Your Guide to Fairfax City's Festival of Lights and Carols

Old Town Fairfax will officially kick off the holiday season Saturday with the Festival of Lights and Carols.

"This year’s festival features many exciting events, including music, crafts, singing and the illumination of the Kitty Pozer Garden," the city said in a press release.

The Kitty Pozer Garden is already shining. The display, sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and Bull Run Festival of Lights, lights up each night starting at 5 p.m. until Jan. 6. 

Find a guide to the other festival activities happening this weekend below. All events are free unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit www.fairfaxva.gov or call 703-385-7858. 

• Lunch with Santa: During three seatings at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, children under 12 can eat lunch with Old Saint Nick. Tickets are required for this event at $6 per child. They can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation Department, Green Acres Center and Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center Limit 10 tickets per person. 
• Kitty Pozer Garden: From noon to 7 p.m. at 3999 University Drive (adjacent to Old Town Hall), "enjoy live holiday music, s’mores and hot cider" by the Yule Log.
  
  • Noon: Vienna/Falls Chorus of Sweet Adelines International Providence Musicians, Providence Elementary School
  • 2 p.m.: Girl Scout Service Unit 55-6
  • 4 p.m.: Daniels Run Singers, Daniels Run Elementary School
  • 5 p.m.: Joy Ringers, Pender United Methodist Church
  • 5:30 p.m.: Caroling and bell ringing with the Jubil-Aires and Joy Ringers, and the lighting of the Christmas tree 

• Music performances at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive,as follows:
  
  • 2:30 to 5 p.m.: Sidney Lanier Middle School Vocal Ensemble and Men’s Chorus, Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble
  • 3 to 5 p.m.: Visit Santa and snap a picture for your holiday card.
• Candlelight tours: From 6 to 7 p.m. at the Ratcliffe-Allison House, 10386 Main St, residents can get a closer look at the 200-year-old historic residence   
• A Celtic Christmas with Síor-Órg and Friends begins at 7 p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center.  Cost is $5 per person.