Now that classes are over if you are looking for some holiday fun, the events referenced below may be just what you need to relax after a long semester:

Bull Run Festival of Lights 2013, Centreville, VA: Enjoy a 5-mile drive-through a holiday light show at Bull Run Regional Park featuring penguins, snowmen, candy canes, jumping deer, Santa’s workshop, Frosty the Snowman, tin soldiers, elves and Santa. The light display includes over 40,000 animated lights set to music! After viewing the lights you can visit the Winter Wonderland Holiday Village that includes amusement rides, an ice skating rink, entertainment, shopping, contests, food, and more.  7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, Virginia. (703) 359-4633. November 20, 2013 - January 5, 2014. Hours: Monday - Thursday & Sunday: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays & holidays: 5:30 to 10 p.m.For more information, please click here.

Meadowlarks Winter Walk of Lights, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA:  Animated lights, displays, gift shop and more.  For hours and more information, click here.

Mount Vernon, Alexandria, VA:    Celebrate the holiday season, colonial style at Mount Vernon.   Experience the holidays as in the days of George Washington including 18^th century music and dancing.  Tour the “rarely open” third floor of the mansion, and watch the chocolatiers produce chocolate using 18th-century techniques. Meet Aladdin the Camel and see the National Thanksgiving Turkey.  For more information, please click here.

National Christmas Tree and Pageant of Peace, Washington, DC:  Enjoy a visit to the National Christmas Tree and Pageant of Peace located at the Ellipse, Washington, DC.  For more information, please click here.

Potomac River Running 1K Fun Run, 5K and 10K Races:

v  New Years Eve, Ringing in Hope – Brambleton Town Center Plaza, Ashburn, VA:  , December 31, 2013: 12pm-1K Fun Run, 1pm-5K, and 1:15-10K.  For more information, click here.

v  New Years Day 5K Sponsored by Potomac River Running – Reston Town Center, Reston, VA: 10am, January 1, 2014.  This is a great opportunity to start off the new year with a healthy activity!  Click here for more information.

ZooLights 2013-Holiday Lights at National Zoo, Washington, DC:  Enjoy thousands of sparkling lights featuring sculptures of National Zoo’s most popular animals.  See giant pandas, Asian elephants, gibbons, a sea lion, an octopus, and a Komodo dragon.  Holiday treats such as including hot chocolate, donuts, and kettle corn will be available for sale. Families will have opportunities to take a photo with costume characters, or do some holiday shopping at one of the eco-friendly gift shops.  Admission is free and tickets are not required.  The display is open through January 1, 2014, 5:00-9:00pm (they will be closed December 24-25). For more information, please click here.