Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
<b>Friday/Dec. 4
</b>Opera Recital: “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” 8 p.m., at the Harris Theater, George Mason University’s Fairfax campus. Purchase tickets at tickets.com or at 888-945-2468.
<b>Saturday/Dec. 5
</b> Welcome the Holidays in Historic Clifton. Holiday Horseback Parade and Contest, 2-2:30 p.m.; visit shops in Historic Town of Clifton and take photos with Santa, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Town of Clifton Candlelight Homes Tour, featuring live music and strolling Dickens Carolers, 4:30-7:30 p.m.; Caroling, refreshments and Christmas Tree Lighting in Ayre Square, 7:30-8 p.m. Tickets before Dec. 5: $20 for adults; $5 for children under 12; after Dec. 5, $25 for adults; $10 for children under 12. Purchase tickets at Clifton Café, Cottage Art, T&K Treasures and a Flower Blooms in Clifton; Picket Fence in Burke and Banner’s in Centreville. For more, e-mail Jennifer Chesley at townofclifton@aol.com or Lynne Garvey Hodge, lghassoc@erols.com.
The Celebration Singers. 4 p.m. at Springfield United Methodist Church, 7047 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. A costumed and choreographed Christmas show. 703-451-2375 or www.springfieldvaumc.org.
Northern Virginia Chorale and Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Chorale Holiday Concert. 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield. Gwyneth Walker’s Rejoice!, John Rutter’s Winchester Te Deum, Z. Randall Stroope’s All My Heart This Night Rejoices and more, including a brass quintet, percussion and piano. Adults $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Students 12-24 $10, under age 12 free. www.northernvirginiachorale.org or 703-239-2180.
The 20th Annual Model Train Display. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Many different gauge model trains will be running in the main building, caboose and on the grounds. Enjoy hot chocolate and a gingerbread man. $5 adults, $1 children. 703-425-9225.
Opera Recital: “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” 8 p.m., at the Harris Theater, George Mason University’s Fairfax campus. Purchase tickets at tickets.com or at 888-945-2468.
<b>Sunday/Dec. 6
</b>Nitzer Ebb, Ego Likeness and more. 8:30 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $20 advance, $23 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
The Annandale Brass Orchestra Winter Wonderland Concert. 4 p.m. at the Richard J. Ernst Community and Cultural Center Forum, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Traditional holiday favorites, a sing-along, and the Chris Johnston Jazz Trio. Adults $10, seniors and teens $7, children free. 703-569-0973.
The 20th Annual Model Train Display. 12-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Many different gauge model trains will be running in the main building, caboose and on the grounds. $5 adults, $1 children. 703-425-9225.
PackPower Tour with Cesar Millan, Dog Whisperer. 5:30 p.m. at George Mason University Patriot Center, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Event includes Washington Humane Society Blanket & Towel Drive, where individuals are encouraged to bring new and gently used blankets and towels to the venue beginning at 3:30 p.m. Tickets $39.50-$150, at www.ticketmaster.com or at 703-573-SEAT. 703-993-3000 or www.patriotcenter.com.
Christmas Market. Ravensworth Baptist Church, 5100 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, will sponsor a Christmas Market on 9:30-10:45 a.m. Honor loved ones with a gift that will benefit local or international charitable organizations. 703-941-4113; www.rbc-va.org.
Vegan Cooking Class: Holiday Gifts & Entertaining. 10 a.m. at 9302 Hallston Court, Fairfax Station. $50. Chocolate peanut butter cups, holiday cookies and more. Pre-registration required. 703-643-2713 or www.localdc.com/cooking.
<b>Monday/Dec. 7
</b>The California Love Tour with Winds of Plague, Stick to Your Guns, Sleeping Giant, Oceano, Circle of Contempt, Beyond the Call, Echo Skyline and The Markov Process. 5:15 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $13 advance, $15 at the door. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Tuesday/Dec. 8
</b>Acoustic Open Mic with Bob Gaynor of The Roadducks. 8 p.m. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.
<b>Wednesday/Dec. 9
</b>Blue Christmas Worship Service. 7:30 p.m. at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church, 8508 Hooes Road, Springfield. 703-451-8223.
<b>Thursday/Dec. 10
</b>Tiny Tots Holiday Concert. 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. at South County Secondary School, 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton. $3 per person. 571-332 5920 or redroc26@aol.com.
<b>Friday/Dec. 11
</b>La Leche League of Springfield Breastfeeding Support Group. 10:30 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, Free. Casual and informal discussion format. 703-298-4133.
<b>Saturday/Dec. 12
</b>Breakfast with Santa. 9 a.m. at West Springfield High School, 6100 Rolling Road, Springfield. Continental buffet breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets are $8.50 at www.wshschorus.org
<b>Sunday/Dec. 13
</b>Christmas Cantata: Morning Star. 11 a.m., at Franconia United Methodist Church. Franconia United Methodist Church is located at 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria. The Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall are handicapped accessible. 703-971-5151 or www.franconiaumc.org.
A Classic Brass Christmas. 7 p.m. at 225 E. Broad St., Falls Church. Choral concert by Choralis; Gretchen Kuhrmann, Artistic Director. Also The Classical Brass Quintet, Edison High School Concert Choir, a candlelight processional and carol sing-along. $25-40 adults, $5 students; age12 and under free. www.choralis.org or 703-237-2499.
The Tale of the Drowsy Shepherd. 6:30 p.m. at Sydenstricker United Methodist Church, 8508 Hooes Road, Springfield. Reception following performance. 703-451-8223 or www.sumcdisciples.org.
<b>Friday/Dec. 18
</b>Natalie MacMaster: Christmas in Cape Breton. 8 p.m. at George Mason University's Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Celtic melodies and classic Christmas carols. Tickets are $23-$46. Youth through grade 12, half price when accompanied by an adult. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or www.gmu.edu/cfa.