Arlington's Metropolitan Park Transforms Into a Free Winter Wonderland

Step into a magical winter escape with train rides, Santa photos, and festive markets. Arlington's The Lodge brings holiday joy—no ticket required. This year's lineup includes karaoke nights, a dog sweater contest, and a peppermint mocha showdown between local cafés.

, and Administrator

2026 March 20 . 7:04 PM

1 min read

The image shows a winter scene in Lincoln Park, Chicago, with snow on the ground, trees, plants,... — The image shows a winter scene in Lincoln Park, Chicago, with snow on the ground, trees, plants, houses, and a sky in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is text.

Arlington's Metropolitan Park Transforms Into a Free Winter Wonderland

Metropolitan Park in Arlington is set to become a winter wonderland with the return of The Lodge. This free seasonal event will bring festive activities, live entertainment, and local vendors to the area. Visitors can enjoy everything from holiday treats to family-friendly fun.

The event will kick off with a mix of activities for all ages. Families can hop on Holiday Train rides, get their faces painted, or decorate wooden ornaments. A photo area with Santa will also be available, alongside a Dog Sweater Contest and a pet-friendly zone featuring a dog treat bar by District Dogs.

Live music and winter-themed performances will take place on a dedicated stage, with the full schedule to be announced later. For those looking to warm up, a Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition will see local coffee shops battle for the title of best seasonal drink. Food and drinks from nearby favourites like Bar Colline and Summit Bar will be on sale throughout the event. As evening falls, *The Lodge After Dark* will host a Holiday Karaoke Night in partnership with District Karaoke. Shoppers can browse the Holiday Vendor Market, where local artisans will offer gifts and festive items. Getting to the event is simple, with easy access via Pentagon City Metro, bike, bus, or car.

The Lodge runs as a free event, giving visitors a chance to enjoy winter festivities in Arlington. More details on programming and planning a visit can be found at nationallanding.org/thelodge. The park's transformation promises a mix of entertainment, seasonal treats, and community fun.