Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. For additional listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 14
<cal2>Holiday Workshop. Make and decorate a mini stocking and fill it with a small gift. For children ages 6 and up. From 4:30-5:30 p.m., at the Sterling Annex, 2084 Shaw Road. Cost $7 per child, plus a $7 supply fee. Preregistration required, call 703-430-6673.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Evening with Santa. Van Management McDonald's presents an evening with Santa, 5-7 p.m., McDonald's South Riding, 43250 Defender Drive. Receive a candy cane and McDonald's coupon. Cameras welcome. Call 703-327-8449.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 16
<cal2>Christmas Concert. The Master Singers of Virginia present A Re-Imagined Lessons and Carols, 8 p.m., at Our Savior's way Lutheran Church, Ashburn, with a preconcert lecture beginning at 7:15 p.m. Features a candlelight processional, Urmas Sissak's "Magnificant," carols, and readings from the Bible. Tickets $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Holiday Tea. Afternoon tea at Leesburg's popular and historic Stone House. Menu includes sparkling cider, three assorted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scone with Devonshire clotted cream and preserves, two desserts, Taylors of Harrogate tea, and an English Christmas Cracker. Guaranteed reservations required. Cancellations must be made 48 hours before event to avoid credit card being charged. 12:30-2 p.m., Norris House Inn, 108 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. $19.50 per person plus tax and gratuity. 703-779-2933, e-mail tearoom@norrishouse.com or visit www.norrishouse.com.
Santa's Workshop. Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market St. in Leesburg. Children of all ages will enjoy this evening of merry making, fellowship and fun. Materials and patterns will be available for making gifts and ornaments. Admission is $10 per child. Pizza dinner will be available for $5. Call 703-771-5913 to register. 6-8 p.m.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 17
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 12-4 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 12-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Symphony Performance. The Loudoun Symphony presents Gifts of Gold, 8 p.m., at Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. Features selections by Haydn, Chadwick, Debussy, Rimsky-Korsakov, Menotti, Anderson and Finnegan. Tickets at the door are $18 for adults and $8 children/students and $15 for adults and $7 for children/students if purchased in advance. Advance tickets may be purchased at Melodee Music in Sterling, the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association office in downtown Leesburg or by calling the Loudoun Symphony office at 703-771-8287. Subscription tickets and performance information available online at www.loudounsymphony.org.
Christmas Concert. The Master Singers of Virginia present A Re-Imagined Lessons and Carols, 8 p.m., at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Purcellville, with a preconcert lecture beginning at 7:15 p.m. Features a candlelight processional, Urmas Sissak's "Magnificant," carols, and readings from the Bible. Tickets $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company performs the annual holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods high School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, 2 and 7 p.m. Advanced tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $20 at the door. Call 703-771-8074 or www.loudounballet.org.
Holiday Tea. Afternoon tea at Leesburg's popular and historic Stone House. Menu includes sparkling cider, three assorted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scone with Devonshire clotted cream and preserves, two desserts, Taylors of Harrogate tea, and an English Christmas Cracker. Guaranteed reservations required. Cancellations must be made 48 hours before event to avoid credit card being charged. 12:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m., Norris House Inn, 108 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. $19.50 per person plus tax and gratuity. 703-779-2933, e-mail tearoom@norrishouse.com or visit www.norrishouse.com.
Shop 'til You Drop Kid Care. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Parents can relax and spend a day shopping or decorating while their children enjoy games, snacks and entertainment. Registration is required by Dec. 14. The cost is $5 per child per hour with a three-hour minimum. For ages 3-11. Call 703-771-5281. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Lunch with Santa. Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St. Childen of all ages can have lunch with Santa, give him their wish list, get their picture taken with him and spend time making holiday crafts. Registration is required. The fee is $5 per child. Call 703-430-9480. 12-1:30 p.m.
Morning with Santa. Arcola Community Center, 24244 Gum Spring Road. Children of all ages will be treated to a morning of crafts, snacks, stories, prizes and a special visit from Santa. Registration is required. The fee is $15 per child. Call 703-327-3111. 9-11 a.m.
Gift Wrapping Extravaganza. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Bringing holiday gifts to have them wrapped by volunteers, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sponsored by
the Ashburn Library Advisory Board. Donations will provide financial support to children, teen and adult programs and projects at the library. Contact Larry Stepnick, president of ALAB, at severyngroup@msn.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 18
<cal2>Symphony Performance. The Loudoun Symphony presents Gifts of Gold, 3 p.m., at Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mill Road, S.E., Leesburg. Features selections by Haydn, Chadwick, Debussy, Rimsky-Korsakov, Menotti, Anderson and Finnegan. Tickets at the door are $18 for adults and $8 children/students and $15 for adults and $7 for children/students if purchased in advance. Advance tickets may be purchased at Melodee Music in Sterling, the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association office in downtown Leesburg or by calling the Loudoun Symphony office at 703-771-8287. Subscription tickets and performance information available online at www.loudounsymphony.org.
Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company performs the annual holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods high School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, 4 p.m. Advanced tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $20 at the door. Call 703-771-8074 or www.loudounballet.org.
Holiday Tea. Afternoon tea at Leesburg's popular and historic Stone House. Menu includes sparkling cider, three assorted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scone with Devonshire clotted cream and preserves, two desserts, Taylors of Harrogate tea, and an English Christmas Cracker. Guaranteed reservations required. Cancellations must be made 48 hours before event to avoid credit card being charged. 12:30-2 p.m., Norris House Inn, 108 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. $19.50 per person plus tax and gratuity. 703-779-2933, e-mail tearoom@norrishouse.com or visit www.norrishouse.com.
Breakfast with Santa. From 9-11 a.m., at Dulles Town Center, located at the intersections of routes 7 and 28. Tickets required and are available at the concierge desk in Center Court. Visit www.ShopDullesTownCenter.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 22
<cal2>Great Grinch Whobilation. Ages 6-8. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road in Sterling. The Grinch is lurking in Claude Moore Park will you be able to find him? Call 703-444-1275 for details. Fee $3.50 1:30-2:30 p.m.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 24
<cal2>Christmas Eve Luncheon. Annual Christmas Eve luncheon at the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, from 1-3 p.m. Ham and turkey provided; bring side dish to share. Cost $2 for members, $4 for nonmembers; seating limited to 60. tickets available Dec. 9-20 at the reception desk. No transportation provided. 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 27
<cal2>Movie at the Library. See "The Polar Express," rated PG, and check out some tales from the Arabian Nights. Eastern Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 2 p.m. For all ages. 703-444-3228.
<hdr15>Ongoing Events
<lst>Santa will be at Dulles Town Center, located at the intersections of routes 7 and 28, from Nov. 18-Dec. 24. Visit www.ShopDullesTownCenter.com.
Oatlands will host candlelight tours Saturday, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. On arrival, visitors will be met in the Carriage House with complimentary cups of hot apple cider and cookies. After a brief stroll to the mansion, guests will be greeted at the house by costumed interpreters with accounts of the Eustis family and its lasting legacy to America, including Oatlands. Tickets $10. Group rates are available to groups of 15 or more and must be booked in advance. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
Loudoun Ballet Company presents "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods High School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn. performances are Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11, 4 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 p.m.
Advanced reserved tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and above. Premium reserved tickets and all tickets at the door are $20. Visit the Web site www.loudounballet.org or call LBC ticket box office at 703-771-8074.
Santa makes house calls sponsored by Arcola Community Center, located at 24244 Gum Spring Road in Arcola. Schedule a 15-minute visit for $30 or an hour visit for $60. Visits are scheduled between 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesdays-Thursdays, from Dec. 13-22. Call 703-327-3111.
Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, is holding its annual Holiday Winter Camp for children 5-10 years old. Camp is Tuesday-Friday, Dec. 27-30, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost is $120 per child. Includes indoor and outdoor activities, weather permitting. Bring a packed lunch with drink; afternoon snack will be provided. Preregistration required, call 703-430-6673.
Oatlands' Christmas 2005 celebration will highlight the 60th anniversary of the Allies' victory in WWII and commemorate the philanthropic lives of Mr. and Mrs. William Corcoran Eustis, who owned Oatlands throughout most of the 20th century. Oatlands will also pay tribute to their heroic son, 1st Lt. Morton C. Eustis of General Patton's armored tank division who was mortally wounded while in combat in France in 1944. Features music from the big-band era and interpretative guides in period costumes, including some U.S. military uniforms from WWII. Daytime tours run through Dec. 30, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays; from 1-4 p.m., Sundays. Tickets $10. Call 703-777-3174 or visit the Web at www.oatlands.org.