Happy NalaDays!

From can’t-miss kid-friendly happenings and enchanting public art to enviable dining events, here’s your guide to the best holiday festivals, specials, and menus in National Landing. 

1. The Lodge: Winter Festival | December 6 

Step into The Lodge, a ski-inspired winter festival in Metropolitan Park, featuring live music, Santa selfies, and fun for all ages and four-legged friends! From 1-7pm, National Landing’s free signature winter event brings together the cozy charm of the ski slopes with the magic of the holidays, right here in Arlington. 

Board the Holiday Train, enter your pup in the Holiday Dog Sweater Contest, and savor the Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition. Plus, hunt for gifts at the Holiday Vendor Market and take the mic during Karaoke Night! Getting here is easy via Pentagon City Metro, bike, bus, or car, while covered tents guarantee fun rain or shine. 

The Lodge is produced by National Landing Business Improvement District in partnership with Amazon.

➡️ Event Details 

➡️ RSVP via Eventbrite 

2. Special Events Throughout the Season

December 5: Miracle on 23rd Street  

This joyful annual community event includes a Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony, snowball fight, video gaming truck, and more seasonal surprises, along with a food drive to assist families in need. 

December 12-13: Water Park Neighborhood Holiday Market 

Wander through Water Park decked out in seasonal spirit as you shop for special gifts from local vendors and enjoy live music and delicious treats. 

December 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration in the Sky 

Ring in 2026 with rooftop views at Skydome’s New Year’s Eve Celebration in the Sky. Reserve your spot soon to savor a multi-course plated meal and dancing all night long. 

3. New Immersive Artwork at Met Park

Coming the first week of December, “Horizon” by Olivier Landreville will offer a celestial escape in the midst of Met Park.

Open through January 25, the enchanting installation features gently rocking “cocoons” which invite you to gaze up into magical scenes, including a starry vault, a flock of birds, or a calming canopy. 

“Horizon” was created by Olivier Landreville in collaboration with Serge Maheu, produced by Init, and the tour is produced by Creos. 

4. Holiday Movie Parties at Alamo Drafthouse

Sit back, relax, and bask in beloved seasonal films at Alamo Drafthouse. Attend special movie parties for Elf (December 6), The Polar Express (December 13), National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (December 14) and viewings of classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story. 

Family in town? Gather for newly released crowd-pleasers including Wicked: For Good and Zootopia 2. 

5. Festive Dining Specials

Savor all the festive flavors across National Landing’s restaurants this holiday season. 

Met Park Business Specials During The Lodge, December 6

• Extreme Pizza: Experience a Holiday Winter Festival featuring a special festive flight of seasonal holiday beers and ciders available all day Saturday and beyond, plus two new seasonal desserts and a new pizza.
  
• Pentagon City Wine Merchants: Warm up with a cup of Glühwein and enjoy special in-store deals throughout the day! Plus, check out non-alcoholic options and treats for your four-legged friends.

• Peruvian Brothers: Suspiro Pisco cocktail 

• South Block: $2 off 12/6-7 with promo code “WINTER” 

• Taqueria Xochi: Mexican Hot Chocolate and Café de Olla 

• Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream: Chocolate Peppermint Milkshakes 

 Seasonal Holiday Menus Around National Landing: 

• Coffee Republic: A decadent menu of peppermint mochas, from the Naughty List (black and white peppermint mocha, topped with whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and crushed peppermints) to Santa on the Beach (gingerbread iced cold brew topped with cinnamon cookie butter cold foam and festive sprinkle). 

• Maker’s Union Pub: Blitzen Bar Holiday Pop-Up from 11/28 to 12/31, boasting special seasonal cocktails, merriment, and more.
• South Block: S’mores Smoothie, Mint Chip Smoothie, and Pistachio Strawberry Bow —all featuring dark chocolate drizzle. 
• Toastique: Salted Peppermint Mocha Latte, Chocolate Peppermint Bowl, Hazelnut Crunch Toast, and more

6. MoCA on the Move: Handcrafted Holidays at the Innovation Studio

Every Thursday from 11:30am to 2pm through December 18, the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington hosts Handcrafted Holidays at the Innovation Studio + Store. Roll up your sleeves and unwind as you pop in for seasonal workshops ranging from ornament painting to creating handmade snowflakes. Free for all.