<hdr48>Calendar
<lst>Send announcements, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, 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 Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 6
<cal2>Teen Craft. Red Scarf Drive with knitter LaDonna Snellbaker, 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Make knitted scarves that will be donated to the Orphan Foundation of America's Red Scarf Project, which are sent to college-bound foster youth throughout the country. New to knitting, bring bamboo needles and worsted weight yarn, Lyon brand woolease. Bring red yard. Recommended for ages 12-18. Advance registration required, call 703-737-8100, Ext. 4.
Teddy Bear's Tea Party Ages 3-6. Bring teddy or another "friend" to visit historic Lanesville House, enjoy a story, play traditional games and have a sing along. $4 per child. 10-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2 p.m. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Road, Sterling. Call 703-444-1275.
Senior Movie. At the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, 1:30 p.m. See "A Prairie Home Companion," starring Lily Tomlin, Meryl Streep and Lindsay Lohan. Rated PG-13. Cost $2 and includes popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
Summer in the Wintertime. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, 7 p.m. Make a summer-themed wall hanging and bring in a pair of flip-flops to decorate. Recommended for ages 12-18. Advance registration required, 703-771-5624.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 7
<cal2>Author Discussion. Lois Lowry, author of "The Giver," will be at the Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, 7 p.m. Call 703-444-3228.
Board Game Night. Pick a favorite game and spend a few hours playing while listening to music and munching on snacks provided by the library, Ashburn Library, 7 p.m. Recommended for ages 12-18. Call 703-737-8100, Ext. 4.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 8
<cal2>Christmas Play. "A Christmas Carol,” produced by Pickwick Players, at 7:30 p.m. Adults $10, children and seniors, $8. All performances at Harper Park Middle School Theater, 701 Potomac Station Drive, Leesburg. Advance tickets at 540-454-6320 or pickwickplayers@mail.com.
Santa's Workshop. All ages. Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg, 5-6 p.m. Create gifts and ornaments; bring camera for photos with Santa. Supplies and refreshments provided. Register by Dec. 1, call 703-771-5913. Cost $6.
Shopping Boutique. 6-9 p.m. Holiday shopping boutique at Kirkpatrick Farms Clubhouse, 25520 Sumerall Drive. Includes a variety of local vendors, refreshments and door prizes. Free admission. Contact elaine@stripling.com or www.shopdulles.info.
Park Pals. Ages 2-4. 9:30-10:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Discover the outdoors with a grown-up friend. Look for tracks, listen for bird calls, look under logs and more, while focusing on monthly themes. No unregistered siblings. Cost $7 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Toddler Treks. Ages 1-2. 11-11:45 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Join other parents and their little ones on a hike to discover birds, squirrels, trees and more. No unregistered siblings. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Cost $4 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Indoor Mini-Golf. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, 6 p.m. Play an 18-hole set of mini-golf challenges. Recommended for ages 12-18. Advance registration required, 703-771-5624.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 9
<cal2>Santa Ride. Santa will ride through Ashburn on a fire truck, 6-9 p.m. Contact Dan Davidson at 703-729-0006.
Holiday Jazz. At Tarara Winery. Includes live music, holiday treats, wine and gift shop specials. The winery is open, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., the music plays, from 12-4 p.m. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
Lunch with Santa. Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg. Have lunch at the Riverside Hearth and have your picture taken with Santa and his elf; enjoy Lansdowne's holiday decorations. Adults $32.95; children 6-12 $16.50; children 5 and under $6.75. Call 703-729-8400 or visit www.lansdowneresort.com.
Gingerbread House Decorating. Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodbridge parkway, Leesburg. Assemble a gingerbread house and decorate it to take home. Decorations provided. Tickets $68 per house per two people, $10 per extra guest. Time to be determined. Call 703-729-8400 or visit www.lansdowneresort.com.
Yuletide Fun Day. Loudoun Museum, 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hear music, create ornaments, decorate special wrapping paper and bags, and help decorate the annual nature tree in the garden. Learn about customs, foods and stories from the past. Free admission. Call 703-777-7427 or visit www.loudounmuseum.org.
Master Singers. The Master Singers of Virginia perform "A Ceremony of Carols," at St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Crowell St., Leesburg, 8 p.m. Includes performance by candlelight, special poetry readings of Longfellow and Maya Angelou. $18 for adults, $12 for seniors/children. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Nutcracker in a Shell-All Jazzed Up. A shortened version of the Nutcracker, includes jazz, lyrical dance, tap and ballet and will be performed by children for children. At 3 p.m., at Freedom High School, 25450 Riding Center Drive, South Riding. Tickets adults $10, children ages 3-10, $6, seniors 55 and older $6, with children 2 and under free. Tickets on the Web site or at the Ashburn and Chantilly Creative Dance Center Studios. Contact Margaret Otto at 703-724-4900 or Ginny Frye at 703-378-1800 or visit www.cdcdance.com.
Knitting. The Red Scarf Project will be collecting handmade scarves to send away in Valentines Day care packages that will be going to foster youth attending college. Sign up to learn how to knit or crochet, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, and then create a scarf at home. Needles and yarn will be provided to practice on. Recommended for ages 12-18.
Story Time. Fun with stories, music and activities at Sterling Library, 11 a.m. The story time is recommended for ages 2-5.
Taste of the Holidays. Celebrate the holidays and the cold of winter with Windham Winery's homemade holiday treats and wines, 12-6 p.m., at Windham Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. call 540-668-6464, Ext. 201 or visit http://www.WindhamWinery.com.
Christmas to Remember. Celebration begins with "Breakfast with Santa," 7 a.m., followed by the "Dog, Horse, Carriages & Kids" Parade in Historic Downtown Purcellville. The event also features holiday entertainment and children's activities. The day ends with the tree lighting, 6 p.m., at the "Teardrop." Call 540-338-7421 or visit http://www.purcellvilleva.com.
Loudoun Chorale. Performing Handel's Messiah, with brass accompaniment and professional soloists from Shenandoah University Conservatory, 7:30 p.m., St. David Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. Admission $10, seniors $8, youth $5, under age 12 free. Visit www.loudounchorale.org.
The Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company's 17th annual holiday classic "The Nutcracker" at Dominion High School in Sterling. Advanced reserved seating is $16 per adults, $12 per children 12 and under and seniors 60+. All premium reserved seating is $20. All tickets at the door are $20. Call the ticket office at 703-771-8074 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
Christmas Play. "A Christmas Carol,” produced by Pickwick Players, at 7:30 p.m. Costume matinee, at 2 p.m., and those wishing to wear Dicken’s period costumes receive free refreshments. Adults $10, children and seniors, $8. All performances at Harper Park Middle School Theater, 701 Potomac Station Drive, Leesburg. Advance tickets at 540-454-6320 or pickwickplayers@mail.com.
Dance Open House. All ages. Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Middle Eastern dance performances by beginner to advanced dancers. Free. 703-430-6673.
Sing a Song of Science and Nature. Ages 6-10. 10-11:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Exploring nature is fun, but it's even more fun when it's put to music. Learn some simple interactive songs about science and nature then do some hands-on activities. Theme: Habitats. Cost $10.50 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Cavaliers, Courage and Coffee: Mosby Owned the Night. From 8-10 p.m., at the Rector House in the village of Atoka. This is a family program presented by the Gray Ghost Interpretive Group of the Mosby Heritage Area Association. First-person interpretations of citizens of Mosby's Confederacy will tell the story of Col. John Singleton Mosby and his Rangers as it effected their lives. Free to the public. Contact the Mosby Heritage Area Association at 540-687-6681 or www.mosbyheritagearea.org.
Nutcracker Ballet. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 3:30 p.m. Presentation by the students of Ashburn Academy of Ballet. Recommended for the family. Call the Cascades Library at 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
Bluegrass Concerts. The Bluegrass Brothers will be performing at the Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door. Refreshments available at the snack bar. Call 703-771-5281.
Pottery Show. The 6th annual Glenfiddich Farm Pottery Holiday Show and Sale, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., rain or shine. 17642 Canby Road, Leesburg. Call Richard Busch at 703-771-3329 or e-mail glenfarmpottery@aol.com or visit www.glenfarmpottery.com.
Holiday Open House. Sponsored by Potomac Falls DECA. a Winter Wonderland Holiday Open House Tour, from 5-8 p.m., 234 Markwood Drive off of Triple Seven Road. All tours are free, but donations will be accepted to bring some cheer to the ALS ( Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Association.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 10
<cal2>Master Singers. The Master Singers of Virginia perform "A Ceremony of Carols," at Our Savior's Way Lutheran, 43115 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, 7 p.m. Includes performance by candlelight, special poetry readings of Longfellow and Maya Angelou. $18 for adults, $12 for seniors/children. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Nutcracker in a Shell-All Jazzed Up. A shortened version of the Nutcracker, includes jazz, lyrical dance, tap and ballet and will be performed by children for children. At 3 p.m., at Freedom High School, 25450 Riding Center Drive, South Riding. Tickets adults $10, children ages 3-10, $6, seniors 55 and older $6, with children 2 and under free. Tickets on the Web site or at the Ashburn and Chantilly Creative Dance Center Studios. Contact Margaret Otto at 703-724-4900 or Ginny Frye at 703-378-1800 or visit www.cdcdance.com.
Taste of the Holidays. Celebrate the holidays and the cold of winter with Windham Winery's homemade holiday treats and wines, 12-6 p.m., at Windham Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. call 540-668-6464, Ext. 201 or visit http://www.WindhamWinery.com.
Loudoun Chorale. Performing Handel's Messiah, with brass accompaniment and professional soloists from Shenandoah University Conservatory, 7:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Leesburg. Admission $10, seniors $8, youth $5, under age 12 free. Visit www.loudounchorale.org.
The Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company's 17th annual holiday classic "The Nutcracker" at Dominion High School in Sterling. Advanced reserved seating is $16 per adults, $12 per children 12 and under and seniors 60+. All premium reserved seating is $20. All tickets at the door are $20. Call the ticket office at 703-771-8074 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
Homes Tour. Tour five historic homes decorated for the holidays in the Town of Hamilton. Shuttle bus transportation will be provided or walk the streets of Hamilton. All ticket proceeds will benefit the Sunshine Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to children with cancer. 1-4 p.m. Cost $15 per person.
Dance Performance. The Dance Academy of Loudoun presents the Sugar Plum Suites, a 20-minute excerpt of the Nutcracker for younger audiences ages 5 and younger. 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., at the Dance Academy of Loudoun, 705H E. Market St., Leesburg. Tickets $5 for children 1-12, adults free. Call 703-443-1093.
Pottery Show. The 6th annual Glenfiddich Farm Pottery Holiday Show and Sale, from noon-5 p.m., rain or shine. 17642 Canby Road, Leesburg. Call Richard Busch at 703-771-3329 or e-mail glenfarmpottery@aol.com or visit www.glenfarmpottery.com.
Holiday Open House. Sponsored by Potomac Falls DECA. a Winter Wonderland Holiday Open House Tour, from 5-8 p.m., 234 Markwood Drive off of Triple Seven Road. All tours are free, but donations will be accepted to bring some cheer to the ALS ( Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Association.
Dog Wash. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., The Dog School, 305 E. Market St., Leesburg. All proceeds benefit Doberman Assistance, Rescue, and Education (DAR&E,) a nonprofit, all-volunteer, privately-funded rescue organization that serves Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of West Virginia. www.dobe.net or 301-758-6795.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 11
<cal2>Holiday Lights Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to see the Pageant of Peace, Mormon Temple and Visitors Center. Includes dinner on own at Union Station. Price $19 per member, $21 nonmembers and includes transportation and free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
Story Time in Spanish. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 7 p.m. Songs, stories, finger plays and other adventures both in Spanish and English. Recommended for ages 3-6 and families. Call 703-737-8105.
Kids in Space. Ages 3-5. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Would you like to play among the stars and planets; make your own comet? Cost $10.50 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Boston Tea Party. Hear about the Boston Tea Party in a fun and interactive way from the Loudoun Museum's education director, Janice Golden. Disguise yourself and dump some tea. Cascades Library, 4 p.m. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Call the Cascades Library, 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 12
<cal2>Movie Night. Movie night for adults at Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 6:30 p.m. See Syriana, rated R. Bring favorite snacks. Drinks are provided. 703-737-8105.
Sing-along Holiday Songs. Cascades Library, 4 p.m. Holiday Songs with Brooksie and Nina. Recommended for the whole family.
Teen Coffeehouse Café. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterfrod Road, Leesburg, 6 p.m. Interested in anime and comics? See the library's expanding collection and bring your own favorites to watch, read and share. Drawing, discussion, screenings, sharing and soda. Meets every month. Recommended for ages 12-18.
Kids in Space. Ages 3-5. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Would you like to play among the stars and planets; make your own comet? Cost $10.50 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 13
<cal2>Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Price $7 per member, $9 nonmembers and includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
Music Together-The Joy of Family Music. Songs, rhythmic chants, movement and instrument play for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Sterling Library, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Recommended for infants through 5 years with parent or caregiver. Tickets are required and may be picked up one half hour before the program; call 703-430-9500.
Stories to Warm Your Heart. Bring the whole family for stories, crafts and refreshments to celebrate the season. Sterling Library, 4 p.m. Recommended for the whole family. Register by Dec. 9, call 703-430-9500.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 14
<cal2>Spanish Bilingual Story Time. A bilingual story time with Barbara Davila at Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, 4 p.m. Recommended for ages 4-10.
Holiday Lights Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to see the Pageant of Peace, Mormon Temple and Visitors Center. Includes dinner on own at Union Station. Price $19 per member, $21 nonmembers and includes transportation and free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Museums Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit Natural History, Gallery of Art, American Indian, Air and Space or African Art/Sackler/Freer museums. Lunch on own. Price $8 per member, $10 nonmembers and includes transportation and free admission to art museum. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
Senior Swing. Ages 55 and up, Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., 7-10 p.m. Dance to big band music. Transportation available, call 703-430-9480. Cost $2-$3.
Park Pals. Ages 2-4. 9:30-10:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Discover the outdoors with a grown-up friend. Look for tracks, listen for bird calls, look under logs siblings. Cost $7 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Frogshackle Open House. All ages. 11 a.m.-noon, Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Is deer fur like rabbit fur? Touch them and find out. Explore the rock box and compare the crystals, turquoise and other minerals. Discover a treasure trove of objects from nature. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. Theme: Winter Solstice. Free. Call 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 16
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. At Tarara Winery. Includes live music, holiday treats, wine and gift shop specials. The winery is open, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., the music plays, from 12-4 p.m. 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 703-771-7100 or www.tarara.com.
Basket Distribution. LINK Christmas food basket distribution, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at Christ the Redeemer Catholic in Sterling and Trinity Presbyterian in Herndon. Contact Mark Gunderman, 703-367-7410.
Gingerbread House Decorating. Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodbridge parkway, Leesburg. Assemble a gingerbread house and decorate it to take home. Decorations provided. tickets $68 per house per two people, $10 per extra guest. Time to be determined. Call 703-729-8400 or visit www.lansdowneresort.com.
Lunch with Santa. Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg. Have lunch at the Riverside Hearth and have your picture taken with Santa and his elf; enjoy Lansdowne's holiday decorations. Adults $32.95; children 6-12 $16.50; children 5 and under $6.75. Call 703-729-8400 or visit www.lansdowneresort.com.
Symphony Performance. Loudoun Symphony Orchestra performs "Polar Express," featuring soprano Marlissa Eaton. At Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. A lecture takes place at 7 p.m., string workshop at 7:30 p.m. and performance at 8 p.m. Advanced tickets $15 adults, $7 child/student, through college; at the door $18 adults, $8 child/student. Call 703-771-8287, fax 703-771-8211, or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.
The Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company's 17th annual holiday classic "The Nutcracker" at Dominion High School in Sterling. Advanced reserved seating is $16 per adults, $12 per children 12 and under and seniors 60+. All premium reserved seating is $20. All tickets at the door are $20. Call the ticket office at 703-771-8074 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
Blood Drive. Ages 18 and up. Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For details or to schedule appointment, call 1-800-Give-Life.
Santa Lunch. All ages. Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., 1-2:15 p.m. Have lunch with Santa, give him your list, get your photo taken and make a holiday craft. Cost $5. Call 703-430-9480.
Gift Wrap. Bring all your holiday gifts to the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, and let Ashburn Library Advisory Board volunteers wrap them. From 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Enjoy holiday music in the library; donations will be used to support children, teen and adult programs at the library. Call Larry Stepnick at 703-858-9066.
How to Search for Wildlife. Ages 5 and up. 10-11:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Discover the simple skills that naturalists use to find the animals in their homes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Sound of Silence. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Cost $4 per person.
Santa Visit. Santa Clause is coming to the Broadlands Village Shopping Center at Café Panache, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Children’s menu, $5. Reservations required, 703-723-1424. 43135 Broadlands Center Plaza, Suite 121, Ashburn.
Lunch & Movie. Cascades Library, noon. Watch “High School Musical,” includes pizza. Visitors encouraged to sing along to the songs and dance. Recommended for ages 12-18. Call the Cascades Library, 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
Fans: Not Just to Beat the Heat. Learn the history and language of the fan and make one to take home. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Rust Library, 2 p.m. Registration begins Dec. 2, 703-771-5624.
Music of the Season with Pianist Greg Genter. Ashburn Library, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Call 703-737-8100. Recommended for all ages.