Send announcements to The Connection by mail at 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, by e-mail to cstaten@connectionnewspapers.com or by fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday 5 p.m. for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call Christopher Staten at 703-917-6447 with questions. Events are free unless otherwise noted. For additional calendar listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 6
<cal2>Master Singers of Virginia. 8 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. This special holiday event will feature Britten's "A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols." Tickets: $26/$22 McLean residents/$11 students. Visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Reston Attic Auction. 5:30 p.m. at the Reston Museum, 1639 Washington Plaza, Lake Anne, Reston. A Silent Auction begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Live Auction at 6:30 p.m., with Phil Tobey as auctioneer. Refreshments will be served. Up for bid are posters, art, books and unusual Reston-related items – all objects that cannot be archived, but have priceless, nostalgic value. Auction items will be on display for preview at noon on Dec. 6. All auction proceeds will benefit Reston Museum. Visit www.restonmuseum.org
"The Nutcracker." 7:30 p.m. at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. The Reston Conservatory Ballet presents its 35th annual Nutcracker season, with an all children’s cast. For tickets, call 703-476-4500.
Open Mic. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m., at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern, 697 Spring St., Herndon. Visit www.jimmystavern.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 7
<cal2>A Holiday House Tour and Tea. 1-4 p.m., at 6832 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, will be hosted by the Commonwealth Circle of Northern Virginia. Four houses will be featured. The proceeds from this event will be donated to Vanguard and Child Help USA. Fee $30. Tickets may be purchased at Prezzies Gifts and Degage in McLean. The address for Prezzies is 6832 Old Dominion Drive,
McLean, 703-442-4575.
"The Nutcracker." 7:30 p.m. at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. The Reston Conservatory Ballet presents its 35th annual Nutcracker season, with an all children’s cast. For tickets, call 703-476-4500.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 8
<cal2>30th Annual Christmas Bazaar. 4-8 p.m. at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean. Games for children include Moonbounce, Go Fish and face painting. Shop for crafts, gifts, baked goods and thrift shop items. Admission is free; all proceeds go to the African orphans of aids. Continues through Sunday, Dec. 10. Call 703-356-7916.
Pokemon League. 3 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Regional Library, 101 Maple Ave., Vienna. Learn and play the Pokemon card game. Ages five through 18. Call 703-938-0405.
Holiday Party. 3:30 p.m. at Club Phoenix Teen Center, located in the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., Vienna. For Vienna area students in grades six through eight. Celebrate with food, a DJ and prizes. Call 703-255-6360.
"The Nutcracker." 7:30 p.m. at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. The Reston Conservatory Ballet presents its 35th annual Nutcracker season, with an all children’s cast. For tickets, call 703-476-4500.
"Christmas in the Americas." 8 p.m. at the Vienna Baptist Church, 541 Marshall Road, Vienna. A program of Christmas carols from cultures across the Americas. Advance purchased tickets are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors and $5 for students. Tickets at the door are an additional $2 each. For further information or advance ticket purchase call 703-277-7772 or e-mail VoceVA@hotmail.com. Visit. www.voce.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 9
<cal2>Girls on the Run Reindeer Romp 5K. 8:30 a.m. at the Reston Town Center. Age group awards for the first and second place finishers in gender and age categories. Registration: $25 on race day/$20 before. Children under 12, $12. Visit www.girlsontherunofnova.org.
Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
30th Annual Christmas Bazaar. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean. Games for the kids include Moonbounce, Go Fish and face painting. Shop for crafts, gifts, baked goods and thrift shop items. Admission is free; all proceeds go to the African orphans of aids. Continues through Sunday, Dec. 10. Call 703-356-7916.
"The Kingdom of Sweets Nutcracker Tea." 10:30 a.m. at St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Chantilly. This is a special celebration with sandwiches, sweets, and tea (or juice) with a performance by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Sweets. Every child will have the opportunity to meet the cast and will receive a special holiday gift. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local charities. Tickets are $25 each and seating is limited. Tickets can be reserved/purchased by calling Cheryl Kijewski at 703-754-6016 .
Holiday Fund Raiser. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Holy Transfiguration Church, McLean. Family Fun, Games, and Prizes for all ages. Get a tattoo or your face painted. Play Games such as pin the nose on Rudolph, wobble walker, and pop the balloons. Food includes pizza, chicken nuggets, sharwma (chicken), donuts, brownies, cotton candy, and more. Silent Auction: from Lebanese Taverna, Christie Adams, Silpada, and Bonefish. Prizes from Toys R Us, Quiznos, Chipotle, and so much more. Visit www.rawandhirezi.org.
"The Nutcracker." 11 a.m., 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. The Reston Conservatory Ballet presents its 35th annual Nutcracker season, with an all children’s cast. For tickets, call 703-476-4500.
Sounds of the Season. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville. An open house with musical performances. All ages. Call 703-830-2223.
Model Train Display & Caboose Open House. 12-5 p.m. at the Herndon Visitor's Center, 717 Lynn St., Herndon. Free. Call 703-435-3500 x102.
Nighthawks. 1:30 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., Vienna. Call 703-255-6360.
Visit from Santa Claus. 1-3 p.m. at The Freeman Store, 131 Church St., Vienna. Children will get to spend time with Santa, while parents will enjoy the visit in a stress free and classic old time setting. Afterwards, the entire family can shop for affordable gifts and purchase candy from the old time penny candy counter. Call 703-938-5187 for more information.
Book Signing by Reston Founder. 2-4 p.m. at Appalachian Spring in the Reston Town Center. Robert E. Simon, Jr. will sign copies of the new book "Reston Town Center: A Downtown for the 21st Century." Visit www. restontowncenter.com for more.
Country Christmas. 3-6 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill. Enjoy an old-fashioned evening of holiday fun. Visit Santa in the mill and peek at antique toys under the Victorian Christmas tree. Holiday crafts, caroling, roasting marshmallows and costumed members of the 49th Virginia infantry. Call 703-759-2771.
Children's Holiday Workshop. 2-5 p.m. at the Worldgate Centre, Herndon. The event includes photos with Santa, holiday gift making, balloon artists, holiday musical entertainment, temporary tattoos and caricature artists. All activities are free. Gift-making project supplies are limited. Call 571-382-1200.
Third Annual Society of Art Rock Party and Jam. 8 p.m. at Spring Hill Elementary School, 8201 Lewinsville Road, McLean. After short sets, all will be invited up on the stage to join in an Art Rock Jam. Bring your instrument and amp. Tickets are $10 or $8 if you bring a dish to share. BYO non-alcoholic beverage of choice. Visit www.dc-soar.org.
McLean Orchestra. Oakcrest School, located at 850 Balls Hill Road, McLean. The McLean Orchestra’s 35th Anniversary season continues with two holiday concerts featuring the Trumpeter’s Lullaby, Handel’s Messiah, and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Featuring the Blessed Sacrament Combined Community Choir, directed by John H. McCrary, performing Handel’s Messiah with the musicians of the McLean Orchestra. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $10 for children aged 12 & under. To purchase tickets, call 703-797-5751 or visit www.mclean-orchestra.org
Candlelight Tours of Sully Plantation. 5-8:15 p.m., 3601 Sully Road, Chantilly. Cookies and cider. Prepaid reservations required. Adults $10/Senior & Child $7. 703-437-1794
"Ho-Ho Holiday Pops." 7 p.m. at George Mason University Center for the Arts. The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Choral Society with guest host, Doug Hill, WJLA-TV will present a program of holiday music. Tickets range from $25 - $55. Children 18 and younger, tickets $15. Call 888-945-2468 or go to www.fairfaxsymphony.org.
"Christmas in the Americas." 8 p.m. at the St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 432 Van Buren St., Herndon. A program of Christmas carols from cultures across the Americas. Visit. www.voce.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 10
<cal2>"Fall Into Winter" 10k And 5k Race. 9 a.m. at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, Reston. The pre-registration fee is $25 with proceeds benefiting the Reston Community Center. Race day registration is $30 with children's fees at $18 and $20. Each entrant will receive a long-sleeved technical T-shirt and a pair of running socks. Awards for both men and women range from children and teens to open age groups as well as five-year divisions that end with seniors 70-plus. Random prizes will also be given out. The courses are on rolling roadways and pathways. Times will be called at each mile mark and there will be a water stop on each course. Registration forms are available at either the Reston Community Center or at www.signmeup.com. More info at www.restonrunners.org.
Amadeus Concerts. 4 p.m. at the Great Falls Regional Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Enjoy a sing-a-long with holiday music from around the world. Ages five through nine. Call 703-757-8560.
Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
30th Annual Christmas Bazaar. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean. Games for the kids include Moonbounce, Go Fish and face painting. Shop for crafts, gifts, baked goods and thrift shop items. Admission is free; all proceeds go to the African orphans of aids. Call 703-356-7916.
McLean Orchestra. Oakcrest School, located at 850 Balls Hill Road, McLean. The McLean Orchestra’s 35th Anniversary season continues with a concert designed to appeal to children and families with exciting performances of holiday favorites including classics such as Carol of the Bells, Sleigh Ride, and Deck the Halls. Children’s performer, Tim Marrone will entertain the audience with playful interpretations of The Nutcracker Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $10 for children aged 12 & under. To purchase tickets, call 703-797-5751 or visit www.mclean-orchestra.org.
Model Train Display & Caboose Open House. 12-4 p.m. at the Herndon Visitor's Center, 717 Lynn St., Herndon. Free. Call 703-435-3500 x102.
Holiday Concert. 2 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna. This concert will feature Gregg Bryant playing the holiday favorite "Chestnuts Roasting on an open Fire" on the Alto Saxophone and Vienna Mayor Jane Seeman narrating "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Admission and parking are free. Visit www.viennacommunityband.org or call Pat O'Keeffe at 703-281-4077.
"The Nutcracker." 12 & 3:30 p.m. at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. The Reston Conservatory Ballet presents its 35th annual Nutcracker season, with an all children’s cast. For tickets, call 703-476-4500.
"Christmas in the Americas." 8 p.m. at the St. Francis Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. A program of Christmas carols from cultures across the Americas. Visit. www.voce.org.
Candlelight Tours of Sully Plantation. 5-8:15 p.m., 3601 Sully Road, Chantilly. Cookies and cider. Prepaid reservations required. Adults $10/Senior & Child $7. 703-437-1794
Holiday Spirit Walk. 2:30 p.m. at the Christmas Tree in the Reston Town Center. A stroll through the town center and a stop at the Embry Rucker Shelter to deliver holiday treats. Visit www.restonmuseum.org.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 11
<cal2>Monday Matinee. 3 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville. Favorite films and popcorn. All ages. Call 703-830-2223.
Author Lecture. 7-9 p.m. at the JoAnn Rose Gallery, Reston Community Center, Lake Anne, Reston. Susan Rose, author of "Confessions of a Frog Kisser", will talk about her first book at the Reston Presents Series.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 12
<cal2> Winter Concert. 7 p.m. at the Herndon High School Auditorium. The Herndon High School and Herndon Middle School Orchestras, directed by Bette Gawinski, will perform contemporary and classical seasonal selections at their Winter concert. Special guests include harpist Jessica Savage, members of the Herndon High School Wind Ensemble, and the Herndon High School Madrigals. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 13
<cal2>The 18th Annual Santa's Ride for Children with stops at local police stations in Fairfax County to collect toys for needy and sick children. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department's Motor Squad are collaborating with the Vienna Police Department, Fairfax County Sheriff's Department, Fairfax City Police and the Virginia State Police in the ride to collect toys for needy or sick children.
Book Signing. 5-8 p.m. at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, Herndon. Herndon author Chuck Mauro will sign his new book "The Civil War in Fairfax County: Civilians and Soldiers." 703-435-5467.
"Boys of the Lough: A Celtic Christmas." 8 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. A Celtic Christmas is a celebration in music and song of the vital midwinter Celtic traditions of Ireland, Northern Europe and North America. Tickets: $30/$25 McLean district residents/$12 youth. Visit www.mcleancenter.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 14
<cal2>Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music." 7 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Join the cast of Sesame Street in a evening of song and dance. Tickets: $15, $18, $25 (Premium seats) and $35 (Gold Circle seats). Visit www.patriotcenter.com.
Civil War Lecture. 7:30 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville. Author Richard Griffin presents "Horse Artillery in the Army of the Potomac: With the Sixth New York Light Artillery as a Case Study." Free. Sign up at 703-830-2223.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music." 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Join the cast of Sesame Street in a evening of song and dance. Tickets: $15, $18, $25 (Premium seats) and $35 (Gold Circle seats). Visit www.patriotcenter.com.
Pokemon League. 3 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Regional Library, 101 Maple Ave., Vienna. Learn and play the Pokemon card game. Ages five through 18. Call 703-938-0405.
"A Classic Brass Christmas." 8 p.m. at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road, Centreville. Choralis, under Artistic Director Gretchen Kuhrmann, will present its popular holiday concert, in two venues this year. The Classical Brass Quintet and guest choral ensembles from H-B Woodlawn High School and Chantilly High School will join Choralis for these concerts. The program will feature settings of carols and holiday songs. General admission tickets are $25. $5 student tickets, at the door only, for students 22 and under with valid ID. Tickets available by calling 703-237-2499 or by visiting www.choralis.org.
Holiday Reception. The Mayor and Town Council will host a holiday reception at the Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center St., Vienna. Call 703-255-6311.
Saturday/Dec. 16
<cal2>Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music." 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Join the cast of Sesame Street in a evening of song and dance. Tickets: $15, $18, $25 (Premium seats) and $35 (Gold Circle seats). Visit www.patriotcenter.com.
Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
Lunch With Santa. The Vienna Parks and Recreation Department will host lunch with Santa at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna. Call 703-255-6360.
YMCA Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the YMCA Reston, 12196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston. Local artisans and vendors will display their holiday gifts. The Bazaar will take place in the YMCA gymnasium. Table fees from the local artisans and vendors will go toward the YMCA Building Bridges Campaign which provides YMCA scholarships and financial aid to individuals, children and families in Fairfax County. Event is open to the public. Visit www.ymcawashdc.org.
Santa Paws Photo Event. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Learning Tree Lobby, Reston Town Center. Hosted by GoodDogz.org, have your pets' photo taken with Santa Paws. Proceeds benefit local dog rescue organizations. Call 703-980-0955.
Santa's Workshop. 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. $7 per child, $3 per adult if eating lunch. Call 703-787-7300.
Annual Children's Holiday Party. 12:30-3 p.m. at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern, 697 Spring St., Herndon. Call 703-435-JIMS
Book Signing. 1-4 p.m. at the Herndon Dulles Visitor Center in the Herndon Train Depot. Herndon author Chuck Mauro will sign his new book "The Civil War in Fairfax County: Civilians and Soldiers." 703-437-6366.
'Nutcracker Suite.’ The Mia Saunders School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2 p.m. at Centreville High School Theatre, 6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton. $12/adults, $10/seniors, $8/students. For tickets contact Stephanie O'Neill at 703-818-9854 or soneill80537@yahoo.com.
"The Nutcracker." 1 p.m. at the Madeira School Theatre, 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean. The Reston Conservatory Ballet presents its 35th annual Nutcracker season, with an all children’s cast. For tickets, call 703-715-8366.
Family Holiday Program. 2:30 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Jinny Marsh presents Jewish folk music and dance. All ages. Call 703-502-3883.
"A Classic Brass Christmas." 8 p.m. at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad Street (Rt. 7), in Falls Church City. Choralis, under Artistic Director Gretchen Kuhrmann, will present its popular holiday concert, in two venues this year. The Classical Brass Quintet and guest choral ensembles from H-B Woodlawn High School and Chantilly High School will join Choralis for these concerts. The program will feature settings of carols and holiday songs. General admission tickets are $35. $5 student tickets, at the door only, for students 22 and under with valid ID. Tickets available by calling 703-237-2499 or by visiting www.choralis.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 17
<cal2>Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music." 1 & 4:30 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Join the cast of Sesame Street in a evening of song and dance. Tickets: $15, $18, $25 (Premium seats) and $35 (Gold Circle seats). Visit www.patriotcenter.com.
‘Nutcracker Suite.’ The Mia Saunders School of Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" 3 p.m. at Centreville High School Theatre, 6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton. $12/adults, $10/seniors, $8/students. For tickets contact Stephanie O'Neill at 703-818-9854 or soneill80537@yahoo.com.
Messiah Sing-Along. 4 p.m. at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Saint Luke Chamber Orchestra, Cheryl Branham, conductor; with soloists Elizabeth Hungerford, soprano; Tricia Lepofsky, alto; Anthony Colosimo, tenor. Admission: free-will offering. Call 703-356-0670.
Winter Family Concert. 3 p.m. at the Alden Theater in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., Mclean. Listen to holiday music presented by the McLean Symphony. Tickets: Adults, $20; Seniors & Youth, $15; Children under 12, $5. Visit www.mclean-symphony.org.
Christmas Program and Dinner. 4 p.m. at the Christ the King Lutheran Church 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The program begins with a performance by the King's Chimers, the Tone Chimes choir, playing "O Come, All Ye Faithful." Following the King's Chimers a short play titled "Away From the Manger," a humorous look at everyone who didn't make it to the stable in Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. After the program, everyone is invited to dinner in the Fellowship Hall, hosted by Middle and High School youth. Freewill donations will be accepted.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 19
<cal2> Chanukah Senior Songfest. 1 p.m. at the Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon. Hazak, the active retiree group of Congregation Beth Emeth in Herndon, VA will hold a Chanukah Songfest, featuring the popular local Jewish Singer-Songwriter Carol Boyd Leon. Latkes and other refreshments will be served and the program is open to the public at no charge. 703-860-4515, x127.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 20
<cal2> Meet Me at the Movies - Sr. Movie Day. 10 a.m. at the Multiplex Cinema in the Reston Town Center. Reston Association presents "March of the Penguins." Free to those 55 years old and older. Call 703-435-6530 for more information.
Miss Belle's Sing-a-Long. 10:30 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave., Vienna. Enjoy old favorites and original songs. Ages one through five with an adult. Call 703-938-0405.
Silver Screen Series. 1 p.m at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. View and discuss a video classic. Adults only. Call 703-502-3883.
VOCE Caroling & Holiday Supper. 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of chorale music while dining on a Prix Fix menu. Reservations: 703-471-9114
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 21
<cal2>Casino Night for Charity. 8-11 p.m. at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern, 697 Spring St., Herndon. DJ, Dancing, Auctions. Call 703-435-JIMS.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 23
<cal2>Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 24
<cal2>Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 30
<cal2>Saturday Matinee. 2 p.m. at the Great Falls Regional Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Family movie with popcorn provided. All ages. Call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 31
<cal2>New Year's Eve Golf Tournament. 10 a.m. at Herndon Centennial Golf Course, 909 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. Visit www.herndon-va.gov/HCGolf.html or call 703-471-5769