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>Nov. 12 through 21
<cal2>"Roald Dahls Willy Wonka." Presented by the Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre. Show times are Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 14 and 21 at 3 p.m.
Forty-eight teens and children have been rehearsing with a seasoned team of directors, led by Elena Velasco and Catherine Manley. Scout Night is Saturday, Nov. 13. At Carl Sandburg Middle School, 8428 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $10/adults; $8/students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased online at www.MVCCT.org. Call 703-360-0686 to make a reservation.
<cal1>Nov. 12-21
<cal2>"Rashomon." Port City Playhouse presents an adaptation of the classical Japanese drama about a crime told from the different perspectives of the people involved. Fri.-Sat., Nov. 12. 12, 13, 19 and 20; Tues., Nov. 16; Sun., Nov. 14 and 21. Friday, Saturday and Tuesday shows at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows at 3 p.m. The LAB Studio Theatre at Convergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-838-2880 or www.portcityplayhouse.com. $18 general admission, $16 seniors & students, $14 groups of 10+.
<cal1>Nov. 17, 22 and Dec. 1
<cal2>Free Group Vocal Lessons. Potomac Harmony Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, invites you to attend four free group vocal lessons conducted by Ozzi Mask, Master Director of Potomac Harmony. Lessons will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10, 17, 22 and Dec. 1. At the Hermitage in Northern Virginia, 5000 Fairbanks Avenue, Alexandria. Call 703-764-3896. Visit www.potomacharmony.org
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 11
<cal2>Bringing Native Plants and Wildlife into the Managed Landscape. 7:30 p.m. Cliff Fairweather, a naturalist for the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, will give a presentation on creating wildlife habitats at home. At Green spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173.
Veterans Day Program. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebrate the African American men and women who fought for our country. At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Call 703-746-4356 or visit www.alexblackhistory.org.
Hear Veterans’ War Stories. 2 to 3 p.m. The Fountains at Washington House welcomes the public to meet resident veterans at its retirement community and hear their stories. At 5100 Fillmore Avenue, Alexandria. Call 703-845-5000.
Veterans Day Open House. 2 to 6 p.m. Features complimentary food, discounted select beverages, and access both to the historic Gadsby’s Court Yard and to Post 24’s historic building. At American Legion Post 24, at 400 Cameron Street, Alexandria. Visit www.valegionpost24.org or call (after 4 p.m. weekdays); call 703-683-5564
"Chicken Soup for the Caregivers Soul." 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $25 includes breakfast, lunch, materials, and a certificate of attendance. Features LeAnn Thieman, co-author of 10 Chicken Soup books, including "Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul." At the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King Street, Alexandria. Register online or call 703-324-7839, TTY 711.
Margot MacDonald Performs. 7 p.m. Part of Second Thursday Music series. Tickets are $10. At the Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035 or visit www.nvfaa.org or www.myspace.com/margotmacdonald.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 12
<cal2>Dough Ornament Making Session. 10 a.m. Bring your lunch and join in an animated artifact processing of a different sort! Duties include mixing, rolling, and cutting out artifact-shaped dough ornaments. The ornaments will be decorated during the Dec. 4 Ornament Decorating Workshop.
At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, third floor, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio #327. Call Ruth Reeder at 703-746-4399 or email ruth.reeder@alexandriava.gov.
Evening of Music. 8 p.m. Free. Saxophone Quartet and Saxophone Solo presented by the U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Player Series. At George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil
<cal1>Nov. 12-13
<cal2>Hermitage Holiday Bazaar. Friday 2:30 to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. Handcrafted items, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, jewelry, furniture. Proceeds benefit the residents. Call Jean and Guy Summers, 703-569-4857. At the Hermitage Auditorium, 5000 Fairbanks Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-797-3800.
Jewelry Show. 10:30 a.m. Erica Courtney, "Green" jewelry designer, will make appearance at Mystique Jewelers in Old Town. By using recycled gold and platinum medals and gem stones that are ethically mined, Erica is able to create glamorous jewelry in the most "green" way possible. At 211 The Strand Waterfront, Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-836-1401. Visit www.mystiquejewelers.com.
<cal1>Nov. 12-24
<cal2>Gingerbread Creation. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier creates a five-foot gingerbread replica of George Washington’s home. Visitors can watch as he constructs the masterpiece. In the Vaughan Lobby, near the Shops at Mount Vernon. Cost is $15/adult; $7/child to enter the estate. Visit MountVernon.org
<cal1>Nov. 12-20
<cal2>"Junie Moon." 7:30 p.m. Dates are Nov. 12, 13, 19, 20. Presented by the Drama Department at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King Street in Alexandria. Tickets are $8/adults and $6/students, staff, and seniors. The play is directed by Jessica Muse and Samuel Jones is the production’s Student Stage manager. Cast members include Elaine Bledsoe as Junie Moon; Zachary Frank, Ben Ribler, Guiliana Mortimer, Alexander Eichner, Roger Yawson, Sarah Paez, Kirby Porterfield, Henry Knotts, Lily Carlisle-Reske, George Alberts, Alexander Eichner, Avi Littky, Lil Wyner, Jackie Tilley, Andrew Dewhurst and Leia Moran round out the cast.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 13
<cal2>Top of the Town Walk Around. 8 a.m. to noon. Join Mayor William D. Euille’s "Get Healthy Alexandria" initiative. Activities after the walk include awards and raffles. The event is free and open to everyone. Visit www.healthieralexandria.org/healthylifestyles. At the Masonic Memorial Temple, 101 Callahan Drive.
Tom Cunningham Orchestra CD Release Party. 8 to 11 p.m. $20 admission includes a CD. Celebrate the release of its 2010 CD recording Swingin’ & Singin.’ At the Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria. Call 703- 548-8899 or visit www.thecarlyleclub.com.
Fall Fun Day. 1-4 p.m. Fall photos with pet, temporary fur painting for dogs, WHS adoptable dogs, Yappy hour and more. Suggested donation $15. At Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique, 2006 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria.
Huge Flea Market. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also includes a Craft Fair and Bake Sale to raise funds for the ANGP. A fund-raiser for the All-Night Graduation Party. At Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mt. Vernon Road, Alexandria.
MVHS Cares 5K Turkey Trot/Wellness Walk. Registration 7:30 a.m.; Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $35/general; $25/student or teacher. At Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria. Call 703-619-3100.
Volunteer Appreciation Party. 6 to 8 p.m. Awards ceremony at 7 p.m. At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., #327, Alexandria. RSVP by Nov. 5 at 703-746-4399 or Archaeology@Alexandriava.gov.
Used Book Sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Toast to Hope. 6 to 9 p.m. Fundraiser for SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), annual celebration of children. Tickets are $75. Wine tastings, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a Silent Auction. At George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call 703-820-9001 or visit www.scanva.org.
"The Principal Story" Film. 4:30 p.m. Tresa Dunbar is a principal at Chicago’s Nash Elementary, where 98% of students come from low-income families. In Springfield, Illinois, Kerry Purcell has led Harvard Park Elementary, a school with similar demographics, for six years. This free screening is part of Movies with a Mission, a series of films about the African Diaspora that seek to inform and inspire dialogue. At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-746-4356.
<ca1>Nov. 13-14
<cal2>Tea with Martha Washington. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Experience history with the First Lady as she discusses 18th-century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. Party attire is requested and tickets are $25 per person or $20 each for groups of 6 or more. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum at 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 14
<cal2>Chocolate Indulgence. 1 to 4 p.m. Raffle begins between 3-3:30 p.m. Sip and shop for chic jewelry, fashion, beauty and lifestyle products without the hassle of mall crowds and receive personalized attention to your needs. Featuring chocolate fountains, chocolate martini's, and chocolate treats everywhere. At the new Springhill Suites in Alexandria. To register, visit http://theultimatechocolate.eventbrite.com
Scottish Singer Jim Malcolm. 8 p.m. Jim Malcolm, formerly the lead singer with the Scottish band Old Blind Dogs, returns for a solo performance. Tickets are $20/advance, $24/door. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. For reservations, visit www.sunspotpro.com or by call 800 404-9049.
Jazz Musician Vaughn Ambrose. 4 p.m. Donation is $15. At Meade Memorial Episcopal Church, 322 N. Alfred St., Alexandria. Parking is available in the church's lot and on the street. Call 703-549-1334.
"Magical Tour of Choral Music." 4 p.m. Norman Scribner and the Choral Arts Society chorus guide audiences through a musical and narrative journey of the history of choral music in their 2010-2011 season opener, Choral Music 101: A Guided Tour through Norman’s Choral Playlist. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Tickets are $25-$55. Call 202-785-9727 or visit www.choralarts.org.
Art of Bookmaking. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. With Stacy Rausch. Cost is $45/DRA members; $55/nonmembers. All materials will be provided. At the Del Ray Artisans gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Contact Stacy Rausch at SRausch@catholicherald.com.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 15
<cal2>Kathy Harty Gray Dance Performance. 7:30 p.m. Free. Celebrates International Education Week. Features dance interpretations from India, Ireland, South Africa, Argentina, Haiti, France, Italy, USA and more. In the Tyler Building Auditorium of NOVA Alexandria Campus. Visit www.khgdt.org.
Recycle & Receive Event. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Recycle a gently used ornament and receive a free gift from The Christmas Attic. Donated/recycled ornaments will be given to a charity to help less fortunate families and assisted living centers decorate for the holidays. At The Christmas Attic, 125 S. Union St., Alexandria. Website: http://www.christmasattic.com/
Bra Appeal Recycling/Donation Drive. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Full Cup, a European Bra Fitting Salon, will host a "Bra Appeal Recycling/Donation Drive," in recognition of National America Recycles Day, part of the Keep America Beautiful Campaign. http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ard_homepage. At The Full Cup, 218 N Lee St # 206, Alexandria.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 16
<cal2>Notes of a Native Son. 7 p.m. Guest speaker Dr. Keith Clark, professor of literature: African American men’s literature, 20th-century African American literature at GMU. At Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-765-3645.
National Memory Screening Day. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Alzheimers Foundation. At Hermitage Auditorium, 5000 Fairbanks Auditorium, Alexandria. Call 703-707-3800.
Master Gardener Open House. 6:30 to 8 p.m. For gardeners in Alexandria interested in the Master Gardener Training Class in January, 2011. Hosted by Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Classes will begin Jan. 11, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 15th at the Fairlington Community Center in Arlington. For more information and an enrollment form, contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension office, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington VA 22206, 703-228-6414; e-mail: ex013mg@vt.edu
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 17
<cal2>History of Woodlawn Plantation. 9:30 a.m. Mt. Vernon Antique Club at Hollin Hall Senior Center will host a presentation on the History of Woodlawn Plantation to include plantation beginnings, family life and the civil war. Ann Herbert, a longtime Woodlawn docent, will be the speaker. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573.
Book Discussion. 7 p.m. The group will discuss "Hadji Murad" by Leo Tolstoy. Duncan Book Discussion Group meeting at the Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Call Ruth Hailu at 703-746-1705, x3.
Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Cost is $10. With the band, Scott Ramminger and the Crawstickers. At Nick’s Nightclub, 641 South Pickett Street, Alexandria.
Learn About Insects. 7:30 p.m. Free. Hands-on arthropod workshop using preserved specimens from the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. Presented by the Friends of Dyke Marsh. At Huntley Meadows Park Visitors’ Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Call 703-768-2525.
<cal1>Nov. 18-20
<cal2>"Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream." Performed by West Potomac High School in The Kogelman Theatre on Nov. 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional show at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 20. Directed by Colin O'Grady; tickets are $10. Call 703-718-2500. West Potomac High School is at 6500 Quander Rd. Alexandria.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 19
<cal2>Evening of Music for Violin. 8 p.m. Free. Presented by the U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Players Series. At the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil.
Steven Gellman in Concert. 8 p.m. At St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-739-9268.
Swing Dance. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. All are welcome. "Third Friday with the Mount Vernon Swing Band." Cost is $4/door. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road in the Mount Vernon/Fort Hunt area. Call 703-765-4573
<cal1>Nov. 19-21
<cal2>Holiday Open House. Reunions will be decked in holiday attire and complete with gift -giving needs. Enter drawings and receive a Fraser Fir gift with purchase of $50 or more. Sample delicious refreshments from food items in shop. Everyone who attends will receive a holiday gift. At 1709 Centre Plaza, Alexandria. Call 703-931-8161.
<cal1>Nov. 19-20
<cal2>Jewelry Designer Trunk Show. Noon to 8 p.m. Gold Works will host designer Mia Katrin, creator of Jewel Couture LLC, who will present her pieces. At Gold Works, 1400 King Street, Alexandria. Call 703-683-0333 or visit www.goldworksusa.com or email david@goldworksusa.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 20
<cal2>Antiques Club Fund-raiser. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Timely Treasures" for sale — a benefit for the senior center. Sponsored by the Alexandria/Mount Vernon Antiques Club. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenahdoah Road, Fort Hunt, Alexandria. Call 703-360-4979.
Annual Holiday Shop. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Will be 50 unique artisans selling their wares. Also, a raffle for a handmade quilt, an upscale/retail boutique, a jewelry shop and a warm lunch. The church is south of Alexandria off of Fort Hunt Road. Follow the signs at the intersection of Mason Hill and Fort Hunt. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-765-5950.
MVHS 5K Turkey Trot and Wellness Walk. 7:30 a.m. registration; 8:30 a.m. race starts. $30/general; $20/18 years and under. At Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria. To register, visit www.runpacers.com, packet pick-up @ MVHS. Contact Jay Ruelas 703-619-3300 ext. 8212 email: NRRuelas@fcps.edu
Story Time Tea. 2 p.m. "A Plump and Perky Turkey" by Teresa Bateman. Personalized readings, arts and crafts activities and house-made treats. Reservations are required. Cost is $38/adults; $28/children. Call 703-838-8000 or email storytime@morrisonhouse.com. At the Grille at Morrison House,116 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria. Visit www.thegrillealexandria.com.
Preparing for a Ball. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $6/person. In the 18th century, balls were a girl’s favorite thing to do, so girls and Girl Scouts ages 5 and up will especially enjoy Preparing for a Ball. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum at 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Victorian Christmas Bazaar. 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Books, baked goods, handmades, high class white elephant, toys and games, pressed flower art, candy, jewelry, novelty bird houses and more. At St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 6800 Columbia Pike, Annandale. Call 703-256-2966.
Church Bazaar. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jewelry, baked goods, crafts, books and a cafe will be open for lunch. At All Saints Episcopal Church, 3421 Franconia Road, Alexandria. Call 703-960-4808.
Christmas Bazaar. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Includes 60 exhibitors/vendors, Santa’s Workshop crafts, gingerbread houses, bake sale and Christmas Café, children’s games and prizes, visit with Santa/keepsake photo, Yesterday’s Book Sale, and holiday cinema. At St. Mary’s School, 400 Green Street, Alexandria.
Gift/Craft Fair. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have a art/craft/music/gifts or any personal invention or service that you would like to sell at the Gift Fair, check out website at www.tjgiftshow.com or contact tjgiftshow@gmail.com. Tables are $75. At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria.
Walking in Unity." 7 p.m. A night of fashion and inspirational entertainment. Fashions by K&G Fashions (Bailey's Crossroads) and Dress Barn (Springfield), modeled by Modeling Troupe, Kalaj! Tickets: Ages 5 and under free, ages 6-17, $7 and ages 18 and up $15. At the Lee Center Kaufman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. Call 703-927-2927.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 21
<cal2>Evening of Jazz. 7 p.m. With Denyse Pearson and The Bill Clark Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are $20. At The Lyceum Museum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. To purchase tickets go to
www.thatsentertainmentproductions.com
Beaucoup Blues. 7 p.m. Blues/Americana roots father-and-son duo David and Adrian Mowry. Tickets are $18/general; $15/advance. At Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit www.FocusMusic.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 25
<cal2>Alexandria Turkey Trot. 4,000 runners are expected to run through the Del Ray neighborhoods in Alexandria. The Del Ray Business Association as well as the DC Road Runners Club sponsors the event and proceeds will benefit the AL.I.V.E foundation. Visit http://www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 27
<cal2>Craftermath. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A handmade market hosted by West Potomac Academy's Pro Graphic Studio. Some 25 crafters from Virginia, Maryland, D.C. and New Jersey sell their goods to the public. At West Potomac High School. Visit www.craftermath.moonfruit.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 28
<cal2>Bach Vespers at Westminster. 6 p.m. These Vesper services incorporate the complete organ works of J. S. Bach in their proper religious content, played by Paul Stetsenko, organist. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Visit www.wpc-alex.org
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 30
<cal2>The Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans. 7 p.m. The service commemorates the Feast of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. At St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Catholic Church, 402 E. Monroe Avenue in Alexandria. Visit www.standrewandstmargaret.org or 703-683-3343.
<cal1>Nov. 30 and Dec. 1
<cal2>DRA Holiday Mosaic Art Workshop. 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $35/DRA members; $45/nonmembers. Pre-registration at www.TheDelRayArtisans.org must be completed by Tuesday, Nov. 23. For a list of supplies or to purchase a 12x12" frame and mirror, email instructor Sally Coler at sallycoler@hotmail.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 1
<cal2>Traditional Scottish Music. 7:30 p.m. Free. Sponsored by sister city of Dundee, Scotland and the City of Alexandria Sister Cities Committee. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street, Old Town Alexandria.
<cal1>Dec. 3 to 5
<cal2>15th Holiday Market. Free. Reception is Friday, Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. Hours Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Unique handmade fine arts and crafts from 20 exhibitors (including pottery/ceramics, photography, jewelry, cloth, paper crafts, and glass), beautiful poinsettias from West Landscapes LLC, and delicious Bake Sale items to benefit the local community. Del Ray Artisans Gallery, at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. Check www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 4
<cal2>Burke & Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. 4 to 6 p.m. Alexandria's harbor lights up when more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront. Festivities at the Alexandria City Marina from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Santa arriving by fireboat at 4:15 p.m. The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. 703-746-3301. VisitAlexandriaVA.com
Kate Campbell Performs. 7 p.m. Country/Folk singer. Tickets are $18/general; $15/advance. Presented by Focus Music in Mount Vernon. At St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Rd., Alexandria.
Christmas Boutique. 9 a.m. to noon. Handmade Christmas décor, ornaments, hand knitted items, baked goods, and unique gifts. Proceeds support Heritage Presbyterian Women’s outreach programs for children and women. At Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call 703-360-9546.
Mediation: The Better Way to Resolve Separation and Divorce Issues. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. Virginia Colin, Ph.D., will tell you how to reduce distress and save large amounts of time and money by using mediation, not litigation. At Kingstowne Library Meeting Room, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-864-2101.
Cocker Spaniel Adoption Show. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come meet cockers of all ages available for adoption. All dogs are spayed or neutered. Visit www.cockerspanielrescue.com. At Alexandria/ Hybla Valley Petsmart, 7690 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria. Call 703-533-2373.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 5
<cal2>Handel's "Judas Maccabaeus." 3 p.m. Free. No tickets required; $10/donation. Performed by NOVA Community Chorus, Dr. Mark A. Whitmire, Director, and Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, Ulysses S. James, Music Direct/Conductor. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Call 703-845-6097.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 9
<cal2>Jon Carroll Performs. 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Jon Carroll is the Grammy winning songwriter-performer from the Mary Chapin Carpenter Band and Starland Vocal Band. At the Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035 or visit www.joncarroll.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 11
<cal2>Ice Skating Show. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free. Watch local ice skaters show off their moves at Mt. Vernon RECenter’s Holiday Ice Show. Features the RECenter’s most experienced skaters, as well as beginners of all ages. At Mt. Vernon RECenter, 2017 Belle View Boulevard, Alexandria. Contact Skating Director Carl Kirtley 703-768-3224, or via e-mail at carl.kirtley@fairfaxcounty.gov.
"The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration" Film Screening. 4:30 p.m. Free. Part of "Movies with a Mission." At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-746-4356.
Christmas Boutique. 9 a.m. to noon. Handmade Christmas décor, ornaments, hand knitted items, baked goods, and unique gifts. Proceeds support Heritage Presbyterian Women’s outreach programs for children and women. At Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call 703-360-9546.
<cal1>Dec. 17-18
<cal2>Alexandria Singers Holiday Show. "Yule School Reunion!" In three family-friendly performances, following a colorful and whimsical story line, The Alexandria Singers will take you through their favorite music of the holiday season both old and new. Premium seats $20; General admission $15; Discounted rate* $10 (*Seniors 65+, Students, Groups of 10+, Active Military); Children (6 and under) $5. Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Convergence, 1801 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Visit www.AlexandriaSingers.com or 703-941-SING (7464).
<cal1>Dec. 18
<cal2>Story Time Tea. 2 p.m. "Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. Personalized readings, arts and crafts activities and house-made treats. Reservations are required. Cost is $38/adults; $28/children. Call 703-838-8000 or email storytime@morrisonhouse.com. At the Grille at Morrison House,116 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria. Visit www.thegrillealexandria.com.