Church Street Holiday Stroll In Vienna (Updates)

(Updated Nov. 21) VIENNA, VA—It's not long now until the holiday season begins. Some say it starts with Black Friday, but Vienna has its own tradition to kick off the festivities. The annual Church Street Holiday Stroll is set for Monday, Nov. 27 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

The night begins with excitement as Santa Claus arrives atop a 1946 Vienna fire truck around 6:15 p.m. Santa will light the Town tree and caboose before making his way to the Freeman Store to listen to the wishes of good boys and girls and take photos.

Local and school choruses will fill the air with Christmas carols throughout the night. Groups expected to perform on stage include Fairfax Jubil-Aires, Green Hedges School Jazz Band, Louise Archer Elementary Singers, Thoreau Chamber Choir, Vienna Community Band, and Wolftrap Elementary Singers. Strolling carolers will feature members of the Fairfax Jubil-Aires and Vienna-Falls Chorus of Sweet Adelines.

Some Church Street businesses staying open late to offer freebies and specials:

Bards Alley, 110 Church St NW: free hot apple cider

Pennywise Thrift Shop, 144 Church St. NE: holiday carolers, hot cider, holiday treats

Phoenix Rehabilitation, 111 Church St. SW: hot/cold packs and candy canes

Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St. NE: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. - FREE Elf Spaghetti Dinner (and regular spaghetti as well!),
6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. - Popcorn in the courtyard
6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. - Ongoing crafts, nativity display and nativity photo booth
6:15 p.m.-7:45 p.m. - Skit in the main church every 30 minutes on the quarter hour
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. - Singing carols in the chapel every 30 minutes on the half hour

Town businesses will part in a window decorating competition held by the Town Business Liaison Committee. Displays should be up for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25, judging will take place Nov. 26, and the winner and finalists will be announced at the Church Street Holiday Stroll.

Many historic structures will be open throughout the evening as well, including the Freeman Store and Museum, Little Library, caboose, train station, Knights of Columbus (formerly First Baptist Church), and Vienna Presbyterian’s historic chapel. In addition, the Town of Vienna will host a petting zoo, and residents can roast marshmallows and activities at various historic facilities.

Residents should be aware of street closures for the event. Church Street from Mill to Dominion will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. and from Mill to Lawyers Road from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. A portion of Mill Street may be closed for event activities as well. Traffic will be redirected around the event.

The event is held by the Town of Vienna and Historic Vienna, Inc.

Image via Town of Vienna