Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
<b>Thursday/Dec. 2
</b>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>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.
“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.
Holiday Used Book Sale. 10 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. christine.peterson@hotmail.com.
<b>Saturday/Dec. 4
</b>21st Annual Model Train Display. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax. N-track trains will be running. $5 adults, $1 children. 703-425-9225 or www.fairfax-station.org.
Northern Virginia Chorale with the NVCC Annandale Chorale. 7 p.m. in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield. A mix of madrigals, motets, carols and holiday songs, featuring Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies. Tickets $10-$25, under age 12 free. www.northernvirginiachorale.org or 703-239-2180
Open House, Concert and Live Nativity. Living Savior Lutheran Church, 5500 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Refreshments available. www.livingsaviorlutheran.org. Christmas Open House. 2-7 p.m. Live Nativity Scene. 2-5 p.m. Live animals and St Nicholas. West Point Alumni Glee Club Christmas Concert. 7 p.m.
Vendor Fair and Christmas Bazaar. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 6222 Franconia Road, Alexandria. Saint Nicholas will be in attendance for pictures. Proceeds benefit the children of Angelus Academy. mmgrippo@hotmail.com.
Artnotes: James Gahres. 7:30 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. Solo piano performance of original works and interpretations. $15-$25. 703-594-2900 or www.WorkhouseArts.org.
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.
“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.
Holiday Used Book Sale. 10 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. christine.peterson@hotmail.com.
<b>Sunday/Dec. 5
</b>21st Annual Model Train Display. 12 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax. N-track trains will be running. $5 adults, $1 children. 703-425-9225 or www.fairfax-station.org.
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.
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.
<b>Friday/Dec. 10
</b>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.
<b>Saturday/Dec. 11
</b>Second Saturday Art Walk. 6-9 p.m. Workhouse Art Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. Meet each building's featured artist, a reception in W-16 from 6-7 p.m. and more. www.WorkhouseArts.org.
Wheels to Africa Bicycle Collection. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at South County High School, 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton. 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.
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.
Artists’ Reception. 6-9 p.m. at Workhouse Arts Center Building 5, 96012 Ox Road, Studio 505, Lorton. With artists Eileen Olsen and Marni Maree. 703-644-5375.
<b>Sunday/Dec. 12
</b>Encore Theatrical Arts Project: “Santa Got Frostbite.” 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College Ernst Theatre, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Christmas chaos and fun for the whole family in a Broadway-style, song and dance holiday spectacular. Tickets $18-$21.
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.
“Ring in the Season” Handbell Concert. 3 p.m. Messiah United Methodist Church, 6215 Rolling Road, Springfield. Five handbell choirs perform seasonal favorites. Dessert reception to follow. Free admission, childcare provided. Donations accepted. dcarnes@messiahumc.org.
<b>Thursday/Dec. 16
</b>Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Healthy Heroes. 7 p.m. George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Tickets $15-$28, available at www.ticketmaster.com or 703-573-SEAT. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities at 703-993-3035. www.sesamestreetlive.com.
<b>Friday/Dec. 17
</b>Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Healthy Heroes. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Tickets $15-$28, available at www.ticketmaster.com or 703-573-SEAT. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities at 703-993-3035. www.sesamestreetlive.com.
2010 Graduating Artist Showcase. 6-9 p.m. George Mason University Art and Design Building, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Fall 2010 Senior Exhibition Reception. Exhibits of over 60 graduating artists including paintings, sculpture, animation, graphic design, drawing and more. Live music and refreshments available. Free admission. 703-993-8898 or hmillera@gmu.edu.
<b>Saturday/Dec. 18
</b>Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Healthy Heroes. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Tickets $15-$28, available at www.ticketmaster.com or 703-573-SEAT. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities at 703-993-3035. www.sesamestreetlive.com.