Are you ready to get in the spirit? 2020 has been unusual, but the holidays are still happening, and we found a handful of great holiday events near Springfield that you won’t want to miss. While there might not be as many holiday events near Springfield for 2020 as usual, you can still find some and have plenty of fun.

Top Holiday Events Near Springfield for 2020

Santa is coming to Springfield Town Center!

Get the milk and cookies ready because Santa Claus is already back at Springfield Town Center! Yes, even this year you can visit Springfield Town Center’s real-bearded Santa in Grand Court to capture your Holiday Memories. Or — new for 2020 — you can skip Santa’s lap and book a virtual visit with Father Christmas to tell him what you’d like under the tree and in your stocking from the comfort of your home. 

This year, due to social distancing, Santa is requesting each visitor to have a reservation. From now through December 24, 2020, his hours are Monday – Saturday 11am to 7pm and Sunday Noon to 5pm, though he will take a break Monday – Saturday from 3-3:45pm.

Reservations and photo packages can be purchased, with pricing starting at $19.99 here. 

For COVID-19 information and safety measures that will be practiced at Springfield Town Center, see here. 

Run the St. James Turkey Trot!

Another one of the holiday events near Springfield will happen on November 26th at 8 AM, you can get active and join in the family-friendly Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning! There will be a competitive 5k (course is both indoors and outside) for racers 8+ and a free 100 Yard Dash for the younger kids.

Arrive at the St. James Complex by no later than 7:30 AM on race day as the 100 Yard Dash will start promptly at 8:15 AM. The 5k will begin at 8:30 AM in waves to ensure social distancing. Masks are required prior to start and for any spectators. And all racers will receive a complimentary water bottle and a coffee from Vim & Victor after the race.

St. James’ Laugh, Learn & Play will be open for members and racers. If you have any questions, plan on dropping off your child for the duration of the race, or to register your child for childcare, please email matt.rackiewicz@thestjames.com.

Additionally, the St. James is also hosting a Community Clean-up to pick up trash along the course on 11/21 from 10 AM-12 PM. Community service credit is available! 

Get glowing at the Winter Walk of Lights! 

Bring your family and friends to be dazzled by the magical Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. Every year between Thanksgiving until just after New Year’s Day, the garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated light show. 

Beauty, conservation, and discovery flourish at this 95 acre oasis featuring ornamental and native gardens and the premier private event venue, THE ATRIUM.

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is open nightly Wednesday, November 11, 2020 through Sunday, January 3, 2021.

Customers will be asked to maintain a distance of 6 feet at all times. The walk is more than a half-mile long, one-way route- providing an enchanting and safe evening activity. Buildings and restrooms will be open, but access may be restricted based on required capacity limits. Portable toilets are also available in the parking lot and the halfway point of the walk. Masks or face coverings must be worn.

It is encouraged to purchase tickets online. Walk-up tickets are only available in limited quantities. If you’re looking for one of the top holiday events near Springfield this year, this one is for you.

Get in the spirit with 5 Golden Days of Giving!

On Saturday, December 14, 2020, the Dream Project’s 5 Golden Days of Giving gets underway. 

For the past decade the Dream Project has empowered Dreamers through mentoring, scholarships, advocacy, and community outreach as well as providing financial assistance to over 300 students amounting to over $823,000 in scholarships. To mark this milestone, the organization is holding its 10th Annual Holiday Celebration. 

Although the organization is unable to gather for its traditional holiday dinner in-person, it is excited to celebrate with its 5 Golden Days of Giving campaign. This virtual campaign will feature special remarks from Congressman Don Beyer and Senator Mark Warner; mini documentaries about our students; poetry and musical performances; and a silent auction. 

The 5 Golden Days of Giving will take place from December 14-19, 2020 and on the culminating day,  Saturday December 19 guests are cordially invited to join in for a live virtual program at 6pm to celebrate student successes and organizational accomplishments. All proceeds from this event will be used to fund scholarships and mentoring activities for Dream Project students.

There are plenty of other holiday events near Springfield to consider. These are must a few of the top choices.