Rosslyn lights its 24-foot holiday tree 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Central Place Plaza. No countywide Christmas parade is on Arlington's calendar.
Last checked Oct. 27, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, Wreaths Across America and Arlington National Cemetery. Organizers say more details are coming; we will add other tree and menorah lightings as they are announced.
Arlington’s best-known tree lighting is Rosslyn’s Light the Plaza, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn St. The Rosslyn Business Improvement District lights a 24-foot holiday tree with festive music, raffles and a cash bar. We found no countywide Christmas parade or county tree lighting on Arlington County’s calendars; the season’s public events come mostly from the business districts. For questions on the night, call police non-emergency at 703-558-2222.
Updated Oct. 27: Arlington National Cemetery confirmed Wreaths Across America Day for Dec. 19, with family pass holder days Dec. 12-13; details are on our Wreaths Across America page.
What this means for you
- The Rosslyn Holiday Market is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the same plaza.
- Central Place Plaza is close to the Rosslyn Metro station.
- National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 19.
Rosslyn Cheer 2026
The Rosslyn BID calls Rosslyn Cheer a month-long series of holiday events:
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Nov. 18 | Hot Chocolate Sticks (Rosslyn Trike) | 8 a.m. |
| Saturday, Nov. 21 | Holiday Market, Central Place Plaza | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Wednesday, Dec. 2 | Rosslyn Cheer Ornaments (Rosslyn Trike) | Noon |
| Thursday, Dec. 3 | Light the Plaza tree lighting, Central Place Plaza | 5 to 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Dec. 4 | Santa Paws Yappy Hour, Central Place Plaza | 5 to 7 p.m. |
| Dec. 1 to 17, Tuesdays and Thursdays | Find Cheerio | See the BID’s page |
The Holiday Market, moved to a new date and time this year, brings small business vendors from around the region selling handmade goods and gifts; the BID lists them on its vendor page. Santa Paws Yappy Hour has treats for dogs and drinks for their owners. Through December, the BID says shoppers can earn 5% in rewards at participating Rosslyn restaurants and businesses.
Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery
National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, the organization says, with volunteers placing wreaths at more than 5,500 participating locations. Arlington National Cemetery hosts public wreath ceremonies and wreath layings through the year and posts its own events and rules, including a dress code for public wreath ceremonies, on its events page. The cemetery has since posted its 2026 dates; they are on our Wreaths Across America page.
Other holiday events
- National Landing: the National Landing BID posts its seasonal events on its events calendar.
- County parks and libraries list holiday crafts and programs on the Parks and Recreation events calendar.
Planning around December
- County offices close for Christmas on Friday, Dec. 25, and Arlington Public Schools’ winter break runs Dec. 23 to Jan. 1.
- Christmas tree collection runs the first two weeks of January; brush pickups pause while it runs. See our trash and recycling guide.
Hosting a tree lighting, menorah lighting or holiday market in Arlington? Send it through our contact page and we will add it.
Related guides: things to do this month, farmers markets and getting around Arlington.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Rosslyn tree lighting in 2026?
Light the Plaza is 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn St. The Rosslyn BID lights a 24-foot holiday tree with music, raffles and a cash bar.
Does Arlington, Virginia, have a Christmas parade?
We found no countywide Christmas parade on Arlington County’s calendars. The main public holiday events are run by the business improvement districts, such as Rosslyn Cheer.
When is Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery in 2026?
National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, according to the organization. Check Arlington National Cemetery’s website for its own plans and access rules.
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