Release Date: Nov 22, 2024

The Lodge at National Landing is back with festive winter fun!

On Saturday, December 7, Join the National Landing BID and Amazon at Metropolitan Park for the Second Annual Ski-Inspired Holiday Event for the Whole Family and Four-Legged Friends

WHAT: The Lodge at National Landing returns for its second year, bringing a day of outdoor festive fun with a dash of Nordic hygge to Metropolitan Park. Presented by National Landing BID in partnership with Amazon, the holiday celebration invites families and friends of all ages – and four-legged friends – to enjoy a lineup of Après ski-inspired activities, live music, food and drink. Shop for unique gifts from local makers at the holiday market, hop aboard the winter train for a ride around the park, or cozy up under the big Lodge tent and enjoy festive performances.

Back by popular demand is National Landing’s Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition, this year featuring several neighborhood favorites: Colada Shop, Mah-Ze-Dahr, Surreal, Commonwealth Joe, Good Company Doughnuts, Brij, Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique and Mae's Market. Guests can taste test and cast their vote between 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and the winner will be announced on-site. Last year, Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique took home the first-place prize for their French-inspired peppermint mocha latte.

Highlights of The Lodge include:

• The Holiday Market: Shop unique gifts and seasonal gifts from local vendors including Block Print Bike, Cella Chocolates, Hello Wellness, KB Design Studio, Pick n Pack, White Lily Shoppe, and more. Find the perfect tree at The Lodge Christmas Tree Lot supplied by Almost Heavenly Christmas Trees, LLC.
• Selfies with Santa: Snap a memorable holiday photo with Santa himself.
• The Lodge tent: Set in the heart of the Central Green in Met Park, enjoy cozy seating, ski-themed décor, delicious food and drink, and a cheerful lineup of live performances from Vaughn Ambrose Sextet, Dime a Dozen a cappella and more.
• Holiday Train Rides: All aboard for winter train rides around Met Park (children must be accompanied by an adult).

• For Furry Friends: Enter your pup in the Dog Sweater Contest for a chance to win fun prizes. Treat yourself to a pet caricature from a local artist or stop by the dog treat bar. Help local animals in need by adding to the Yappy Holidays Donation Tree.

• Festive Crafts: Led by the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, write letters to Santa, enjoy custom coloring pages, design holiday cards, and more.
• Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos: A splash of holiday sparkle for all.
• Winter Outdoor Games: Play fun outdoor games throughout Met Park including floor curling, snowball throw, hockey foos ball, and more.

• Food and Drink: Grab a bite at Quebec-inspired food truck, Urban Poutine, as well as an array of food offerings from National Landing restaurants. Stop by the Summit Bar for winter beers, ciders, spiked hot chocolate, and cocktails.Cast your vote in the Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition from 1:30-2:30pm.

“We are happy to welcome the whole family to beautiful Metropolitan Park for a second year of holiday festivities at The Lodge at National Landing,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and CEO of the National Landing BID. “In partnership with Amazon, we’re proud to celebrate the local talent of artists, makers and restaurateurs who are a cornerstone of our community.”

“Amazon is excited to be part of National Landing’s ski-themed festival and turning our own Met Park into a little Scandinavian wonderland,” said Amazon Representative. “The Lodge at National Landing is an incredible way to bring together everything that makes this neighborhood great.”

Please stay tuned for updates and more community programming by visiting nationallanding.org or following the BID on Instagram @nationallanding.

WHEN: Saturday, December 7 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Metropolitan Park | 1330 S Fair St, Arlington, VA 22202

Metropolitan Park is in the heart of National Landing and is home to vibrant small businesses, great places to call home, and Amazon's second headquarters.

HOW: This event is FREE and open to the public. Admission is free; reservations are recommended.

In the heart of Virginia’s largest walkable downtown, The Lodge is easily accessible by Metro, walking or biking. Parking is also available along Crystal Drive. Garage parking is free for the first three hours on Saturdays, and then regular rates apply. Visit nationallanding.org/thelodge to plan your visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Hannah Jemsek

hjemsek@thebrandguild.com

602.579.8848

# # #

ABOUT NATIONAL LANDING:

The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership focused on enhancing the vibrancy and economic competitiveness of National Landing, a major urban center that spans Arlington’s Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard neighborhoods. As the largest walkable downtown in Virginia and a hub for innovation and tech, National Landing is set to become the fastest growing market in the DC region with a diverse and growing mix of businesses, residents, and visitors. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven programming, National Landing BID works to shape the area as a leading destination for business, technology, entertainment, and urban living. Learn more at www.nationallanding.org and follow at @nationallanding.