The Lodge Returns to National Landing with Free Holiday Fun for the Whole Family
THE LODGE RETURNS TO NATIONAL LANDING WITH FREE HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Annual Winter Festival Brings Live Performances, Family-Friendly Activities, Holiday Shopping, and a Dog Sweater Contest to Metropolitan Park on December 5
WHAT: The Lodge returns to National Landing for its fourth year, transforming Metropolitan Park into a ski-inspired winter wonderland filled with free, family-friendly holiday fun. Hosted by the National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Amazon, this festive celebration brings cozy après-ski vibes, live entertainment, local shopping, seasonal treats, and activities for all ages — including four-legged friends.
New this year, The Lodge will feature a lively mix of jazz, country, folk, soul, and theatrical performances on the main stage throughout the day. Kicking off the celebration, local artisans will carve an ice sculpture on-site.
This year’s highlights include:
- Local Holiday Market: Shop one-of-a-kind gifts and seasonal finds from local makers, including Besitos Chocolate, Chandra Designs Jewelry, CryoCline, Inherently Imperfect Wood Studio, Lemon & Whim, Marcella Kriebel Art, Sarah Cecelia Jewelry & Metal Goods, Sophisticate Supply, The Wandering Shelf, and more.
- Live Music & Performances: Enjoy a full day of live entertainment on the Central Green stage, featuring soulful sounds from DC's "Queen of the Blues" Carly Harvey, whimsical, original theater from Happenstance Theater, lively jazz from The Yellow Door Concert Series Sextet, Vaughn Ambrose Sextet, country and folk favorites from Maureen Andary & Jess Myhre, and a cappella performances by The Capital Hearings.
- Holiday Crafts & Family Fun: Build and decorate gingerbread “ski chalets” and gingerbread men, create felt ornaments with the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MoCA), and enjoy face painting, a “Style a Stuffie” station, and more hands-on holiday activities.
- Santa Photos & Holiday Train: Snap a family photo or selfie with Santa and then take a ride aboard the free holiday train around Met Park.
- Dog Holiday Sweater Contest & Pet Fun: Bring your pup to explore the dog-friendly “slopes” at the Met Park Dog Park, stop by the “Ask a Trainer” booth with Frolick Dogs, and visit local business District Dogs. Pups can also show off their best holiday looks in the Dog Holiday Sweater Contest for a chance to win a prize.
- Holiday Bites & Beverages: Warm up with seasonal sips, including mulled and sparkling wine from Beauty, Champagne & Sugar Boutique, local beer, hard cider, and hot chocolate with a spiked option. Maman will also host a pop-up at The Lodge featuring its signature cookies and treats, while Toby’s Handmade Ice Cream in Met Park will offer holiday-inspired flavors like Cinnamon, Peppermint, and Hot Chocolate, plus “pup cups” for four-legged friends.
- Ski-Inspired Games & Giveaways: Play ski-themed BINGO and pick up giveaways from the National Landing BID.
“The Lodge is one of our favorite ways to bring the community together in National Landing during the holiday season,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and CEO of the National Landing BID. “Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow, with even more ways for families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the holidays while discovering the incredible local businesses and talent that make this neighborhood so special.”
"The Lodge is one of the most joyful ways we close out the year in National Landing," said Patrick Phillippi, Head of Community Engagement for the National Capital Region at Amazon. "It's a chance to spotlight the local makers, musicians, and small businesses that give this neighborhood its character — all in one festive, free day for families."
For more information and updates on The Lodge and National Landing BID programming, please visit and follow the BID on Instagram: @NationalLanding.
WHEN: Saturday, December 5th, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Metropolitan Park — 1330 S. Fair Street, Arlington, VA 22202
HOW: Admission to The Lodge is FREE and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged but not required. Register here!
**Please note: Some on-site activities and experiences may require an additional fee.
The Lodge at National Landing is easy to get to from the Pentagon City Metro, Crystal City Metro, bike, bus or car. Parking garages are located at 525 14th Street South and 510 14th Street South with free parking for the first three hours on Saturdays and Sundays, then regular rates apply. Visit nationallanding.org/events/thelodge to plan your visit.
MEDIA CONTACT:
The Brand Guild
nationallanding@thebrandguild.com
(516) 302-6363