A dash of sparkle, a pinch of holiday spice and a sprinkle of magic — find this recipe for the perfect holiday in Fairfax County parks this season. The Fairfax County Park Authority is hosting events perfect for one and all.
Enjoy holiday decorations, gather around the campfire, stargaze, birdwatch, meet Santa, find the perfect holiday gift, don a tacky holiday sweater for a skate/dance party, take a tour by candlelight or lanternlight, or take part in a magical round of mini golf. Here’s a quick look at what awaits you, your family and your friends this holiday season in the park:
At Frying Pan Farm Park
- Holiday on the Farm: Fridays (4:30-7:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (4:30-7:45 p.m.), Dec. 1 - 15. Enjoy an evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animal interactions and campfires.
- Animal Tea Party: 10-11 a.m. and 2 - 3 p.m., Jan. 19, 20, 26 and 27
At Burke Lake Park
- Winter Wonderland: Saturdays and Sundays (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), Dec. 2-17. Visit Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, ride the Holiday Express train, take a spin on the Carolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man mini golf, warm yourself by the fire and cook s’mores.
- Stargazing Spectacular: 5:30-7 p.m., Jan. 13. Enjoy guided stargazing and listen to ancient stories about constellations around a campfire.
At Colvin Run Mill
- Children's Holiday Shopping: 11 a.m.-3:20 p.m., Dec. 2-3
- Sensory-Friendly Santa at the Mill: 11:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m., Dec. 9; and 11:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Dec. 10
- Santa at the Mill: 3-6:30 p.m., Dec. 9
At Historic Huntley
- A Very Mason Christmas: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Dec. 17
At Franconia Rec Center
- Ugly Holiday Sweater Family Skate and Dance Night: 6-9 p.m., Dec. 16. Light up the night with your tackiest holiday sweater while skating and dancing to holiday classics played by a DJ.
At Green Spring Gardens
- Learn about the Christmas Bird Count: 10-11 a.m., Dec. 9
For more information and to register for these holiday events, visit the Seasonal Events in the Parks website.