We will continue to update the holiday calendar through the end of the year. To have your event listed , mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Photos, especially color, are encouraged. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. This free community listing is reserved for events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. Call Elizabeth Orr at 703-917-6449 with any questions.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 1
<cal2>UVA Club of Washington Holiday Party. 7-11 p.m., at Gua-Rapo, 2039 Wilson Blvd. Tickets $20 members, $25 nonmembers. The party will collect donations to support UVA graduates in the military. Visit www.dchoos.org.
Holiday Tales And Trinkets. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Hear nature stories and make critter crafts around the Gulf Branch hearth. Light refreshments will be served. 3 p.m., at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608. N. Military Road.
Ballston Holiday Tree Lighting. Arlington County Board chairman Barbara Favola will light the Ballston Holiday Tree in Welburn Square, at a public event sponsored by the Ballston-Virginia Square Partnership. Tree lighting festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., in the lobby of the Qwest Building, 4250 N. Fairfax Drive, with a performance by Arlington's Children's Spanish Chorus, "El Coro Infantil en Espanol" directed by Cora Lee Khambatta. Following the tree lighting, the community will enjoy musical entertainment by The Constituents and holiday food and beverages in the Qwest Building lobby. Ballston's Welburn Square is located between Stuart and Taylor streets, Wilson Boulevard and Fairfax Drive, across from the Ballston Metro Station.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 2
<cal2>Light Up Rosslyn. This annual ceremony will take place at the WJLA Jumbotron, 1100 Wilson Blvd., including refreshments and music by the Metropolitan Chorus, starting at 6 p.m. Call 703-522-6628 or visit www.rosslynva.org.
Holiday Art Auction. To benefit the Greenbrier Learning Center. Artwork being supplied by Ross Galleries includes works by Wooster Scott, Max, Orlando, Ebgi, Lena Liu, Shaviko, Kinkade, Rockwell, Behrens, Chagall, Moses, Delacroix, Wyeth, Neiman, Disney cells and many others. Many bids are guaranteed to be between $50-$300 and investment works will be available for the serious collector as well as sports memorabilia, sculpture, and estate, hand-crafted jewelry. All art is guaranteed to be priced below retail prices and includes an exclusive lifetime exchange privilege. Preview and refreshments 6:30 p.m.; auction starts at 7:30. The auction will take place at the George Mason Law Center, 3401 North Fairfax Drive. Admission is $30 or $50 per couple, which includes wine, refreshments and door prizes. Call Radhika at 703-379-6488.
Holiday Concert. Orchestra leader Jim Fox and his band conduct a free holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Drive. Newcomers welcome. Call 703-228-4403.
Greeting Card Recycling. Transform last year's greeting cards into boxes for small gifts, the tooth fairy or stocking stuffers. For adults, $2 per person. 6:30-8 p.m., at Gulf Branch Nature Center. Call 703-228-4747.
<cal1>FRIDAY/DEC. 3
<cal2>The Nutcracker. The Center Dance Company Presents "The Nutcracker," 7:30 p.m., at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $15 for children. At the door tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for children. For tickets, visit www.arldance.org. Call 703-522-2414.
Arlington Artists Alliance Winter Show. Opening reception, 6-8 p.m., at Ft. CF Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St. Come and browse works of art for original and reasonably priced gifts for the holidays or for yourself. There will be paintings, ceramics, miniatures, note cards and more. Free and open to the public. Contact Beth Hudgins at 703-532-4450.
Young Republicans Holiday Bash. Hosted by the Arlington Falls Church Young Republicans (AFCYR) and the Alexandria, Fairfax YR groups and Young Professionals For Bush. Bring an unwrapped toy or two to support the Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive. 7:30 p.m.-12 a.m., at the Arlington Hilton. Tickets $55. Visit http://www.afcyr.org/Holiday2004.php or call 703-362-2321.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 4
<cal2>Holiday crafts. 2:30 - 5 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, for adults and young adults ages 12 and up. participants will use all-natural items to create decorative items. Music, refreshments, basic instruction and enough materials for each participant to make at least two seasonal decorations provided; participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters and any extra material or other special decorations they wish to add. $15 per person. For more information, call 703-228-4747 or 703-228-4611(TTY).
Community Holiday Gift Show. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Community Center, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. This annual event provides an opportunity to purchase gift items from a wide variety of vendors from the D.C. area. Activities include face painting, balloon sculptures and portrait taking with a clown. Admission and parking are free. Call Carolyn Goode at 703-228-0499.
Annual Messiah Sing. Featuring the Metropolitan chorus. Free; food drive donations accepted. 5 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 601 N. Vermont St. Call 703-933-2500.
Christmas with the Camerata. A performance by the Washington Men's Camerata, including secular and sacred music from the United States, Canada and Europe. 8 p.m., at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane. Tickets $25 adults, $15 students. Visit www.camerata.com or call 202-364-1064.
Holiday Bazaar for Animals. The Feline Foundation of Greater Washington presents its third annual Holiday Bazaar for the Animals. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 3313 Arlington Blvd., Arlington. Enjoy antiques, gifts, crafts, rescue groups, treasures, silent auction and cat-themed items. Call 703 920-8665.
The Nutcracker. The Center Dance Company Presents "The Nutcracker," 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $15 for children. At the door tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for children. For tickets, visit www.arldance.org. Call 703-522-2414.
"Mistletoe Mall." Hand-crafted pottery, jewelry, clothing and more from dozens of artists and artisans, featuring both local artists and those from Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa. Featuring live music, hot food and a bake sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd. Call 703-892-2565.
Peter Cetera. Grammy award-winning, singer-songwriter Peter Cetera performs original and classic holiday songs from his new compact disc, "You Just Gotta Love Christmas." 7:30 p.m., at Borders, 5871 Crossroads Center Way, Baileys Crossroads. Call 703-998-0404.
Arlington Artists Alliance Winter Show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Ft. CF Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St. Come and browse works of art for original and reasonably priced gifts for the holidays or for yourself. There will be paintings, ceramics, miniatures, note cards and more. Free and open to the public. Contact Beth Hudgins at 703-532-4450.
"Cash 'N' Carry Art Sale" Opening Party. The Ellipse Art Center's first Cash 'N' Carry Art Sale offers art by area artists at reduced prices just in time for the holidays. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Ellipse Art Center, 4350 N. Fairfax Drive. Show continues through Dec. 18. Call 703-228-7710.
Art Market in Ballston. The successful summer Art Market in Welburn Square moves indoors for December, just in time to find holiday gifts made by area artists. The market will offer fine art and photography, Chinese brush painting, wood crafts, ceramics, fiber, quilts, children's toys and clothes, jewelry, fused glass and more. 11 a.m., at Ellipse Arts Center, 4350 N. Fairfax Drive.
Holiday Craft Workshop. Using all natural items, create some decorations for the home. Music, refreshments, basic instruction and enough materials for each participant to make at least two seasonal decorations provided. Participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters and any extra material or other special decorations. 2:30-5 p.m., at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carling Springs Road. $15 per person. Call 703-228-4747.
Patriot Republican Women Christmas Luncheon. The "Character Does Count" award will be presented to Sen. Ken Cuccinelli and Del. Scott Lingamfelter. 11:30 a.m., at the Army-Navy Country Club. $25. Call 703-2281-0543.
Travel Group. Arlington seniors travel to Mason Neck, Va., to take part in "A Plantation Christmas." Features a mansion tour by candlelight, a horse-drawn carriage ride, a buffet and entertainment. Cost is $47. To register, call Arlington County Senior Adult Travel at 703-228-4749.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 5
<cal2>Messiah Sing-Along. St. Peter's Episcopal Church holds its 14th annual Messiah Sing-Along at 7:30 p.m. St. Peter's is located at 4250 N. Glebe Road, Arlington. Call 703-536-6606.
"Songs and Stories of Christmas" Christmas carols and Advent and Solstice poems and readings, performed by the Washington Women's Chorus at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. For more information, visit www.washingtonwomenschorus.org.
The Nutcracker. The Center Dance Company Presents "The Nutcracker," 3 p.m., at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $15 for children. At the door tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for children. For tickets, visit www.arldance.org. Call 703-522-2414.
"Mistletoe Mall." Hand-crafted pottery, jewelry, clothing and more from dozens of artists and artisans, featuring both local artists and those from Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa. Featuring live music, hot food and a bake sale. 1-4 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd. Call 703-892-2565.
Arlington Artists Alliance Winter Show. 12-4 p.m., at Ft. CF Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St. Come and browse works of art for original and reasonably priced gifts for the holidays or for yourself. There will be paintings, ceramics, miniatures, note cards and more. Free and open to the public. Contact Beth Hudgins at 703-532-4450.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 7
<cal2>Art Deco Society of Washington’s Holiday Party. Enjoy the art deco atmosphere of the recently restored ballroom and enjoy the sounds of the Big Four Combo, a swing and jazz group from Washington, D.C. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in vintage attire. In addition to the music and dancing ADSW will be hosting a vintage swap. $8 members, $10 nonmembers. 8-11 p.m., at Clarendon Ballroom 3185 Wilson Blvd. Call 703-764-2951.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 10
<cal2>Miracle on 23rd Street Tree Lighting Ceremony. 750 S. 23rd St., 6 to 8 p.m. Bring the whole family to this free event sponsored by SOC Enterprises, featuring caroling, refreshments, prizes and a special visitor from the North Pole! Caroling begins at 6 p.m., tree lighting at 6:30, a visit from Santa at 6:45, followed by a reception. Call 703-521-4441.
<cal1>SATURDAY/DEC. 11
<cal2>Washington-Lee Holiday Bazaar. Shop, enjoy ethnic food and listen to the singing of the Madrigals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Washington-Lee High School is located at 1300 N. Quincy St., Arlington. Proceeds benefit the class of 2005.
Holiday concert. Featuring performances by the Senior Singers Chorale, New Horizons Band and Polymnia Bells from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington. 3 p.m., at Westover Baptist Church, 1125 N. Patrick Henry Drive. Call 703-237-5655 or visit www.levineschool.org.
Republican Women Holiday Party. Silent auction, light buffet. 7 p.m., at 3805 N. Harrison St. Call 703-533-8698.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 12
<cal2>Choir Christmas Concert. The Little Falls Chancel Choir presents a Christmas Concert during a 10 a.m. joint service. Little Falls Church is located at 6025 Little Falls Road, Arlington. Call 703-538-5230.
Dessert with Dickens. By the Arlington Symphony. 3 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom, Arlington Hilton. $80 reserved seat. This holiday fund-raiser includes tea, champagne, dessert, music and a performance by Gerald Charles Dickens of his great, great grandfather's classic, "A Christmas Carol." For tickets and information, call the Arlington Symphony at 703-528-1817.
Holiday Music Show. The Sweet Adelines present their holiday show "Here We Go A-Caroling," at 3 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson Theater. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children. Thomas Jefferson Theater is located at 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Call 703-764-3896 or visit www.potomacharmony.org.
Service of Lessons and Carols. An inspirational evening filled with candles, carols and readings. Led by the Bishop of Arlington, the service features clergy, lay readers, the Cathedral Choir, Youth Choir, and Handbell Ensemble. Free. At the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, 3901 Cathedral Lane. 7:30 p.m. Call 703-524-2815.
Hanging of the Greens Service. 10 a.m., at Little Falls Church, 6025 Little Falls Road. A special worship service to celebrate the coming of the Christmas season. The service includes hanging greenery traditionally associated with everlasting life. The Little Falls Chancel Choir and the Children's Choir will sing traditional carols, interspersed with scripture readings. A special Christmas luncheon follows at 11:15 a.m. Visit http://www.littlefallschurch.org or call 703-538-5230.
The U.S. Army Band will host Arlington seniors at its annual Holiday Festival Concert, DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C. Cost is $8. Call Arlington County Senior Adult Travel, 703-228-4749.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 13
<cal2>Making of the Greens craft event will be held at 1 p.m., at Lee Senior Center, 5722 Lee Highway. Seniors bring containers, candles or accessories. Center provides greenery to make holiday door decorations, centerpieces. No fee. Call for details, 703-228-0555.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 14
<cal2>Caroling. St. George's Episcopal Church has an annual tradition of singing at the Virginia Square Metro Station. This year the caroling adventure begins at 5:30 p.m. Soup will be served in the parish hall afterwards to warm up. No great singing voice needed, just a willing spirit. Call 703-525-8286.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Holiday Music Performance. Potomac Harmony Chorus performs at its annual Holiday Music Performance at 8 p.m., Ballston Common Mall. The event is free. The chorus is made up of 100 women from Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, all singing is a cappella in four-part harmony, barbershop style. Call 703-764-3896 or visit www.potomacharmony.org.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 17
<cal2>Annual Holiday Luncheon. 12 p.m., at Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 S. 18th St. To benefit TACTS, a temporary shelter for women and their children. Fee is $5 plus donation of money or goods for TACTS. Reservation deadline, Dec. 15. Call 703-228-5722.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 19
<cal2>Songs of the Season Concert. At St. George's Episcopal Church from 4:15 to 5 p.m. The concert includes advent music sung by St. George's vocalists. The event is free and open to the public. St. George's is located at 915 N. Oakland St., Arlington. Call 703-525-8286.
Crossover Christmas Concert. Arlington's Hesperus performs a festive fusion of European early music and American blues, swing, vaudeville and Cajun sounds, at 3 and 7 p.m., at the Rosslyn Spectrum, Wilson Blvd. and N. Kent St. Tickets $20, $10 students/fixed income. Call 703-525-7550 or visit www.hesperus.org.
Christmas Party and Concert. 5:30 p.m., at Little Falls Church, 6025 Little Falls Road. Come to the Little Falls Christmas party for caroling, great desserts and music by the Yorktown Madrigal Singers. Caroling from house to house kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Music provided, bring a flashlight. Come back to Little Falls Church for hot, spiced cider and dessert. A concert of Christmas music by the Yorktown Madrigals begins at 7 p.m. Visit http://www.littlefallschurch.org or call 703-538-5230.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 24
<cal2>Christmas Eve Candle Light Service. Little Falls Presbyterian Church at 10:30 p.m. 30 minutes of carols and Christmas music followed by a candlelight service at 11 p.m. Little Falls Church is located at 6025 Little Falls Road, Arlington. Call 703-538-5230.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 31
<cal2>"Titus Andronicus" New Year's Eve Gala. Closing night for this Washington Shakespeare Company production will include a wine and cheese party at 7 p.m., an 8:30 p.m. performance, and a post-play champagne reception. $75. Order tickets online at www.washingtonshakespeare.org or by calling 800-494-TIXS. The event will take place at the Clark Street Playhouse, 601 S. Clark St.
Whitlow's New Year's Eve Celebration. Featuring music by Back To Zero, midnight toast, party favors, hors d’ oeuvres. Tickets $35; ages 21 and up only. Doors open at 8 p.m.. at Whitlow's on Wilson., 2854 Wilson Blvd. Call 703-276-9693.
<cal1>Ongoing Calendar
<cal2>Grey House Potters. Annual show, "Gifts for the Holidays" runs Nov. 18 through Dec. 24. There will be many gifts including menorahs, candle rings, lanterns, lamps, ornaments and pottery decorated with holiday motifs. Special extended hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. The store will be open Christmas eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grey House Potters is located at 5509 WIlson Blvd. Call 703-522-7738.
‘Tis The Season. The Arlington Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St., is presenting a holiday program that explains the reasons for the seasons, what is solstice and what people have done throughout history to mark it. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26 through Dec. 19. Admission is $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for seniors and children under 12. Reservations suggested. Call 703-228-6070.
Giftwrapping & Santa Photos. By the Arlington Jaycees at Ballston Common Mall, including pet photos to benefit the Animal Welfare league of Arlington, Nov. 26-Dec. 24. For more information, visit www.ballston-common.com or call 703-243-8088.