Know of something missing from our community entertainment Calendar? Send it to The Arlington Connection, e-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with any questions. Photos are welcome.
<b>Thursday/Nov. 22
</b>Thanksgiving Day.
Turkey Trot. 8 a.m. at Christ Church of Arlington, 3020 N. Pershing Drive. Run a 5k. Free. 703-527-0420.
Holiday Dinner. 2-3:30 p.m., at the Council’s activities hall, 515 Little Falls Road, the Knights of Columbus will serve traditional holiday dinners for needy, shut-ins and those alone at home. 202-682-6741.Rides for those able to travel, but without the means, are provided. Just contact Sam Starr at 703-241-1415 for arrangements.
<b>Friday/Nov. 23
</b> Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Kinderhaus, 1220 N. Fillmore St. Free. Visit www.kinderhaus.com or 703-527-5929.
5k Run. 10 a.m. at Rose Garden at Bon Air Park. $10/person with proceeds benefiting Women for Women International. Visit www.womenforwomen.org for more.
Black Friday. The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City will open its doors to the public on Black Friday, at 5 a.m. Many stores open for business between 5 and 6, with all stores open for business by 6 a.m. The mall will close at 10 p.m. Visit www.fashioncentrepentagon.com.
<b>Saturday/Nov. 24
</b> Author Talk. George Dodge will sign his book "Images of America-Arlington National Cemetery" from 1-3 p.m. at Waldenbooks, Landmark Shopping Center in Alexandria. Free.
<b>Sunday/Nov. 25
</b>35th bi-annual Messiah Sing-Along. Clarendon United Methodist Church continues its Advent tradition of a community Sing-along, complete with full orchestra and soloists. Clarendon United Methodist Church 606 N. Irving St. Call Naomi Pomerantz 703-534-2224.
Walk it off with a Naturalist. 2-4 p.m. at Roosevelt Island. Families with children ages 6 and up can walk the trails and go on a scavenger hunt. $2/person. Reservations required, 703-228-4747.
Storyteller. 4-5 p.m. at Kinderhaus, 1220 N. Fillmore St. Jim Weiss will perform for children four years and up. Free. Visit www.kinderhaus.com or 703-527-5929.
Nutcracker Tea. 3 p.m. at the Westin Arlington Gateway. Enjoy an afternoon tea with Sugar Plum fairy and other characters. $55. Visit www.arldance.org for tickets.
<b>Monday/Nov. 26
</b> Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Kinderhaus, 1220 N. Fillmore St. Free. Visit www.kinderhaus.com or 703-527-5929.
Green Living Gala. 7-8:30 p.m. at Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Features Paul Ferguson, Green Living Challenge winners and more. Free. Families welcome. Visit www.arlingtonva.us/Portals/Topics/documents/Green%20Gala%20Invite.pdf
<b>Tuesday/Nov. 27
</b> Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Brucker Hall, 400 McNair Road. Soloists from the U.S. Army Strings will perform a free concert. Visit www.usarmyband.com or 703-696-3399.
Light Up the Village. The Village at Shirlington, 4000 Campbell Ave., will officially kick off the holiday season with its annual Light Up the Village event at 6:30 p.m. Festivities include a tree lighting ceremony, free horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa, holiday carolers, strolling entertainment, delicious refreshments and more. Free. Visit www.villageatshirlington.com or call 301-998-8395.
<b>Wednesday/Nov. 28
</b> Shopping Event. Take part in a holiday shopping event with prizes, food tastings and more. $20/person at Crate & Barrel at Clarendon Market Commons. Proceeds benefit Doorways for Women & Families. 703-522-8858 ext. 12 or gcurcio@doorwaysVA.org for more.
Have Fun with Our Friends. 11 a.m. at Aladdin’s Books, 2499 N. Harrison St. Free. Hear stories about friendship and songs with Marlena Thompson. Ages 2-6. 703-241-8281.
Wild Ones: Rock and Roll. 3:30-5 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. Children ages 6-9 can learn about geology through games, hikes and more. $3/person. Registration required, 703-228-4747.
American Indian Discovery: Survival Skills. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Fort CF Smith, 2411 N. 24th St. Children ages 7-11 can learn about the tools and hunting skills of Native Americans. $3/person. Registration required, 703-228-4747.
Lecture. 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Hear "Iraq: A View from the Neighborhood" by Edward E. Gnehm, Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to Jordan. Free. 703-228-2144.
Lecture. 7-9 p.m. at Virginia Tech, 1021 Prince St. Christopher Leinberger will present "The Option of Urbanism: Investing in a New American Dream." Free. 703-706-8122.
Holiday Tasting Party. 5 p.m. at Olsson’s Crystal City, 2200 Crystal Drive. Features cookbooks by Sarah Hood Salomon, Sheila Kaufman and more. Free. Bring a canned good to donate. Visit www.olssons.com or 703-413-8121.
Ballston Tree Lighting. Help light the Ballston Holiday tree in Welburn Square at 5:30 p.m. with a reception to follow in the lobby of the Qwest Building, 4250 N. Fairfax Drive. There will be music, food and beverages and special guests. Free.
<b>Thursday/Nov. 29
</b> Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Brucker Hall, 400 McNair Road. See "A Stan Kenton Christmas" for free. Visit www.usarmyband.com or 703-696-3399.
Free Concert. Noon-1 p.m. at Ellipse Arts Center, 4350 N. Fairfax Drive. Hear a variety of music by Brahm, Mozart and more. Visit www.fmmc.org or 703-228-7710.
Musical Presentation. 7 p.m. at McKinley Elementary School, 1030 N. McKinley Road. See "The Lorax," based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Free, but donations welcome at the door. 703-228-5280.
<b>Friday/Nov. 30
</b> Concert for Hope. 7:30 p.m. at Kenmore Auditorium, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road. Music by Jason & deMarco, Howard Gospel Choir and the Unity Fellowship & Shaman Tigre Drum Ministries. Tickets are $25-$75 and can be purchased at www.novam.org or 703-533-5505 ext. 13.
Meet Mrs. Wishy Washy and her Animal Friends. 11 a.m. at Aladdin’s Books, 2499 N. Harrison St. Free. Mrs. Wishy Washy will read "Mrs. Wishy Washy" books by Joy Cowley. Ages 2-6. 703-241-8281.
Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Kinderhaus, 1220 N. Fillmore St. Free. Visit www.kinderhaus.com or 703-527-5929.
Holiday Theatre Performance. 7:30 p.m., see "The Nutcracker" at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 South Old Glebe Road. Watch as the Center Dance Company puts a twist on the classic. Visit www.arldance.org or 703-522-4224 for tickets.
Musical Presentation. 7 p.m. at McKinley Elementary School, 1030 N. McKinley Road. See "The Lorax," based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Free, but donations welcome at the door. 703-228-5280.
Theater Performance. "Nutcracker" at 7:30 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Buy tickets online at www.arldance.org or at Arlington Center for Dance, 3808 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-2414. Advance Sale Tickets: $22/$25 Adults, $17/$22 Youth and Seniors. Box office tickets are $5 more per ticket.
<b>Saturday/Dec. 1
</b>Art Sale. 4-7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane. Purchase a variety of watercolors by Art League students and more including exhibitors and more. Free.
Dinner and Movie. 5 p.m. at Aroma Indian Restaurant, 4052 S. 28th St., followed by movie of choice at AMC Loew’s Shirlington 7. $28 at door includes dinner, soda, tip and movie ticket. RSVP required. Visit www.newbeginningsusa.org or 301-924-4101.
Holiday Bazaar. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Washington-Lee High School, 1300 N. Quincy St. Search through jewelry, gifts, collectibles, crafts and more. Entertainment will be provided. 703-527-6976.
Mistletoe Mall at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring hand-crafted pottery, jewelry and clothing. There is a children's mall where they can shop by themselves from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music, food and a bake sale. Call 703-892-2565.
Winter Show. Arlington Artists Alliance will have its winter show and sale including oil, pastel and water media painters, potters and woodworkers from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with a performance by Star Dust Dance Band at 2 p.m. Free. Visit www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org for more information.
Theater Performance. "Nutcracker" at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Buy tickets online at www.arldance.org or at Arlington Center for Dance, 3808 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-2414. Advance Sale Tickets: $22/$25 Adults, $17/$22 Youth and Seniors. Box office tickets are $5 more per ticket.
Music Performance. 5 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 601 N. Vermont St. Enjoy singing the Advent/Christmas portion of this masterpiece with members of the chorus or listen to the music. Free. Non-perishable food and donations will be accepted. 703-933-2500 or visit www.metchorus.org for more.
<b>Sunday/Dec. 2
</b> Opening Reception. 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Cassatt’s Café, 4536 Lee Highway. Sam Gillian is the juror of "Irreplaceable Hue" and the style of painting is "color field." Visit www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org for more.
Art Sale. Noon-4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane. Purchase a variety of watercolors by Art League students and more including exhibitors and more. Free.
Music Concert. 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane. The Washington’s Women Chorus will perform favorite holiday music. $20/adult; $18/student, senior. Visit www.washingtonwomenschorus.org or 202-244-7367.
Author Reading. A.F. Cook will be reading from "Democrats in the Red Zone: an Independent Voter’s Take on the Game of Political Perception" from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Liberty Tavern, 3195 Wilson Blvd. Free. Visit www.redzonepolitics.com or 703-465-9360 for time.
Lecture. 2:30-5 p.m. at Congregation Etz Hayim, 2920 Arlington Blvd. Learn about policy issues and more. Free. To register visit http://ga4.org/interfaithcenter/events/sj101/details.tcl.
Invasive Plant Removal. 1-3 p.m. at Bluemont Bike Trail, N. 5th and N. Jefferson streets. Bring work gloves and pruning shears if you have them. Visit www.arlingtonenvironment.org or 703-228-6406.
Advent Fair at the Little Falls Presbyterian Church, 6025 Little Falls Road, Arlington, from 4-6 p.m. Featuring: make your own Christmas decorations and ornaments, food and singing. Call 703-538-5230.
Mistletoe Mall at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., from 1-4 p.m. Featuring hand-crafted pottery, jewelry and clothing. Artists work from the area and from Central and South America, the Middle East and Iraq. Live music, food and a bake sale. Call 703-892-2565.
Alternative Christmas Gifts Fair. Mount Olivet United Methodist Church will host its annual fair trade gifts fair from noon-4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at 1500 North Glebe Road in Arlington. Crafts, jewelry, food and other hand-made items will be sold to benefit organizations such as Heifer International, Doorways for Women and many more. Free. Visit www.mtolivet-umc.org or contact the main office at 703-527-3934.
Winter Show. Arlington Artists Alliance will have its winter show and sale including oil, pastel and water media painters, potters and woodworkers from noon-4 p.m. with a demonstration on making holiday cards and gifts from 1-2 p.m. Free. Visit www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org for more information.
Theater Performance. "Nutcracker" at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Buy tickets online at www.arldance.org or at Arlington Center for Dance, 3808 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-2414. Advance Sale Tickets: $22/$25 Adults, $17/$22 Youth and Seniors. Box office tickets are $5 more per ticket.
Duke Ellington "Nutcracker." At 3 p.m., the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble presents its most popular concert featuring a mix of Stan Kenton's seasonal tunes and the playful and creative Duke Ellington Nutcracker. Free at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road. Call 703-696-3399 or visit www.usarmyband.com for more information.
"Songs and Stories of Christmas" Christmas carols and Advent and Solstice poems and readings, performed by the Washington Women's Chorus at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. For more information, visit www.washingtonwomenschorus.org.
Hanukkah Fun. 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Kinderhaus, 1220 N. Fillmore St. Ms. Miebeth will read stories, lead activities and more. Children ages 3-8. Free. Registration required. Visit www.kinderhaus.com or 703-527-5929.
<b>Monday/Dec. 3
</b> See the Stars. 7:30 p.m. at Arlington Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St. See "The Stars Tonight for December" with Jonathan Harmon. Maps are provided, with telescopic observations will be featured and questions are answered. $3/adults; $2/senior and child. 703-228-6070.
History Program. 7 p.m., listen to "Living with the Indians at Jamestown" at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Free. Features Indian objects and artifact reproductions. 703-228-3818.
<b>Tuesday/Dec. 4
</b> New Volunteer Group. Club Red, a group of young professional volunteers, will hold a party at 7 p.m. at Bangkok 54, 2919 Columbia Pike. The group helps the Arlington Red Cross. $20/person with a portion going to the Red Cross. RSVP to 703-527-3010 ext. 735.
<b>Wednesday/Dec. 5
</b> Holiday Animal Crafts. 3-4 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. Children ages 5-11 can create ornaments and decorations. $5/child. Refreshments will be served. Registration required, 703-228-4747.
4th Annual Holiday Open House. From 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Pentagon Row Plaza, enjoy free horse and carriage rides, pet photos with Santa, carolers, entertainment, refreshments and more. The ice skating rink will be open. Free. Visit www.pentagonrow.com or call 703-413-6691.
Holiday Animal Crafts. 3-4 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington. $5/child ages 5-10. Create animal ornaments and decorations. Registration required 703-228-4747.
<b>Thursday/Dec. 6
</b>Brown Bag Thursdays. 1-2 p.m. at Signature Theatre. Discuss the cabaret "December Divas." Free. Located at 4200 Campbell Ave. Visit www.signature-theatre.org for more.
Holiday Boutique. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2315 S. Grant St., Arlington. Free. Browse gift items from local vendors and artisans, and enter in a luxury gift basket raffle. Sponsored by Aurora Hills Women's Club to benefit The Hume School of Arlington Ridge. Lunch available for $8. For more information call 703-535-8882.
Light Up Rosslyn will start at 5:30 p.m. with Beltway Brass, The Metropolitan Chorus at 6:30 p.m. and the ceremonial light switch will be flipped at 6:45 p.m. by Christopher Zimmerman, County Board Chairman. All takes place underneath the JumboTron, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free. Bring donations from A-SPAN's list. Call 703-522-6628 for information.
<b>Friday/Dec. 7
</b> Opening Reception. 6-9 p.m. at Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd. Meet the artists of "Hope and Fear" and "Winter Solos 2007." Lucy Bowen McCauley will showcase a new dance at 6 p.m. Free. Visit www.arlingtonartscenter.org or 703-248-6800.
Holiday Gifts. 6:30-8 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington. Learn how to make colorful, scented soaps for guests and gifts with an easy recipe. $3/soap tray, ages 12-adult. Registration required 703-228-4747.
Miracle on 23rd Street Tree Lighting Ceremony. 750 S. 23rd St., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. The event, features caroling, refreshments, prizes and a special visitor from the North Pole. Tree lighting at 6:30, a visit from Santa at 6:45, followed by a reception. Call 703-521-4441.