The Lodge
National Landing’s Winter Festival
Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 11AM-5PM
Metropolitan Park (1330 S Fair St)
Arlington, VA
Step into The Lodge as Met Park becomes a ski-inspired holiday destination! National Landing’s signature winter festival brings cozy vibes to Arlington with activities and merriment for all ages (plus four-legged friends). Ride the holiday train, grab family photos with Santa, shop for gifts from local makers, enjoy live musical and theatrical performances, and more! Plus, don’t miss the much-anticipated Dog Holiday Sweater Contest.
This free event is easy to get to via the Pentagon City Metro, bike, bus, or car. With the covered tents and warm drinks, The Lodge occurs rain or shine!
The Lodge is produced by the National Landing BID with support from Amazon.
Top Activities Throughout The Day
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Holiday Train Rides
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Selfies with Santa
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Dog Holiday Sweater Contest
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Art Activities with Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
Holiday Vendor Market
Shop for the best gifts and seasonal must-haves from local artisans, curated in partnership with Made In Arlington.
Featured local vendors:
Holiday Bites & Beverages
Warm up with seasonal food and drinks from local vendors, including mulled wine and sparkling from Beauty, Champagne & Sugar Boutique along with local beer, hard cider and a hot chocolate bar with spiked hot chocolate. Maman hosts a pop-up shop at The Lodge with their signature cookies and treats. Swing by Toby’s Handmade Ice Cream in Met Park for their holiday-inspired ice cream flavors like Cinnamon, Peppermint, and Hot Chocolate, including "pup cups" for pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need to register to attend?
While registration is not required, it is highly recommended. Registered attendees will receive The Lodge event updates and assist event organizers in anticipating crowd size. RSVP via Eventbrite.
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Are dogs allowed?
Yes, we will have several activities for your leashed canine companions, as well as Metropolitan Park’s dog run locate Yes! We will have several activities for your leashed canine companions, as well as Metropolitan Park’s dog run located at 14th Street S and S Elm Street. The event will feature live music and crowds, so please consider your dog’s comfort level in an event setting before bringing your pet.
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Is the event rain or shine?
Yes! The Lodge is rain or shine. Both our vendor market and entertainment area are located under covered tents with seating. In the event of extreme weather requiring postponement or cancellation, registered attendees will be notified. Activities are subject to change depending on site conditions.
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Where is the event located?
The event will be held at Metropolitan "Met" Park, located between Elm Street and S. Fair Street, with entrances via 13th Street S and 14th Street S. The address is 1330 S Fair Street in Arlington, VA 22202.
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What are the public transit options?
Metropolitan Park is easily accessible by Metro, approximately a 7-minute walk from Pentagon City Metro, or a 10-minute walk from Crystal City Metro Station. Capital Bikeshare stations are within a short walk and limited bike parking is also available. If taking a rideshare, use the address 510 14th Street South as your drop-off.
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Is there parking available at Metropolitan Park?
Yes, parking garages are located at 525 14th St S and 510 14th St S, Arlington, VA 22202. Garage parking at Met Park is FREE for the first three hours on Saturdays/Sundays, and then regular rates apply (approx. $6/hour). Metered street parking is available on surrounding roads.
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Where are the restrooms?
Portable toilets will be available on site at Metropolitan Park, as well as several public and ADA-accessible restrooms next to Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream.
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When will Santa be available for photos?
Head over to the vendor tent on Elm Street tent to take a Selfie with Santa from approximately 11:00 AM through 5:00 PM.
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Is this a cashless event?
Payment options will vary among vendors. We encourage all guests to be prepared for cashless payments.
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How do I participate in the Dog Holiday Sweater Contest?
Participants (and their humans) will gather by The Lodge stage and take the "runway" from approximately 3:30 PM-3:55 PM. Representatives from District Dogs will serve as judges and a winner will be announced on site. All participating dogs should be fully vaccinated and comfortable with crowds.
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Can I use Open Rewards at The Lodge?
Yes! You can claim and redeem Open Rewards with purchases at participating National Landing businesses featured at The Lodge and at any participating National Landing business found in the Open Rewards: Shop Local app. Visit the Open Rewards booth and spin to win up to $50 cashback, plus National Landing swag! [CO1]
[CO1]no links allowed in Eventbrite FAQs :(
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Photography/Videography Notice
Photographers and videographers may be present to photograph/film the event for future promotional use. By attending, you grant your permission to be captured in event photography or videography.
