For 2019, Cameron Run is turning its summer water park into Ice & Lights: The Winter Village, a wonderland with an ice rink, themed photo ops and, of course, string after string of twinkling lights. Check it out below, plus our list of other new holiday attractions in the region.
This post originally appeared in our November 2019 issue. Stay up to date on everything happening in the region this holiday season with our Things to Do newsletter.
- Cameron Run is known for its summer fun, but the water park is making its debut as a winter attraction this year with Ice & Lights: The Winter Village. The regional park will feature a frosty landscape with plenty of lights, well-lit photo ops, marshmallow roasting around fire pits, a Christmas retail shop and an ice rink (that will remain open through Feb. 29). // Nov. 15-Jan. 5; 5-10 p.m.; 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria; general admission $5, ice skating $8, skate rentals $4
- Nationals Park in DC often hosts crowd-drawing events in the off season, but this may be one of the coolest yet. Enchant Christmas, dubbed “the world’s largest Christmas light maze and market” will light up the stadium this holiday season. Look for a truly, well, enchanting experience with a 90,000-square-foot maze of bright lights and falling snow on-demand, plus holiday markets, live performances and more Christmas-themed fun. // Nov. 22-Dec. 29; times vary; Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC; $19.99-$40
- Little ones will love this all-new holiday show, Disney Junior Holiday
Party, making a tour stop at the Warner Theatre this season. Mickey, Minnie and the gang, plus Disney Junior pals like Fancy Nancy and Vampirina (and Santa, of course!), will be on stage singing Disney and holiday tunes to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Head into the city to give the kids in your life a Broadway-like experience. // Nov. 17, 3 p.m.; Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC; $33-$63 - Cheers to the season! The Stable at Bluemont Vineyard will add some holiday cheer to its grapes with the inaugural Lighting of the Vines. The Loudoun County vineyard will illuminate more than 10,000 vines with twinkling lights. The first night will feature a ceremonial lighting, plus featured sips and snacks, and a holiday wreath silent auction, all in support of nonprofit The Arc of Loudoun. // Nov. 22, 6-9 p.m.; 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont; $149 per person; the vines will be lit through Jan. 1
- The trip to Maryland is worth it this winter for Gaylord National’s annual ICE! celebration. This year, the handcarved ice sculptures feature Dr. Seuss’ story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. New this year to the hotel-wide celebration is Breakfast with the Grinch and a Reindeer Rush ice tubing hill, which lets you sled before the first real snow. // Nov. 15-Dec. 30; Gaylord National: 201 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Maryland; ICE! tickets from $25 (child) and $33 (adult), Reindeer Rush $21.99; Breakfast with the Grinch from $27 (child) and $40 (adult)