Celebration of Lights
Visitors gather for the annual Christmas tree lighting while listening to musical performances by local school groups. The celebration features hot cocoa, cookies, pony rides, a petting zoo, and letter writing to Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to illuminate the tree and visit with children, followed by a Live Nativity presentation.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
A free community event.
Hours
4:00pm - 6:00pm.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Great Falls Village
Food & Drink
Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies at the event.
Going?
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early for pony rides and the petting zoo, since both close when the Live Nativity starts near the end of the evening.
- Line up for Santa soon after he lights the tree, because visits with Santa end promptly when the event wraps up.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors on the Village Field. In bad weather the tree is still lit, but the activities are not rescheduled.
- Have children write their letters to Santa early, while the pony rides, petting zoo and holiday treats are running before the tree lighting.
- Stay until the end for the Live Nativity, which closes out the celebration after Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck.
Special Events & Promotions
- The event is free for the community.
Links & Contact
Run by Celebrate Great Falls Foundation
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
Kids can ride ponies, visit the petting zoo and write letters to Santa. After Santa and Mrs. Claus light the tree, children can share their holiday wishes with Santa.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. There's hot cocoa and cookies, plus holiday treats from Celebrate Great Falls Foundation sponsors.
Who performs?
Local school music groups perform: St. Francis Creche, King's Kids and Christ the King Choir, Village Green Day School, Mina's School, Great Falls United Methodist Preschool and Great Falls Elementary School.
How does Santa arrive?
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to light the tree. Visits with Santa follow, and the evening ends with a Live Nativity.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tree will still be lit, but the other activities will not be rescheduled.
Browse Christmas in Reston
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.