McLean transforms into a hub of cultural and community activity as the calendar turns to 2026. The cooler months bring a specific schedule of performances, light displays, and seasonal gatherings that take place within the town and its immediate neighbors, like Tysons and Great Falls.
The McLean Community Center Winter Block Party
The McLean Community Center hosts the fifth annual Winter Block Party on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This gathering takes place on the grounds at 1234 Ingleside Avenue. Attendees find outdoor fire pits designated for roasting marshmallows and preparing s'mores. Professional ice carvers perform live demonstrations, turning solid blocks of ice into intricate sculptures throughout the afternoon.
A children’s business fair operates during the event, showcasing products created by local youth entrepreneurs. Warm beverages, including hot chocolate, are served to those exploring the various craft stations and entertainment setups. Admission to this community tradition remains free for all participants.
Illuminations at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in nearby Vienna concludes its Winter Walk of Lights during the first week of January 2026. The half-mile walking trail remains illuminated through January 4. Visitors encounter large-scale light displays shaped like local flora and fauna, including a shimmering garden of oversized flowers and a glowing pond.
The walk follows a paved path that winds through the woods and gardens, featuring a tunnel of lights and animated displays. Light refreshments and hot drinks are available for purchase at the end of the trail. Timed entry tickets are required for this evening experience, which begins daily at 5 p.m.
Musical Debuts and Legends at The Barns
The Barns at Wolf Trap serves as a prominent indoor venue for winter events in McLean VA. The 2026 season features a diverse lineup within the historic, wood-beamed structure. The Del McCoury Band brings traditional bluegrass to the stage on January 16. On January 23, Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno performs a set merging jazz and Latin folk influences. Keyboardist Gabe Dixon, known for his work with the Tedeschi Trucks Band, presents a solo piano-driven show on January 31.
February continues with performances by Christian McBride & Ursa Major on February 21 and The Second City comedy troupe on February 25. These intimate concerts provide a climate-controlled environment for world-class music and comedy during the coldest weeks of the year.
The Tysons Winter Lantern Festival
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II hosts the Winter Lantern Festival through mid-January 2026. This outdoor exhibition features over 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns. Visitors walk among massive light installations depicting mammoths, polar bears, and legendary creatures. The displays utilize thousands of LED bulbs to create vibrant, colorful scenes across the square.
Interactive sections allow guests to move through illuminated tunnels and past swinging light structures. The festival includes a marketplace where artisans sell traditional crafts and food vendors offer seasonal snacks.
Broadway and Comedy at Capital One Hall
Capital One Hall in Tysons provides a major stage for touring productions and headline acts in early 2026. The venue hosts the Broadway musical "Kinky Boots" with performances on January 31 and February 1. Comedian Adam Ray brings his "Who Is Me Tour" to the Main Theater on January 23.
Music fans can attend tribute performances, such as "Girlfriend In A Coma," a tribute to The Smiths, in The Vault on January 23. February dates include the Little River Band on February 6 and a Fleetwood Mac tribute by Rumours on February 7. The modern facility offers multiple theaters and a rooftop park, though the primary winter attractions remain focused on the indoor stages.
Classical Excellence at The Alden
The Robert Ames Alden Theatre, located inside the McLean Community Center, presents high-caliber performing arts throughout the winter months. On January 4, 2026, Furia Flamenca performs "A Trip to Spain," a production that showcases traditional flamenco music and dance. The theater honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 18 with a performance by the Barron Ryan Trio titled "There Arises Light into the Darkness."
This program features a three-part movement for piano, violin, and cello commissioned to reflect on historical events. The Alden also hosts foreign language film screenings and community-produced plays, providing a consistent venue for sophisticated cultural engagement.
Seasonal Artistry at McLean Project for the Arts
McLean Project for the Arts maintains active gallery spaces during the winter season. The organization utilizes galleries within the McLean Community Center and its second location in downtown McLean. January and February 2026 feature rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from Mid-Atlantic artists.
These exhibits feature paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works that explore contemporary themes. The galleries provide a quiet, indoor space for residents to view professional art installations without leaving the town limits. Educational programs and artist talks often accompany these exhibitions, offering deeper insight into the creative processes behind the displayed works.
Ice Skating at Tysons Corner Center
The PenFed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center operates an outdoor ice skating rink that remains open through the winter months of 2026. This rink is situated adjacent to the mall’s main entrance and is surrounded by architectural lighting displays. The "Enchant Light Experience" features 14 interactive light sculptures positioned around the skating area through January 31.
Guests can rent skates on-site and participate in public skating sessions. The elevated plaza provides views of the surrounding Tysons skyline while offering a traditional winter recreational activity. Nearby kiosks serve seasonal treats, such as roasted nuts and hot cider, to skaters and spectators alike.
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