Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com; by fax to 703-917-0991; or by mail to 1604 King St., Alexandria VA 22314. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Thursday, Nov. 30
Curiosity Club. 4 p.m. at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and scientific experiments that are age appropriate. Age 4-6 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Practice Your English. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. No registration is required. Free. 703-971-0010.
Silly Stories. 1 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. Funny stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-339-4610.
Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. Stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft. Call branch for theme. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-768-6700.
A Christmas Marketplace. Noon-5 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Vendors sell unique, holiday gift wares in a boutique setting. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Author Reading. The George Washington Masonic Memorial will host a book signing and discussion by local Masonic author and scholar W. Kirk MacNulty at 2 p.m. for "Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance." Free. Free ample parking. The George Washington Masonic Memorial is located at 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. For more information, call 703-683-2007.
Heather and Greens Sales. Noon-5 p.m. at at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Try a touch of heather and greens to enhance holiday decorations with a Scottish flair. Purchase fresh heather bundles or a variety of wreaths, garlands, flatwoods and more. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Children's Tea Party. 3:30-5 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria.This new special event features children's author and Alexandria resident Leslie Young, accompanied by the main character in her books, Plaid the Scottie dog. Leslie will read from "Plaid: A Tale of Compassion" and "Plaid: A Tale of Joy," and children can have their picture taken with Plaid. $25/adult and child and $10/each additional ticket. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Annual Holiday Open House. 6-9 p.m. enjoy the Torpedo Factory Art Center's holiday open house with live music by the Satin Doll Trio, art raffle, door prizes, wine and more. Shop for gifts. In the raffle visitors can win a $6500 sculpture cast from "Allegory of Night." Gallery is located at 105 North Union St., Alexandria. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565.
Wine Tasting Dinner. 7 p.m. La Bergerie will be hosting a wine tasting dinner with Jerome Jeandin, National Director of Taittinger, USA. The four-course menu is $145 including tax and gratuity. La Bergerie is located at 218 N. Lee St. in Old Town, Alexandria. Space is limited; reservations are required - by phone, 703-683-1007 or internet, web@labergerie.com
St. Andrew's Day. Nov. 30 is St. Andrew's Day, the patron saint of Scotland. Come to a Kirkin of the Tartan service on St. Andrew's Day, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church 402 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria. 703-683-3343. The service will include a blessing of the tartans and a bagpiper and will be followed by a reception with Scottish foods and beverages.
Art Exhibit. Target Gallery presents a memorial exhibition honoring one of the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s original artists, Richard Martin, who passed away June 12, 2006. The gallery will exhibit a selection of work that includes Martin's sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. Located on the ground floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565 ext. 4.
Dinner Benefit. Enjoy a fun night of Caribbean food and music from 5-10 p.m. at Mango Mike’s, 4580 Duke St. with 20 percent of the proceeds from designated dining bills benefiting Maury Elementary School. Participating diners must present coupons, available at www.acps.k12.va.us/news2007/nr20061122.php. For further details about the Maury benefit night, contact the school at 703-706-4440.
Friday/Dec. 1
Music Performance. Philomela, a female vocal ensemble, will present a 30th anniversary concert at 8 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. $20/adults; $15/seniors; $10/children. Call Cheryl Castner 301-855-8019.
Holiday Performance. Seminary Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary will sing part 1 of Handel's Messiah plus the Hallelujah Chorus with donations benefiting ALIVE. Starts at 7:30 p.m. at the chapel, 3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria. All are invited to participate or just listen. Free. E-mail Susan Dawson with questions at SDDawson@starpower.net.
A Christmas Marketplace. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Vendors sell unique, holiday gift wares in a boutique setting. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Heather and Greens Sales. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Try a touch of heather and greens to enhance holiday decorations with a Scottish flair. Purchase fresh heather bundles or a variety of wreaths, garlands, flatwoods and more. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Taste of Scotland. 7-8 p.m. Patron only hour; 8-10:30 p.m. for patrons and regular ticket holders at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. A tasting featuring hard-to-find, rare scotches direct from Scotland distilleries. Advance tickets required. Call 703-549-0111 for tickets. $125/patron or $75/regular. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Art Exhibit. Target Gallery presents a memorial exhibition honoring one of the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s original artists, Richard Martin, who passed away June 12, 2006. The gallery will exhibit a selection of work that includes Martin's sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. Located on the ground floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565 ext. 4.
Santa Railway Express. Ride with Santa from King Street Station to Old Town Manassas and back on two Fridays before Christmas. The train departs King Street Train Station in Alexandria at 1:25 p.m. and travels to Old Town Manassas Train Station. Passengers will disembark for holiday stories and treats. The train returns to King Street at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 each and are on sale now exclusively at Whistle Stop Hobbies. Children will receive a special goody bag and holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Theater Performance. The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town at 8 p.m. Tickets are $11.50/person and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor from 5-8 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
Holiday Music. 6:30 p.m. Mike & Mike perform at Market Square at City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
Tree Sale. The Alexandria Police department Christmas tree sale begins on Friday, Dec. 1 at the Alexandria Union Station parking lot (110 Callahan Drive). The official lot hours are: Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. This year's tree selection includes Scotch Pines, Douglas Firs, Fraser Firs, and Concolor Firs. They will range in size from 4 1/2 feet to 10 feet tall. Proceeds benefit the Alexandria Police Youth Camp.
Artists Reception. The Del Ray Artisans' Fine Art & Crafts Holiday Market will have a free reception from 7-10 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4827 for more.
Saturday/Dec. 2
A Christmas Marketplace. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Vendors sell unique, holiday gift wares in a boutique setting. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Heather and Greens Sales. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Try a touch of heather and greens to enhance holiday decorations with a Scottish flair. Purchase fresh heather bundles or a variety of wreaths, garlands, flatwoods and more. Free. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. 10:30 a.m. beginning at the corner of Wilkes and South Pitt Streets in Old Town and ending at the Campagna Center. Parade Grand Marshal Is Alison Starling, Co-Anchor, Good Morning Washington/ABC7 News and Alexandria resident. Over 100 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dog groups, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus will march down the cobblestone streets of Old Town. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Holiday Designer Tour of Homes. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Stroll through six lovely homes of historic importance dressed up for the holidays by acclaimed interior designers and local florists. The tour features select homes in Old Town, Alexandria. Tickets required $25/advance or $30/day of purchase and can be purchased at homes. Call 703-549-0111 for tickets. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Art Exhibit. Target Gallery presents a memorial exhibition honoring one of the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s original artists, Richard Martin, who passed away June 12, 2006. The gallery will exhibit a selection of work that includes Martin's sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. Located on the ground floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565 ext. 4.
Holiday Ornament Decorating Workshop. 1-4 p.m. at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., 3rd floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Families are invited to celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon of historic arts and crafts with the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Decorate take-home ornaments using shapes, colors and patterns based on the Museum's collection of excavated artifacts. Free. Call Alexandria Archaeology for more information, 703-838-4399.
Kwanzaa Craft and Game Workshop. From 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. This free workshop, conducted by Museum staff, is geared towards those wishing to learn more about Kwanzaa or find inexpensive ways of incorporating this celebration into their lives. The Museum staff will present a brief overview of the principles of this African American celebration. Participants do not need to bring anything, as all supplies will be provided. For more information call the Museum at 703-838-4356.
Craft Sale. Heritage Presbyterian Church is holding a craft sale "Made by the Bell" from 9 a.m.-noon at the church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to support Heritage Presbyterian Women’s outreach programs for children and women. Call Jenny Kennedy at 703-360-9420 for more information.
Victorian Christmas Ball. 8-11 p.m. in the historic ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. for dance warm-ups. $30/person in advance or $40 at the door includes live music, dance instruction and desserts of the period. Period attire, either military or civilian is encouraged. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org for more information or to register.
Annual Christmas Bazaar. The American Indian Society of Washington, D.C. will host their annual Christmas crafts bazaar from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Church of Saint Clement, 1701 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. American Indian arts, Christmas crafts and fresh baked goods will be sold as well as raffle tickets for a Pendleton Blanket and a Buffalo Sculpture (metal with wood base) by Native American artist, Pete Yazzie. You need not be present to win. Visit www.aisdc.org.
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Begins at 3 p.m. with a holiday review featuring local school groups performing. Santa will arrive via boat dockside at the gazebo. Pets are welcome for photos as well. Boat parade starts at 5:30 p.m. with WTOP's Bob Madigan. Free. Visit www.funside.com for more.
Lights of Love. The Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Auxiliary will present the 25th annual Lights of Love program at 5 p.m. in the hospital's main lobby. For a donation of $5 dedicate a light in memory of a loved one or to honor a friend, neighbor, or relative who has added joy. For a donation of $100, dedicate a light in the tree-top star. This year's contributions to Lights of Love are designated for therapeutic enhancements to make our hospitalized patients more comfortable. Entertainment at this year's program will include the "Festival of Music" by the West Potomac High School Soundsations and songs by Dr. Cleve Francis, Inova MVH cardiologist and renowned vocalist. A reception in the hospital cafeteria will follow the program. All are invited to attend. The hospital is located at 2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria. For any questions contact the Volunteer Services Office at 703-664-7260.
Theater Performance. The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $11.50/person and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor from 5-8 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
Holiday Concert. 7-9 p.m. Empowered Women International presents Music From Around the World, a holiday concert of Russian folk and classical music performed by Russian-born musician and orchestra conductor, Svetlana Nikonova, her family and St. Petersburg Trio at the Lyceum at 201 S.
Washington St. in Old Town Alexandria. $25/person with a special holiday promotion: buy one get one free. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres will be offered at the artist reception following the concert. Purchase your
tickets online at www.ewint.org, by phone at 703-778-6310 or by mailing a check to EWI for Concert at 1307 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314.
Holiday Cocktail Party. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association is hosting a holiday cocktail party from 5-7 p.m., at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. in Old Town Alexandria. The evening establishes a new relationship with The Athenaeum School of Ballet and the Washington Ballet, who will be
working together this spring on a production of The Little Prince, and who will establish a new Athenaeum tradition next year with a collaborative production of The Nutcracker. The event is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 at the door. Guests are also invited to bring an unwrapped gift for children, ages 1-18, that will be donated to the Alexandria Domestic Violence Shelter. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.
Holiday Music. 2 p.m. Margot MacDonald will perform contemporary holiday music at City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
High School Holiday Music Concert. 3:30 p.m. West Springfield High School Choir will perform holiday music at City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
Dessert Café Opening. 5-9 p.m. enjoy this holiday launch party consisting of cakes, pies and cookies and washed down with a dessert wine. Items will be available for purchase. Located at Pa Dian Accents Art & Framing Gallery, 1314 King St., Alexandria. Visit www.padianaccents.com or call 703-519-0858 for more information.
Luminarias Celebration. Starting at 5:30 p.m. luminarias will be lit along Mt. Vernon Avenue from GW Middle School to corner of Hume and Mt. Vernon Avenue. Tree lighting in the Parking Lot of the Colosanto Center at 6 p.m. where Santa will light the tree and then lead everyone into the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center for pictures with Santa. Entertainment by children choir and cider will be provided.
Art & Crafts Holiday Market. 10 a.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Search through gifts created by more than 20 artist members and enjoy baked goods. Call 703-838-4827 for more.
Tree Lighting. The Potomac West Christmas Tree LIghting event starts at 6 p.m. next door to the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave. in Alexandria. Free.
Sunday/Dec. 3
Shopping Fundraiser. Shopping at Ten Thousand Villages, 915 King St. in Old Town, from 6-8 p.m., 20 percent of proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations Empowered Women International, ALIVE and U.S. Green Building Council. Find handmade items while donating money to a worthy cause. Call 703-684-1435 or visit www.villagesofalexandria.com for more information.
Theater Performance. The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town at 3 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $11.50/person and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor from 5-8 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
Holiday Tea at Woodlawn. Enjoy a special blend of tea and period confections while learning about tea customs of the early 19th century and then take a tour of the house. Noon and 2 p.m. $25/tea or $30/including tour. Reservations required. Private teas available for groups. Visit
www.woodlawn1805.org or call 703-780-4000 ext. 27.
Holiday Spectacular. 3-6 p.m. at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron St. Join the Friends of Alexandria Commission for Women for shopping, wine and more. Purchase arts and crafts by local artists. Portion of the proceeds benefit the Commission for Women and Alexandria Office on Women projects. Visit www.alexwomen.com or 703-838-5030.
Music Performance. New Dominion Chorale and orchestra will perform at 4 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Tickets are $25; $20 for seniors; $5 for students; and $20 for group sales. Free parking. Purchase tickets online at
www.newdominion.org or by phone, 703-442-9404.
Closing Reception. Target Gallery presents a memorial exhibition honoring one of the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s original artists, Richard Martin, who passed away June 12, 2006. The reception is from 2-4 p.m. at ground floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Free. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565 ext. 4.
Holiday Music Concert. 2 p.m. Stephen Samuel will perform Island-Caribbean holiday music at City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
Holiday Performance. 3 p.m. Alexandria Singers will perform holiday music at City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
Demonstration. Bruce Nash, an instructor of floral design at Northern Virginia Community College, uses simple holiday plants to create a wreath and other extraordinary decorations from 1-2 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Demonstration only $16. Call 703-642-5173 to register. Demonstration with full English tea (served at the Historic Green Spring house) $24, call 703-941-7987 to register.
Holiday Party. Lovain Family is holding a holiday party with Santa Claus from 1-3 p.m. at the Athenaeum, 201 Price St., Alexandria. Donations of unwrapped children's toy for newborns-12 years of age are encouraged. Call 703-549-0579 or e-mail blovain@hotmail.com for more information.
Art & Crafts Holiday Market. Noon-5 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Search through gifts created by more than 20 artist members and enjoy baked goods. Call 703-838-4827 for more.
Tuesday/Dec. 5
Music Performance for Holidays. 7:30 p.m. at Pendleton Hall, Ainslie Arts Center at Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. The National Chamber Players will perform holiday music for brass quintet. Free. 703-933-4135.
Music Performance. 12:30 p.m. George Washington Middle School Choir will perform holiday music at City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
Thursday/Dec. 7
Theater Performance. The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town at 3 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $11.50/person and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
Music Performance. The West Potomac High School Bands invite the community to enjoy an evening of festive holiday music at 7:30 p.m. in Springbank Auditorium, 6500 Quander Road in Alexandria, and feature performances by our several outstanding bands. Free.
Opening Reception. 6-9 p.m. for "Mixed Messages" in the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Exhibit runs from Dec. 6-Jan. 14. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565.
Art Reception. King Street Cats, a no-kill animal rescue group in Old Town, and Cobblestone Art Gallery will host "Of The Cats, By The Cats, And Fur The Cats," a reception, art exhibit and sale featuring works by talented feline artists from 6-9 p.m. at the Cobblestone Art Gallery at 213 King St.
E-mail contact@kingstreetcats.org or 703-231-7199.
Music Performance. 12:30 p.m. Alexandria Country Day School Chorus will perform holiday music at City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
Holiday Event. Join the Alexandria Black History Museum and Port of Harlem magazine, from 6-8:30 p.m., as they present an evening with the editors of "LEGACY: Treasures of Black History," Thomas C. Battle and Donna M. Wells. The evening will include a slide show presentation, book signing, holiday refreshments, and more. Free. The Alexandria Black History Museum is located at 902 Wythe St. in Alexandria. For more information, call the Museum at 703-838-4356.
Opening Performance. 7:30 p.m. enjoy the First Baptist Church's performance of "Living Christmas Tree" which features traditional and contemporary Christmas music, a 25-foot tree with over 20,000 synchronized lights and a story. $5/person. For information visit www.fbcalexandria.org or call 703-299-3614. The church is located at 2932 King St.
Opening Reception. 6-8 p.m. meet the artists of "Mixed Messages" at the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Friday/Dec. 8
Holiday Shopping Boutique. 6-9 p.m. there will be a Holiday shopping boutique at Kirkpatrick Farms Clubhouse, 25520 Sumerall Drive. The event is a one-stop holiday shopping with a variety of local vendors, refreshments and door prizes. Free. For information contact elaine@stripling.com or www.shopdulles.info.
Theater Performance. The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town at 8 p.m. Tickets are $11.50/person and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
Mount Vernon Holiday Celebration. Martha Washington hosts an 18th century Christmas with candlelit walks, caroling and early American decor. Visitors will be treated as guests during the tours from 5-8 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. At the end of the tour, visitors will receive a free recipe of
the Great Cake. $15/adults and $8/children and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or at the main gate.
Music Performance. 8 p.m. the United States Air Force Band Chamber Players Series will perform a free concert at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Visit www.usafband.com or 202-767-5658.
Handbell Ringers. 7 p.m. Alexandria Pipes & Drums and St. Matthew's English Handbell Ringers will play holiday music at City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
Gingerbread Holiday Gala. From 6:30-8:30 p.m. join the YMCA Alexandria at 420 East Monroe Ave. in Alexandria for the Gingerbread Holiday gala. There will be a family dance contest, gingerbread house contest and more. Cost is $10 for a family up to 4, $1 for each additional child. Proceeds benefit the YMCA's send a child to camp fundraising campaign. Contact Linda Blake at 703-838-8095 for more information.
Holiday Music. A joyous and meaningful musical celebration for all ages. The Sanctuary Choir, English Handbell Choir, colonial costumes, Christmas elves, puppets, a dancing snowman and a glimpse of Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus at Downtown Baptist Church, 212 S. Washington St. at 7 p.m. JExperience the glorious sounds of the season. Free, open to all ages and handicapped accessible. Call 703-549-5544 for free tickets.
Saturday/Dec. 9
Holiday Performance. The Asaph Ensemble will be performing their Christmas performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. in Alexandria. The Company will be premiering a new work, "Petite Suite," to music by Claude Debussy. The highlight of the evening will be the restaged and newly costumed "Clara's Christmas." Tickets $15/adult; $10/children and seniors. For more information call 703-368-1812.
Craft Sale. Heritage Presbyterian Church is holding a craft sale "Made by the Bell" from 9 a.m.-noon at the church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to support Heritage Presbyterian Women’s outreach programs for children and women. Call Jenny Kennedy at 703-360-9420 for more information.
Historic Candlelight Tour. Four of Old Town Alexandria’s historic sites will welcome guests and open their doors from 5-9 p.m. for the festive Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour program. The area’s premier traditional holiday event features period music, seasonal decorations and special costumed tours. This year’s tour will include Carlyle House Historic Park, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Lee-Fendall House and the newly re-opened Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. The tour is self-guided. Ticket prices are $20 for adult, $15 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6-17. For information, tickets and group sales information, contact the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum at 703-838-4242. Tickets for this event can also be purchased on-line at www.HistoricAlexandria.org.
Civil War Christmas Celebration. Fort Ward Museum is holding its annual Camp Open House from noon-4 p.m. There will be live history, music of the period, decorations, tours and refreshments. Suggested donation. A highlight of the program will be a Civil War-era Santa Claus, dressed according to a wartime image made popular by Thomas Nast. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is located at 4301 W. Braddock Road in Alexandria. 703-838-4848.
Holiday Performance. The Asaph Ensemble will be performing their Christmas performance at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. in Alexandria at 7:30 p.m. The Company will be premiering a new work, "Petite Suite," to music by Claude Debussy. The highlight of the evening will be the restaged and newly costumed "Clara's Christmas." Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under and senior citizens 65 and older. For information, call 703-368-1812.
Theater Performance. The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town at 3 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $11.50/person and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor from 5-8 p.m. at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
Victorian Holiday Tradition. Learn to make your own kissing ball of boxwood from the garden while learning about other holiday practices dating to Victorian times. 10 a.m. at Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria. $20/reservations required. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org or
703-548-1789.
High School Christmas Concert. Bishop Ireton Christmas Concert featuring students playing in the Concert Band, Choir, and Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. in the Garwood Whaley Auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria.
Free. 703-212-5183.
Music Performance. 1 p.m. St. John's Bell's Angels Handbells will perform holiday music at City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
Holiday Music. 3:30 p.m. Blue Book Value will perform swing blues holiday music at Music Arcade at the Torpedo Factory, at King and Union Streets. Free. For additional information call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
Extraordinary Wreaths. Celebrate the season by making a lovely boxwood wreath that will stay fresh well into the New Year from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Boxwood, cones, and bows included. Bring additional decorations that you may want to add to your wreath. Bring pruners and wire cutters. Enjoy refreshments and holiday music; we’ll clean up the mess. Visit www.greenspring.org for more information or call 703-642-5173 to register. $40/wreath project.
Holiday Music. A joyous and meaningful musical celebration for all ages. The Sanctuary Choir, English Handbell Choir, colonial costumes, Christmas elves, puppets, a dancing snowman and a glimpse of Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus at Downtown Baptist Church, 212 S. Washington St. at 3 p.m. JExperience the glorious sounds of the season. Free, open to all ages and handicapped accessible. Call 703-549-5544 for free tickets.
Fundraising Tea. 4-6 p.m. at the Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. Proceeds benefit Minnie Howard and T.C. Williams High School. There will be tea, live entertainment and raffles. Suggested donation $25. To R.S.V.P. for the Holiday Tea or for more information, contact Project Discovery at 703-838-0990.