<b>Thursday/Dec. 2
</b>Cartoon Johnny Holiday CD Release Show at 7:30 p.m. and It’s First Dubstep & DnB Banger, Grime Syndicate and Ameerkat vs Matheus at 10 p.m.. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.
44th Annual McLean Holiday Homes Tour. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Holyrood Drive and Countryside Court. Five traditional homes elaborately decorated for the holidays. A sixth house will contain jewelry, art and clothing vendors. Admission $25-$30. Proceeds benefit local charities. Tickets available at Mesmeralda’s in McLean, Karin’s Florist in Vienna, Great Dogs of Great Falls or the Woman’s Club at www.mcleanwc.org. Kay Burnell at 703-821-9144 or Laura Sheridan at 703-556-0197.
Art and Law. 7:30 p.m. at George Mason University Harris Theater, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Free. 703-993-8898.
<b>Friday/Dec. 3
</b> Great Falls Village Centre’s 20th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, 6-8 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 6:30; pony rides and a petting zoo open at 7 p.m.; presentation of Christ’s birth at &:45 p.m.; with Christmas music sung by The Langley High Madrigal Singers. From 10 a.m.-6 p.m. the Great Falls Village Centre stores will host annual Holiday Shopping Open House.
The Virginia Opera: Mozart’s “Così Fan Tutte.” 8 p.m. at George Mason University Center For The Arts Concert Hall, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. $48-$98. 888-945-2468 or www.tickets.com.
Atomic Tom at 7 p.m. and Super Bob, Uncrowned and Rebel Inc at 10 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.
“Amahl and the Night Visitors.” 8 p.m. at George Mason University Harris Theater, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Gian Carlo Menotti’s classic story. $20 adults, $15 students and seniors. 888-945-2468 or cfa.gmu.edu.
28th Annual McLean Holiday Crafts Show. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Over 80 artists with pottery, ceramics, jewelry and glass, items for children, gourmet foods, paintings, drawings, photography and more. Admission $2 adults, $1 age 13 and younger, good all three days, Dec. 3-5.
<b>Saturday/Dec. 4
</b>GMCC Reindog Pageant. At Langley Shopping Center, 1366 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. www.mcleanwinterfest.org or lynn.gulick@cardinalbank.com.
Make a Holiday Wreath. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. $40, includes instruction and everything needed to make a holiday wreath. Reserve at 703-255-3631.
Turtle Island String Quartet. 8 p.m. George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. With jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut and mandolinist Mike Marshall. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 minutes prior to the performance on the Center’s Grand Tier III. Tickets $22-$44, available at 888-945-2468 or cfa.gmu.edu.
Holiday Shopping and Community Expo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. George C. Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Pictures with Santa, hand-crafted items, raffle, live entertainment and more. tdsantana@fcps.edu or 703-424-8364.
Ballyhoo and Mojo. 10 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.
Christmas Craft Fair. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Jewelry, photography, artwork, preserves, floral arrangements, music CDs, books and more. 15% of the proceeds benefit Unity of Fairfax Church and Unity Church of Chantilly. www.unityoffairfax.org.
“The Nutcracker.” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at George Mason High School, 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Performed by the Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet of McLean. $25. www.northernvirginiaballet.com or 703-893-0404 ext. 217.
Alternative Gift Fair. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 543 Beulah Road, N.E., Vienna. Purchase handcrafts or donate livestock, mosquito nets or micro-loans through Heifer International, Episcopal Relief and Development and 5 Talents International. Secret Santa Shop for children. St. Nicholas Festival from 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. 703-255-1411 or www.holycomforter.com.
“Amahl and the Night Visitors.” 8 p.m. at George Mason University Harris Theater, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Gian Carlo Menotti’s classic story. $20 adults, $15 students and seniors. 888-945-2468 or cfa.gmu.edu.
Open House. 1-5 p.m. Elite Piano Academy, 8230 Boone Blvd., Suite 100A, Vienna. www.hyun-michung.net.
28th Annual McLean Holiday Crafts Show. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Over 80 artists with pottery, ceramics, jewelry and glass, items for children, gourmet foods, paintings, drawings, photography and more. Admission $2 adults, $1 age 13 and younger, good all three days, Dec. 3-5.
McLean Orchestra Holiday Concerts: ‘Twas the Night.’8 p.m. Oakcrest School, 850 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Conductor Ernest Green and the Oakcrest Girls’ Chorus. Adults $30, seniors $25, age 16 and under $15.
Holiday Craft Fair. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Flint Hill Elementary School, 2444 Flint Hill Road, Vienna. Professional crafters, photos with Santa, a book sale, and a "Secret Santa" shop for children. Free gift wrapping of purchases. Holiday Cafe and Bake Sale. 703-242-6100.
Artist’s Reception. 4-8 p.m. The Frame Factory, 212 Dominion Road N.E., Vienna. “Celebrate With Color," watercolors by Alex Wisniewski. Show will run through Dec. 18. 703-281-2350.
Holly & Ivy Christmas Marketplace. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, De Sales Hall, 8601 Wolftrap Road, Vienna. Gifts, handmade crafts, used book sale, photos with Santa and more. 703-896-7424 or www.olgcdevelopment.org/HollyIvy.html.
<b>Sunday/Dec. 5
</b>The Virginia Opera: Mozart’s “Così Fan Tutte.” 2:30 p.m. at George Mason University Center For The Arts Concert Hall, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. $48-$98. 888-945-2468 or www.tickets.com.
Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Bingo. 7 p.m. at the VVFD, 400 Center St. South, Vienna. Games held every Sunday in the Flame Room. www.vvfd.org.
McLean WinterFest Parade. 4 p.m. from Fleetwood Road down Chain Bridge Road to Brawner St. The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce will hold its traditional tree lighting on Holiday Island immediately following the parade. This year’s parade has a longer route, a variety of free refreshments, and scheduled entertainment prior to the parade start. www.mcleanwinterfest.org or lynn.gulick@cardinalbank.com.
Lloyd Dobler Effect Holiday Unplugged Show & CD Release, Elizabeth Coyle and Albert Ketler & Chris Brooks. 3 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.
Our Daily Bread Presents Dave LaMotte. 8 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Proceeds benefit Our Daily Bread’s Holiday program, matching individuals, businesses and community groups with needy families throughout the Fairfax County area. www.our-daily-bread or jamminjava.com.
“The Nutcracker.” 2 p.m. at George Mason High School, 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Performed by the Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet of McLean. $25. www.northernvirginiaballet.com or 703-893-0404 ext. 217.
Cut-a-thon for Bethany House. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Salon Antoine and Spa, 11092 Lee Highway, #101-A, Fairfax. All of the day’s proceeds will benefit Bethany House of Northern Virginia, Inc., helping women and children who have suffered from domestic violence. Contact Salon Antoine at 703-691-8878 or www.SalonAntoine.com or Bethany House at 703-658-9500 or www.bhnv.org.
Alternative Gift Fair. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 543 Beulah Road, N.E., Vienna. 703-255-1411 or www.holycomforter.com.
Santa Claus at the Freeman House. 1-3 p.m. Freeman House, 131 Church St., Vienna. In the house’s parlor, decorated for the holidays with greens and period arrangements. 703-938-5187 or www.historicviennainc.org.
28th Annual McLean Holiday Crafts Show. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Over 80 artists with pottery, ceramics, jewelry and glass, items for children, gourmet foods, paintings, drawings, photography and more. Admission $2 adults, $1 age 13 and younger, good all three days, Dec. 3-5.
McLean Orchestra Holiday Concerts: ‘Twas the Night.’ 3 p.m. Oakcrest School, 850 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Conductor Ernest Green and the Oakcrest Girls’ Chorus. Adults $30, seniors $25, age 16 and under $15.
Jody Marshall Yule Concert. 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls. Accompanied by Andrea Hoag on fiddle, Paul Nahay on piano, and singer Carey Creed. $15. Reserve at 703-759-3309.
42nd Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long. 4 p.m. Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, 1624 Trap Road, Vienna. Led by the United States Marine and a 400-member choir. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted at the entrance for Toys for Tots, but are not required. Free admission. 703-255-1917 or grahamb@wolftrap.org.
Holly & Ivy Christmas Marketplace. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, De Sales Hall, 8601 Wolftrap Road, Vienna. Gifts, handmade crafts, used book sale, photos with Santa and more. 703-896-7424 or www.olgcdevelopment.org/HollyIvy.html.
<b>Monday/Dec. 6
</b>Make a Holiday Wreath. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. $40, includes instruction and everything needed to make a holiday wreath. Reserve at 703-255-3631.
Sparks The Rescue, Amely and You, Me & Everyone We Know. 7:30 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.
<b>Tuesday/Dec. 7
</b>
Chad Stokes (of State Radio) & Friends. 8 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.
Flutopia. 8 p.m. at George Mason University Concert Hall, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. With flute students from Mason’s School of Music and area high schools. Free. 703-993-8898.
<b>Thursday/Dec. 9
</b>Holiday Gingerbread House. 6:30 p.m. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Families work together to decorate pre-assembled gingerbread houses. Supplies included in cost. $45, $35 McLean district residents. www.mcleancenter.org.
Alex Dezen and Courtney Kaiser. 7:30 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.
Great Falls Lions Club Citrus Sale. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Adjacent to the Wachovia Bank building in the Great Falls Village Center. A variety of oranges and grapefruits. All profits support local and national Lions charities. Sale continues through Saturday, Dec. 11. 703-880-5445.
<b>Friday/Dec. 10
</b>Old Firehouse Teen Center Dance. 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Friday night dance for 7-8th graders. www.mcleancenter.org.
Waverly Consort’s “A Christmas Story.” 8 p.m. at George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. In the spirit of the medieval church dramas and mystery plays, eight singers and five instrumentalists play reproductions of medieval instruments. $21-$42, youth through grade 12 half price. Tickets available at 888-945-2468 or cfa.gmu.edu.
Agatha Christie’s "The Mousetrap". 8 p.m. at 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. $25 adults, $15 students. www.1ststagetysons.org/mousetrap or 703-854-1856.
<b>Saturday/Dec. 11
</b>Synergy Brass Quintet: "Christmas in Brass." 8 p.m. at George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Brass arrangements of Bach's choral works, Handel's triumphant "Messiah" and a selection of classic Christmas carols. $22-$44, youth through grade 12 half price. Tickets available at 888-945-2468 or cfa.gmu.edu.
Lopez Studios, Inc. Annual Christmas Concert. 2:30 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.
Great Falls Studios Annual Holiday Art Show and Sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls. Paintings, pottery, photographs, jewelry, art quilts, weaving, lithographs, woodcarving and more by Great Falls artists. A portion of the sale proceeds go to the school. Free admission. 703-442-9251.
Girls Lacrosse Team Mattress Sale Fundraiser. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at James Madison High School, 2500 James Madison Drive, Vienna. Name brands, all sizes, bed frames, full manufacturer warranties, delivery available. Children’s corner. sandrafrederick@cox.net.
Santa Claus at the Freeman House. 1-3 p.m. Freeman House, 131 Church St., Vienna. In the house’s parlor, decorated for the holidays with greens and period arrangements. 703-938-5187 or www.historicviennainc.org.
Candlelight Tours. 5-8 p.m. at Cherry Hill Farmhouse, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church. View high Victorian holiday decorations and period vignettes in each room, enjoy caroling and refreshments. Adults $6, age 12 and under $2. 703-248-5171.
Agatha Christie’s "The Mousetrap". 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. $25 adults, $15 students. www.1ststagetysons.org/mousetrap or 703-854-1856.
Wheels to Africa Bicycle Collection. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Wheels to Africa is a nonprofit that collects bicycles for Africa and needy American communities. $10 donation requested with each bicycle to help cover shipping costs. www.wheels-to-africa.org.
Voce Chamber Singers: Home for Christmas. 7:30 p.m. Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St., N.E., Vienna. Christmas carols, classical and contemporary holiday music. $23 adults, $18 seniors, $8 for age 24 and under. Tickets at the door an additional $2. Purchase at www.voce.org/tickets or 703-277-7772.
<b>Sunday/Dec. 12
</b>Handel's Messiah Sing. 4 p.m. Saint Luke Parish, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. With organist Paul Skevington, the Amadeus chamber orchestra, harpsichord, soloists and choir. Sing along or simply listen. Tickets $15. 703-356-0670 or www.musicinmclean.org.
Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Bingo. 7 p.m. at the VVFD, 400 Center St. South, Vienna. Games held every Sunday in the Flame Room. www.vvfd.org.
Xyra and Mystic Angels. 6 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.
Great Falls Studios Annual Holiday Art Show and Sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls. Paintings, pottery, photographs, jewelry, art quilts, weaving, lithographs, woodcarving and more by Great Falls artists. A portion of the sale proceeds go to the school. Free admission. 703-442-9251.
Handbell Christmas Concert. 7 p.m. at Chesterbrook United Methodist Church, 1711 Kirby Road, McLean. Featuring the St. Matthew's UMC Carol Ringers. 703-356-7100 or chesterbrookumc@gmail.com.
Agatha Christie’s "The Mousetrap". 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. $25 adults, $15 students. www.1ststagetysons.org/mousetrap or 703-854-1856.
The Holidays at Mason: Believe in Miracles. 7 p.m. at George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. The Mason Symphony Orchestra, University Chorale and University Singers perform selections composed by Alan Silvestri, Glen Ballard and John Rutter. Audience-sing-along. $20 adults, $15 students and seniors. Limited number of free tickets for students with a valid Mason ID. Charge tickets at 888-945-2468 or cfa.gmu.edu.
McLean Youth Orchestra Winter Concert. 3 p.m. Oakcrest School, 850 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Featuring Oakton High School senior Dominic Favia on trumpet and works by Torelli, Reed, Holst, and Hovahness. Admission free, donations accepted. 703-628-9363 or
www.mclean-orchestra.