E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Other Items
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is now accepting applications for its new Junior Docent Program. After training, Junior Docents will be able to give tours and assist with public programs including candlelight tours, 18th-century teas, open houses and other special events. Students in grades 2 through 5 are invited to join Gadsby’s staff for a training series Sunday afternoons early next year. Classes will be held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, Jan. 25, and Feb. 1. These free classes will cover basic history and presentation skills to prepare Junior Docents to help with museum special events. To receive an application, call 703-838-4242. Applications are due by Wednesday, Dec. 17.
This holiday season, River Farm will be a collection site for Toys for Tots, an organization that gives toys to needy children in the United States. To make a donation, drop off unwrapped, new toys in the collection box in the estate house by Dec. 16. 703-768-5700 ext. 114.
Ongoing
Mount Vernon Community bands need members. All concert band musicians wanted. Most needed are: oboes, bassoons, French horns, saxophones, flutes, trombones, and clarinets. Also needed and welcome are: percussionists, and players of tubas, euphoniums, trumpets. Visit www.mvbands.com, e-mail MVSwingBand@Cox.net or call 703-339-6534 for more information.
On Sundays from noon-5 p.m., visit the Waterfront and see history-inspired performances near the Torpedo Factory; do a “meet and greet” of early Alexandria residents and travelers near the Waterfront and lower King Street. Free. Visit www.historicalexandria.org for more.
Children enter a world of fantasy and fables when costumed interpreters weave three tales together during Mount Vernon’s storytelling session, “Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon”, held every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. through December at the Hands-On History room in the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. The storytelling program is recommended for children ages three to eight. Parental supervision is required. “Once Upon at Time at Mount Vernon” is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $13.00; youth ages 6-11, $6.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Historic Mount Vernon welcomes all Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Camp Fire Club members (in uniform or wearing an official pin) to free admission during its Scouting Days program beginning Nov. 1 through Feb. 15, 2009. For more information, visit www.MountVernon.org.
Martha Washington hosts an 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and early American décor during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. The Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (Dec. 12, 13 & 14) from 5–8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Ford Orientation Center or through www.MountVernon.org. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for children under 12.
Gallery West presents “Small Works and Holiday Show and Silent Auction” through Jan. 4 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. 14,21 and 28 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. 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. 13. 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 until Dec. 20 or when trees sell out). Lot hours are: Monday-Friday 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 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. 5 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. Proceeds benefit the Alexandria Police Youth Camp.
The Little Theater of Alexandria will perform “Scrooge! The Musical” from Nov. 22-Dec. 14 at 600 Wolfe St., Old Town. Performances are Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18-$21 and can be purchased at www.thelittletheatre.com.
The Alliance Dance Institute presents “The Nutcracker” from through Dec. 28 in the Landmark Mall, 5801 Duke St. Fifty-five minute long performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. $20/person. After the show, stay for photo opportunities. Visit www.adidance.com or 703-354-6000.
This Christmas, arrange for a personalized letter from Santa Claus, postmarked from the North Pole. The Alexandria Jaycees are offering customized letters sent directly to children from Santa for only $5 each. The letter will also include a coupon to a child-friendly restaurant. Letter requests must be received by Dec. 8. Orders received after Dec. 8 will be postmarked from Virginia. For more information or to place an order, visit www.alexjaycees.org.
The American Horticultural Society hosts holiday happenings at its headquarters at River Farm. From Dec. 1 to Jan. 16, River Farm’s grounds and estate house will feature lights, poinsettias, and other festive holiday decorations. All are welcome to visit and enjoy Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but note that the grounds will be closed from Dec. 25 through Jan. 4.
Mystique Fine Jewelry and Designs, 211 Strand Waterfront in Alexandria, will sell “December Love Stone,” a 25-carat rose quartz cabochon ring. Visit www.mystiquejewelers.com or 703-836-1401.
La Muse, 108 N. Patrick St., collects and ships donations for www.AnySoldier.com every day of the year. Bring donations to La Muse and it will be packaged and shipped to soldiers. For ideas on what to donate go to: www.ShopLaMuse.net/Anysoldier.html or call 703-683-1696.
Woodlawn’s Needlework exhibition is March 1-31 at 9000 Richmond Highway. There will be demonstrations, lunch by Nelly’s Needlers and more. See needleworks from around the world. Visit www.woodlawn1805.org or 703-780-4000 for more.
Friday/Dec. 12
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can enjoy stories. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
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 6:30 p.m. and 8 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.
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.
Ballroom Dancing for Couples. 8:30-11:30 p.m. dance the waltz, rumba, fox trot, and more to live music. At a private dance club in Mount Vernon. $15/person. Visit www.fridaynightersdancingclub.com/contactUs.html
Wee Ones Storytime. 10:30 a.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. Children 2 and under can enjoy stories and songs. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Author Reading. Leslie Young will read at 12:30 p.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. The author wrote the Plaid books. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Theater Performance. 7 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School, 6560 Braddock Road. Watch “Oklahoma.” $10/person.
Saturday/Dec. 13
Christmas Tea. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Hear holiday storytelling and enjoy a family tea party. $25. Registration required – 703-941-7987.
Gardening Workshop. 9:30-11 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn about perennial design using lawn and groundcovers. $18. Call to register – 703-642-5173.
Wild for Winter Waterfowl. 11:30 a.m. at Mason Neck, 7301 High Point Road. Observe swans, ducks and more. Free. 703-339-2385.
Majestic Eagles. 5 p.m. at Mason Neck, 7301 High Point Road. Look for bald eagles while learning about them. Free. 703-339-2385.
‘Tis the Season. 8 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. Hear music by the Alexandria Choral Society and Aldersgate choirs. Free. Visit www.alexchoralsociety.org or 703-548-4734.
Cheerleading Exhibition. 11 a.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. Features squads from around the city. $6/adult; $3/child. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or 703-838-4345.
Holiday Concert. 1 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Hear Bell’s Angels, St. John’s Lutheran Church Handbell Choir and the Alexandria Singers. Free. 703-883-4686.
Friends Book Sale. 10 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. Books for all ages. 703-339-4610.
Sing-Along with Miss Belle. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. All ages can enjoy singing along. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
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.
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.
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. Ticket prices are $20 for adult, $15 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6-17. 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 8 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.
Kwanzaa Workshop. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Do crafts and play games to learn about Kwanzaa. Free. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356.
Pancakes with Santa. 8-11 a.m. at Mount Vernon High School. $7/person and proceeds benefit MVHS class of 2009. E-mail terence.donohue@fcps.edu for more.
Craft Sale. 9 a.m.-noon at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road. Proceeds benefit the women’s outreach programs. 703-360-9546.
Winter Solstice Cultural Fest. 5:30-9 p.m. at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. See works by 30 artists, browse gifts and more. Free. Visit www.convergenceccf.net for more.
Family Christmas Tea. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring, 4603 Green Spring Road. Hear stories by Margaret Chatham. $25/person. 703-941-7987.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road. $5/adult; $3/student, senior. Hear music by the concert band, wind ensemble and more. 703-212-5162.
Holiday Performance. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Historic Alexandria History Center, 101 N. Union St. Charlotte, enslaved seamstress to Martha Washington, will talk about her life. Free. 703-706-5262.
Solstice Cultural Fest. 5:30-9 p.m. at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. Free. RSVP to 301-693-1346. See artwork, music and more.
Things That Go Storytime. 11 a.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. Children ages 2 and up can learn about things that move. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Author Reading. 2 p.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. Marc Nobleman will read from “Boys of Steel.” Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Christmas Concert. 8 p.m. at Aldersgate Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. Hear “Gloria” by the adult choirs and the Alexandria Choral Society. $15/adult donation. Visit www.aldersgate.net or 703-765-6555.
Theater Performance. 7 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School, 6560 Braddock Road. Watch “Oklahoma.” $10/person.
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. All ages. Registration required, 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Sunday/Dec. 14
Art Exhibit. See artwork by Yuri Kokoyanin at The von Brahler Ltd./Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call for weekday hours, 703-798-8686. Free.
Holiday Open House. Noon-2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. Hear music by the Harmony Heritage Singers. 703-765-3645.
Wild for Winter Waterfowl. 11:30 a.m. at Mason Neck, 7301 High Point Road. Observe swans, ducks and more. Free. 703-339-2385.
Majestic Eagles. 5 p.m. at Mason Neck, 7301 High Point Road. Look for bald eagles while learning about them. Free. 703-339-2385.
Wintering Animals. 1 p.m. at Mason Neck, 7301 High Point Road. Visit some animals that live in the park. Free. 703-339-2385.
Music Performance. 3:30 p.m. at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and choirs will perform Duke Ellington’s jazz band arrangement of “The Nutcracker.” $25/person. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
‘Tis the Season. 3 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. Hear music by the Alexandria Choral Society and Aldersgate choirs. Free. Visit www.alexchoralsociety.org or 703-548-4734.
Holiday Music. 2 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Hear the Alexandria Harmonizers and the St. Matthews United Methodist Church Youth Handbell Choir. Free. 703-883-4686.
Holiday Open House. Noon at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. All ages can enjoy a performance by Harmony Heritage Singers. Free. 703-765-3645.
Bridge Club. 4 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Teens and adults can learn how to play. Free. 703-765-3645.
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.
High School Christmas Performance. 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 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 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.
Christmas Candlelight Service. 6 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.
Children’s Holiday Concert. 3:30 p.m. at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St. $25/person. Hear music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. 703-548-0885.
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.
Kissing Ball Demonstrations. 1-4 p.m. at Lee Fendall House, 101 N. Union St. Learn how to make one. Donations suggested.
Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m., see a nature photography show at Huntley Meadows, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. through Feb. 28. All pictures were taken at the park. Free. 703-768-2525.
Music Performance. 3:30 p.m. at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St. Hear music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. $25/person. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Music Performance. Noon-6 p.m. at Historic Alexandria History Center, 101 N. Union St. Stephen Christoff will play early American music on an octave mandolin and other instruments. Free. 703-706-5262.
Global Rhyme Workshop. 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. Construct a storybook. Materials fee. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092 to reserve a spot.
Christmas Concert. 3 p.m. at Aldersgate Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. Hear “Gloria” by the adult choirs and the Alexandria Choral Society. $15/adult donation. Visit www.aldersgate.net or 703-765-6555.
Theater Performance. 2 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School, 6560 Braddock Road. Watch “Oklahoma.” $10/person.
Advent Lessons and Carols. 4 p.m. at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St. Hear music by the Chancel Choir, bell choir and more. Free. Visit www.wsumc.com or 703-836-4324.
Monday/Dec. 15
Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 12-24 months can enjoy fingerplays, songs and more. Free. 703-765-3645.
Early Reader Book Discussion. 3:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children ages 6-8 can take part in activities. Call for title. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion. 7 p.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Discuss “Desert Queen” by Jane Wallach. Free. 703-838-4566.
Tuesday/Dec. 16
Put On a Sweater. 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 13-23 months can enjoy stories and activities. Free. Registration required, 703-339-4610.
Mother-Daughter Book Group. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Ages 9-11 call for title. Free. 703-971-0010.
Wednesday/Dec. 17
Noonday Noel. 12:05 p.m. at The Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 S. Fairfax St. Hear music sung by the Potomac River Chorale. Free. Visit www.opmh.org or 703-549-6670. Followed by lunch for $5.
Small Wonders. 10:15 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children ages 13-23 months can enjoy stories, fingerplays and more. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion. 7:15 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Adults call for title. Free. 703-971-0010.
Holiday Music Performance. West Potomac High School Chorus and Orchestra will present “Messiah” at 6:30 p.m. in the Springbank Auditorium, 6500 Quander Road. Other holiday favorites will be performed. $5/person.
Sisters in Crime. 7 p.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Authors such as Donna Andrews, Meriah Crawford and others will read. Free. 703-838-4566.
Thursday/Dec. 18
Stories and Science. 4 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children ages 4-6 can enjoy experiments, stories and more. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Music Performance. Hear music by Douglas A. Beck at noon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 S. Pitt St. Free.
Musical Soiree. 6 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Hear music by Emily Bentgen and more. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Books Discussion. 7 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Discus “The End and the Beginning,” “Hatred,” and “Reality Demands” in “Poems, New and Collected” by Wislawa Szymborska. Free. 703-931-3559.
Friday/Dec. 19
Fashion Show and Luncheon. 11 a.m. at River Farm. See designs by students from Art Institute of Washington. Pieces will be auctioned off. Reservations required, 703-768-5700 ext. 114.
Holiday Performance. 7 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. The Thomas Jefferson High School Choral Department will present a choral holiday performance and then go caroling. Free.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can enjoy stories. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Music Performance. 9 p.m. at Nick’s Nightclub, 642 S. Pickett St. Hear music by Richie Fields. $5/lady; $7/gentleman. Visit www.nicksnightclub.com or 703-751-8900.
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Hear music by the City Choir of Washington. Tickets start at $15/person. Visit www.thecitychoirofwashington.org or 301-572-6865.
Wee Ones Storytime. 10:30 a.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. Children 2 and under can enjoy stories and songs. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Saturday/Dec. 20
Family Gardening Workshop. 2-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Children and adults learn about growing flower bulbs indoors. $15 per project. Materials included. Register at 703-642-5173.
Art Exhibit. See artwork by Yuri Kokoyanin at The von Brahler Ltd./Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call for weekday hours, 703-798-8686. Free.
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. Buy tickets only at Whistle Stop Hobbies in Old Town. Visit www.whistlestophobbies.com for more.
Music Performance. 9 p.m. at Nick’s Nightclub, 642 S. Pickett St. Hear music by Richie Fields. $5/lady; $7/gentleman. Visit www.nicksnightclub.com or 703-751-8900.
Holiday Ice Show. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon RECenter, 2017 Belle View Blvd. Free.
Holiday Tea. 2 p.m. at The Grille at Morrison House, 116 S. Alfred St. Children can hear a reading of “The Polar Express,” make ornaments and more while enjoying tea. $38/adult; $28/child. Reservations encouraged, 703-838-8000.
Theater Performance. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Historic Alexandria History Center, 101 N. Union St. Shakespearean actors will perform scenes. Free. 703-706-5262.
Holiday Performance. 4-7 p.m. at Historic Alexandria History Center, 101 N. Union St. Charlotte, enslaved seamstress to Martha Washington will talk about her life. Free. 703-706-5262.
Music Performance. 3 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Hear music by the City Choir of Washington. Tickets start at $15/person. Visit www.thecitychoirofwashington.org or 301-572-6865.
Carol Sing. 4 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road. Free. Sing along with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic and Youth Orchestra. Visit www.staidansepiscopal.com or 703-360-4220.
Hooray for the Holidays Storytime. 11 a.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. Children ages 2 and up can enjoy holiday stories. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Children’s Christmas Party. Noon-2:30 p.m. at Hilton Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road. More than 100 children will enjoy surprise guests, food, presents and more. Contact Captain Thurston McClain at 703 838-4653.
Sunday/Dec. 21
Art Exhibit. See artwork by Yuri Kokoyanin at The von Brahler Ltd./Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call for weekday hours, 703-798-8686. Free.
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.
Music Performance. 3 p.m. at Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road. Hear music by the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. Free, donations accepted.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Virginia violist Kaleigh Acord performs with Russian pianist Irina Kats. Free. 703-838-4994.
Winter Solstice. 2 p.m. at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, off Marcey Road. Watch “The World in 70 Acres,” about the park. Refreshments and music. Free. 703-528-5406.
Puppet Show. Noon-6 p.m. at Historic Alexandria History Center, 101 N. Union St. KD Puppets’ perform. Free. 703-706-5262.
Monday/Dec. 22
Writer’s Group. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Adults can read work for feedback. Free. 703-339-4610.
Wednesday/Dec. 24
Christmas Carols and Lessons. 11 p.m. at The Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 S. Fairfax St. Music with choir and brass quintet. Free. Visit www.opmh.org or 703-549-6670.
Friday/Dec. 26
Wee Ones Storytime. 10:30 a.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. Children 2 and under can enjoy stories and songs. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Saturday/Dec. 27
Art Exhibit. See artwork by Yuri Kokoyanin at The von Brahler Ltd./Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call for weekday hours, 703-798-8686. Free.
Get Fancy Storytime. 11 a.m. at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. Children ages 2 and up can don a tiara, bow tie or something festive for a fun storytime. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Sunday/Dec. 28
Art Exhibit. See artwork by Yuri Kokoyanin at The von Brahler Ltd./Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call for weekday hours, 703-798-8686. Free.
Bridge Club. 4 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Teens and adults can learn how to play. Free. 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/Dec. 30
Puppets. 2 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. All ages can see “The Nutcracker Fantasy” by Bob Brown Puppets. Free. Registration required, 703-765-3645.
Short Story Discussion. 7 p.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Discuss selections in “The Art of the Short Story.” Free. 703-519-3498.