Happy Thursday Bagel Bites,
Back for another week! Arlington is overflowing with holiday energy, starting with Light the Plaza in Rosslyn and a full lineup of festive markets from Crystal City to National Landing. Winterfest at Westpost, the Rosslyn Holiday Market and Prologue Theatre’s Winter Market all bring plenty of chances to shop small and feel seasonal. Blitzen Bar at Makers Union and Griswolds on the Deck are pouring holiday cocktails, Sweetgreen opened in McLean and there is no shortage of places to warm up between events. It is a full, colorful week and the perfect time to get into the spirit.
Scroll on to plan your weekend right.
– Billy
📅 Your Weekend in Arlington
Thursday
🛍️ Winter Market at Prologue Theatre: Crystal City (Dec. 4, 12 to 5 PM)
Prologue Theatre is kicking off the season with a Winter Market on December 4. You can browse handmade gifts, meet local makers and pick up a few holiday things without fighting mall crowds. It is an easy, low-key way to support the arts and get some shopping done at the same time. Info HERE
🎄 Light the Plaza & Tree Lighting: Central Place Plaza, Rosslyn (Dec. 4, 5–7 PM)
Rosslyn’s holiday cheer is kicking off with the return of Light the Plaza. Head to Central Place Plaza (1800 N. Lynn St.) on Thursday evening for a 24-foot tree lighting, festive music, raffles, a cash bar, and that cozy “the season’s here” glow. Perfect excuse to get into the holiday spirit with friends (and maybe grab a selfie under the lights). FREE
Friday
❄️ Winterfest at Westpost - Westpost at National Landing (Dec. 5, 5 to 8 PM)
Westpost is turning into a little winter wonderland on Friday, December 5 from 5 to 8 PM. Expect ice skating under twinkling lights, music from DJ Patrice McBride, strolling entertainers, free giveaways, holiday crafts and specials from nearby spots in the plaza. It is free to attend, at 1201 S. Joyce St. in National Landing, and a very easy way to get into holiday mode without leaving Arlington. FREE
Saturday
🎁 Rosslyn Holiday Market: Central Place Plaza (Dec. 6 and 7, 10 AM to 3 PM)
The most wonderful time of the year is officially here. Rosslyn’s Holiday Market returns with two days of one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade goods, and festive finds from small business vendors across the region. It is an easy, cheerful way to shop local, support makers, and knock out part of your holiday list in one stop. FREE
🎅 Holiday Weekend at Saint Katherine’s: Falls Church (Dec. 6 and 7, 10 AM to 7 PM)
Saint Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church is hosting a two-day holiday event packed with family fun. Kids can take photos with Santa, shoppers can browse crafts and local vendors for unique gifts, and everyone can enjoy festive food throughout the day. All proceeds support the Hellenic Education Center, so your holiday weekend comes with a little extra goodwill. A warm, community-focused way to ease into the season. INFO
Sunday
🐾 Santa Paws Update: Holiday Market at National Landing (Dec. 7, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
Santa Paws Yappy Hour has been canceled because of the expected below-freezing temperatures, but pups are still getting some holiday fun. Right Place Studio will be at the Holiday Market on Sunday, December 7, engraving custom dog bone ornaments for free while supplies last. A cute, easy stop if your dog deserves a little something festive.
🍽️ Restaurant News
🥗 Sweetgreen: McLean (Now Open)
Sweetgreen just opened a new location in McLean, bringing its classic mix of signature salads and build-your-own bowls to 6220 Old Dominion Drive. You’ll find all the familiar favorites: greens, grains, proteins, veggies, cheeses and plenty of ways to customize. It’s a quick, reliable lunch spot and an easy stop if you’re out that way this week. Info HERE
🎄 Blitzen Bar at Makers Union: National Landing (Nov. 28 to Dec. 31)
Makers Union has gone full holiday mode with its Blitzen Bar pop-up, running through the end of December. Expect over-the-top festive decor and a lineup of 12 seasonal cocktails, including Big Nick Energy and the wonderfully chaotic How the Grinch Stole Makers Union. If you’re skipping the spirits, they’re pouring the Sugarplum Fizz and Berry and Brite for all the holiday flavor without the buzz. A fun, easy stop for anyone looking to lean into the season. Info HERE
🎄 Griswolds on the Deck: Clarendon Ballroom (Dec. 5 and through the season)
The Deck at Clarendon Ballroom is turning into a full-on Christmas pop-up starting December 5, complete with giant ornaments, colorful lights, oversized candy canes, holiday music and a menu of seasonal cocktails. Break out your ugliest sweater and swing by for Jolly Hour, Thursdays through Saturdays from 7 to 9 PM, with drink deals on beer, wine, Santa Sangria and more. A fun, over-the-top way to get your holiday fix right in Clarendon. Info HERE
🥯 Get Involved
🎉 Birthday Shoutouts for Next Week!
Happy belated birthday to Steven G (2nd) and Chaz (8th)!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
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Thank you for reading!
P.S. If you know someone who wants to automate their business or who has a really good app idea they want built, please send them to my new agency I started: stupid-simple-apps.com!
-Billy

