If there’s one thing we all need more of during the holiday season, it’s relaxation.
These yoga classes are designed in a variety of ways to help you decompress from the long days and family logistics, and there’s truly something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a yoga class filled with adoptable kittens and puppies (or a goat-yoga pajama party), a quick lunchtime break, or sips of beer and wine afterward, you just have to find the right one for you.
Attitude of Gratitude Flow
Thursday, Nov. 28, 7-8:15 a.m.
Join Jenny C and Fierce Om to kick off your Thanksgiving Day with a gracious heart. The 75-minute class will lead to deeper stretches and meditation opportunities before you spend the rest of the holiday cooking, baking and celebrating the day away. // Fierce Om: 14383 Newbrook Drive, Suite 200, Chantilly; free
Thankful Yoga Pre-Turkey Breathe and Stretch
Thursday, Nov. 28, 10-11:15 a.m.
Thanksgiving Day is filled with gratitude, so why not show some to yourself through a gracious yoga practice? At Sun & Moon Yoga Studio, find the right state for your mind, body and heart before a full day of feasting on great food and cultivating gratitude with those around you. // Sun & Moon Yoga, Arlington: 3811 Lee Highway, Suite 3722, Arlington; Sun & Moon Yoga, Fairfax: 9998 Main St., Fairfax; donation-based (bring nonperishable food items for a local food bank)
Lunchtime Yoga in Reston
Tuesday, Dec. 3, noon-12:45 p.m.
Break up your work day by heading to a short and sweet yoga class at Kamp Pendleton Personal Training. The gentle class is for all levels of ability and can provide a great opportunity for stress relief, squeezing in a short workout and keeping your healthy posture intact. // Kamp Pendleton Personal Training: 10780 Parkridge Blvd., Unit 25, Reston; $10 suggested donation
Late Fall Slow Flow Yoga
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
This slow-flow yoga class is designed to help you turn inward, becoming more aware of your own interpretation of your surroundings, as well as your body. Attendees will use breath, body awareness, mental focus, flexibility and strength to explore and release the tension within the body’s muscles and cultivate wholeness, well-being and relaxation. // Loudoun Pilates: 36-B Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg; $18
Candlelight Yin Yoga
Wednesday Dec. 4, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Seeking calmness and relaxation during the holiday season? Use this candlelit class as an escape to find your Zen. Yin yoga poses throughout the class are held for up to five minutes at a time, leading to a deeper meditative practice, and restoring length and elasticity to deep connective tissues. // Yoga Toka: 3260 Duke St., Alexandria; $20
Doodlebug Puppy Yoga
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7-7:45 p.m.
You’ve heard of cat and goat yoga, but for all the dog lovers out there, this one’s for you. Enjoy a relaxing, short yoga class surrounded by adoptable puppies from Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. A portion of each class goes to the nonprofit, and you could meet (and bring home) your new best friend. // Caring Hands Animal Hospital: 2601-A Wilson Blvd., Arlington; $37
Factory Flow: Saturday Morning Yoga
Saturday Dec. 7, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
You might have stopped by the Torpedo Factory Art Center to find some unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for your holiday shopping, but now it’s time to enjoy a free, weekend yoga flow. This will be the last session of 2019, so be sure to make it count! // Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; free
Sip and Flow: Yoga at 8 Chains North Winery
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10-11 a.m.
This one-hour, flow-based class is designed for all levels of yogis, and offers picturesque views of the Virginia vineyard. After class, kick back in the tasting room, tour the production facility, and treat yourself to a wine tasting for an extra dose of relaxation. // 8 Chains North Winery: 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford; $20
Kids & Family Yoga
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2-3 p.m.
This fun and interactive yoga class is designed to help teach children the joys of movement, physical exploration, self-expression and self-confidence. Each yoga class helps children tap into their imagination and visualization, and helps build strength, flexibility, balance and social competence. All levels are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. // 3260 Duke St., Alexandria; $25
Yoga and Foam Rolling for Shoulders and Upper Back Release
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
There’s a good chance that your posture, whether sitting, standing or working all day, isn’t exactly what it should be. You might experience shoulder pain, neck pain or other areas of stress and tension associated with your posture. That’s why Emily Straight Yoga and Wellness is hosting a class specifically designed to help you learn how to use yoga poses and a foam roller for targeted stretches to tight areas, leaving you with a sense of relief. // Radiance Yoga: 701 Prince St., Alexandria; registration required
Baby Goat Yoga Pajama Party at Faith Lutheran Church
Sunday, Dec. 8, 3-4 p.m.
Even though the temperatures have dropped, goat yoga can still be found in Northern Virginia. For this cozy class, wear your favorite pair of pajamas and get ready for a yoga-flow pajama party with your favorite goat friends from Walnut Creek Farm. This class may just be the cutest you’ll ever attend. // Faith Lutheran Church: 3313 Arlington Blvd., Arlington; $35
Kitten Yoga to Benefit the AWLA
Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7 p.m.
So maybe goats aren’t your thing, but you would love to flow through a class with curious kittens. At the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, you can attend the yoga practice for relaxation and added benefits, but the real fun comes at the end, when extra time for kitten snuggles and play time concludes the session. Plus, all kittens are available for adoption. // Animal Welfare League of Arlington: 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington; $35
Holiday Yoga at Rocket Frog Brewing
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Time to get into the holiday spirit at Rocket Frog Brewing Company. Bring your best holiday-inspired attire, flow through a yoga class led by Hillary of eat.YOGA.drink., and enjoy a complimentary pint after savasana. (P.S. Ugly sweaters are welcome too!) // Rocket Frog Brewing Company: 22560 Glenn Drive, Suite 103, Sterling; $2
Integral Hatha Yoga
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7-8 p.m.
Hatha yoga integrates yoga poses (asanas) with breathing exercises (pranayama) to ensure a full-body experience and a deeper connection to the movement throughout the practice. This hatha yoga class is perfect for all levels of yogis, especially those looking for personal peace, wellness and calmness, and is taught by Jami Obermayer, Ph.D. // Crossroads United Methodist Church: 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn; free
Ugly Sweatersana at New District Brewing Company
Saturday, Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m.-noon
This reindeer-approved yoga class is meant to put you right into the holiday spirit, just a few days before Christmas. There will be a special holiday-themed soundtrack, and all elves, sugar plum fairies and more are welcome to stick around after for a pint before the holiday. Ugly sweaters are highly encouraged. // New District Brewing Company: 2709 S. Oakland St., Arlington; $20
