There are many family-friendly activities planned around the Herndon and Reston areas to help citizens celebrate the holiday season. Below is a list of some community happenings to help residents “get in the spirit.”
Herndon Lights Up the Holidays
Saturday, Nov. 19, 5-8 p.m., Worldgate Shopping Centre.
This Council for the Arts of Herndon sponsored event is a town favorite each year. With free admission residents can enjoy everything from a photograph taken with Santa, to holiday lights and décor while enjoying good food and good company. Worldgate Centre is located at 13000 Worldgate Drive in Herndon. For more information call the Council for the Arts at 703-689-9535, or visit www.herndonarts.org.
Holiday Reflections with the Towne Square Singers
Friday, Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m., Industrial Strength Theatre.
Sponsored by the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department, this three-day holiday concert features some of the town’s finest singers in the cozy Industrial Strength Theater. Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for children/seniors, and can be purchased at the Herndon Community Center. The Industrial Strength Theatre is located at 269 Sunset Park Drive in Herndon. For more information call 703-787-7300, or visit www.herndon-va.gov.
Holiday Concert
Friday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m., St. Timothy's Episcopal Church.
Reminisce on holidays past as the VOCE Chamber Singers perform during St. Tim's Dessert Concert Series. A Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham will also be included during the concert that is centered on highlighting popular and classical holiday music from around the globe. This year give the gift of music for the holidays with tickets to St. Timothy's Christmas Concerts. Contact Peter Waggoner at 703-437-3790 ext. 16 for ticket prices. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church is located at 432 Van Buren Street, at the corner of Van Buren and Spring Streets in Herndon. Visit www.saint-timothys.org for more information.
20th Annual Herndon Homes Tours
Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Is there a historical house in town that you have been dying to get inside for years? Well, through the annual Historical Homes Tours, residents can spend the day walking through multiple historical homes in town, learning not only about the structure’s history, but also that of the town. Sponsored by the Herndon Historical Society, tickets are $15, $12 in advance at the Herndon Train Depot Museum. Call 703-437-7289 or visit www.herndonhistoricalsocity.org for more information.
St. Tim's Annual Holiday Shop
Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Timothy's Episcopal Church.
This year's Holiday Shop at St. Tim's will feature crafts and small business vendors offering a wide variety of gifts for everyone without the hustle, bustle and hassle of those huge shopping malls and overcrowded stores. St. Timothy's Episcopal Church is located at 432 Van Buren Street, at the corner of Van Buren and Spring Streets in Herndon. Visit www.saint-timothys.org for more information.
Annual Town Tree Lighting and Holiday Sing-Along
Saturday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m., Town Square
Join neighbors and friends as the sun sets and the music plays for the town’s annual tree lighting and sing-along. As candles are lit to illuminate the song sheets, children, parents and community members crowd the old Town Hall square singing until it is time to light the town tree. Make sure to bring mittens, scarf and hat to keep warm. Sponsored by the Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce, more information at www.herndondulleschamber.org, or call 703-437-5556.
27th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Herndon Community Center
Good for any last minute holiday shopping — or to find an original gift — this free admission event features more than 90 arts and crafts vendors. Held at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Avenue, the event is sponsored by the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department. For more information call 703-787-7300, or visit www.herndon-va.gov.
A Celtic Yuletide Featuring Connemara
Saturday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m., Industrial Strength Theatre
This concert offers a Celtic touch to the holiday season by featuring Celtic harp, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, keyboards and a rich three-part harmony. Tickets are available at the Herndon Community Center, $9 in advance, $10 at the door, youth 12 and under $7 in advance, $8 at the door. The concert will be held at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive in Herndon. For more information call 703-787-7300, or visit www.herndon-va.gov.
Casino Night For Charity
Saturday, Dec. 15, Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern.
Join Jimmy for the holidays to help raise money through the local tavern’s annual Casino Night. Complete with DJ, dancing and auctions to raise money, the evening’s events are for more than just a good time. Jimmy’s is located at 697 Spring Street. More information visit www.Jimmystavern.com, or call 703-435-5467.
Santa’s Workshop
Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Herndon Community Center
Children ages three and up have a chance to meet and have their picture taken with Santa — bring your camera — receive holiday tattoos, play games and eat lunch. Sponsored by the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department, residents must RSVP by Dec. 12. Event $6 for children, $3 for parents if eating lunch. Herndon Community Center is located at 814 Ferndale Avenue. For more information call 703-787-7300 or visit www.herndon-va.gov.
Annual Children’s Holiday Party
Saturday, Dec. 17, Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
Instead of leaving the children home with the baby-sitter during the holidays, bring them to a party catered just to their liking at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern. For more information visit www.Jimmystavern.com, or call 703-435-5467. Jimmy’s is located at 697 Spring Street.
New Year’s Eve Golf Tournament
Saturday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m., Herndon Centennial Golf Course
This Herndon Centennial Golf Course sponsored event allows participants to either swing into the new year on a high note, or put last year’s putts behind them during the New Year’s Eve tournament. For more information visit www.herndongolf.com or call 703-471-5769. Herndon Centennial is located at 909 Ferndale Avenue.
New Year’s Eve Party
Saturday, Dec. 31, Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
Join fellow neighbors in saying “good-bye” to 2005 and “hello” to 2006 at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern with dinner and dancing. No cover, although reservations encouraged. Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern is located at 697 Spring Street. For more information visit www.Jimmystavern.com or call 703-435-5467.
Herndon Holiday Ornaments
Looking for a gift that is close to home and where the proceeds will benefit a good cause? The Herndon Historical Society is selling annual Holiday Ornaments — this year featuring the historic Train Depot. Visit the Depot at 717 Lynn Street in historic Herndon to purchase an ornament or call 703-HERNDON for more information.
Reston Holiday Events
For residents who want to experience more holiday happenings, neighboring Reston has many events planned as well.
“Home 4 the Holidays” Super Pet Adoption
Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 to 4 p.m., Reston Town Center
Presented by GoodDogz.org Inc., this event showcases adoptable animals from local rescue organizations and shelters. Last year, the event hosted more than 100 homeless dogs from 18 local rescue groups, and more than 40 found new homes for the holidays. Visit www.gooddogz.org for more information or to volunteer.
Holidays Happen – Race for the Kids
Friday, Nov. 25, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Reston Town Center.
Many people will be eating a bit more than usual come Thanksgiving. In this event, participants can burn off a few extra holiday calories with one of the area’s greatest athletes, Alan Webb. Sponsored by the Neediest Kids, this event allows kids an opportunity to run with Webb, the national high school mile record holder from South Lakes High School. The event is free. Visit www.neediestkids.org for sponsorship and registration information.
Holidays Happen – Holiday Parade
Friday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to noon, Reston Town Center.
Join the community and kick off the holidays at a Seussational celebration: the 15th Annual Holiday Parade. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be joined by Macy’s style balloons — including One-Fish, Two-Fish and Cat in the Hat, musical groups, dancers, antique car collectors and more making their way down Market Street. Attendees are encouraged to support the reading theme by bringing a new, unwrapped book or toy for local charities in our communities. Visit www.restontowncenter.com for more information.
Carriage Rides
Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 1 to 4 p.m., Reston Town Center.
During the first three Saturdays of December, folks can enjoy carriage rides through Reston Town Center. Rides are $5 per person and benefit a local charity.
Wreath Making
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1 to 4 p.m., Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods.
Need help decking the halls? Learn to make live fir wreaths for the holiday season. The Reston Community Center’s “Whimsical Wreaths” class will supply everything needed to create a one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake. Participants are encouraged to bring ribbons and special trims to match their home décor. Call Shawnna Hughes at 703-476-4500 (703-476-1514 TTY) for more information. The class costs $10 for people who live or work in Reston and $20 for all others.
Ice Skating
Through March 2006, Reston Town Center
Strap on a pair of skates and head to the rink at the Reston Town Center. Actually, get to the town center first and then put on the skates — it’s tough driving with the skates on. Ice skating at the Town Center has been open since October, and provides fun for everyone throughout the winter months. The Ice Skating Pavilion offers public skating and skate rentals daily, as well as birthday parties, private and corporate parties. Beginner and intermediate lessons are also available. For hours of operation and admission rates, call the skating hotline at 703-709-6300 or visit www.restontowncenter.com.
Catch a Movie
As the weather outside gets colder and colder, a hot bucket of popcorn and a cozy seat at the movies seems more and more inviting — and all the good movies seem to come out over the holidays. So catch a flick during one of the those days off. Check out the theaters at the Reston Town Center and at Worldgate Shopping Centre.