As the seasons change, many people in Northern Virginia start to get in the spirit for end-of-year festivities. Whether your favorite time is the spooky lead-up to Halloween, the peaceful comfort of Thanksgiving, or the festive gift-giving of Christmas and the many other holidays in between, spending time in celebration can bring joy to anyone’s life.
However, you may not know how to find activities and events designed for individuals aged 50 and above. After all, not everyone is ready for a holiday soccer game or another physically intense activity.
Local Events This Season
Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia provides opportunities for older adults to get out of the house and enjoy pleasant company at seasonally themed events. Upcoming celebrations include:
The Holiday Tea and Sweets Celebration
Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is hosting its annual tea with sweets and holiday entertainment at St. Mark Catholic Church in Vienna, Virginia, on December 9 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Cost is twenty dollars. RSVP on the SCNOVA Events Calendar and see the program listing on the Special Events page.
Holiday Bingo
Join us for an exciting evening of great food and ten rounds of bingo at Foster’s Grille, located on Maple Avenue in Vienna, Virginia, on December 15 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Foster’s is generously donating 20% of all food and beverage purchases to the Shepherd’s Center. For just ten dollars at the door, you can play ten games of Holiday Bingo. Don’t miss out on this fun event!
The Benefits of Community for Adults Over 50
Building and maintaining strong community connections becomes increasingly valuable as we age. For adults over 50, local programs and gatherings provide more than just entertainment; they cultivate a sense of belonging, confidence, and overall well-being.
Regular social interaction helps reduce feelings of isolation and can even enhance memory and mood. Activities such as volunteering, participating in small group classes, or simply meeting for coffee offer participants a renewed sense of purpose and shared experience.
Being part of a supportive network also enables individuals to stay active and informed about local resources, such as transportation, wellness programs, and caregiver assistance. Whether through a friendly phone call, a shared meal, or a seasonal event, community engagement empowers older adults to remain connected, independent, and fulfilled.
What If You Can’t Go Out?
While these festive events can be a lot of fun, they are far from the only option to ring in the season. Not everyone can leave the house to partake in community events, so consider trying services that come to you.
Friendly Visitor and Friendly Caller Programs
If a friendly conversation is what you crave, Friendly Visitor and Friendly Caller can help. These services enable volunteers to reach out for a conversation or stop by in person. Build a holiday-themed puzzle, bake cookies, wrap gifts, or simply enjoy a great chat. For those who cannot leave the house, these programs enable you to continue participating in seasonal activities tailored to your interests and hobbies.
The Virtual Center for Active Adults
Another alternative is Fairfax County’s Virtual Center for Active Adults. This online resource offers classes, meet-ups, and other events to keep you active while aging in place. Not all of them are themed around the holidays, but that should not stop you from enjoying all the options. Trivia days, for example, often show off seasonal flair depending on when you participate.
Other activities that can bring some excitement into your life include:
- Paint and Sip with a seasonal picture
- Chair yoga
- Language classes such as Mandarin or Spanish
- Digital art
- Music lovers meet-up
If a ride is the hurdle, we offer free transportation to older adults who book in advance and live within the Service Territories. Availability is not guaranteed.
Embrace the Joy of the Season at Any Age
Do not let the excitement of autumn and the dawn of winter pass you by. SCNOVA is full of engaging opportunities for adults over 50, whether you love to stay fit and active or prefer events from home. Contact us to learn how Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia supports communities, including Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston.