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 Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.
<cal1>Thursdays, Nov. 12
<cal2>Scott McKnight & The Jelly Roll Mortals. 7 p.m. It is a DC-area collision of after-the-fall musical vagabonds. At The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Contact 703-548-0035 or www.nvfaa.org.
Latin American Book Discussion Group. 7 p.m. Featuring works by Latin American authors translated into English. At Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. Call 703-519-5900, ext. 3.
18th-Century Dance Classes. At Gadsby's Tavern Museum. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Singles or couples are welcome. Cost is $30 for the series of $12/per class. Dance master Corky Palmer will lead this series of 18th-century English country dance classes in preparation for the Late Harvest Ball on Saturday, Nov. 21. Held at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4242 or go to www.gadsbystavern.org.
<cal1>Nov. 12-13
<cal2>Holiday Marketplace. Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. More than 30 vendors, shopping, pastries, coffee and holiday raffle. At St. Aidan's Day School, 8531 Riverside Road, Alexandria. Call 703-360-4013.
<cal1>Nov. 12-15
<cal2>"White Christmas." Nov. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10/general, $5/students, seniors. Directed by E.M. Milam, musical direction by Michael Weinberg. At Bishop O'Connell High School, 6600 Little Falls Road, Arlington. Call the box office at 703-237-1448.
<cal1>Nov. 12-24
<cal2>Gingerbread Houses. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier creates a gingerbread replica of George Washington's home. Visitors can watch as he constructs the masterpiece. At Mount Vernon in the Vaughan Lobby, near the Shops. Go to Visit.MountVernon.org.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 13
<cal2>Fashion Show Luncheon and Silent Auction. 11 a.m. reception and silent auction. Noon luncheon and fashion show. Fashions by Draper's and Damon's. Sponsored by the Board of Lady Managers at Inova Alexandria Hospital. Profits benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. At the Alexandria Hilton Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Call Lynda West at 703-836-8853.
Photography Discussion. 7:30 p.m. Kathleen Ewing presents "The fine art of Collecting Photography: How things have changed and what is in the future." At the Kathleen Ewing Gallery, first floor, Torpedo Factory. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except second Thursdays, 2-9 p.m.
Benefit Concert. 8 p.m. Triptych presents the music of Turina, Beethoven and Dvorak, with John McCrary on piano, Sonya Hayes on violin and Charlie Powers on cello. Reception to follow. At Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Call 703-549-5500, ext. 103 or music@trinityalexandria.org.
Ballroom Dancing for Couples. 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. second Friday of each month. Enjoy waltz, fox trot, cha cha, swing and more to live music on large wooden dance floor in Mount Vernon area; $15/person. Private club; reservations required www.fridaynightersdancingclub.com.
Artist Trading Card Event. 7-9 p.m. Free. Theme is "Bad Luck Swap." Since the Del Ray Dozen Invitational Photography show will be on display during this swap, let the artwork inspire you to try your hand at these small (2.5" x 3.5") works of art. At the Del Ray Artisans Gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Visit www.artist-trading-cards.com.
<cal1>Nov. 13-14
<cal2>Annual Holiday Bazaar. 2:30-7 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Fun, fellowship and great Christmas shopping. At the NV Hermitage, 5000 Fairbanks Ave., Alexandria. All proceeds benefit the residents at the Hermitage. Call 703-797-3800 or 703-569-4857.
School Play. "Sideways Stories From Wayside School." The play is an adaptation of the children's novel by Louis Sachar. Nov. 14 and 21 at 2:30 p.m. and Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. At West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $8.
<cal1>Nov. 13-22
<cal2>"The Music Man." Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10/adults, $8/seniors and children. Presented by Mount Vernon Community Children's Theater. At Carl Sandburg Middle School, 8428 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Go to www.mvcct.org or call 703 360-0686.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 14
<cal2>Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. Season 2009-10 heats up with "Winter." With Maestro Kim Allen Kluge. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, NVCC Alexandria Campus, 3001 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria. Cost is $40-$70, with discounts for students and seniors, and $5 youth tickets. Call 703-548-0885 or visit www.alexsym.org.
Book Signing and Author's Reception. 3-5 p.m. For the book, "Mr. Lincoln’s Forts: A Guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington" by B. Franklin Cooling III and Walton H. Owen II. At Fort Ward, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4848.
Used Book Sale. At Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Christmas Bazaar and Silent Auction. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Baked goods, jewelry, hand-made crafts, white elephants, home-made foodstuffs, vendors featuring silk scarves, specialty jewelry, pressed-flower pictures, professional photographs, etc. Café lunch from noon to 2 p.m. At Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-6555 or www.aldersgate.net.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Bazaar. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. At Mt Vernon United Methodist Church, 2006 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria. Contact candythompson9@gmail.com or the church office at 703-765-1100.
Holiday Bazaar Bazaar. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Antiques, white elephants, books, records, children's clothes, toys, holiday items, baked goods and more. At Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 South Washington Street, Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-836-4324.
Silent Auction. 7 p.m. St. Luke's Day School in the Parish hall. Contact Kelly at 202-256-1445 or kellykenneally@verizon.net.
Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Craft vendors, handmade ornaments and knitted gifts, baked goods, silent auction, Secret Santa Shop, children's crafts. At Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1608 Russell Road, Alexandria. Call 703-683-0798.
Photo Tips. 2 p.m. Free. Photographer Shane Canfield of the Mount Vernon Community Children's Theater is giving tips for taking "headshot" photographs for theatre auditions. At Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Room 4, Alexandria. Go to www.mvcct.org.
Bake Sale Fund-raiser. 8 a.m. to noon. For the Bellefonte Group Home, part of the Alexandria Community Services Board where 16 adults with special needs live. At the Del Ray Farmer's Market, corner of Mount Vernon Ave. and Oxford Ave. Email fitzgeraldps@gmail.comn
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 15
<cal2>"Cabaret and Celtic Coffeehouse." 7 p.m. Evening of secular cabaret-style music in a casual coffeehouse setting, with Angel Collins' "The Cycles of Love" and light-hearted Celtic folk music by Points of Roguery. $10 ($5 under 16) includes entertainment, desserts, coffee; beer/wine. At Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Contact Trish Waters at 703-799-9274, pwwaters@cox.net.
Electric Guitars. 4 p.m. $25. Classical guitarist Larry Snitzler and jazz guitarist Rick Whitehead. At The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. To reserve tickets, email Larry Snitzler at snitzler@gmu.edu or call 703-919-9773.
MMRF 5K Walk/Run. 9 a.m. For the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Begins at the AMC Hoffman Theaters in Alexandria. Pre-registration at www.mmrfrace.org/dc is $25 and $30/day of event. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Race begins at 9 a.m. To sign up, go to http://321cure.themmrf.org/goto/Myelomaniacs. The registration fee is $25/adult. Children are free (strollers are welcome).
Pet Event to Benefit FOHA. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Becky's Pet Care Inc. is teaming with Petclix to raise money and supplies to benefit Friends of Homeless Animals. At Becky's Pet Care, 6281-B Franconia Road, one mile east of Springfield Mall. Call 703-822-0933.
Tea With Martha Washington. 3-4:30 p.m. $25/person. The tea includes the museum’s special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire is requested. At Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. For reservations, call 703-838-4242. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 16
<cal2>Kenny Sanders and All That. 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Committee for Jazz at Meade Church, 322 N. Alfred St., Alexandria. $15 donation.
Duncan Book Discussion Group. 7 p.m. "For Those I Loved" by Martin Gray, the biography of a Holocaust survivor who became a Russian Army officer. At the Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Contact Ruth at 703-838-4566.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 17
<cal2>30th Annual InterFaith Concert: A Celebration of the Sacred in Song, Dance and Chant. 7:30-9 p.m. (doors open at 6:40 p.m.) At Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St. NW, Washington, D.C. Ticket Info: $15 in advance/$18 at the door. $30 reserved section. Go to ifcmw.org.
Mount Vernon Genealogical Society Meeting. 1 p.m. Free and open to public. Features a presentation entitled "Newspaper Research at the Library of Congress," by Claire Bettag, CG, CGL, a genealogist based in Washington, D.C. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112, in Alexandria. Call Harold McClendon at 703-360-0920 or haroldm@erols.com.
Free "Intro to Pilates" mat class. 8:15 - 9:05 p.m. You'll learn beginner exercises from an authentically trained Pilates instructor, and you'll be on your way to a strong core, longer, leaner muscle, and a new attitude. Space limited, reserve in advance at 703-739-7601 or studiobodylogic@earthlink.net. Wear comfy clothes and bring socks. Studio Body Logic, 2417 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. www.studiobodylogic.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 18
<cal2>Native Americans Along the Potomac River. 7:30 p.m. The talk is featured at the Friends of Dyke Marsh quarterly meeting . The speaker, Dr. Stephen Potter, U.S. National Park Service archaeologist, will discuss the political dynamics of the Algonquian-speaking people of the Potomac River Valley during the critical 60 years following the establishment of Jamestown. At Huntley Meadows Park Visitors' Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Call 703-768-2525 or go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 19
<cal2>The Reverie Jazz Trio. 7-9 p.m. Free. The Reverie Jazz Trio will perform early jazz standards and forgotten favorites. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
18th-Century Dance Classes. At Gadsby's Tavern Museum. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Singles or couples are welcome. Cost is $30 for the series of $12/per class. Dance master Corky Palmer will lead this series of 18th-century English country dance classes in preparation for the Late Harvest Ball on Saturday, Nov. 21. Held at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4242 or go to www.gadsbystavern.org.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 20
<cal2>Evening of Music for Brass Quintet. 8 p.m. Free. Part of the U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Players Series. At the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call the U.S. Air Force Band's Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil.
Botanical Ornaments Workshop. 12:30-3 p.m. Learn to decorate your home using natural materials. Cost is $25; all materials will be provided. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173.
<cal1>Nov. 20, 21
<cal2>School Play. "Sideways Stories From Wayside School." The play is an adaptation of the children's novel by Louis Sachar. Nov. 14 and 21 at 2:30 p.m. and Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. At West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $8.
School Play. "Meet Me in St. Louis." 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. At Thomas Jefferson High School, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria.
<cal1>Nov. 20, 21, 22
<cal2>"It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play." Six actors portray 43 voices in this visual recreation of a 1940’s NYC radio station. Produced by ACCT. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. At Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $9/adults, $5/children 12 and below. Go to acctonline.org or call 703-660-2611.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 21
<cal2>Breakfast Reach Out Meeting. 9:15 a.m. Speaker is Elizabeth Mulloy for Arlington Aglow. At St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 3439 Payne Street, Bailey's Crossroads. To reserve a spot, call Betty Rose Forsell at 703-671-9264.
Christmas Bazaar. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 60 exhibitors/vendors, Santa's Workshop Crafts, gingerbread houses, bake sale, Christmas café, children's games and prizes, visits with Santa/keepsake photo, Yesterday's Book Sale and holiday cinema. At St. Mary’s School, 400 Green Street, Alexandria.
TJ Gift/Craft Show. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Be vendor or customer. The Gift Show is for the shared benefit of the local arts/crafts community and TJ Crew Team. At the Thomas Jefferson High School, 6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria. Visit www.tjgiftshow.com.
"Stir Up the Gifts." 7 p.m. A night of fashion and inspirational entertainment. Fashions by Ellen's Boutique, Dress Barn and K&G Fashions. Inspirational entertainment by, inspirational rap artist, "Rimidy", Singer Kimberly Gordon and Shiloh's David's Dancers. Tickets are $7 (Ages 6-17), $15 (Ages 18 & up) and ages 5 and under free. At the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. Call 703-927-2927.
Scottish Singer Jim Malcolm. 8 p.m. Jim Malcolm, formerly the lead singer with the Scottish band Old Blind Dogs, gives a special solo performance celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Tickets are $20 in advance, $24 at the door. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Go to www.sunspotpro.com or call 800 404-9049.
Valentina Lisitsa, Piano Virtuoso. 7 p.m. Free. Classical piano concert featuring works of Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria.
Holiday Shop. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some 50 artisans in fiber arts, wood, paper, metal, glass, clay, photography and orchids. Quilt raffle, Country Kitchen with handmade baked goods, chutneys and more, an attic/resale boutique, gently used jewelry shop, gingerbread house raffle and lunch. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-765-5950.
Annual Gift Fair. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. TJ Crew is hosting the fair at the Thomas Jefferson High School. If you have a craft/art/music or any personal invention or service that you would like to sell at the Gift Fair, go to the web site: www.tjgiftshow.com or contact Rajni Goel at tjgiftshow@gmail.com (703-288-5111).
Late Harvest Ball. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Includes 18th century English country dancing, live music, cash bar and dessert. Costumes of the 1770s are welcome, and "after-five" attire is encouraged. Tickets are $45/advance and $50/door. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4242 to register. Go to www.gadsbystavern.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 22
<cal2>Birding for Beginners. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Observe the transition of the bird community as the summer breeding population moves south and the winter residents arrive. At Huntley Meadows. $6 per person. Call 703-768-2525. Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Boulevard and the Visitor Center is one-half mile on left at Harrison Lane.
Violin Recital. 4 p.m. Free. The Alexandria Performing Arts Association presents Nathan Wisniewski of the Air Force Chamber Players in a violin recital. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Alexandria. Call 703-505-0700.
U.S. Army Orchestra. 3 p.m. Beethoven's Triple Concerto and selections from Bizet's The Pearl Fishers and Chants d'Auvergne, with guest conductor Mark Gibson, of The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, NVCC Alexandria campus.
Afternoon of Music for Euphonium. 3 p.m. Free. Part of the U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Players Series. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Call the U.S. Air Force Band's Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil.
Chamber Music Recital. 2 p.m. Free. By the U.S. Navy band. At George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call 202-433-2525, or visit www.navyband.navy.mil.
Heroic Music for Organ and Brass. 6 p.m. Free. With the King Street Brass Quintet and Thom Robertson, organist, playing the music of Strauss, Rheinberger and David Ashley White (Triptych) plus brass solo works. At Grace Episcopal Church, 3601 Russell Road, Alexandria. Call 703-549-1980.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 26
<cal2>Alexandria Turkey Trot. 10 a.m. At the Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Ave., intersection of West Reed and Commonwealth Avenues, in Alexandria's Del Ray community. The 5-mile race is cosponsored by the Del Ray Business Association (DRBA) and the DC Road Runners Club. The onsite entry fee — with two cans of food — is $25 for adults 22 and over and $20 for individuals aged 13-21 years. Children 12 and under can participate for $10 at the door and two cans of food. Call Paul Coleus at 703-933-0520 ext. 203 or email paul@waterfordinc.com. Visit http://www.dcroadrunners.org/sign-up/turkey.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 27
<cal2>Music for the Clarinet. 8 p.m. Free. Presented by the U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Players. At the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil.
City Tree Lighting Program. 7 p.m. At Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria. Call 703-883-4686 or the Special Events Office at 703-746-5418.
<cal1>Nov. 27-Jan. 6
<cal2>Christmas at Mount Vernon. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The halls are decked for Christmas at Mount Vernon. Exciting additions include a dozen themed Christmas trees, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century dancing! $15/adults, $7/children ages 6-11, free for children under 6. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.
<cal1>Nov. 27-29
<cal2>Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. Mrs. Washington hosts 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and early American décor. Cost is $18/adults, $12/children under 11. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.
<cal1>Nov. 27, 28, 29
<cal2>"It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play." Six actors portray 43 voices in this visual recreation of a 1940’s NYC radio station. Produced by ACCT. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. At Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $9/adults, $5/children 12 and below. Go to acctonline.org or call 703-660-2611.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 1
<cal2>An Evening of Baroque Music: Works by Telemann and Bach. 7:30 p.m. The National Chamber Players will perform Sonata No. 1 in A major and the Tafelmusik Quartet in D minor by Telemann, and Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. Free. At Pendleton Hall, Ainslie Arts Center, Episcopal High School, 3900 W Braddock Road, Alexandria. There will be a gallery opening and reception for Wildfires: Photographs by Youngsuk Suh, in the Angie Newman Johnson Gallery at 6:30 p.m. Go to www.episcopalhighschool.org, email arts@episcopalhighschool.org, or call 703-933-4135.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 3
<cal2>Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Open House. 6-9 p.m. Free. Galleries are open for holiday shopping plus music, refreshments and drawings for prizes. At 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565.
<cal1>Dec. 4-5
<cal2>Campagna Center Scottish Christmas Walk, Parade and Weekend. Free. Parade is Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. Even dogs wear kilts during the annual Scottish Christmas Walk. Christmas Marketplace is Friday, Dec. 4 all day, George Washington Masonic Memorial. Taste of Scotland, Friday, Dec. 4, evening. Call 703-549-0111, or go to www.ScottishChristmasWalk.com
<cal1>Dec. 4-6
<cal2>Holiday Market at Del Ray Artisans. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Unique handmade fine arts and crafts from 16 local exhibitors and bake sale items to benefit Food for Others. Free. Go to www.TheDelRayArtisans.org. The Del Ray Artisans Gallery is located at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4827.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. Mrs. Washington hosts 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and early American décor. Cost is $18/adults, $12/children under 11. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 5
<cal2>Concert Featuring Ars Choralis. 7 p.m. Ars Choralis is the choir-in-residence of St. Paul's Old Town Episcopal Church, 228 South Pitt Street, corner of Pitt and Duke Streets in Old Town.
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. 6-7 p.m. Some 50 brightly lit powerboats and sailboats parade down the Potomac River from D.C. to Alexandria's harbor. Santa arrives by fireboat at 4 p.m. at the Alexandria Marina, One Cameron Street. Sponsored by Burke & Herbert Bank.
39th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Earl Cook, Alexandria's Chief of Police, will serve as the Grand Marshal. Cook will lead more than 120 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, canine marchers, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus, through the streets of Old Town. Presented by the Campagna Center, the St. Andrew's Society and the City of Alexandria.
Holiday on the Avenue. Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood gets into the festive spirit with Holiday on the Avenue. Local businesses around the one-mile stretch of Mount Vernon Avenue feature all-day events and stay open until 9 p.m. The Del Ray tree lighting is at 6 p.m. at Colosanto Park at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue. Then follow Santa down the luminary-lit Mount Vernon Avenue. Kids can sit on Santa’s lap for a photo at the end of the walk. Join in the caroling and stop in the shops for a hot drink. Free. www.VisitDelRay.com.
Ornament Decorating Workshop for Families. 1-4 p.m. Be inspired by the colors and patterns of pottery excavated in Alexandria and make a memorable holiday keepsake. Participants can decorate and take home dough ornaments which are shaped like artifacts from the museum’s own collection. Great for families. 1-4 p.m. Free. At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum (inside the Torpedo Factory)
105 N. Union Street, #327, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4399, www.AlexandriaArchaeology.org.
A Soldier's Christmas. Noon-4 p.m. The "Soldier's Christmas" program will feature re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, as well as interpreters from the Carlyle House and will highlight life in Alexandria during the holidays at the time of the American Revolution. Activities include demonstrations of military drill, fife and drum music, gaming and cooking. The Regimental surgeon will discuss Continental Army medicine and demonstrate 18th-century surgical instruments in the basement, while officers and ladies entertain guests in the dining room. Activities and games for children. $5 suggested donation. At 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Call 703-549-2997 or go to www.nvrpa.org/parks/CarlyleHouse/index.php.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 6
<cal2>Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. 3 p.m. Admission by donation. Pre-concert talks for WMPA members at 2:30 p.m. in the atrium. At Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria.
<cal1>Dec. 11-12
<cal2>Gunston Hall Plantation Christmas and Yuletide Dinner. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sip warm cider by the fire and sample period foods prepared in the colonial hearth kitchen. Costumed characters will greet you in the house and throughout the grounds. Friday, Dec. 11, 6:30 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12, 4:30, 6 and 8 p.m. Admission: Adults $15; Children 6-18 years, $8; Children 2-5 years, $2. Yuletide dinner: adults, 11 and older $49.95; Children 6-10 years, $24.95; 2-5 years $9.95. Reservations required. At 10709 Gunston Rd, Mason Neck. Call 703-550-9220, www.GunstonHall.org.
<cal1>Dec. 11, 12, 13
<cal2>Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. Mrs. Washington hosts 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and early American décor. Cost is $18/adults, $12/children under 11. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 12
<cal2>Christmas in Camp. Noon to 4 p.m. Learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil war by attending Fort Ward Museum's Christmas in Camp Open House. Features a patriotic Santa Claus, living history presentations, period music, Victorian decorations, tours and crafts. At Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria.
Used Book Sale. At Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Civil War Christmas in Camp. Learn how soldiers and families celebrated Christmas during the Civil War. Suggested donation $2 adults, $1 for kids. At Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4848, www.FortWard.org.
Kwanzaa Craft Workshop. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join the Alexandria Black History Museum staff in a fun interactive program that will guide you through the principles of this African American holiday as well as instruct you in ways to make Kwanzaa gifts called Zawadi. All supplies will be provided. At 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4356, www.AlexBlackHistory.org.
The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration Film Screening. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. The Black Candle is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa are so important to African-Americans today. The movie traces the holiday’s growth out of the Black Power movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, pan-African holiday embraced by over 40 million celebrants. At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4356, www.AlexBlackHistory.org.
<cal1>Dec. 12-13
<cal2>Historic Candlelight Tours. Saturday from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Tour Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House and the Apothecary Museum by candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and refreshments. Cost is $20/adults, $15/seniors, $5/children.
<cal2>Christmas Tree Sale. North Ridge Community, 3512 Old Dominion Blvd., Beverley Hills United Methodist Church. Fresh Christmas trees (cut since Thanksgiving) - Douglas & Frazer Fir, Blue Spruce, a few Norway Spruce $20-$80 (over 10 foot). White pine garland $16 per 25-ft coil or $2/yard. wreaths $15. Superior Tree stands $20.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 13
<cal2>Holiday Children's Concert. 3:30-4:30 p.m. $25 admission. With the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Kim Allen Kluge. At Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 Alfred Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-0885 or go to www.alexsym.org/buyTix.shtml.
<cal1>Thursday, Dec. 17
<cal2>Port Tobacco Pickers. 7-9 p.m. Free. This seven-piece bluegrass band from southern Maryland will perform a musical medley of traditional bluegrass, Southern rock, train songs, and even an Irish whiskey tune. Part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565, www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 20
<cal2>Holiday Favorites With the Colonial Handbell Ringers. 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Join the Colonial Handbell Ringers as they play more than 60 bronze bells. Musical selections include Christmas classics like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Feliz Navidad," and "Frosty the Snowman." Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols. At the Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4994, www.AlexandriaHistory.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 31
<cal2>First Night Alexandria. New Year's Eve celebration with music, dance, performing arts for all ages with more than 100 performances in 25 indoor venues throughout Old Town. All ages are welcome and all venues are alcohol free. 6 p.m. to midnight. Fireworks at midnight. Entrance fee. Call 703-746-3301, www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com or www.FirstNightAlexandria.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/Jan. 19, 2010
<cal2>Winter Concert. Works by Philip Glass with Dana Tae Soon Burgess Dance Co. Schönberg "Verklärte Nacht". At Episcopal High School, in Pendleton Hall in the Ainslie Arts Center, 1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-933-4135.
<cal1>Tuesday/May 4, 2010
<cal2>Benefit Concert for Autism Speaks. Schubert Cello Quintet in C. At Episcopal High School, in Pendleton Hall in the Ainslie Arts Center, 1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-933-4135.