The lights are being turned back on in Shirlington for its annual holiday event next week.
Shirlington’s “Light Up the Village” is set for Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Like previous years, the holiday event will include a Christmas tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides, selfies with Santa, and a holiday market featuring local makers. There will also be strolling entertainment, face painting, and balloon twisting.
Additionally, students from Bishop O’Connell High School and Shirlington-based Signature Theatre are both scheduled to perform holiday music.
The schedule with times is below:
- 6:00 pm Holiday Musical Performance by Signature Theatre
- 6:30 pm Tree Lighting celebration
- 6:40 pm Horse and Carriage Rides
- 7:00 pm Photos with Santa (located at Hardwood Artisans)
- Live Holiday Music Performance by Bishop O’Connell High School
- FREE Face Painting and Balloon Twisting
- Strolling Entertainment
- Merchant specials and promotions
The event is free. It first started about 20 years ago.
Attendees will continue to be able to “sip and stroll,” as has been the case since 2020.
Food items and donations to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) will also be accepted at the event.
The Village of Shirlington, which is owned by Bethesda-based Federal Realty Investment Trust has had a slew of business openings in recent months with more likely on the way.
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls and Diament Jewelry opened at the shopping center over the summer. Greek restaurant Our Mom Eugenia is looking to open soon, while Jeni’s Ice Cream is still setting up shop in a space formerly occupied by a Thai rolled ice cream business.