<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. 19 and 20; Sun., Nov. 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>Now Through Nov. 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. 19-20
<cal2>"Junie Moon." 7:30 p.m. Dates are Nov. 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>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.
Four Course Historic Beer Dinner. 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Savor a four-course period dinner and history-inspired beers from Philadelphia's Yards Brewery. Tickets are $85 per person inclusive, and reservations are required. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703-746-4242.
At Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria.
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. 19-20
<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, all under $1,000. At Gold Works, 1400 King Street, Alexandria. Call 703-683-0333 or visit www.goldworksusa.com or email david@goldworksusa.com.
<cal1>Nov. 19-20
<cal2>Free Week of Trainings. Fitness Together is giving away a free week of training worth $250. Friday, Nov. 19 from 4-7; Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At 300 N. Washington Street, Suite 106, Alexandria; call 877.345.FTFT.
<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>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. Some 50 unique artisans will be selling their wares. Also, a raffle for a handmade quilt, an upscale/retail boutique, a jewelry shop and a warm lunch. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. The church is south of Alexandria off of Fort Hunt Road. Follow the signs at the intersection of Mason Hill and Fort Hunt. 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, 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.
Men’s Day. 11 a.m. Guest speaker: United Methodist Minister Mark O. Wilkoff. A hospitality luncheon will follow the service. At Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church, 606A South Washington Street, Old Town Alexandria.
<cal1>Nov. 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. 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. 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>Friday/Nov. 26
<cal2>Hooray For Books! Children's Bookstore Black Friday Sale. Hooray For Books will be giving 20 percent off all merchandise purchased between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. At 1555 King Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-4092.
Alexandria’s Tree Lighting. 7 p.m. Free. Entertainment features a message from the Mayor, a visit from Santa, a performance of Santa’s Frosty’s Follies by the Metropolitan Fine Arts Center, and caroling with a community sing along. At Market Square, 301 King Street, Old Town Alexandria. Call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-746-5592 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
<cal1>Nov. 26 – Jan. 6, 2011
<cal2>Christmas at Mount Vernon. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Themed decorations (including 12 Christmas trees), a gingerbread Mount Vernon, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century dancing will be offered. Visit Aladdin, George Washington's Christmas Camel, take special Mansion tours, and make a Chocolate Toast to Christmas, with our 18th-century-style chocolate drink, a Washington family favorite. At George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; call 703-780-2000 or visit mountvernon.org. Admission: $15 for adults, $7 for youth (6-11), and free for children 5 and younger.
<cal1>Nov. 27 to Dec. 19
<cal2>Alexandria Jaycees’ Christmas Tree Sales. The tree lot features a variety of trees, including Canaan Firs, Douglas Firs, Fraser Firs, and Scotch Pines in heights from 4-10 feet, with prices from $45-$90. Proceeds to benefit the Holiday Shopping Tour for underprivileged children. Operating hours are Tuesday-Friday 6–9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. At the Safeway Parking Lot, 500 South Royal Street, Alexandria. Call 703-866-7171 or go to www.alexjaycees.org or visit http://www.alexjaycees.org/trees.php.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join "Mrs. Washington" for an evening of candlelit tours, fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. Tour the first and second floors, hear characters from Washington’s world as they guide visitors through the home, adding ambiance to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon. Admission: Adults/$20, Youth 11 and under/$14. At George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; call 703-780-2000 or visit mountvernon.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 27
<cal2>Craftermath. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A handmade exhibition and fair, where independent artists, designers and crafters sell handmade alternative arts and crafts, products and curiosities. Hosted by West Potomac Academy's Pro Graphic Studio. At West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria. 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>Vivaldi Concert. 7:30 p.m. Free. Presented by the National Chamber Players; members of the National Symphony Orchestra, including guest soloists Nurit Bar-Josef, David Hardy and Nicholas Stovall, with Kenneth Slovik of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society and the Episcopal High School Choirs. At Episcopal High School, Pendleton Hall, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Visit www.episcopalhighschool.org. Call 703-933-4135.
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>Thursday/Dec. 2
<cal2>Holiday Open House. 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Studios and galleries are open for holiday shopping as the art center is transformed into a glittering spectacle of holiday spirit! At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or visit www.TorpedoFactory.org.
<cal1>Dec. 2, 3, 4
<cal2>"The Alexandria Community Nutcracker." Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.; Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Alexandria Community Nutcracker is an original full-length community Nutcracker choreographed by local dance teachers Gennifer Lisenby, Courtney Betzel, and Adrienne Magnuson and featuring the West Potomac Dance Academy and many young dancers from the community. Local schools represented in the production include St. Luke’s Day School, Aldersgate Preschool, Hollin Meadows Math and Science, Fort Hunt ES, Waynewood ES, Belle View ES, Stratford Landing ES, Washington Mill ES, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Browne Academy, St. Louis, St. Mary’s, Carl Sandburg MS, and West Potomac HS. At West Potomac High School Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.alexandriadance.com. Visit alexandriadance.com.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 3
<cal2>ArtFest 2010. 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Open House and Holiday Party featuring handmade ceramics and jewelry for sale, live music by Rew Smith band, exhibits, art demos and more. The Ceramic Sale will take place Friday, Dec. 3, from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 5 from noon to 5 p.m. The Jewelry Sale will take place Friday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At The Art League's Madison Annex, 305 Madison Street, Alexandria.
Holiday on the Avenue in Del Ray. 5:45 to 9 p.m. Free. Annual Del Ray holiday tree lighting, visit with Santa and lighting of the luminaries; a holiday tradition in Alexandria. Carols begin at 5:45 p.m. and hot chocolate, hot cider and cookies will be provided. At 6 p.m. sing "Here Comes Santa Claus" when Santa arrives. Thousands of luminaries will be lit from Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth down to Luray Avenue. At Del Ray Farmer's Market at Mt. Vernon Ave. and E. Oxford Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-746-3301.
Taste of Scotland. 8 to 11 p.m. Exclusive Patron Pub from 7 to 11 p.m. Join in a tasting featuring rare scotches direct from Scotland distilleries. Part of The Campagna Center's 40th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. At the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call Carlos at 703-549-0111 x146 or cllano@campaganacenter.org.
<cal1>Dec. 3 to 4
<cal2>Annual Christmas Celebration. Friday, Dec. 3, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. At Pauline Books & Media, 1025 King Street, Alexandria. Bring your own camera, costumes provided.
Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. Free for Parade and Marketplace; $75 Taste of Scotland; $35 Designer Tour of Homes. 40th Annual Campagna Center Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend — even the dogs wear tartans. On Saturday, Dec. 4, more than 100 Scottish clans dressed in tartans will parade through the streets of Old Town. They'll be joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region, as well as terriers and hounds of every description. This year’s event is sponsored by the Scottish government. Other events of the weekend include A Christmas Marketplace and A Taste of Scotland on Dec. 3, and the Campagna Center’s Holiday Designer Tour of Homes on Dec. 4. Call 703-549-0111 or visit www.ScottishChristmasWalk.com.
<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>Dec. 3 to 12
<cal2>"A Christmas Carol." Admission: $15. The Little Theatre of Alexandria rings in the holidays with a return of a classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present, and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. At The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria; call 703-683-0496 or visit www.thelittletheatre.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 4
<cal2>Author and Bra Fitter. 9:30 to 10 a.m. Reading and Kid’s Activities. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Book Signing. Vicky Whipple presents her new book, "The Little Weed Flower." At The Full Cup European Bra Fitting Salon, 218 N. Lee St. #206, Alexandria. Call 703-836-9441.
Burke & Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. 4 p.m. Festivities; 6 p.m. Boat Parade. 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 with Santa arriving by fireboat at 4:15 p.m. Call 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.
Concert with Ars Choralis. 7 p.m. The concert features a candlelight procession, Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria, A Carol Suite by modern English composer Karl Jenkins, favorites including "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," and an audience sing-a-long. A reception will follow. At St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 South Pit St., corner of Pitt and Duke Streets.
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.
Ornament Making Workshop. 1 to 4 p.m. Free. 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. At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union Street #327, Alexandria; Call 703-746-4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org.
Divas and Bards. 7 p.m. Concert by the 7 Sopranos. At the Arts Center at Convergence. Guests will be invited to a party featuring a new exhibit by visual and performing artist, Eve Hennessa. Guests will enjoy hors d‘oeuvres, wine and champagne from 8 to 9 p.m. During the reception, guests will enjoy marimba player Adam Garcia and appearance by performance artist, Deborah Lash modeling one of her "sculpture dresses." From 9 to 10:30 p.m. the evening will continue with a D.J. and beer from Dogfish Head Alehouse. Tickets are $35 at door or $30 in advance or reserved online at www.convergenceccf.net.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 5
<cal2>"Ode to Joy." 4 p.m. An All-Beethoven Concert with The New Dominion Chorale, Thomas Beveridge, artistic director. Tickets are $30/general; $25/seniors. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 North Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit www.newdominion.org or call 703-442-9404.
Toys for Tots Benefit Square Dance. 1 to 5 p.m. With a special 3 p.m. performance by Capital Squares Demonstration Team. Recommended donation for each couple is a new, unopened toy or a $10 minimum contribution (singles $5). At the Lee Center Exhibit Hall, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. Call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-746-5592 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
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>Monday/Dec. 6
<cal2>Toastmasters International Area G1 Holiday Party. 7:30 p.m. At Primo Family Restaurant on Belle View Blvd in Alexandria. Visit mtvernontoast@gmail.com. Visit http://mountvernon.freetoasthost.org/
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 8
<cal2>Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. DJ Dance Party with DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick’s Nightclub, 642 South Pickett Street, Alexandria.
"Need a Closet Renovation?" Bake sale fundraiser luncheon sponsored by the Springfield/Alexandria Christian Women’s Connection. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Velma Geis, a former fashion consultant and personal shopper, will show how to evaluate your wardrobe and Save Time and Money, and Shop Your Closet. Cost is $17/person. Luncheon and complementary childcare reservations must be made by Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, to 703-590-6562 or email to SpringWmConn@yahoo.com. At the Springfield Golf & Country Club, 8301 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. Call 703-815-4204
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 9
<cal2>Second Thursday Art Night. 6 to 9 p.m. Free.
Studios and galleries will be open until 9 p.m. for holiday shopping and indulgent treats will make for a decadent evening. Visit Target Gallery from 6-8 p.m. for the reception for the Washington Guild of Goldsmiths show, featuring work by jewelry, metal, and enamel artists. From 6:30-8 p.m., The Art League Gallery hosts the reception for the All-Media Membership Show and Greetings From..., a show of 4x6" work depicting real or imagined places the artists have visited or would like to visit. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or visit www.TorpedoFactory.org.
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>Friday/Dec. 10
<cal2>A Tribute to Hazel Dickens. 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. With Bill Emerson, Dudley Connell and Dede Wyland. For tickets, visit www.hungryformusic.org or by call 240-582-6193. At the Lee Center's Richard Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, to benefit for Hungry for Music.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 11
<cal2>"The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration" Film Screening. Free. Also Kwanzaa Celebration Program. Educational program 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Film screening 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. At the Alexandria Black History Museum 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Call 703-746-4356 or VisitAlexandriaVA.com.
Gunston Hall Plantation Christmas and Yuletide Dinner. Plantation Christmas: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.; Yuletide Dinner: 4:30, 6 and 8 p.m. Plantation Christmas: $15 adults; $8 ages 6-18; $2 ages 2-5; Yuletide Dinner: $49.95 adults and ages 11 and older; $24.95 ages 6-10; $9.95 ages 2-5. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sip warm cider by the fire, and sample period recipes prepared in the hearth kitchen. Costumed characters engaged in seasonal activities greet you in the house and throughout the grounds. At Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton; call 703-550-9220 or visit www.gunstonhall.org.
Alexandria Harmonizers Holiday Concert. 2 p.m. Free. Celebrate the holidays with this free concert of seasonal favorites in the barbershop style by the Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus. At Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria; call 703-746-5592. Visit www.harmonizers.org
"Christmas in Camp." Fort Ward Museum’s Christmas in Camp Open House. Noon to 4 p.m. Features a patriotic Santa Claus, living history presentations, Victorian decorations, refreshments, tours and crafts. At 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria. Call the Museum at 703-746-4848 or visit www.fortward.org.
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.
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. 11 to 12
<cal2>Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours. Tour times are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. At Carlyle House Historic Park (121 North Fairfax Street), Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street), Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco Street), and The Athenaeum (201 Prince Street). Enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments. Admission: $20 adults/$15 seniors/$5 kids Reservations recommended. Call 703-746-4242 or VisitAlexandriaVA.com
<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>Wednesday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Toastmasters Meeting. 7:30 p.m. Mount Vernon Chapter, Toastmasters International. Meets on the first and third Monday of each month at the Fairfax County South County Government Center, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. Visit http://mountvernon.freetoasthost.org/ or Email: mtvernontoast@gmail.com.
<cal1>Dec. 17-18
<cal2>"Yule School Reunion." Alexandria Singers Holiday Show. In 3 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.; At Convergence, 1801 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Visit www.AlexandriaSingers.com (703)941-SING (7464).
<cal1>Saturday/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.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 19
<cal2>Holiday Favorites with the Colonial Handbell Ringers. Free. 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit as you listen – and sing along – with their performance of holiday classics using a long set of Whitechapel bells. At The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. Call 703-746-4994 or visit www.alexandriahistory.org.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 31
<cal2>First Night Alexandria. 100 live performances start at 7 p.m. at 17 venues in Old Town Alexandria; the Fun Hunt; Multimedia Fireworks Finale; lasers; video, music. At George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Admission: $15 before Dec. 21; $20 after. Children 12 and under are free. Note that the headquarters are at Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria. Call 703-746-3301 or visit www.FirstNightAlexandria.org.