiday tree to decorate. Registration is required. Once the Winterfest is over, the trees will be donated to less fortunate residents of Reston.

RA is also offering the Santa Experience as part of Winterfest. Reserve a time to meet with Santa Claus and do a craft.

Parking will be available at Lake Newport Pool, Lake Newport Soccer Field, and Baron Cameron Park. Shuttles will run every 10 minutes from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Here are some of the other holiday-related activities going on in and around Reston:

• The Nutcracker presented by the Ravel Dance Company at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road in Reston. Showtimes are Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.; Dec. 2, at 2 p.m.; and Dec. 3., at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online.
• Jingle on the Lake Christmas Festival will take place 8 a.m.-4 p.m., on Dec. 2, at Lake Anne Plaza. Visit the Christmas Market, watch the Boat Parade with Santa, and enjoy holiday music. Find out more online.
• Holiday Fest at Walker Nature Center Enjoy holiday music, hot cocoa and cookies or enter an optional Gingerbread Contest. Preregistration is required for everyone, except children under 18 months, but 5 p.m., on Dec. 1. Find out more online.
• SLHS Winter Market: The South Lakes High School Dance Team is hosting its second annual Winter Market on Dec. 3, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., in the school cafeteria, which is located at 11400 South Lakes Drive in Reston.
• German Christmasmarket offers seasonal German arts, crafts, foods and beverages from 4-9 p.m. on Dec. 7, at the Campus at Sunrise. Located at 11150 Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston, the Christmasmarket features children's activities, including photos with Santa Claus, Carpenter's Workshop, Wheel of Fortune and more.
• Winter Wonderland 2023 takes place Dec. 14, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at The Lake House, 11450 Baron Cameron Ave. in Reston. Proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit Fellowship Square and improve the lives of hundreds of older adults. Enjoy savory wines and craft beers, hors d'oeuvres, raffle prizes, live entertainment and camaraderie.
• Winter Holiday Show: Sing along with your favorite holiday songs and enjoy 45-minutes of high energy dance music at8 p.m, on Dec. 16, at Cafe Montmartre located at 1625 Washington Plaza N. in Reston.
• South Lakes Village Holiday Event: Dec. 16, 12-2 p.m., at South Lakes Village, 11120 South Lakes Drive in Reston. Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Create unique holiday ornaments. Decorate your own stocking at our crafts station. Enjoy the holiday tunes spun by DJ Debbie.
• Gingerbread House Party at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 17. Children of all ages can take part in a decorating workshop with Davio's own pastry chef Emma Thomas. Davios is located at 1902 Reston Metro Plaza in Reston. Tickets are available online.

• Photo with Santa: Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 a.m., to 4 p.m. at Reston Farm Garden Market, 10800 Baron Cameron Ave. in Reston. Buy live Christmas trees or order your favorite pie. Find out more online.

More Holiday Happenings:

• Where To Cut Or Buy A Christmas Tree In Reston And Nearby
• Where To See Santa In Reston This Christmas Season
• Where Are The Best Holiday Lights In Reston?