<b>Ongoing
</b>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. Runs from Dec. 1-Jan. 6. Visit www.mountvernon.org or call 703-780-2000 for cost information.
The Holidays at Mount Vernon gives visitors an enchanting glimpse of an early-American Christmas, Washington style from Dec. 1-Jan. 6, 2008 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily. Visitors can learn about Christmas traditions and see the Mansion prepared for the holidays. Exclusively during this time, the rarely-seen third floor will be open to the public. The estate is open Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Holidays at Mount Vernon is included in regular estate admission: $13 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-11, and free for children under 6. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Gallery West presents "Small Works and Holiday Show and Silent Auction" through Dec. 24 at 1213 King St. Features a variety of art work by members in every size. Silent auction ends Dec. 8. Visit www.gallery-west.com or call 703-549-6006.
Gather the Family at Woodlawn runs Dec. 1-31 at Woodlawn. Experience an 1820s Christmas with America's First Family before trees, Santa and stockings. Tours available from 5:30-8:30 p.m. $15/person; $5/grades K-12. Visit www.woodlawn1805.org or call 703-780-4000.
The Alexandria Jaycees will sell Christmas trees this season, with proceeds in part benefiting the chapter's holiday shopping tour for kids. Each year, the Alexandria Jaycees sell top-quality trees to the community to generate funds for the chapter. The annual tree sales support the Holiday Shopping Tour for underprivileged kids and the chapter's general programming funds for community and leadership development. The Holiday Shopping Tour gives area kids a fun shopping day with funds provided and pizza party to follow, which allows them to purchase gifts for their families. This year's shopping event is set for Dec. 8. The Alexandria Jaycees tree lot is located in the parking lot at the Safeway on the corner of S. Royal and Gibbon Streets in Old Town Alexandria. Tree sales run Nov. 24 until Dec. 21 or when trees sell out). Lot hours are: Monday-Friday 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturdays 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The tree lot features a variety of trees, including Canaan Firs, Douglas Firs, Fraser Firs, and Scotch Pines in heights from 4-10 feet. Prices range from $35-$70. The Alexandria Jaycees, part of Junior Chamber International, is a leadership training and community service organization for Alexandrians aged 21-40. For more details or for membership information, call the Jaycees' 24-hour recorded event line 703-866-7171 or visit www.alexjaycees.org.
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.
The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" Nov. 30-Dec. 8 at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town. Performances are Nov. 30 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1 at 4 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 and 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8 at 3 and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $10/person and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
The Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax presents "Nutcracker in a Nutshell" on Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Tickets required, www.thecenterforballetarts.com or 703-352-9672.
<b>Bazaars and Fairs
</b>Throughout the holiday season, visit one of the many bazaars and fairs for unique gifts for family, friends and others on your list. A variety of items will be sold along with food and beverages.
Friday/Nov. 16
Holiday Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Day School, 8531 Riverside Road. Free. Holiday shopping, pastries and coffee, raffles and more. Contact Gina Lee 703-360-4013.
Saturday/Nov. 17
Holiday Craft Show. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School, 6560 Braddock Road. Benefits the crew team. Free. 571-331-4465.
Christmas Bazaar. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at St. Mary’s School, 400 Green St. Browse over 60 exhibitors. Visit with Santa and take part in a raffle. 703-768-4729.
Thursday, Nov. 29
Scottish Christmas Walk Marketplace. Noon-5 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Shop for a variety of holiday items, visit a café and buy heather and greens. Visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com or 703-549-0111.
Heather and Greens Sales. Noon-5 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. 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.
Holiday Pottery Show and Sale. Noon-6 p.m. at The Art League in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Free. Purchase a variety of items by residents ranging from $5-$100. Visit www.theartleague.org or 703-683-5358.
Friday/Nov. 30
Scottish Christmas Walk Marketplace. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Shop for a variety of holiday items, visit a café and buy heather and greens. Visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com or 703-549-0111.
Heather and Greens Sales. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. 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.
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.
Holiday Pottery Show and Sale. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at The Art League in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Free. Purchase a variety of items by residents ranging from $5-$100. Visit www.theartleague.org or 703-683-5358.
Saturday/Dec. 1
A Christmas Marketplace. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. 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 Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. 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.
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 703-360-9546 or visit www.heritagechurchva.org for more information.
Art & Crafts Holiday Market. 10 a.m.-6 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.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1608 Russell road. Free. There will be a silent auction, vendors, variety of items, children’s activities and more. 703-683-0798.
Holiday Pottery Show and Sale. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at The Art League in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Free. Purchase a variety of items by residents ranging from $5-$100. Visit www.theartleague.org or 703-683-5358.
Sunday/Dec. 2
Art & Crafts Holiday Market. Noon-4 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.
Holiday Shopping Spectacular. The Alexandria Commission for Women is holding a art and shopping spectacular from 3-6 p.m. at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron St. Purchase arts and crafts, jewelry, handbags and more from emerging women artists. Free. 703-838-5030.
Friday/Dec. 7
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.
Saturday/Dec. 8
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.
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.
<b>Alexandria Lights Up
</b>A few areas in Alexandria are celebrating a community-wide holiday kick-off with tree lightings. Area tree lightings include various activities such as photos with Santa, receptions, caroling and more.
Friday/Nov. 24
Tree Lighting. City of Alexandria will hold a tree lighting from 7-9 p.m. The event includes musical entertainment with greetings from the Mayor and Santa Claus in Market Square, 301 King St. Free. 703-838-4844.
Saturday/Dec. 1
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. 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. Entertainment includes 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. The hospital is located at 2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria. For any questions contact the Volunteer Services Office at 703-664-7260.
Tree Lighting and Luminaria Display. 5:30 p.m. on Mount Vernon Avenue, followed by a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. near the Mount Vernon Rec Center, located at Commonwealth and Mount Vernon avenues. Free. Visit www.pwba.org, www,funside.com or 703-683-2570.
Thursday/Dec. 6
Holiday Tree Lighting. 5-7 p.m. at Hoffman Town Center. Free. The Alexandria Harmonizers will provide entertainment. Free. Gift card donations will be requested to help the wounded and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. There will be raffles, free food and more.
Sunday/Dec. 9
Tree Lighting. 6:15 p.m. at the King Street Garden Park, across from the King Street metro. Enjoy a tree lighting, caroling, hot cider, cookies and a special guest. Free.
<b>Holiday Music Events
</b>There are a multitude of music events to celebrate the holidays and being with loved ones. There are concerts by high schools, choirs and more.
Sunday/Nov. 25
Holiday Concert. 2 p.m., the Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus will perform at Market Square, 301 King St. Free. 703-883-4686.
Thursday/Nov. 29
Celtic Concert. 8-9:30 p.m. at the Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Listen to fiddlers, pipers, Scottish dancers and more. $30/person. For more information on the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Children’s Concert. 10-11 a.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. $5/person. Enjoy music by Al "Mr. Al" Rasso. Visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Friday/Nov. 30
Children’s Concert. 10-11 a.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. $5/person. Enjoy music by Al "Mr. Al" Rasso. Visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Saturday/Dec. 1
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. $5/adult; $3/student/senior. 703-212-5183.
Children’s Concert. 3-4 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. $5/person. Enjoy music by Al "Mr. Al" Rasso. Visit www.campagnacenter.org or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
Massed Band Concert. 1-1:30 p.m. at King and Royal streets, in front of City Hall at Market Square, 301 King St. Free. Hear a variety of songs after the parade route.
Sunday/Dec. 2
Holiday Performance. 5 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic (WMP) will presents "Gloria" with Tiffany Bostic. General admission tickets are $15. Students 18 and under are free. All concert tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.wmpa.us.
High School Christmas Peformance. Bishop Ireton Christmas Concert featuring students performing at 2 p.m. in the Garwood Whaley Auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Features special guests. Free. 703-212-5183.
Holiday Concert. 7:30 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Performance by the Brass of Peace. Free. 703-549-1421.
Monday/Dec. 3
Holiday Concert. The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County will be presenting their Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 5614 Old Mill Road. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall, and a goodwill offering will be collected. Free. 703-590-3995 or visit www.newdominionchoraliers.org.
Friday/Dec. 7
Holiday Concert. 8 p.m. at Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Free. Hear music by the Alexandria Band. Donations requested. Visit www.nvcc.edu for more.
Saturday/Dec. 15
Holiday Concert. 7-8:30 p.m. at River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Drive. Features music by Jody Marshall, Andrea Hoag and Paul Nahay. $10/member or $15/nonmember. Space is limited. Visit www.ahs.org or 703-768-5700 ext. 125.
Sunday/Dec. 16
Holiday Performance. The Asaph Ensemble will be performing their Christmas performance at 4 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.
Holiday Music Performance. From 3-5 p.m. enjoy music by "The Colonial Ringers and the Canterbury Ringers" at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Free. Visitors will also be able to give a try with the music bells. Call Bob Schurk at 703-838-4994.
Holiday Performance. The Alexandria Choral Society will perform at 4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Features music by the adult and children’s choir and more. $20/adult; $15/senior and children. Visit www.alexchoralsociety.org or 703-548-4734 ext. 2.
Monday/Dec. 17
Christmas Candlelight Service. 7 p.m. Alexandria Presbyterian Church, 2405 Russell Road, Alexandria, will hold its annual Christmas Candlelight Service with choirs and instrumentalists, the Belmont Brass, and carol singing by candlelight. A reception will follow. For information, call 703-683-3348 or visit www.alexandriapres.org.
Holiday Concert. 7:30 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Over 150 singers will perform holiday favorites including chorals from Goodwin House. Free. Visit http://encorecreativity.org or 571-215-6118.
Wednesday/Dec. 19
Holiday Music Performance. West Potomac High School Chorus and Orchestra will present Vivaldi’s "Gloria" at 7:30 p.m. in the Springbank Auditorium, 6500 Quander Road. Other holiday favorites will be performed. $5/person.
Holiday High School Performance. 7 p.m. in the Mount Vernon High School Little Theatre. Performances by the MVHS Choirs and Orchestras. $4/student; $7/adult but no more than $15/family. Contact Suzanna.Sitomer@fcps.edu or call 703-619-3163.
<b>Family Holiday Events
</b>Families can come together and enjoy a multitude of events geared towards families, from candlelight tours to a children's tea party.
Sunday/Nov. 18
3rd Annual Tur-Krew Trot 5k Run. 8:30 a.m. at Carl Sandburg Middle School. $20/Sandburg Middle School and West Potomac High School students. $25/everyone else. Register at http://racepacket.com or 703-360-1518. Benefits the crew team.
Thursday/Nov. 22
Turkey Trot. 31st annual Turkey Trot from 8:30-11 a.m. at Cora Kelly School. Runners are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods. $10 on-line or $15 on race day. Visit www.pwba.org for event information.
Friday/Nov. 23
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.
Saturday/Nov. 24
Scottish Preview. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Includes bagpipe performances, Celtic music, military living history demonstrations and more. Free. Call 703-838-4994 for more information.
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.
Sunday/Nov. 25
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.
Thursday, Nov. 29
Children's Tea Party. 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. This 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. $30/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.
Friday/Nov. 30
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 sold out, but still come and take part in the activities that will be held at the station. Children will receive a special goody bag and holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Holiday Dinner Theater. Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus presents "A Very Merry Musical" at 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St. $15/adult; children ages 6-12 are $7; age 5 and under free. Enjoy favorite songs and a family meal with Santa. Reserved table seating. Visit www.harmonizers.org or 240-206-9626 for tickets.
Saturday/Dec. 1
The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. 11 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 Senator and Mrs. John Warner. 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.
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.
A Soldier’s Christmas. Noon-4 p.m. at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. The First Virginia Regiment will highlight the life of a soldier during the American Revolutionary War. Includes demonstrations, music, gaming and more. The Regimental surgeon will discuss medicine and show 18th century surgical instruments. Admission is a suggested $5 donation per person. Visit www.carlylehouse.org or 703-548-2997.
Holiday Dinner Theater. Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus presents "A Very Merry Musical" at 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St. $15/adult; children ages 6-12 are $7; age 5 and under free. Enjoy favorite songs and a family meal with Santa. Reserved table seating. Visit www.harmonizers.org or 240-206-9626 for tickets.
Sunday/Dec. 2
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.
Friday/Dec. 7
Plantation Christmas. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road. Take candlelight mansion tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, music and food samples. $14/adult; $7/children. 703-550-9220. Visit www.GunstonHall.org.
Holiday Dinner. Seatings available at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road. Holiday dinner includes the traditional fare. $39.95/adult and children ages 11 and up. $19.95/children ages 6-10. Price includes admission to "Plantation Christmas." Reservations required, 703-550-9220. Visit www.GunstonHall.org.
Saturday/Dec. 8
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.
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.
Plantation Christmas. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road. Take candlelight mansion tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, music and food samples. $14/adult; $7/children. 703-550-9220. Visit www.GunstonHall.org.
Holiday Dinner. Seatings available at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road. Holiday dinner includes the traditional fare. $39.95/adult and children ages 11 and up. $19.95/children ages 6-10. Price includes admission to "Plantation Christmas." Reservations required, 703-550-9220. Visit www.GunstonHall.org.
Holiday Open House. Noon-3 p.m. at The Hermitage, 5000 Fairbanks Ave. Celebrate the holidays with tree trimming, caroling, special entertainment and refreshments. RSVP by Dec. 4. 703-797-3815.
Sunday/Dec. 9
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.
Thursday/Dec. 13
Benefit Shopping. Ten Thousand Villages, 915 King St., will donate 20 percent of the sales to ALIVE! from 7-9 p.m. Visit www.villagesofalexandria.com or 703-684-1435.
Friday/Dec. 15
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 sold out, but still come out and see the train and activities at the station. Children will receive a special goody bag and holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Monday/Dec. 31
First Night Alexandria. Celebrate the New Year with activities, performances and more in approximately 30 venues in Old Town and Del Ray. There is a cost. Visit www.firstnightalexandria.org or 703-838-5005.
<n>Art and Classes
</b>The many art studios will hold their annual holiday art gatherings where people can meet the artists, browse and buy some orginial art work. There are also many workshops available to learn about Kwanza and decorate ornaments based on excavated artifacts.
Thursday, Nov. 29
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.
Friday/Nov. 30
Artists Reception. The Del Ray Artisans' Fine Art & Crafts Holiday Market will have a free reception from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4827 for more.
Saturday/Dec. 1
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.
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.
Sunday/Dec. 3
Art & Crafts Holiday Market. Noon-4 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.
Saturday/Dec. 8
Holiday Reception. 6-9 p.m., Gallery West presents "Small Works and Holiday Show and Silent Auction" through Dec. 24 at 1213 King St. Features a variety of art work by members in every size. Silent auction ends Dec. 8. Visit www.gallery-west.com or call 703-549-6006.
Thursday/Dec. 13
Holiday Reception. 6-9 p.m., Gallery West presents "Small Works and Holiday Show and Silent Auction" through Dec. 24 at 1213 King St. Features a variety of art work by members in every size. Silent auction ends Dec. 8. Visit www.gallery-west.com or call 703-549-6006.