As the holidays approach and you’re busy planning, decorating, cooking and making your list and checking it twice, we hope you’ll find some time to enjoy some of the fun holiday programs and events that we have planned in Prince William County. From a family gingerbread house building contest, to ornament making, to a holiday themed fitness class, plus a spectacular holiday lights display—we invite you to join us for some festive holiday fun this December.

Holiday Walk of Lights – begins Friday, December 1

Mark your calendars for Friday, December 1, 5:30 – 9 pm, as we kick off our 2nd annual Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park. Beginning December 1, the park will be transformed into a holiday wonderland of lights. The free lights display will run through December 23. Please click here for more details including important parking information and dates/hours of operation.

Holiday Market – Saturday, December 2

Come find unique gifts, handcrafted goods, crafts, specialty items and your favorite treats at our annual Holiday Market. You’ll find everything from books, jewelry, children’s clothing, leather goods, wreaths, holiday items, crochet items and more. Readymade foods and drinks will also be available for purchase. For more details, including the holiday vendor list, click here. Hours are 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, 14050 Gemini Way, Dale City, VA.

Salt Dough Ornaments – Wednesday, December 6 & Friday December 8 

Your kids (ages 8-12) will enjoy making some homemade ornaments in this two-day program (December 6 and December 8, 5:30 – 6:30 pm). On day one of the program, participants will make their own salt dough from scratch. One day two, participants will design, decorate and paint their multiple ornaments. Register your child today. Program will take place at the Pat White Center at Ben Lomond.

Holly Jolly Combo Fitness Class – Saturday, December 9

Come “sweat the halls” with some stepping and lifting, fa la la la la! Join Simone and Andrea for a jingle, jolly good ol’ time! Begin with Xtreme Hip Hop Step and finish up with some Total Body Strength. It’s sure to be the most wonderful class of the year! Free for Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center passholders. $12 drop-in fee for non-passholders. Register today to join us on Saturday, December 9, from 9:30 – 11:30 am. Ages 14+ welcome.

Family Gingerbread House Building Contest – Saturday, December 9

Are you and your family looking for some competitive, holiday fun? If so, sign up to join us at our Family Gingerbread House Building Contest at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, December 9, from 10 am – noon. Start planning your winter wonderland designs now! Each family will receive one gingerbread house kit to build and decorate to submit for judging. All family members participating must be pre-registered for this event.

Family Night Out: Movie in the Park – The Grinch (2018) – Saturday, December 9

Mark your calendars to join us for the last FREE family movie night of the year. Come early to get a good seat. Please bring your own blankets for seating. Event will be held indoors inside the gym at Veterans Memorial Park. The movie will begin at 1 pm. All participants must pre-register for a free ticket to the movie. A parent must attend with children under the age of 16.

Civil War Christmas at Ben Lomond – Saturday, December 9

Join us for some holiday history at Ben Lomond Historic Site. Christmas 1861 brought many questions to the free and enslaved citizens of Prince William County and the soldiers huddled around warm fires in their winter camps. Explore how the war impacted the Pringle family at Ben Lomond and their Christmas traditions, as well as those of the local enslaved population. How did they deal with the Civil War’s first winter? Experience a Civil War Christmas at Ben Lomond Historic Site. 11:00 am – 3 pm. All ages welcome. Children 6 and under are free. Register here. 

Holiday Cookie Decorating – Wednesday, December 13

There are just a few spots left in our adapted Holiday Cookie Decorating class on Wednesday, December 13, 6 – 7 pm. Bring your child (ages 4-10) for a fun-filled night of holiday cookie decorating. Come prepared to get a little messy as we decorate cookies and drink hot cocoa. Food allergies may be able to be accommodated. Please contact Veronica Laughman ADA Coordinator vlaughman@pwcgov.org. Register here. 

Holidays Through the Ages at Rippon Lodge – various dates/times in December

Stroll through seasonal celebrations of the past at Rippon Lodge Historic Site. With interiors and exteriors richly decorated for the holidays, guests enjoy an in-depth exploration of seasonal festivities over the centuries. Various dates and times available. Purchase tickets here. 

Holiday Evenings at Rippon Lodge – various dates/times in December

Enjoy the ambiance of the season by viewing Holidays Through the Ages tours at night at Rippon Lodge. These special evening tours include music and period lights inside the historic home and along the grounds. Purchase tickets here.

Winter Break Camp – Thursday-Friday, December 21-22 & Monday-Wednesday, December 27-29

We’ll have a flurry of fun during PWC school’s winter break (ages 6-14). Get ready for tons of fun in a safe atmosphere. We’ve got recreational games, STEAM projects, a holiday party with snow cones, team building activities, arts & crafts, swimming and more! Camp hours are 9 am-5 pm each day with an option to add on before (6:30-9 am) and/or after (5-6:30 pm) camp care. Register here.