Northern Virginia Magazine
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Northern Virginia Magazine
@novamag.bsky.social
Your region. Your home. Your magazine. Discover Northern Virginia's stories, restaurants, things to do, and more.
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Our December issue is hitting newsstands now! 📖 Pick up a copy to see our ranking of Northern Virginia's Top 25 public high schools. Plus, find escapes for the holidays and our list of 2025 Top Lawyers.

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📚 A copy of "Harry the Dirty Dog" has returned to the Chantilly Regional Library 36 years after it was checked out, making its way back after travels around the world. 🌍

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Children’s Book Returned to Chantilly Regional Library After 36 Years
A copy of “Harry the Dirty Dog” traveled to Syria, the Netherlands, Japan, and Greece before returning back to Northern Virginia.
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December 18, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Prince William County approved plans for over 550 new homes near the Occoquan Reservoir, sparking discussion amongst residents. 🏘️💧

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Prince William Approves Housing Developments Near Occoquan Reservoir Protection Area
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors approved two controversial housing developments near the Occoquan Reservoir Protection Area.
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December 18, 2025 at 5:32 PM
A Northern Virginia county tops this year's AARP Livability Index, recognized as the most livable large community in the nation. 🏡

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This Northern Virginia County Is Rated the Most Livable in the Nation
For the second year in a row, AARP has ranked Arlington as the most livable large city in the country in its Livability Index.
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December 18, 2025 at 5:15 PM
⛸️ Looking for dreamy ice-skating spots this season? From scenic outdoor rinks to classic indoor favorites, we've found the prettiest pop-up rinks in NoVA and DC! ❄️

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Where to Find the Prettiest Places to Ice Skate in Northern Virginia and DC
Take in the views – both indoor and outdoor – at these pop-up ice skating rinks in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC.
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December 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM
📅 Mark your calendars! From holiday markets and comedy to 'The Nutcracker' and cocoa with cows, NoVA and DC are packed with can’t-miss weekend events.

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The 10 Best Weekend Events in Northern Virginia and DC
Check out live holiday performances, browse local markets, pet Highland cows, and more at these weekend events.
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December 18, 2025 at 1:29 PM
📘 New Virginia laws take effect at the start of the new year, with updates that could impact daily life across the state.

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These New Virginia Laws Go into Effect January 1, 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, new laws will kick into effect in Virginia, impacting social media, telemarketing calls, and minimum wage.
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December 17, 2025 at 8:08 PM
A statue honoring Virginia civil rights activist Barbara Rose Johns has been unveiled at the U.S. Capitol, recognizing her role in the fight for school desegregation.

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Statue of Virginia Civil Rights Activist Unveiled at U.S. Capitol
A statue depicting Virginia civil rights leader Barbara Rose Johns was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol on December 16.
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December 17, 2025 at 4:49 PM
📅 2025 has been a big year — we’ve compiled the most impactful stories and events that shaped our region.

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Year in Review: See the Big Stories That Impacted NoVA in 2025
As we prepare to ring in 2026, we look back at some of the pivotal events that shaped the region in 2025.
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December 17, 2025 at 2:41 PM
🏀 From NoVA to Team USA! Alexandria native Kara Lawson has been named head coach of the U.S. women’s basketball program as the road to Olympic gold begins.

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NoVA Native Kara Lawson Is Head Coach of Team USA's Women's Basketball Program
Northern Virginia native Kara Lawson was recently tapped to coach the USA Basketball Women’s National Team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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December 17, 2025 at 2:27 PM
No cold hands required! ❄️🚗 Cruise through these dazzling drive-thru holiday light displays in Virginia and Maryland for some seasonal magic.

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Escape the Nighttime Chill at These 8 Drive-Thru Holiday Light Displays
Where to see drive-thru light displays in Maryland and Virginia? Bull Run Festival of Lights. Illumination Light Show. Winter Lights Festival
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December 16, 2025 at 7:57 PM
A new pilot program starts this summer in Fairfax County. 🚗 Selected streets will see speed limits drop from 25 to 20 mph to enhance safety.

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Fairfax County Program Reduces Some Speed Limits From 25 to 20 MPH
Fairfax County's Department of Transportation is conducting a pilot study to measure the impact of reducing speed limits from 25 to 20 mph.
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December 16, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Planning to give a gift card this holiday season? 🎄💳 Be careful — scammers are quickly draining balances before they can be used.

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Beware of Gift Card ‘Draining’ Scams
Here's what to know about the recent gift card scam called draining, and how to avoid becoming a victim to it.
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December 16, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Ring in 2026 in style! 🍾✨ From seafood and steak to festive cocktails, these Northern Virginia restaurants are ready for New Year’s Eve.

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Make New Year's Eve Reservations at These Northern Virginia Restaurants
Make New Year's Eve reservations at one of Northern Virginia’s exceptional restaurants serving steak, seafood, and celebratory dishes.
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December 16, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a freshman, was studying to become a neurosurgeon.

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Student From Virginia Was Victim in Brown University Shooting
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a freshman from Midlothian, was one of the two shooting victims at Brown University.
northernvirginiamag.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Ice skating and a cold beer after? Yes please! Harpers Ferry Brewing’s pop-up rink is open now, boasting winter views of the Potomac River. ⛸️🍺

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Harpers Ferry Brewing Opens a Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink
The ice skating rink at Harpers Ferry Brewing in Purcellville includes amazing winter views of the Potomac River.
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December 15, 2025 at 5:05 PM
👀 Rawr-worthy news: The Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History is debuting a rare dinosaur skull you'll want to see up close! 🦖

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Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum to Display Rare Dinosaur Skull
The Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History has acquired a rare new artifact, a “remarkably complete” skull of a Pachycephalosaurus.
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December 15, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Your excuse to leave the house this winter: twinkling lights, ice skating, and mulled wine festivals worth braving the cold for ❄️

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6 Northern Virginia Winter Festivals to Add to Your Calendar
Thes six Northern Virginia winter festivals offer twinkling lights, lanterns, and delicious food and drink.
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December 15, 2025 at 1:41 PM
A mix of local favorites, from wine bars to breweries, are among the 17 restaurant closures recently reported across Northern Virginia.

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17 Recent Restaurant Closures Throughout Northern Virginia
From community breweries and wine bars to favorite chains and franchises, these are the restaurants that have closed in the last few months.
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December 12, 2025 at 7:56 PM
It's almost time to break out your skates! ✨⛸️ The Winter Skate Spectacular returns to the National Building Museum's Great Hall for a magical indoor skating experience all season long.

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Indoor ‘Winter Skate Spectacular’ Returns to National Building Museum
For the second year, the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, will transform its Great Hall into an indoor, synthetic ice rink.
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December 12, 2025 at 3:35 PM
🍽️ Skip the cooking and treat yourself to a merry meal out! 🎅 These NoVA restaurants are serving up festive feasts on Christmas Day.

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Dine Out on Christmas Day at These Local Restaurants
These Northern Virginia restaurants are open for reservations on Christmas Day. Ada’s on the River. Vola’s Dockside Grill. Ambar Clarendon.
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December 12, 2025 at 2:42 PM
We have our two finalists! 🍜 Vote for your 2025 NoVA Pho Wars winner before it's too late. Voting for Round 5 closes on December 14.

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NoVA Pho Wars 2025
We want to know who’s the best of the best when it comes to pho in Northern Virginia. Vote for your favorites in our Pho Wars bracket.
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December 12, 2025 at 2:38 PM
🎬 Holiday classics are back on the big screen! Six NoVA theaters are offering seasonal favorites for a dose of movie nostalgia. 🍿

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6 NoVA Movie Theaters Showing Classic Holiday Films
See holiday movies like “Love Actually” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” in theaters with special screenings at Northern Virginia cinemas.
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December 11, 2025 at 7:44 PM
❄️ Cozy winter dining just got an upgrade in NoVA — Proof Kitchen + Bar has debuted private “North Pole” cabin dining with a curated holiday menu and a warm, festive vibe perfect for groups this season. 🍽️

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Proof Kitchen + Bar Debuts Winter Cabin Dining Experience
The upscale cabins at Proof Kitchen+ Bar include leather couches, themed decorations, and a custom dining menu.
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December 11, 2025 at 5:36 PM
✈️ The NTSB warns that a new defense bill provision could roll back aviation safety improvements near Reagan National Airport.

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NTSB Says Defense Bill Threatens Reagan National Airport Safety
The U.S. House passed a defense bill that would allow military helicopters to once again fly in the airspace at Reagan National Airport.
northernvirginiamag.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:08 PM
🤖 Autonomous delivery robots have officially arrived in Alexandria. Serve Robotics and Uber Eats are rolling out bot-powered food drop-offs in several Alexandria neighborhoods. 🍔📲

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Robot Food Delivery Service Launches in Alexandria
Serve Robotics Inc. has partnered with the City of Alexandria and Uber Eats to offer autonomous robot food delivery.
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December 11, 2025 at 4:02 PM