Holiday Happenings with Arlington Parks and Recreation
Published on December 15, 2025
December Family Night – Wreath Making
Friday, December 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Carver Community Center
Craft your own winter wreath along with the other usual free family fun - bingo, inflatables, music, open game room, crafts, and more!
Family Art Lab: Holiday Ornament Decorating
Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Arlington Mill Community Center
Get in the spirit by creating ornaments using paint, decorative paper, and other supplies!
Cookie Swap Party (55+)
Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Lubber Run Community Center
Join the Lubber Run 55+ Advisory Committee for a delightful Cookie Swap Party! Bring any amount of your favorite homemade cookies to share.
Second Saturday Crafternoon Workshop
Saturday, December 13 at Fairlington Community Center
Free drop-in art fun at Fairlington Art Studio! Flurry on by anytime between 1:30-3:30 p.m. to make 3D snowflakes in this month’s staff-guided session.
Teen Takeover: Winter FUNderland
Saturday, Dec. 13, 7-10 p.m. at Lubber Run Community Center
Join us for a night of games, activities, and winter-themed fun as teens “take over” the community center. Teen Takeovers are planned by teens, for teens.
Teen Night at Arlington Mill
Friday, Dec. 5, 6 – 9 p.m. at Arlington Mill Community Center
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Teen Night at Gunston
Friday, Dec. 19, 6 – 9 p.m. at Gunston Community Center
Kick off the weekend with Teen Nigh! Enjoy music, activities, and a welcoming space to hang out with friends.
Holiday Social at Langston Brown (55+)
Thursday, Dec. 18 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a sing-along of seasonal music, treats, games and friends at an afternoon of holiday cheer. Sponsored by the Langston-Brown 55+ Advisory Committee.
Walter Reed Holiday Lunch (55+)
Friday, Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Gather with friends and celebrate the season with holiday cheer and a tasty catered lunch! Sponsored by the Walter Reed 55+ Advisory Committee and the Alliance for Arlington Senior Programs.
Aurora Hills Holiday Party (55+)
Friday, Dec. 19 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season with music, delicious food and plenty of holiday cheer.
Teens can hang out with friends, take part in activities, and enjoy a welcoming space while school is out.
Expanded Gym Drop-in Hours for Teens
We've added even more drop-in gym hours for youth and teens at select community centers. These new times are in addition to our current drop-in schedule - so there are now more opportunities to get active and have fun! Check out the expanded hours below.
- Charles Drew
- Pickleball on Mondays from 6-9 p.m.
- Walter Reed
- Basketball on Mondays from 4-9 p.m.
- Open Gym on Wednesdays & Fridays from 3-6 p.m.
- Lubber Run Open Gym on Fridays from 3:30-6 p.m.
Volunteer at Adapted Ice Skate Night
Lace up your skates and join the fun at our Adapted Ice Skate event on Sunday, December 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at MedStar Iceplex in Ballston! We’re looking for energetic volunteers (ages 16+) to help make this event a memorable experience for individuals with disabilities and their families.
As an on-ice volunteer, you’ll support participants with disabilities and their families, offering encouragement, a steady hand, and plenty of smiles. Free skate rentals are available, and volunteers will receive a brief orientation and assignments before the event.
Sign up by Wednesday, December 17 at 5 p.m. to be part of this fun and meaningful winter tradition.
Chill Out & Explore: Teen Winter Trips
Turn winter break into an adventure. Teens ages 11–17 are invited to join us for a series of exciting day trips around the DMV on select “no school” days. All trips depart from Thomas Jefferson Community Center, and participants should plan to bring a lunch or extra money for food.
- Monday, Dec. 29 – Flight Trampoline Park and a Movie. Fly, flip, and finish the day with a movie. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: $15
- Tuesday, Dec. 30 - Museum of Illusions & Ice Skating Explore mind-bending exhibits, then hit the ice. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: $15
- Friday, Jan. 2 – National Aquarium Discover sea life in Baltimore and explore the marina. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: $15
- Friday, Jan. 30 – Ski Trip Full day on the slopes for intermediate/advanced skiers. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Cost: $90 w/ rental, $45 lift ticket only
Winter Break & Out of School Camps 25'-26'
Need something fun for the kids to do on ‘no school’ days while you’re at work? Check out our break camp offerings to keep kids engaged on holiday breaks or during Arlington Public School Teacher Workdays and/or Parent-Teacher Conference Days. More info here.
Camps are available:
Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23
Monday, Dec. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 30
Friday, Jan. 2
Friday, Jan 30
New Year's Eve Celebration (55+)
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ring in 2026 at our annual celebration sponsored by the Senior Adult Council, the Alliance for Arlington Senior Programs and the Office of 55+ Programs