<cal1>NOW THROUGH JAN. 3
<cal2>Santa, angels, the universe and an enchanted forest — the Miracle of Lights — Northern Virginia's only drive-thru holiday light show is now open from 5:30-10:30 p.m. until Jan. 3, 2004. It features holiday theme groups, including Planet Holiday, Victorian Virginia, Noah's Ark, Santa's Woods, The Angel's Playground and The Enchanted Forest and more than two miles of lighted entertainment. Admission is $12 per carload (1-14 people), $25 per commercial van (15-34 people) and $50 per busload (35 or more). Discount coupons are available at www.miracleoflights.com. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Medical Care for Children's Partnership. At Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. Call 703-709-KIDS (5437) or visit www.miracleoflights.com.
<cal1>THURSDAY/NOV. 20
<cal2>Centreville Quilters Unlimited is having an auction on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. It will be at Centre Ridge Elementary School on New Braddock Road in Centreville. Pictured is a Mock Cathedral Windows queen-size finished quilt. It will be auctioned along with many other handmade items including table runners, pillows, placemats and other quilts. There will be a live auction, silent auction and a Chinese auction. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
<cal2>Mother’s First-Chantilly/Centreville is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Join moms and tots of all ages for meetings, lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. The next meeting is Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Centreville Regional Library from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org for more information.
<cal2>The Westfield High School PTSA will sponsor an Elected Officials Night on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Westfield High School. All current and recently elected state senators, delegates, county supervisors, and Fairfax County School Board members with representation in the Westfield High School area have been invited to attend this important forum, where they will be given time for remarks followed by a question and answer session with the public. Community members are encouraged to attend this event to speak with their elected representatives and voice their concerns about education and other pertinent issues. Westfield High School is located on Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Contact Birgit Retson, Westfield PTSA president, at 703-488-6300.
<cal1>NOV. 20-DEC. 24
<cal2>Santa will chat with youngsters at Fair Oaks Mall now through Dec. 24 in his holiday home — a 36-foot Fountain Court Tree House growing in the middle of a garden filled with life-sized and life-like animals. Children who visit Santa will receive a complimentary gift. Photo packages are available starting at $10.99 each.
<cal1>FRIDAY, NOV. 21
<cal2>Historic Manassas Inc. is now accepting applications to compete in the 6th Annual Gingerbread Contest. There are three competition categories: Professional, Adult, and Child. The gingerbread structures will be judged on overall appearance, quality of construction, intricacy of design, and originality/uniqueness. The first-place winners will be selected by a panel of judges and announced on Friday, Dec. 19. This year, contest participants have the option of donating their gingerbread house to Annaburg Manor, SERVE, or Prince William Hospital. The deadline for submitting applications is Nov. 21. Call 703-361-6599.
<cal2>The MOMS Club of Centreville North will hold an all-member meeting and Thanksgiving Potluck social on Friday, Nov. 21 at 10:30 a.m. Learn about the club's activities (playgroups, social events, speakers, etc.) for mothers and their children. The meeting is at the Sully Government Center on Stonecroft Blvd. Children welcome. Call 703-830-7580 or visit the Web site at www.momsclubccva.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/NOV. 22
<cal2>The 23rd annual St. Timothy School Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 in Chantilly from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be over 150 artisans and crafters from the Northeast selling their homemade crafts, furniture and food items. Shop early for those one-of-a-kind items for that special person on your list. Don't miss this wonderful shopping opportunity. Contact Chris Gregory at 703-787-3560 or Kelly Schmank at 703-222-3823 or Karen Yee at 703-803-0460 for details, or log onto sainttimothyschool.org.
Centreville Baptist Church is holding its semi-annual Community Clothing Giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m. to noon at 15100 Lee Highway in Centreville. Come if you are in need of fall and winter clothing.
<cal2>A Holiday Home Party will be held Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be Longaberger baskets, Southern Living, Discovery Toys, Creative Memories, Stampin Up, Wine Lights, Tastefully Simple, Premier Designs, Pampered Chef and more. The location is 13403 Cavalier Woods Drive. Call 703-803-2822.
<cal2>A Holiday Extravaganza Craft Show will take place Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Road in Annandale. Sponsored by the Jefferson Crew Boosters and produced by Wild Iris Productions. Call 703-321-8373.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets monthly on the fourth Saturday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m., at Sully Senior Center, 5690 Sully Road (Route 28), Centreville. No charge. Patients and family members welcome. Call Darryl Edwards at 703-38-9213.
<cal1>NOV. 22-23
<cal2>The Center for the Arts’ Pied Piper Theatre will opens its 2003-2004 season with the musical production of "Jack and the Giant." Join Jack, played by P.J. Rechter of Liberty Middle School, as he climbs the magic bean stalk and encounters the Giant, and his henchman, the Troll. Centreville resident Laura Fraase sings the lead role of the Giant’s housekeeper as Kristy McKain adds her talent as Lady Stumble. With a cast of 40 local youth, this comedy complete with a singing harp, a squawking chicken, and a lovable dancing cow, will provide an entertaining evening for the entire family.
"Jack and the Giant" will be performed Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3:30 p.m. at Osbourn Park High School, 8909 Euclid Ave., Manassas. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Group rates are also available. Call the Center for the Arts at 703-330-ARTS.
<cal2>Families are invited to join Volunteer Fairfax for the 5th Annual National Family Volunteer Day on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23. On this day, families across the region take part in service projects that help make Fairfax a cleaner and stronger community. This year's projects include food sorting, creating Thanksgiving holiday food baskets for families in crisis, decorating flower pots and planting flowers with senior citizens, assisting disabled citizens, and walking for the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon. Volunteering together is a great way for busy families to spend quality time together working as a team. While having fun and making a significant contribution to the community, children learn positive values and the importance of giving back. If you would like to take part in National Family Volunteer Day, contact Volunteer Fairfax at 703-246-3460 or VolsRUs@volunteerfairfax.org.
<cal2>The Joan Izzo Academy of Dance of Centreville presents "The Kingdom of Sweets" from the Nutcracker on Nov. 22 and 23 at the Middleburg Community Center in Middleburg. Tickets are $12/each, $10 for Girl Scouts and their families. The times are Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. matinee show (sold out) and 7 p.m. evening show. To purchase tickets, call Kris Wooldridge at 703-403-0037, or e-mail Cheryl Royal @ croyal@ctacorp.com.
<cal1>NOV. 23, 30
<cal2>Fair Oaks Mall is offering "Santa Paws" to its customers! Pet Owners can bring their dog or cat to have a photo taken with Santa. Pets must be on a leash or brought in a lightweight carrier; be up-to-date on shots; and enter through the Arby's entrance. Photos are available after the center closes on Sundays, Nov. 23 and 30 from 7-9:30 p.m. For every "Family Photo Package A" purchased, Fair Oaks Mall will donate $5 to the local Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
<cal1>TUESDAY/NOV. 25
<cal2>New Mothers Luncheons are held every Tuesday for mothers and newborn babies to 8 months old. The group meets for lunch, speakers, discussions and fun — a different program every week. Bring a friend or come alone — it's a great way to meet other new moms and babies in the area. Meets Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Il Lupo Italian Restaurant, 4069 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Lunch is $20; four-lunch series is $75. Reservations required. Call Rochelle Goldberg at 703-961-9179 or email: eventbuilders@hotmail.com.
* Tuesday, Nov. 25 — No lunch;
* Tuesday, Dec. 2 — Early Infant Communication, Diane Robey, MS, CCC, Children's Speech and Language Therapy Center;
* Tuesday, Dec. 9 — Physical Movement for Infants, Christina Souci, The Little Gym;
* Tuesday, Dec. 16 — Allergies — Your Questions and Answers, Food allergy and Anaphylaxis Network;
* Tuesday, Dec. 23 — No lunch;
* Tuesday, Dec. 30 — No lunch.
<cal1>NOV. 28-30
<cal2>The 21st annual Art and Craft Showcase presented by members of Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild will be held at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 28, 29 and 30. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $1. Some 75 juried Guild artisans and artists will display and sell their finest quality work in six display areas of the community center. There will be fine art, collectibles and decorative accessories, stained glass and fused art glass, jewelry, folk art, hand weaving, watercolors, fine art note cards and prints, pottery, photography, turned wood, dolls and more. Call Cele Sinnott at 703-938-8306.
<cal1>MONDAY/DEC. 1
<cal2>Centreville Toastmasters is the place to improve your communication and leadership skills. The club meets from 7-8:15 p.m. on Mondays at the Centreville Regional Library. Guests are welcome. Prepared speeches, oral evaluations and impromptu speeches (table topics) will be on the agenda. Upcoming meetings: Mondays, Dec. 1, Dec. 15, Jan. 12, and Jan. 26. Call Lynn Griesmer 703-263-2468.
<cal1>Wednesday, Dec. 3-31
<cal2>Sully Decorated in 18th Century Elegance: Experience the main house at Sully while accented with greens and gracefully decorated for an 18th century season of celebration. In the exhibit room, relive the 1885 holiday memories of a young Sully guest seeing the tree decorated in Victorian splendor. House tour included. Everyday except Tuesdays and Christmas Day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sully Historic Site, 3601 Sully Rd., Chantilly. 703-437-1794. Groups require reservations. $5/Adult, $4/Student, $3/senior or child.
<cal1>THURSDAY/DEC. 4
<cal2>Mothers First — Centreville/Chantilly is a support group for women making the transition from careers to at-home motherhood. Activities include lectures, field trips, moms night out, etc. December meetings are Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 at 10:15 a.m. at the Centreville Regional Library. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>SATURDAY/DEC. 6
<cal2>The 2003 Clifton Candlelight Homes Tour will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4-7:30 p.m. The five families who have volunteered to have their homes on the tour are Alesia and Jim Harvey, Sarah and Dwayne Nitz, Katherine Kalinowski and Brant Baber, Jo and Bill Watts, and Margie and Royce Jarrendt. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children under 12 (age 3 and under free) and will be sold at shops and restaurants in town, and the Union Mill and Burke Temptations gifts stores. Caroling on Horseback is also Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
A Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ayre Square will take place following the Homes Tours at 7:30 p.m. Raffle tickets will be sold during the tour at the Caboose and the Primitive Baptist Church. ($1/1 ticket or $5/6 tickets or $10/12 tickets). The Second Baptist Senior Choir will be performing at the Primitive Baptist Church again this year. The Rev. Lynne Stanton-Hoyle of the Clifton Presbyterian Church is inviting tour guests to visit the church where a local choir will be performing. For details, call Jennifer Chesley 703-830-2129 or email jen2beach@aol.com or Lynne Garvey Hodge 703-322-1811 or email ghassoc@erols.com.
<cal2>The 14th Annual Model Train Display, sponsored by the Friends of Fairfax Station, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, noon to 4 p.m., at the railroad museum (11200 Fairfax Station Rd. Fairfax Station.) Many different gauges, all moving. Bring your model train problems to the Loco Doctor. Caboose & gift shop open. Refreshments. Cost/$3 adults, $1 children. Call 703-425-9225.
<cal2>The Lane's Mill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet on Saturday, Dec. 6 at noon for a social time and from 12:30- 3 p.m. for a meeting at the Centreville Library in the Conference Room. The program is on Virginia Page Club and Junior Membership. Lane's Mill is a small but active chapter that offers a broad range of programs on historic preservation and natural conservation, education of our nation's youth, promotion of patriotism, and love of our country. Prospective members and guests are encouraged to attend meetings. Contact Jennifer Smith, Chapter Regent, at 703 961-1030 or visit the chapter site at www.dar.org under "chapters".
<cal1>Dec. 6 and 8
<cal2>Children’s Holiday Shopping: Meet at the Old Floris Schoolhouse then the children will head over to the Country Store where volunteers will help them shop for everybody on their holiday list. The Country Store has many unique items in all price ranges. Free wrapping insures surprises for family and friends. Adults are invited to wait at the schoolhouse. Saturday, 12:30-3:30 p.m./Monday, 2-5 p.m. Frying Pan Park, 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon. 703-437-3710. Call ahead for groups of six or more.
<cal1>Dec. 12-13
<cal2>Candlelight Tours—Sully Historic Site: Stroll the candlelit path to the elegant 1794 house of Richard and Elizabeth Collins Lee and discover the spirit of Christmas past through Sully’s 200 year history. The buildings, decorated for a season of celebration, will glow with the splendor of natural candlelight. Seasonal music will echo throughout the halls during the evening. In the main house, engage costumed characters from the past as you encounter the gentry class of the 18th century and see the Victorian Christmas tree. Learn about the holiday traditions of Sully’s enslaved African American community and gather by the fire to hear about life at the quarter. Visit with Confederate troops by the campfire as they recreate a Civil War Christmas in the field. Listen for the jingle bells that adorn the robe of Victorian St. Nicholas and receive a holiday treat. Light refreshments will be served. Friday, 6-8:15 p.m. (last tour)/Saturday, 4:30-8:15 p.m. (last tour). Sully Historic Site, 3601 Sully Rd., Chantilly. 703-437-1794. Prepaid reservations required. $7/Adult, $5/senior or child.
<cal1>SATURDAY/DEC. 13
<cal2>Girl Scout Cadetts from Troop 3623 will hold a pancake breakfast and homemade craft gift shop on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Centreville United Methodist Church. The Scouts are raising money for a trip to Europe in 2005. Tickets are $5/adults, $3/kids ages 3-12, and free for 2 and under.
<cal2>Holidays at Walney Farm: Discover the food eaten and gifts exchanged by the Machen family during the holidays at Walney Farm in the mid-1800s. Drink hot apple cider to drive away the cold while walking to the smokehouse and other outbuildings to see where food was stored and prepared. Ages 10 years and up. 1-2 p.m. Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (Walney), 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly. 703-631-0013. Reservations required. Free.
<cal1>DEC. 13-14
<cal2>Centreville High School's PTSA will sponsor the fifth annual Mia Saunders School of Ballet benefit performances of The Nutcracker this December at Centreville High School. Half of the proceeds from the two performances will go to scholarships for graduating Centreville seniors. Last year four $750 scholarships were awarded to Morgan Gammon, Katherine Hahm, Andrea Palombella, and George Panagakos. The other half of the proceeds will go to a charity of Ms. Saunders' choosing. This year she has again selected Western Fairfax Christian Ministries Emergency Services Fund for families in need in Western Fairfax County.
Performances are held in the Centreville High School auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 seniors, and $6 children/students. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Francine Fuhrer at 830-2558 or Christine Marshall at 222-2988.
<cal1>TUESDAY/DEC. 16
<cal2>The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area presents "More Power to You." The program, comprising sessions explaining how local government works and how it relates to state government, will take place once a month from 7 to 9 p.m. in Fairfax Government Center. The next session will be on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The program costs $25. Those who complete the program will receive a certificate. Pre-registration is required; call 703-227-2231.
<cal1>Monday, Dec. 22
<cal2>Sully Holiday Craft — Make A Pomander: Tour the house, which is decorated in the Federal for the holidays. Add spice to your visit by making a clove-studded pomander. Pomanders were used in Colonial times to freshen rooms and storage spaces with the fragrant scent of citrus and spices. Enjoy a holiday treat in the open hearth kitchen. 1:30 p.m. Sully Historic Site, 3701 Sully Rd., Chantilly. 703-437-1794. Pre-paid reservations required. $6/adult/$4/child.
<cal1>Monday, Dec. 29
<cal2>Sully Holiday Concert—Ship’s Company Chanteymen: This jolly band of sailors brings hearty work songs of the sea and soulful ballads to Sully. And don’t miss the popular recitation of "A Visit from White Beard." House tour included. Refreshments served in the original 18th century kitchen. 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sully Historic Site, 3701 Sully Rd., Chantilly. 703-437-1794. Pre-paid reservations required. $7/seat.
<cal1>Tuesday, Dec. 30
<cal2>Sully Holiday Concert—IONA: This popular Celtic group combines powerful vocals, compelling flute and whistle and unique harp to bring you the music of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and France, blending songs, dance tunes and airs into a rich and stunning tapestry. Bagpipes and Scottish dancing add to the excitement of this unique group. House tour included. Refreshments served in the original 18th century kitchen. 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Sully Historic Site, 3701 Sully Rd., Chantilly. 703-437-1794. Pre-paid reservations required. $7/seat.