Library branches host free holiday-themed events for kids, teens and adults.
The countdown to winter break is on and Fairfax County Public Library invites families and friends to celebrate the season by spending time together enjoying free holiday-themed activities for all ages.
Throughout the month of December, branches will host dozens of free events for kids, teens and adults. And that includes out-of-town guests! A library card is not required to participate in library events such as storytimes, author visits, holiday open houses, performances, craft activities and more, so FCPL encourages patrons to bring guests to visit the library.
So, ditch the hustle and bustle of gift shopping, house cleaning and playing host and relax with some peace and quiet – or fun and excitement – at the library during the holiday season. Take part in fun and festive programs from crafting and book sales to cooking and yoga.
Read on for highlights of holiday-themed programs and visit our online calendar of events to see the full list of activities taking place in December. Asterisk (*) indicates registration required.
Holiday Highlights
- Wreath Making Made to Order*
Monday, December 2, 7 p.m. at Lorton Library
Foliage expert Cindy from Silverbrook Nursery will help you create a circle of holiday cheer for your home. We provide the wreath made from fresh festive evergreens and decorating materials, you bring the spirit and creativity. Adults only. Sponsored by Friends of Lorton Library. - Holiday Bookmarks
Tuesdays, December 3 and 10, 7 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Library
Bring the whole family to make colorful, glittery, festive bookmarks, celebrating any holiday or event of your choice. Materials provided. All ages. - Tuesday Night Special: A Book Club for Teens/Adults with Special Needs
Tuesday, December 3, 7 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library
Read or listen to a book with a holiday theme and come talk about it. Refreshments provided. Adults and teens. - Mystery Book Club
Wednesday, December 4, 7 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library
This special seasonal meeting of the Mystery Book Club will include a holiday book exchange and high tea. Adults. - Reston Friends Holiday Book Sale
Thursday-Sunday, December 5-9, 10 a.m. (1 p.m. on Sunday) at Reston Regional Library
Start your shopping early. Browse and buy lots of gift-quality books. - Friends of Burke Centre Library Holiday Book Sale
Friday-Saturday, December 6-7, 10 a.m. at Burke Centre Library
Peruse a selection of gently used holiday-themed books and gift books, all carefully selected by the Friends of the Burke Centre Library. - DIY: Holiday Ornament Making
Friday, December 6, 1 p.m. at Reston Regional Library
Make and take home personalized holiday ornaments. All materials are provided. Adults. - Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 7, 11 a.m. at Oakton Library
Get in the holiday spirit with fun, music, food and activities for the whole family. All ages. - Winter Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 7, 12:30 p.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Library
Join the library community for holiday music, children's crafts, light refreshments and a visit with Santa. All ages.
- Holiday Card and Gift Tag Making
Saturday, December 7, 1 p.m. at John Marshall Library
DIY some extra-personal cards and gift tags to shower your loved ones with cheer this year. Supplies provided. Ages 12 and up. - Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 7, 1 p.m. at Great Falls Library
Enjoy crafts for adults and children, music including performances by the Langley HS Madrigals, holiday games and holiday treats. - A Taste of the Holidays with Chef Cal
Saturday, December 7, 2 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library
Join Chef Cal as he discusses special recipes that are sure to be a hit at your holiday celebration. Adults and teens. - Toddler Yoga: Holiday Yoga*
Monday, December 9, 10:15 a.m. Pohick Regional Library
Join us for a yoga-inspired trip to a Christmas Tree farm. Age 1-3 with adult. - Preschool Yoga: Holiday Yoga*
Monday, December 9, 11:15 a.m. Pohick Regional Library
Join us for a yoga-inspired trip to a Christmas Tree Farm. Bring a yoga mat. Age 3-5 with adult. - Second Tuesday Book Group
Tuesday, December 10, 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library
Come prepared to discuss A Christmas Carol or other holiday favorite. Adults. - PJ Library Book Buddies*
Wednesdays, Dec. 11 and Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library
Enjoy storybooks and crafts about Jewish holidays and values. Cosponsored by PJ Library and Growing Jewish Families of the JCC of Northern Virginia. Age 6 months to 5 years with adult. - ESL Holiday Potluck
Wednesday, December 11, 12 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library
Gather with fellow ESL students and your families for a holiday celebration. Bring a dish to share, or just bring yourself. All ages. - Family Movie Night: "The Grinch"
Wednesday, December 11, 7 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library
Jump into the holiday season with a showing of the 2018 animated version of Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch." - Holiday Gifts Make and Take
Thursdays, December 12, 4:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library
Make a gift for someone special — or make something special for yourself. Age 5-11 with adult. - Fireside Cafe
Thursday, December 12, 6 p.m. at Burke Centre Library
Hear beautiful music performed by Robinson Concert Orchestra while relaxing by our flickering fireplace and savoring hot chocolate at our Holiday Open House. All ages. - Adult Craft Night: Light Up Holiday Cards*
Thursday, December 12, 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library
Create a unique holiday card that lights up. All supplies provided. Adults. - Holiday Crafts
Saturday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library
Join us for make and take crafts for the whole family. All ages. - Holiday Crooning with the Critters
Saturday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. at Centreville Regional Library
GoodLife Theatre presents a unique holiday puppet show. All ages. - Holidays Around the World
Saturday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library
Join Cody and Bj to celebrate the winter holiday season with sing-a-longs, dancing and lots of fun. All ages with adult. - Balloon Twister
Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. at Reston Regional Library
Enjoy Mike and Marsha's hats, giant birds and dozens of other balloon creations as we celebrate the holiday season. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Reston Regional Library. All ages. - Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library
Celebrate the winter season by hearing the tale of Hansel and Gretel along with gingerbread crafts, light refreshments and singers from George Marshall performing holiday classics. All ages.
- Reston Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. at Reston Regional Library
Celebrate the holiday season with light refreshments, music, entertainment and fun. All ages. - Holiday Desserts with Chef Cal*
Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library
Join Chef Cal to learn how to make scrumptious holiday desserts that will wow family and friends. Adults. - Holiday Puppet Show: Crooning with the Critters
Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m. at Burke Centre Library
Travel the world of imagination while singing holiday songs in this interactive musical show featuring puppets presented by the GoodLife Theater Company. Crooning with the Critters begins with the puppets whale watching near Greenland. All of a sudden, Rudolph comes in to view. He is running away because his friends were making fun of him. How can we convince Rudolph that Santa needs him? Will Christmas be ruined? All ages. - Fairfax Genealogy Society's German Special Interest Group
Monday, December 16, 1 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library
Discuss German holiday traditions and learn how to use Dumont Bildatlas city maps for the larger German cities in conjunction with Kevan Hansen’s Map Guide to German Parish Registers. Adults. - Poinsettia for the Holidays*
Monday, December 16, 6:30 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Library
Paint poinsettia flowers on paper in the Nihonga Japanese painting style. Materials provided. Adults. - Holiday Gifts Make and Take
Tuesday, December 17, 3:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library
Make a gift for someone special — or make something special for yourself. Age 12 and up. - Pohick Evening Book Discussion Group
Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library
Enjoy a holiday celebration. No book will be discussed. Adults. - Celebrate Three Kings Day/Dia de Los Reyes Magos: A Spanish holiday tradition
Wednesday, December 18, 6:30 p.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library
Learn about this special holiday celebrated in Mexico and throughout Latin America, plus fun family activities and a sweet surprise, too. All ages. - Winter Holidays Open House
Thursday, December 19, 5 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Library
Join us for crafts, music and holiday cheer. All Ages. - Violin Concert: Music Celebrating the Holiday Season
Saturday, December 21, 1 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library
Mason Community Arts Academy Violin Ensemble will perform music celebrating the holiday season. Free and open to the public. All ages. - Holiday Karaoke
Monday, December 23, 6 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library
"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..." Sing your heart out to one of your favorite winter or holiday songs with family and friends. All ages.