Fairfax Holiday Market and Festival of Lights 2026: Old Town Virginia Event Guide

Families planning a December getaway to Northern Virginia will find Old Town Square transformed into a festive hub as Fairfax City launches its 10th Annual Holiday Market. Visitors arriving at 10415 North Street can expect a blend of local craftsmanship and community celebrations centered around the historic Old Town Hall.

The 2026 Fairfax Holiday Event Timeline

The city has structured its December celebrations across two primary weekends to maximize local business exposure and visitor accessibility. The centerpiece of the first weekend is the Festival of Lights and Carols, while the second weekend focuses on artisan shopping and competitive holiday activities.

The market operates on a rotating vendor basis, meaning the 30+ local artisans present during the first weekend may differ from those appearing in the second. This structure encourages repeat visits for those seeking a wider variety of handmade gifts.

Event Schedule and Operating Hours

Date	Event	Hours	Key Highlights
Dec 4	Holiday Market	5pm - 8pm	Evening shopping, Patriot Pitches
Dec 5	Market & Festival of Lights	12pm - 6pm	Tree lighting (5:30pm), Santa photos
Dec 6	Holiday Market	12pm - 5pm	Santa photos (1pm - 4pm), VK Music Academy
Dec 11	Holiday Market	5pm - 8pm	Irish Dance Performance Company
Dec 12	Market & Gingerbread Games	12pm - 6pm	Gingerbread contest (10am), DC Starlight Orchestra
Dec 13	Holiday Market	12pm - 5pm	Paws and Claus (1pm - 4pm), Fairfax Jubil-Aires

Visitor Logistics and Accessibility

Old Town Square is designed for high-volume pedestrian traffic, offering integrated benches, public restrooms, and landscaped gardens. Because the event is situated in the heart of central Fairfax, visitors are encouraged to utilize the official city parking maps to avoid congestion around the Old Town Hall.

For those coordinating travel from outside the immediate area, checking the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for road closures or traffic alerts near North Street is recommended. Additionally, travelers can use Google Maps to identify the nearest public parking garages to minimize walking distance to the square.

Specialized Activities and Registration

Beyond the general market, several ticketed and timed events require specific planning:

• The Gingerbread Games (Dec 12): This competition runs from 10am to 10:45am. It is strictly limited to 12 teams (6 youth, 6 adult/teen). The registration fee is $35, which includes a building kit and three decoration tickets for premium toppings.
• Santa Photography: Free photo sessions are available on Dec 5 (3pm - 5pm) and Dec 6 (1pm - 4pm). The city operates a "bring your own camera" policy to keep the service free for families.
• Paws and Claus (Dec 13): A dedicated pet-friendly window from 1pm to 4pm allows dogs and other pets to be photographed with Santa.

Entertainment and Performance Lineup

The event leverages local talent to create an atmospheric experience. The musical programming is divided by date to ensure variety:

Weekend One Highlights:

• Friday: Patriot Pitches, Cathedral Brass Tuba Quartet, and Shalonda.
• Saturday: George Mason University Tuba Euphonium Ensemble, Fairfax Choral Society Youth Choirs, and The Metropolitan Follies.
• Sunday: Route 236 Trombone Quartet, Laurie Blue, and Bach to Rock Fairfax.

Weekend Two Highlights:

• Friday: Shalonda, Capital Irish Dance Performance Company, and Fairview Elementary.
• Saturday: Mantua Elementary Chorus, Merlina’s Dance Company, and the Shadow Cirque Foundation.
• Sunday: 7th Position Trombone Quartet, Dance with Cheong, and Appassionata Music School of Virginia.

FAQ: Fairfax Holiday Events 2026

Is there an admission fee for the Holiday Market? No, entry to the Holiday Market and the Festival of Lights and Carols is free for all visitors. Only specific activities, such as the Gingerbread Games, require a registration fee.

Can I bring my pets to the event? Yes, the market is generally welcoming, but the specific "Paws and Claus" event for pet photos with Santa is scheduled for Sunday, December 13, from 1pm to 4pm.

How do the Santa photos work? The city provides the opportunity for photos for free, but they do not provide a photographer. You must bring your own camera or smartphone to take the pictures.

What happens if I miss the first weekend? The market returns for a second weekend (Dec 11-13) with a different set of vendors and a new music lineup, though the main tree-lighting ceremony only occurs on Dec 5.

A perfect blend of community spirit and local commerce in the heart of Virginia.

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