Area residents coming to Fairfax City’s Holiday Market, the first two weekends in December, will be able to support local artisans and do some holiday shopping at the same time. The place to be is Old Town Square, 10415 North St.

Craft vendors will vary between the two weekends, providing shoppers with a variety of vendors to check out. And while they’re shopping, they’ll also get to enjoy the sounds of live music, dance and other entertainment on the Old Town Square stage. 

The dates are Friday-Sunday, Dec. 6, 7 and 8; and Friday-Sunday, Dec. 13, 14 and 15. The times are Fridays, 5-8 p.m.; Saturdays, noon-6 p.m.; and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. To see each weekend’s list of vendors, go to https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/holiday-market.

Tevin Renaa Parker sells her knit and crocheted winter wear at the 2023 holiday market. 

 

The live performers include singers, musicians and dancers. To see who they are and what day and time each one will be onstage, visit the above Website and click on “performance schedule.” 

And both humans and pets may have their photos taken with Santa. On Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2-5 p.m., children may bring their Christmas-wish letters to place into Santa’s mailbox and also grab a photo with him. And on the following Sunday, Dec. 15, also from 2-5 p.m., people may participate in Paws and Claus. They’re encouraged to bring their pets dressed in their holiday best for their own photos with Santa. 

Festival of Lights and Carols

Besides the Holiday Market, Fairfax City’s annual Festival of Lights and Carols is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon-6 p.m., in Old Town Square. The fun includes activities for the whole family. Attendees may enjoy live holiday music, toast marshmallows for s’mores, have some hot apple cider, make holiday crafts and more. And capping off the festivities will be the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. while everyone there sings Christmas carols to ring in the holiday season.

* The entertainment schedule is as follows:

Noon – The Daniels Run Elementary Singers and the Fairfax Choral Society Youth Choirs
1 p.m. - UUCF Choir and Handbell Choir
2 p.m. - GMU Tuba Euphonium Ensemble
3 p.m. - Girl Scouts of Fairfax City
4 p.m. - Metropolitan School of the Arts
5 p.m. -Vienna-Falls Chorus