Are you filled with the holiday spirit? Be sure to take a look at all of the events in Tysons geared stricyly toward enjoying the holidays. See a performance by area musicians or actors, or attend a 5k for a charitable cause. It’s all on Santa’s Nice “To Do” List.
November
November 11
Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Memorial Amphitheater
Arlington National Cemetery
10:30am | Free
About 5,000 visitors attend each of the two major annual remembrance ceremonies in the Memorial Amphitheater. They take place on Memorial Day and Veterans Day and are sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. Many military organizations also conduct annual memorial services in the amphitheater. In addition, organizations also host memorial observances and events at Arlington. All ceremonies and special events are free and open to the public. Call (877) 907-8585 for details.
November 13-15
Northern Virginia Christmas Market
Dulles Expo Center, South Hall, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20153 Friday & Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm $8.00 for adults (children under 12 free) Receive $1 off admission by bringing a canned food donation for the Capital Area Food Bank
More than 300 juried artisans from across the country offer fine art, functional & decorative pottery, handcrafted jewelry, glass, photography, woven baskets, furniture, decorative arts, collectible dolls, wearable art, and much more. Specialty food vendors offer gift-packaged gourmet fare such as steamed puddings, almond pound cakes, party dips, sparkling cider, and fruit cakes. Events Management Group, Inc. works with the Capital Area Food Bank helping needy families during the holiday season by collecting donations of canned goods. Receive $1.00 off admission by bringing a canned food donation for the Capital Area Food Bank. Call (757) 417-7771 for details.
November 19-21
Oakton Church of the Brethren Christmas Craft Show
Oakton Church
10025 Courthouse Rd, Vienna
Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-4pm | FREE
Come browse around and find unique presents and stocking stuffers, cards and gift bags, seasonal decor, kitchen accessories, baby and children’s items, scarves, hats, and other attire; jewelry, pillows and linens, ceramics, fresh baked pies and cakes, and much more at this three-day event featuring a wide variety of hand-made items and craft supplies for purchase, plus a soup and sandwich lunch and bake sale. The church is located where Courthouse Rd. intersects Rt. 123 near Oakton. For more information, see www.oaktonbrethren.org, or call 703-281-4411. The event is a fundraiser for church projects.
November 20–January 3
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
5pm doors, 5:30pm show
$13 adults, $8 children ages 3-12;
Children under 3 are free
Visit Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights from November 20 –January 3rd to experience over 500,000 LED lights and displays that bring Meadowlark Botanical Gardens to life! Imagine the beauty of Meadowlark’s renowned gardens transformed into a winter wonderland, including a flowing stream of softly glowing lights. Marvel at the two-story animated fountain, stroll past the Gingerbread Village, and explore the beauty of nature like you’ve never seen it. This event is sure to be the highlight of your holiday season! Call (703) 255-3631 for details.
November 21-22
Fairfax Holiday Craft Show
Fairfax High School
3500 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-3pm
$5, children under 18 are free
Enjoy handmade crafts including baskets, dolls, floral items, jewelry, paintings, photographs, pottery, clay, wood items and more.
November 22
Vienna Turkey Trot
Vienna Volunteer Fire Department
400 Center Street South, Vienna
7am Registration
8am Kids Fun Run
8:30am 5K/10K
The James Madison High School Band will be hosting the 13th Annual Vienna Turkey Trot 5K/10K and Fun Run Proceeds will benefit the JMHS “Pride of Vienna” Band and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Join us for a great run, super music, fun prizes, refreshments after the race and the Finish Line Festival!
November 24
Stuff the Sleigh 5K Run/1 Mile Walk
Jones Branch Drive, Tysons
9am-11am
$20-35 Children 8 years old and younger to join for free
A 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk to help keep children safe from human trafficking in America. This event is run by Abolish Child Trafficking Now, Inc. or ACT-NOW, a U.S based humanitarian initiative. The race will start and Finish in front of 7925 Jones Branch Drive.
November 26
Arlington Turkey Trot
Christ Church of Arlington
3020 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington
8am
Adult $35, child (6-17) $20, child (under 6) free.
Registration includes an Arlington Turkey Trot cotton Tee.
The 10th Anniversary of the Arlington Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving Day 2015 and was founded by the Christ Church of Arlington. With 4,000 registrants in 2014 nearly all of the race‚ net proceeds generated $65,000 to help Arlington residents who need a “hand up.”
November 27–29
Thanksgiving Art and Craft Show
(Formerly Vienna Art and Craft Show)
Spring Hill ReCenter
1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean
Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
$5, Returns Free, Parking Free
This terrific show — running for more than 30 years — is moving to the newly renovated Spring Hill ReCenter in McLean, VA! The show features some 70 juried artisans offering original, handmade arts and crafts, including decorative painting, fused, etched, painted and stained glass, ceramics and pottery, hand-painted silk, woodworking handweaving, photography, paintings and drawings,clothing and functional textiles, jewelry and much more. All of the artists and artisans will be on hand to answer questions and talk about their work.
November 27-28
Horton Vineyards Thanksgiving Open House
Horton Vineyards
6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville
10am-5pm | $10/person includes glass, tastings and cellar tours
Join us for hot soup and and Horton Norton Chili. Browse for gifts for the wine lover. Take a stroll through the vineyard and walk off some of that Thanksgiving feast. Stock up on wine for the Holiday season with special discounts on our award winning wines. Call 540-832-7440 for more information.
November 28
Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
8pm | $32-54
Here at the Center, we don’t ring in the holiday season – we sing it in – with a heartfelt concert featuring twelve of the most masterful male voices on the planet. This Grammy Award-winning ensemble presents a glorious performance of ancient hymns, venerated sacred songs, contemporary classics, gospel spirituals, and treasured American and European carols all performed with its well-known lush harmonies and impeccable technique. Called “the world’s reigning male chorus” by New Yorker, Chanticleer is known as “an orchestra of voices” for its seamless vocal blend from countertenor to bass, and is celebrated for its original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to new music. “Luxurious perfection.” –Los Angeles Times. Join us for this Thanksgiving weekend holiday tradition.
November 30
Church Street Holiday Stroll
Historic Freeman Store and Museum
131 Church Street Northeast, Vienna
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Free
Santa will arrive and greet children at the Historic Freeman Store and Museum and then help the Mayor light the Holiday Tree at 6:20 pm. All merchants along Church Street will remain open for holiday shoppers. Enjoy fun family friendly activities including a petting zoo, free hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows at supervised bonfires. Holiday entertainment will be provided throughout the evening.
December
Date To Be Determined
Santa Paws Event at Clemyjontri Park
Clemyjontri Park
6317 Georgetown Pike, Mclean
12pm-2pm
The Fairfax County Park Authority will be holding its annual Santa Paws event at Clemyjontri Park, and the Friends of Clemyjontri will be there to help celebrate. There will be plenty of holiday inspired crafts and fun along with photographs with Santa Paws himself and newly restored and renovated play areas ready to provide the backdrop for your family holiday memories. For directions and additional information go to www.friendsofclemy.com.
Date To Be Determined
2015 Tysons Corner Center Holiday German Market
Tysons Corner Center, Tysons
Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-8pm
Located on the Plaza at the mall entrances from the Silver Line Metro, the festival will be in a spectacular new space surrounded by amenities, including an ice skating rink, new offices, a new Lord & Taylor entrance, a Shake Shack, and outdoor seating around fire pits. A stage, spectacular Christmas tree, entertainment, beer garden, and other festive and engaging activity will support the intimate gift purchasing and fun shopping experience of the market for 20+ exhibitor booths.
December 4-6
McLean Holiday Crafts Show
McLean Community Center,
1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Friday, 11am-7pm, Saturday,
10am-6pm, Sunday, 11am-4pm
$3 for adults and $1 for children under the age of 14
Enjoy a wide variety of arts & crafts and holiday music by local school groups.
December 5
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: A Fairfax Nutcracker
Luke Frazier, conductor
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
8pm | $34-58
Experience this timeless holiday classic with the FSO and local dance companies to create a new holiday tradition your family will always cherish. Visit cfa.gmu.edu to purchase your tickets.
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
Wolftrap Filene Center
4pm | Free
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s 2014 Holiday Sing-A-Long! This annual musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.
Wolf Trap will be participating in Toys for Tots by collecting new, unwrapped toys at the entrance to the Filene Center before the Sing-A-Long. Donations are strictly voluntary and not a requirement. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Parking is free, but limited, so please plan on arriving early.
Bring a candle and join the tradition of exiting the Filene Center with a candlelight processional during the last verse of “Silent Night.” There will also be a “Jing-A-Long” during the singing of “Jingle Bells,” so remember to bring a candle, a bell, and a new, unwrapped toy! Go to www.wolftrap.org for more information.
December 5-6
City of Falls Church Holiday Gift and Craft Show
Falls Church Community Center
223 Little Falls St., Falls Church
Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm | $1 All-Weekend Shopping Pass Children under 12 receive free admission.
Deck the halls during the holiday season with special gifts from the annual Holiday Gift and Craft Show. More than 50 crafters and merchants show their wares selling unique handmade items, baked goods, and more.
December 6
Calmus – Holiday Concert
Chamber Music at The Barns
The Barns at Wolf Trap
7:30pm | $35
Experience the German a capella quintet who holds the audience “spellbound with its artistry” (The Washington Post) as they sing traditional and contemporary holiday music. Visit www.wolftrap.org to purchase your tickets.
December 6
Celebration of Lights
Great Falls Village Centre Hill
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Celebrate the beginning of the season with our 24th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Drink hot cider or cocoa next to the fire as you listen to our local children as choral groups sing seasonal music. The petting zoo and pony rides will keep your kids busy until Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive by antique fire truck. Event held Rain or Shine.
December 6
Danú: A Christmas Gathering
Féile Na Nollag
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall 4pm $32-54 Music is an essential part of any Celtic Christmas celebration and this performance is no exception. This authentic Irish band offers up a festive concert of high-spirited Celtic holiday songs, along with its fair share of storytelling, another longtime Irish tradition. Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú’s standing-room-only concerts throughout the band’s native land are renowned for a vibrant energy and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and popular contemporary music. Loyal fans around the world enjoy the virtuosity of the ensemble performing on traditional Celtic instruments such as fiddle, tin whistle, flute, button accordion, percussion, and bouzouki. The amazing instrumentalists combine efforts with captivating vocalists, and top-notch Celtic dancers. We are thrilled to welcome back these award-winning artists for a heartwarming holiday performance. “Impressive, immersive, and uniquely and unmistakably Irish.” –Strings Magazine
December 6
Herndon Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
Herndon Community Center
814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon
10am-4pm | Free
Over 80 artisans and craftspeople will exhibit and sell their work at this annual arts and crafts show sponsored by the Town of Herndon Department of Parks and Recreation. A variety of handcrafted items and fine art will be on sale including wreaths, quilts, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, decorations, original artwork, photography, stained glass, and more. Free admission and parking.
Additional parking at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course.
December 11-12
Herndon Towne Square Singers Holiday Concert
ArtSpace Herndon
750 Center Street, Herndon
Sat 7:30-9pm, Sun 2-3:30pm | $10
Get into the Holiday spirit with the Towne Square Singers as they usher in the season with Holiday music both old and new! The Herndon Towne Square Singers, which is sponsored by the Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department, numbers 25 strong for the upcoming concert. Many members hail from the Town of Herndon and others come from surrounding communities in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Call 703-787-7300.
December 12
American Festival Pops Orchestra
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
8pm | $32-54
Our favorite pops orchestra appears for its annual Christmas concert to deck the hall with the jubilant sounds of cherished Christmas carols, beloved holiday favorites, and popular songs of the season. This joyous concert is one of our most popular holiday traditions at the Center — a heartwarming evening of seasonal music performed by this extraordinary orchestra. This year’s program features a special arrangement of “Jingle Bells” performed by AFPO’s brass quintet, a jazz trio medley of popular holiday tunes, and of course, the orchestra’s annual performance of Leroy Anderson’s jubilant “Sleigh Ride!” Led by founder and Artistic Director Anthony Maiello, this fine orchestra, comprising 60 of the best musicians in the metro area, celebrates the season with timeless Christmas music, and promises to be a fantastic holiday treat for young and old alike.
December 16 and 17
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
7pm | $28-175
Bring the whole family for the sweetest Christmas celebration of the season! Experience the exquisite artistry of world-class Russian dancers, playful puppets and the unmatched splendor of hand crafted sets and costumes. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is the holiday tradition that brings the Christmas spirit to life! New York Times raves, “Real beauty!” and Los Angeles Times, “Bravura expertise!” Get your seats now for Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece.
December 18
Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
8pm | $32-54
Experience all of the joy and excitement of the season in the celestial voices of these talented Austrian lads who belong to one of the best-known and most-acclaimed boys’ choirs in the world. Vienna Boys Choir returns with its idyllic Christmas concert, truly one of the great pleasures of the holiday season. The choir performs a broad range of music for the holidays, from sacred hymns and traditional Christmas carols to holiday pop favorites and folk songs from across the globe. These talented youngsters have enchanted audiences worldwide with their ethereal vocals, glorious harmonies, pristine tone, and a broad repertoire spanning centuries and genres. For over half a millennium, the Vienna Boys Choir has been associated with the world’s greatest composers from Mozart to Bruckner, and even Franz Schubert himself was a chorister. “The angelic voices of this most famous vocal group are ageless.” –Salt Lake Tribune
December 19
Savion Glover: Dance Holiday SPeCTaCULaR
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall
8pm $32-54
In a performance bursting with holiday cheer, the reigning king of tap returns for the holidays, bringing an unforgettable evening of heart-pounding dance, bright lights, and joyous sounds. Celebrate the magic and wonder of the holiday season with this tap prodigy and preeminent choreographer whose footwork is nothing short of miraculous. Savion Glover captured the public’s attention at an early age with his show-stopping Broadway appearances in numerous musicals, but it was his Tony Award-winning show in 1996, Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk, that revealed the full depth of his extraordinary talents. His acclaimed work also includes film, and countless appearances on television. “A virtuoso hoofer with a whole percussion section in his shoes.” –Evening Standard. Come see one of the great tap dancers of all time in this one-of-a-kind holiday performance.
December 19
Christmas in Fairfax
City of Fairfax Band Joined by The Fairfax Choral Society
Fairfax High School, 7:00pm
The Fairfax Choral Society once again joins the CFB stage for this local celebration of the Christmas season, presented as our annual gift to the community. Featured on this program is the world premiere of Randol Alan Bass’s setting of Hodie Christus Natus Est, commissioned by the City of Fairfax Band Association for this performance with the Fairfax Choral Society. The program also features music from Giancarlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, and selections from The Nutcracker, along with some familiar holiday classics. Visit from Santa! Tickets are free, but reserve yours early for this perennial capacity-crowd event.
December 20
My Favorite Things: Holiday Celebration
McLean Community Center
3:00 pm
The McLean Symphony Holiday Concert is featuring Tanya Anisimova, Cello at the Alden Theater.
December 22 & 23
Jammin Java presents Todd Wright’s 13th Annual Santa Clauster f@%! Christmas Spectacular
Jammin Java
Dec 22, seated, 7:30pm
Dec 23, standing, 8pm | $15
Tis the third and the second
nights before Christmas
When Santa Claus gathers
some sixty musicians
To play holiday songs
without ever rehearsing
Making music and magic
with minimal cursing
And before all this holiday
dust starts to settle
There’ll be polka, folk,
rock and the heaviest metal
So get tickets now or
you’ll be out of luck
And you won’t get to say
that you got “Clauster….”
