Looking for the best holiday events in Arlington and Alexandria? Having lived here all my life, there is nothing quite like the holidays in Northern Virginia. In particular, I am quite fond of the local holiday events in Arlington and Alexandria, because, well, it is my favorite place to be during the holidays. There is nothing quite like being home for the holidays and having such a great array of events to choose from (right in my backyard) is really nice. A few of my particular favorites includes Made in Arlington at the Plaza Branch Library, Frost Fest at Pentagon Row, and Winter Wonderland in Crystal City. So, without further ado, here are my picks on the 13 best holiday events in Arlington and Alexandria this December.

Thursdays through December 19 Made in Arlington Hosted by the Creative Economy in a partnership with Arlington Public Library, this pop-up retail market is dedicated to showcasing local artisans and their unique, beautiful, wearable and edible from innovations. This event is a great way to shop local and enjoy the Arlington’s best library! 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Plaza Branch Library: 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 1st Floor Lobby Arlington, VA; www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com

Weekends through December 22 Holiday Market at Del Ray Artisans Peruse fine arts and crafts from local artists in the area. Shop anything from ceramics and photography to cookbooks and jewelry. Artists as this event also donate a percentage of their sales to help support the Del Ray Artisans’ mission. Free admission. Fridays 6-9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA; www.delrayartisans.org

Now through Saturday, December 23 Alexandria Holiday Market Wander through this stylish European outdoor market where visitors can enjoy traditional foods, wine and cocoa while they go holiday shopping. This lively open-air festival is great for children young and old too. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free to attend. John Carlyle Square Park: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA; www.visitalexandriava.com

Now through December 29 The Snow Queen Enjoy a whimsical, family-friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, The Snow Queen. Join Gerda, a little girl with gumption, a magic mirror, and a quest to save her best friend, as she sets out on a life-changing journey that takes her over mountains and across distant lands to the Snow Kingdom. Show times vary. Synetic Theater: 1800 S Bell St., Arlington, VA; www.synetictheater.org

Saturday, December 7 Jingle Bell Run This great event is organized by the The Arthritis Foundation’s and is a day where you can strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume and feel good about doing good. Jingle all the way to a cure and have a fantastic time every step of the way. Event is open to teams, family, co-workers, and individuals to run or walk. Bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run or walk. 100% of your registration fee and fundraising go to a great cause! Race begins at 9 a.m. Pentagon Row: 1101 South Joyce St., Arlington, VA; www.pentagonrow.com

Saturday, December 7 Washington-Liberty High School Holiday Bazaar Head on down and shop from more than 70 local artisans who will be selling quality handcrafted and other gift items including jewelry, ceramics, glassware, pet items, photographs, clothing, accessories, and more. You can also support the high school’s clubs and sports teams who will be selling poinsettias, holiday greens, citrus, nuts, and other holiday items to raise funds for their activities. Finally, enjoy homemade multi-ethnic foods and baked holiday treats while you shop for gifts for family and friends. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Washington-Liberty High School: 1301 N Stafford St., Arlington, Virginia; Facebook @WLholidaybazaar

Sunday, December 8 Good Tidings Sunday Deck the halls with boughs of holly and good tidings and enjoy a special tapping of PCBC’s Barrel Aged Tidings Ale that has been aged in a chardonnay barrel. Also enjoy Holiday Trivia at 3 p.m., photos with Santa from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and food from Frenchman Food Truck. Additionally, Port City and Santa will be raising money for St. Baldrick’s, and organization dedicated to finding a cure for childhood Cancers. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Port City Brewing: 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, VA; www.portcitybrewing.com

Sunday, December 8 Frost Fest at Pentagon Row This fun holiday celebration will feature an on-ice firework display with a special Santa Claus appearance, live entertainment, a DJ, food samples, special promotions and much more. Also don’t miss the on-ice fireworks display! Frost Fest is free and open to the public. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pentagon Row: 1201 S. Joyce St. Arlington, VA; www.pentagonrow.com

Sunday, December 8 Holiday on the Avenue in Del Ray Get in the holiday spirit with a visit to Del Ray for the annual holiday tree lighting featuring a special appearance by Santa Claus. Start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, illuminated by thousands of luminaries. 6 p.m. Free admission. Pat Miller Neighborhood Square: Corner of Mount Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues in Alexandria, VA; www.visitdelray.com

Saturday, December 14 Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl Enjoy specialty cocktails, beer and food specials at select Del Ray restaurants during a neighborhood bar crawl to benefit local nonprofits.. Starts at 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. $15-$20. Del Ray: Various locations in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA; www.visitdelray.com

Saturday, December 14 Del Ray Holiday Pop-Up Market Shop local and find the perfect gift at this pop-up market featuring local artisans and at-home entrepreneurs. This one-of-a-kind market takes place from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pat Miller Neighborhood Square: Corner of Mount Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues in Alexandria, VA; www.visitdelray.com

Saturday, December 14

Winter Wonderland Head to Crystal City for an action packed and full day of winter fun including the GRUMP holiday market, Fairytale Tea Time at Synetic, and an all-day Winter Wonderland with heated igloos, a pop up bar featuring unique holiday cocktails, food adventures provided by Curbside Kitchen, and holiday crafts with free to attend. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (bar will be open from 2-9 p.m.). Crystal City: 1800 S Bell St., Arlington, VA; www.crystalcity.org

Saturday, December 21 Ugly Sweaterasana Time to break out your ugly sweater and yoga moves! Test your yoga skills in an all-level (and all reindeer approved) vinyasa yoga class with a special soundtrack of the season and follow up with drinks, of. Ticket price includes the class and your first pint of refreshing craft beer. BYO mat. Ugly holiday sweaters highly encouraged. Namaste, cheers, and hohoho! $20-$25. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. New District Brewing: 2709 South Oakland St., Arlington, VA; www.newdistrictbrewing.com

For more tips and up-to-date information contact me today and be sure to follow me on Facebook @Brad Winkelmann Real Estate Arlington VA, Orange Line Metro.