As the holiday season quickly approaches, the DMV area has a plethora of winter activities that are sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit. These five activities include markets, light festivals and celebrations that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers for you, your friends and your family. 

Fairfax Night Market

If you’re looking for a close-to-home holiday shopping site, the Fairfax Night Market is the perfect spot for last-minute gifts from local artists, entrepreneurs and small businesses. The event will also have live painting and performances of holiday music from DJs and musicians. This family-friendly event has socially distant photos with Santa and hot chocolate stands. You can visit the Fairfax Night Market on Dec. 19 in the parking lot of Primetime Sports Bar and Grill. 

LuminoCity Festival Holiday Lights at Roer’s Zoofari

Step inside a shimmering winter wonderland at Roer’s Zoofari, the largest petting zoo in Fairfax County. At the LuminoCity Festival Holiday Lights, visitors can walk along paths of towering lit-up sculptures of animals, plants and zoo wildlife. The festival will be held on Oct. 15 through Jan. 2. If you visit, you must wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols. 

Downtown Holiday Market

The Downtown Holiday Market in downtown Washington D.C. is the premiere holiday shopping experience in the DMV area. More than 70 vendors, including Black and minority-owned businesses, will operate store fronts selling homemade goods, crafts, clothes, jewelry, soaps and candles. Food vendors will also sell a diverse range of snacks, such as empanadas and mini donuts. The market will also feature regional performers everyday. The Downtown Market operates daily from Nov. 19 through Dec. 23, and the entrance is at the National Portrait Gallery. 

Bull Run Lights 

Experience the magic of the holiday season right from the comfort of your own car. The Bull Run Festival of Lights is a 2.5 mile drive of holiday light displays. This event is a great way to enjoy the holiday season while staying socially distant. You can enjoy the Bull Run Festival of Lights from Nov. 11 to Jan. 2 at 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, Va. 20121. 

First Night Alexandria New Year’s Eve celebration

The First Night Alexandria New Year’s Eve celebration is the most festive way to ring in the new year. Going from 12 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to midnight, the event will have talent and arts shows, a live concert and street party. And of course, no New Year’s Eve celebration would be complete without an extravagant display of fireworks. The event will take place in downtown Old Town Alexandria.