<b>Ongoing Events
</b>Light Up Rosslyn Collection Drive will run from Nov.26-Dec. 6. Businesses throughout Rosslyn will have collection boxes in the lobbies and tenant offices, the community drop-off location is at the Rosslyn BID office at 1911 N. Fort Myer Drive LL-10. Monetary donations can be made at www.a-span.org or call 703-820-HELP.
The Arlington Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St. presents "Tis the Season” begins Friday, Nov. 21-Dec. 21. Celebrates winter-illuminated by the stars, the customs and the character of the special time. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. $3/adult; $2/senior and child. 703-228-6070.
Santa arrives at the Ballston Mall from the North Pole. The booth will open for pictures Friday, Nov. 28 from noon-6 p.m. and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays until Monday, Dec. 17, when it will be open every day from noon-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 the booth will be open until 9 p.m. while on Christmas Eve, the booth will close at 6 p.m. Visit www.ballston-common.com for more information.
Holiday House at Fort C.F. Smith Park's Hendry House, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington. Enjoy a juried arts and crafts sale by local artisans from Dec. 13-21. Hours are Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays noon-5 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 12 from noon-8 p.m. Free. Call 703-243-7329.
Holiday Gift Wrap Center. From Nov. 29-Dec. 24 support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation by having them wrap your holiday gifts, located on the 2nd level in front of The French Connection. They offer a variety of paper, bows and boxes from which to choose. All proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Simon Youth Foundation. For more information or to view a list of participating charities, visit www.fashioncentrepentagon.com.
“The Penguin Story” performances, from Nov. 22 through Jan. 25 at Classika Theater, 4041 Campbell Ave., are Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. There will be extra performances. $12/advance; $15/door. Visit www.classika.org or 1-800-494-8497.
<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.
Saturday/Dec. 6
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.-4 p.m. Live music, food and a bake sale. Call 703-892-2565.
Washington-Lee Annual Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1300 N. Quincy St., Arlington. Free. 703-527-6976.
Holiday Bazaar. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford St. Features jewelry, gifts, collectibles and more. Free. 703-516-7007.
Sunday/Dec. 7
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.
Thursday/Dec. 6
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.
<b>Art and Classes
</b>The many art studios will hold their annual holiday art gatherings where people can meet the artists and browse and buy some original art work. There are also many workshops available to learn how to decorate table tops for Thanksgiving, make homemade soaps for presents among others.
Saturday/Dec. 6
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. at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St. Free. Visit www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org for more information.
Sunday/Dec. 7
Winter Show. Arlington Artists Alliance will have its winter show and sale including oil, pastel and water media painters, potters and woodworkers from noon-5 p.m. with a demonstration on making holiday cards and gifts from 1-2 p.m. Free. Visit www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org for more information.
Tuesday/Dec. 2
Holiday Gifts.4:30-5:30 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington. Learn how to make decorations inspired by animals. $5/child, ages 5-11. Registration required 703-228-4747.
Thursday/Dec. 4
Holiday Animal Workshop. 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, for children ages 5-11 years. Make crafts inspired by animals. $5/child, reservations required, 703-228-3403.
Saturday/Dec. 6
Holiday Wreath Workshop. Make a wreath or centerpiece from local greens, pine cones and other natural materials at 2 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center 625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Cost is $30/adult age 12 and older. Registration required, 703-228-6535.
Saturday/Dec. 13
Holiday House. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 N. Kent St. all ages can browse local arts and crafts. There will be a special children’s section. Free. 703-243-4342.
Sunday/Dec. 14
Holiday House. Noon-5 p.m. at Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 N. Kent St. all ages can browse local arts and crafts. There will be a special children’s section. Free. 703-243-4342.
Wednesday/Dec. 17
Holiday House. Noon-8 p.m. at Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 N. Kent St. all ages can browse local arts and crafts. There will be a special children’s section. Free. 703-243-4342.
Saturday/Dec. 20
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. at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St. Free. Visit www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org for more information.
Holiday House. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 N. Kent St. all ages can browse local arts and crafts. There will be a special children’s section. Free. 703-243-4342.
Sunday/Dec. 21
Winter Show. Arlington Artists Alliance will have its winter show and sale including oil, pastel and water media painters, potters and woodworkers from noon-5 p.m. with a demonstration on making holiday cards and gifts from 1-2 p.m. Free. Visit www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org for more information.
Holiday House. Noon-5 p.m. at Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 N. Kent St. all ages can browse local arts and crafts. There will be a special children’s section. Free. 703-243-4342.
<b>Family Events
</b>Families can come together and enjoy a multitude of events geared towards families, from a Turkey Trot to breakfast with Santa.
Thursday/Nov. 20
Turkey Tidbits. 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Preschoolers will learn about turkeys. $3/child. Registration required, 703-228-6535.
Run Turkey, Run. 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. Children ages 3-5 can learn about these animals in camouflage. $3/child. Registration required, 703-228-3403.
Friday/Nov. 21
Run Turkey, Run. 1:30 p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road. Children ages 3-5 can learn about these animals in camouflage. $3/child. Registration required, 703-228-3403.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Enchanted Forest. Hosted by the Junior League of Northern Virginia from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Reston Hotel, 11819 Sunrise Valley. This event includes visits with Santa Claus, holiday crafts, games and two special events. $7 or $5 for a Santa Pass. Tickets sold at the door. Enjoy breakfast with Santa from 9:30-10:30 a.m. for $25/person. Visit www.jlnv.org.
Sunday/Nov. 23
Enchanted Forest. Hosted by the Junior League of Northern Virginia from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Sheraton Reston Hotel, 11819 Sunrise Valley. This event includes visits with Santa Claus, holiday crafts, games and two special events. $7 or $5 for a Santa Pass. Tickets sold at the door. Enjoy breakfast with Santa from 9:30-10:30 a.m. for $25/person. For more information or a list of events, visit www.jlnv.org.
Wednesday/Nov. 26
Thanksgiving Throwdown 2007 at the Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. featuring Kristen and the Noise and DJ Pat Premier. There will be prizes. $10 with canned goods $15 without. Call 703-469-2244 or visit http://www.hiballevents.com.
Friday/Nov. 28
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>Areas Light Up
</b>Four areas in Arlington are celebrating a community-wide holiday kick-off with tree lightings. Area tree lightings include various activities such as photos with Santa, a visit from the Washington Capitals' mascot, receptions, caroling and more.
Tuesday/Dec. 2
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.
Wednesday/Dec. 3
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.
Thursday/Dec. 4
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. All takes place underneath the JumboTron, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free. Bring donations from A-SPAN's list. Visit www.rosslynva.org for more.
Friday/ Dec. 5
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.
<b>Theater
</b>This year's theatre brings to life "The Nutcracker" in various adaptations.
Monday/Dec. 1
Duke Ellington "Nutcracker." At 6 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 Millenium Stage, Kennedy Center. Call 703-696-3399 or visit www.usarmyband.com for more information.
Friday/Dec. 5
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.
Saturday/Dec. 6
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.
Sunday/Dec. 7
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.
<b>Holiday Music Events
</b>There are a multitude of music events to celebrate the holidays and being with loved ones.
Friday/Dec. 5
Joyful Christmas Concert. 7:30 p.m. Rose Bente Lee Center in Marymount, 2807 N. Glebe Road. Hear music by the Randolph Elementary School choir and more. Free. There will be a tree lighting at 7 p.m. 703-284-1611.
Saturday/Dec. 6
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.
Sunday/Dec. 7
“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.
18th Annual Messiah Sing-Along at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 4250 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, at 7:30 p.m. Call 703-536-6606.
Sunday/Dec. 14
Choral Union Candlelight Christmas Celebration. 7:30 p.m. at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 1500 N. Glebe Road, Arlington. Concert features the Mount Olivet Brass and more. Free. Call 703-527-3934.
Monday/Dec. 15
Holiday Concert. 7:30 p.m. at Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church. Over 150 singers will perform holiday favorites including chorals from Goodwin House. Free. Visit http://encorecreativity.org or 571-215-6118.
Wednesday/Dec. 17
Music Performance. Potomac Harmony Chorus performs "Celebrate with Light!" a holiday music show and sing-along at Ballston Mall, at 8 p.m. Free. Call 703-764-3896 or 703-979-8028 or visit www.potomacharmony.org.
Saturday/Dec. 20
Brass & Bells. 7:30 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. $18/adult; $15/senior, military. Features handbell ensemble. Visit www.metchorus.org or 703-933-2500.
Sunday/Dec. 21
Music Performance. Potomac Harmony Chorus performs "Celebrate with Light!" a holiday music show and sing-along at Thomas Jefferson Theater, 125 South Old Glebe Road, Arlington, at 3 p.m. Adults $15, Seniors (62 & over), Children (12 & under) $12. Call 703-764-3896 or 703-979-8028 or visit www.potomacharmony.org.
<b>Senior Holiday Events
</b>Arlington seniors can take part in a variety of different holiday events at the various centers.
Thursday/Dec. 4
Gift Wrap Help. Learn how to gift wrap from professional wrappers, Diane Bender and Margaret Puritano, 10 a.m., Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Drive. Free. Get one small or one medium package wrapped. Call to register by Dec. 1, 703-228-4403.
Monday/Dec. 8
Wreath Workshop. Living Wreath workshop, conducted by Northern Virginia Master Gardeners, Joanne Hutton and Carol Rosen, 10 a.m.-noon, Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Drive. Register by Dec. 5, 703-228-4403. Free.
Tuesday/Dec. 9
Greens Making. Annual Making of the Greens at Lee Senior Center, 11:15 a.m., 5722 Lee Highway. Lee supplies the greens, attendees should bring containers, candles, accessories. Cost is $1. Call to register, 703-228-0555.
Music Performance. Holiday Concert featuring Big Band music by the Swing Set, 1 p.m., Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Drive. Free. Call to register, 703-228-4403.
Thursday/Dec. 11
Holiday Workshop. Parks naturalist Jennifer Sole will conduct workshop on creating holiday ornaments and decorations inspired by nature and animals, 10:15 a.m., Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St. No fee. Register early, as space is limited, 703-228-0955.
Music. Holiday Concert by the barbershop group, The Songfellows, 11 a.m., Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Drive. Free. Call to sign up, 703-228-4403.
Friday/Dec. 12
Holiday Luncheon. Winter Holiday Luncheon for adults 55+, noon, Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 S, 18th St. Musical entertainment by Milton Nelson. Cost is $6 plus item for women’s shelter. Register by Dec. 10 by calling 703-228-5722.
Monday/Dec. 15
Music Performance. Holiday Concert by the Encore Chorale, 7:30p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd.
Tuesday/Dec. 16
Christmas With Elvis. Christmas with Elvis at Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 1 p.m., 4435 N. Pershing Drive, featuring Elvis impersonator Randy Roe. Cost is $5. Register By Dec. 12 by calling 703-228-4403.
Wednesday/Dec. 17
Holiday Tea. Holiday Tea for adults 55+ at Lee Senior Center, 1 p.m., 5722 Lee Highway. Share a plate of your favorite cookies. Musical entertainment. $3. Call to register, 703-228-0555.
Monday/Dec. 22
Contest. Christmas cookie contest, 11 a.m., Culpepper Garden Senior Center, 4435 N. Pershing Drive. First place winner receives $50 Macy’s gift card. Call for entry guidelines, register by Dec. 19, 703-228-4403.
Wednesday/Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve celebration, 2- 4 p.m., Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St. Big Band music, refreshments, favors. Cost is $15. Register by Dec. 19.