Holiday Happenings
0
Votes

Holiday Happenings

Thursday/Nov. 24

<cal2>Thanksgiving Race. The 12th annual Ashburn Farm 10K, 5K and 2K Fun Run begins at 8:15 a.m., at Crossroads United Methodist Church, corner of Crossroads Drive and Ashburn Farm Parkway in Ashburn Farm. Cash prizes for top male and female finishers in both the 10K and 5K and prizes for a random drawing. Registration is $23 for the 10K if postmarked by Nov. 14 and $30 after. The 5K is $20 before Nov. 14 and $25 after. The fun run is $15 and does not increase. Post-race foods and refreshments will also be served. All proceeds from this event benefit The Humble Place mission, an orphanage and school founded by Crossroads UMC in Lukojjo, Uganda. Call Crossroads UMC at 703-729-5100 or visit www.ecrossroadsumc.org. Online registration is available at www.active.com.

<cal1>Friday/Nov. 25

<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 11 a.m.-5 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.

Habitat Benefit. The Capital Steps perform musical, political satire at this fund-raiser for The Loudoun Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, beginning at 8 p.m., at the Lansdowne Resort in Ashburn. All proceeds go to help build affordable housing for area needy. Visit www.loudounhabitat.org for ticket information or call 540-751-2244.

<cal1>Saturday/ Nov. 26

<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 11 a.m.-5 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.

Candlelight Tour. Oatlands will host candlelight tours, 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.

<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 27

<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 11 a.m.-5 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.

Hanging of the Green Service. Ox Hill Baptist Church's annual Hanging of the Green service at 7 p.m. Hear the Christmas story and explore the symbolism found in the decorations as the youth choir sings anthems and the youth handbell choir performs. 4101 Elmwood St., Chantilly. Call 703-378-5555 or visit www.oxhillbaptist.org.

<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 29

<cal2>Young at Art-Ornaments and Cards. For children 4-7. Cost $7, plus $4 supply fee. The Sterling Annex, 22084 Shaw Road, 4-5 p.m. Preregistration is required, call 703-430-6673.

<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 30

<cal2>Young at Art-Ornaments and Cards. For children 8 and up. Cost $7, plus $4 supply fee. The Sterling Annex, 22084 Shaw Road, 4-5 p.m. Preregistration is required, call 703-430-6673.

<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 1

<cal2>Holiday Bazaar. Inova Loudoun Hospital Volunteers' Annual Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Atrium of the Hospital at Lansdowne. A portion of every sale goes to the hospital. Includes crafts, gifts, jewelry, raffle items, white elephant and used book sales, baked goods. Contact Joyce Sargent, ILH director of volunteer services, 703-858-6469 or Joyce@lh.org. Or visit the Web site www.loudounhospital.org, View Calendars, Volunteers.

Santa's Secret Workshop. Lovettsville Community Center, 57 E. Broad Way. Opportunity for children of all ages to shop for their families. Most items are priced $10 or less. Food and refreshments will be available for nominal fee. Call 540-822-5284. Free admission. 4-7 p.m.

<cal1>Friday/Dec. 2

<cal2>Black Tie Gala. To kick-off the 26th annual production of "The Nutcracker," the Loudoun Ballet Company is hosting a black-tie gala at the renamed West Belmont Place at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne. Includes young and seasoned dancers performing vignettes from the classical Ivanov-Tchaikovsky ballet. Tickets for the gala are $250 per couple. Call Vicki Shea at 703-777-5347.

Lantern Making Workshop and German Lantern Parade. Lovettsville Community Center, 57 E. Broad Way. Annual parade of lanterns begins at the Community Center and ends at Light Street. Participants can bring a lantern or make one at the workshop for ages 3 and up that precedes the parade. No candles are needed. All supplies and a light supper are included in the workshop fee of $6 per person. Call 540-822-5284 to register. Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m., parade, 7:30-9 p.m.

<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 3

<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.

Holiday Concert. The Loudoun Chorale, under the direction of R. William Propst, will hold its fall concert featuring "Gloria" by Vivaldi and a selection of holiday carols. St. David's Episcopal Church in Ashburn, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth and free for under 12, and are available at the door. Visit www.loudounchorale.org or call 703-729-8972 or 540-554-8594.

Candlelight Tour. Oatlands will host candlelight tours, 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.

Holiday in the Park. Enjoy the winter season at Claude Moore Park. Includes a performance by Chorus of the Old Dominion; candlelight tour of the Lanesville House; wagon ride; a visit to the Frogshackle Nature Center; roast marshmallows; enjoy hot cider and construct some holiday crafts. In lieu of admission, donations of new mittens, hats and scarves are welcome for the "Winter Warmth Tree." These donations will go to the Loudoun Holiday Coalition. Enter the park at Loudoun Park Lane; park at the museum and walk to the historic area. 3:30-6 p.m., Claude Moore Park/Lanesville Heritage Area, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road. Sterling. Free. 703-444-1275 or visit www.loudoun.gov/prcs/parks/claude.htm.

Clothing Drive. "Warm Clothes for Warm Hearts," performance and clothing drive, 10 a.m., at Tally Ho Theatre, 19 Market St., Leesburg. Features performances by gospel artist James Daniels, saxophonist Michael J. Girdy and Company and youth-theater troupe A New Voice Inc. Admission: donation of new hats, socks and gloves for men, women and children. Donations collected at performances, as well as Heritage Fellowship United Church of Christ, 2501 Fox Mill Road, Reston, between Nov. 6-Dec. 10; and distributed to shelters in the metropolitan-Washington, D.C., area. Twenty-five percent of financial and clothing donations will be given to the Salvation Army's Hurricane Relief Fund. Call 703-904-0359.

Pottery Show. Glenfiddich Farm Pottery is holding its 5th annual holiday show and sale, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 17642 Canby Road, Leesburg. Call 703-771-3329, e-mail glenfarmpottery@aol.com or visit the Web www.glenfarmpottery.com.

Alternative Gift Fair. The St. Gabriel's Alternative Gift Fair, where a person can buy Alternative Gifts for friends and family by making donations to local charities in the recipient's name, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Belmont Ridge Middle School, 19045 Upper Belmont Place in Lansdowne. Nine Loudoun charities will be represented, offering gift choices ranging from $10-$75. Shop on line or order a catalog www.saintgabriels.net. Call St. GabrielÕs at 703-779-3616 or e-mail agf@saintgabriels.net. All gifts are tax deductible.

Candy Cane Hunt and Lunch With Santa. Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road. Day begins with activities for children ages 2-10 including a candy cane hunt, prizes and warm cocoa. Dress for the weather. The registration deadline is 4 p.m., Dec. 2. The cost is $5 per child. Following the candy hunt, all ages can enjoy lunch, games, holiday tunes and pictures with Santa. The cost is $5 per person. Sign up for either or both events. Call 703-430-6673. Hunt, 10-10:30 a.m., lunch, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 4

<cal2>Pottery Show. Glenfiddich Farm Pottery is holding its 5th annual holiday show and sale, from 12-4 p.m., 17642 Canby Road, Leesburg. Call 703-771-3329, e-mail glenfarmpottery@aol.com or visit the Web www.glenfarmpottery.com.

Alternative Gift Fair. The St. Gabriel's Alternative Gift Fair, where a person can buy Alternative Gifts for friends and family by making donations to local charities in the recipient's name, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Belmont Ridge Middle School, 19045 Upper Belmont Place in Lansdowne. Nine Loudoun charities will be represented, offering gift choices ranging from $10-$75. Shop on line or order a catalog www.saintgabriels.net. Call St. GabrielÕs at 703-779-3616 or e-mail agf@saintgabriels.net. All gifts are tax deductible.

Christmas Celebration. "Children's Night at Christmas" will be presented at Ox Hill Baptist Church at 7 p.m. All four children's choirs and the children's handbell choir will participate in this celebration of Christmas. 4101 Elmwood St., Chantilly. Call 703-378-5555 or visit www.oxhillbaptist.org.

<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 6

<cal2>Holi-Daze Spectacular Science Show. Featuring Mad Science of Washington, 4 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Learn the science behind many of the traditions seen during the holidays including winter weather, candles, holiday lights, Santa's sleigh and how Santa fits through the chimney. Also sing holiday jingles. For ages 4-12. 703-444-3228.

<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 8

<cal2>Christmas Carol. Potomac Falls High School will be holding its biannual performance of "A Christmas Carol," 7:30 p.m., at the school, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets $5. For advanced tickets or more information, call 703-444-7542.

<cal1>Friday/Dec. 9

<cal2>Holiday Music Together. By Maddy O'Neill, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. features holiday/winter songs, rhythmic chants, movement and instrument play for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. For ages newborn-5 years. Tickets required and can be picked up one half hour before the program begins. Space limited. Call 703-444-3228.

Christmas Carol. Potomac Falls High School will be holding its biannual performance of "A Christmas Carol," 7:30 p.m., at the school, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets $5. For advanced tickets or more information, call 703-444-7542.

Santa's Holiday Workshop. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Children in grades kindergarten-fifth can spend the evening in this gift and ornament workshop while parents catch up on shopping and decorating. The fee is $25 plus $15 for supplies and includes snacks and supper for Santa's little elves. Call 703-771-5281. 6-9 p.m.

<cal1>Saturday/ Dec. 10

<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.

Yuletide. The Loudoun Museum invites children and families to experience historic Yuletide customs, Loudoun Museum Garden and Grounds, 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. Holiday celebration with a Civil War Santa, make folk arts and crafts and try historic holiday games. Call 703-777-7427 or e-mail administrator@loudounmuseum.org.

Holiday Concert. The Loudoun Chorale, under the direction of R. William Propst, will hold its fall concert featuring "Gloria" by Vivaldi and a selection of holiday carols. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Leesburg, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth and free for under 12, and are available at the door. Visit www.loudounchorale.org or call 703-729-8972 or 540-554-8594.

Christmas Concert. The Master Singers of Virginia present A Re-Imagined Lessons and Carols, 8 p.m., at St. James Episcopal Church, Leesburg, 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.

Candlelight Tour. Oatlands will host candlelight tours, 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.

Chanukah Extravaganza. 6:30-9 p.m., Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, 703-323-0880, Ext. 39 or www.jccnv.org. Free event featuring arts and crafts, games, entertainment, latke and dessert bar, moon bounce and other gym fun. For all ages.

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.

Nutcracker at the Library. Students from the Ashburn Academy of Ballet present a synopsis of "The Nutcracker," 3:30 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. For all ages. 703-444-3228.

Christmas Carol. Potomac Falls High School will be holding its biannual performance of "A Christmas Carol," 7:30 p.m., at the school, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets $5. For advanced tickets or more information, call 703-444-7542.

Christmas Bible School. For children ages 4-sixth grade, at Ox Hill Baptist Church, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children will hear the Christmas story, make crafts and sing songs. Register children by contacting the church. 4101 Elmwood St., Chantilly. Call 703-378-5555 or visit www.oxhillbaptist.org.

Holiday Hangout. Loudoun Valley Community Center, 320 W. School St. in Purcellville. Parents can take time for holiday shopping and errands while children ages 3-8 watch "Finding Nemo," make crafts, play games and eat pizza. The cost is $40 per child. Call 540-338-4122 to register. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 11

<cal2>Holiday Concert. The Loudoun Chorale, under the direction of R. William Propst, will hold its fall concert featuring "Gloria" by Vivaldi and a selection of holiday carols. Bethany United Methodist Church in Purcellville, 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth and free for under 12, and are available at the door. Visit www.loudounchorale.org or call 703-729-8972 or 540-554-8594.

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.

Christmas Carol. Potomac Falls High School will be holding its biannual performance of "A Christmas Carol," 2 p.m., at the school, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets $5. For advanced tickets or more information, call 703-444-7542.

Breakfast with Santa. Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department's annual pancake breakfast with Santa, from 8 a.m.-noon. Enjoy pancakes, eggs, eggs with cheese, potatoes, biscuits, sausage gravy, sausage, bacon, juices and coffee. Prices are ages 3-8, $3.50; ages 9-59, $7; ages 60+, $5. Bring your Christmas list for Santa.

<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 13

<cal2>Origami Ornaments. With instructor Selah Jun, 4 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Listen to stories and fold origami ornaments, including wreaths, candle flames and gift boxes. materials provided. For ages 7 and up. Advanced registration required by Dec. 9, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.

<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.

Candlelight Tour. Oatlands will host candlelight tours, 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.

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.

<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.

Chanukah Bash. 2nd Annual WF/EL Chanukah Bash, for western Fairfax/eastern Loudoun communities, from 12-4 p.m., Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon. Features arts and crafts; games; music and entertainment. Food available for purchase. Co-sponsored by Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, Congregation Beth Emeth, Temple Beth Torah, Congregation Yad Shalom, Congregation Sha'are Shalom, Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation and Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation. Call 703-323-0880, Ext. 39 or www.jccnv.org.

<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.

<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 31

<cal2>First Night Leesburg. New Year's Eve celebration of the arts for people of all ages. More than 100 music and theatrical performances take place at 20 indoor locations all within walking distance of one another. A "Grand Illumination" takes place at midnight on the courthouse green, where participants hold lit candles and sing in the new year. Alcohol-free event. Leesburg Historic District. Call 703-777-6306 or visit www.bluemont.org for ticket information.

<hdr15>Ongoing Holiday Events

<lst>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 from Nov. 18-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.

Local dancers, Carla Martinez of Sterling and Meg Barton of Lovettsville will take to the stage Thanksgiving weekend with major roles in Classical Ballet Theatre's "Nutcracker" at the Northern Virginia Community College's Ernst Cultural Center Little River Turnpike in Annandale, Saturday Nov. 26, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 27, at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are adults 18, seniors $15, children/students $12 and are available online at www.CBANVA.com and by phone at 703-471-0750. Limited tickets available at the box office.

Great Country Farms will host an expanded What Women Want Holiday Shopping Bazaar Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4, as part of its 3rd annual Choose and Cut Christmas Tree event, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.

This year's shopping bazaar has more than doubled the number of vendors and has partnered with Waterford Vineyard to provide wine tasting, for a fee, during the event. A wooden train set and gingerbread cookie decorating, also for a fee, will be available to entertain children while parents shop. Great Country Farms is a family owned and operated farm located in the town of Bluemont in western Loudoun County. Visit www.greatcountryfarms.com or contact the farm at 540-554-2073. No charge. Wine tasting and cookie decorating for an additional fee.

Potomac Falls High School will be holding its biannual performance of "A Christmas Carol," Dec. 8-10, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11, 2 p.m., at the school, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets $5. For advanced tickets or more information, call 703-444-7542.

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.