Church Street Holiday Stroll 2019: Tree Lighting, Road Closures

VIENNA, VA — The Christmas season kicks off in Vienna immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This year's Church Street Holiday Stroll will happen on Monday, Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. historic Church Street.

Santa will arrive atop a 1946 fire engine to help Mayor Laurie DiRocco light up Vienna's holiday tree around 6:15 p.m. After the tree lighting, Santa will stick around to take free photos with children at the Freeman Store and Museum. Families should bring their own cameras or phones.

In between Santa's arrival, enjoy performances of holiday songs by local school choruses and bands. Performances will take place on a stage set up on Church Street, while other carolers will stroll throughout the area.

Several places will stay open late, including the Little Library, caboose, train station, Knights of Columbus (formerly First Baptist Church), and Vienna Presbyterian’s historic chapel. Vienna Presbyterian will provide holiday activities. As for refreshments, the Town of Vienna will provide roasted marshmallows, and several Church street businesses will have warm drinks.

Some Vienna businesses are also expected to stay open late to kick off the holiday shopping season. Businesses will also have holiday displays up for the annual window decorating contest. A panel will judge the displays on the weekend of Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. The winner will be announced at the Church Street Holiday Stroll.

This year's contest theme is "Home for the Holidays." The registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 22. Businesses can register at 2019-vienna-holiday-windows.eventbrite.com.

The event will close Church Street from Mill Street to Lawyers to vehicular traffic from 4 p.m. to 9 pm. A portion of Mill Street also may be closed for event activities. Traffic will be rerouted around the event.