MCLEAN, VA — You don't have to wait for Valentine's Day to binge on delicious chocolate. The annual McLean Chocolate Festival is returning for a ninth year on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean.

Held by the Rotary Club of McLean, the festival features local vendors with varieties of chocolate and non-chocolate cakes, cupcakes, cookies, drinks, ice cream and other desserts. American Heritage's demonstration of how chocolate was made in colonial America and a marketplace featuring local businesses in the lobby will return. Live entertainment, raffles for three chocolate baskets and a chocolate pearl necklace, and a children's game room round out the festival. McLean High Interact Club students and Langley High students will have chocolate-related games for children in the DuVal art studio.

The event benefits Rotary Club of McLean, which uses funds to support local charities. The 2019 McLean Chocolate Festival raises $21,000 for local charities.