Ongoing
Thursdays
Food Truck Thursdays. In the surface parking lot at the corner of Crystal Drive and 18th Street. Food Trucks that sign up get free reserved parking and patrons get one location with ample options and old favorites. Food Trucks already signed up include: Doug the Food Dude, Hot People Food, Red Hook Lobster and Willie’s Po’Boy.
Line Dancing Class. Fridays, 10-11 a.m. Line dancing with Barbara Allen. Covers the basic steps, then combines them to music for a gentle, social, aerobic workout. More experienced line dancers are welcome as they can assist newer dancers. At Aurora Hills Senior Center. Call 703-228-5722.
Woodland Reveries: Photos of East Tennessee by Tammie George. At Cherrydale Branch Library, 2190 Military Road through Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. Call 703-228-6330. Hours: Monday and Thursday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday: 1-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Family Skate Opening Night. Saturdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., through March 30, 2013. Thomas Jefferson Center, 3501 2nd St. Fees: $2 entry, $3 skate rental, $2 re-entry for students attending both family and teen skate. Cash only. Save time in line by bringing skates. Visit www.arlingtonva.us.
Through November
National Cherry Blossom Photo Contest. Cherry Blossoms are blooming inside and outside in Crystal City this spring with a new partnership between the Crystal City Business Improvement District, Vornado/Charles E. Smith, and FotoDC. Some 150 finalists and judge favorites from FotoDC's Second Annual National Cherry Blossom Photo Contest will be exhibited along Crystal City's interior walkways. Visit www.crystalcity.org.
Through Dec. 31
Art Exhibition. An exhibition called Illuminations is offered at Northern Virginia ART Center. Artists bring creations in the form of glass, sculpture, painting, drawing, jewelry and ceramics. At 2100 Crystal Drive. Call 571-483-0652 or visit www.novaartcenter.org.
Exhibition. Metroscapes: NOVA/DC is an exhibit that involves artists looking closely at the everyday landscape around us. Artists are invited to paint familiar scenes, and those that depict everyday life as we know it in the Metro area. At 2100 Crystal Drive. Call 571-483-0652 or visit www.novaartcenter.org.
Through Jan. 1, 2013
Light Show. Enjoy a light display and help homeless animals. Tom & Jo's Light Display is located at 5612 24th St. North. The show runs Sunday through Thursday from 6-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6-11 p.m. The show is run by one computer and six Light-O-Rama controllers and consists of almost 10,000 lights. Tom and Jo will be collecting donations for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington at the light show. Cash and various pet donations will be accepted. Dry and canned food, pet beds, toys, etc, can be placed in the bin provided, while cash and check donations can be placed in the secure donation box on the left side of the yard.
Through Jan. 6, 2013
Musical: Dreamgirls. Part of Signature Theatre's 2012/2013 season, playing for 8 weeks in the MAX Theatre. Tickets start at $40. Visit www.signature-theatre.org. Signature Theatre is located at 4200 Campbell Ave.
Through Jan. 29, 2013
Winter Project. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Winter Project includes dance technique and creative explorations to result in choreography that is practiced, memorized and performed for an audience. Dancers learn and create roles in class/rehearsal sessions directed by Jane Franklin at 3700 S Four Mile Run Drive. Call 703-933-1111 or or visit http://www.janefranklin.com/adult-dance-education/winter-project to enroll.
Saturdays through Mar. 30, 2013
Family Skate Opening Night. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Center, 3501 2nd St. $2 per person. Skate Rental: $3 per person. Cash only. Save time in line by bringing your own skates. Visit www.arlingtonva.us.
Wednesday/Nov. 28
"Books That Shaped America." 7 p.m. Mark Dimunation, chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division at the Library of Congress, reflects on 88 remarkable titles that changed the way people think. The list even includes “The Joy of Cooking” and “Alcoholics Anonymous.” Bring your own list for the evening. At Arlington Central Library Auditorium, 1015 N. Quincy St.
Wednesday & Friday/Nov. 28 & 30
Full Moon Foray. Look at the phases and faces of the moon. Ages 3-5. Preschool programs are offered throughout the year at both Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. The theme for preschool programs is repeated during the month, register for only one session at each nature center per month. Parents are invited to stay and observe, or those with younger siblings may visit the rest of the building during the program. Parents must remain on-site.
Wednesday, Nov. 28 10:30-11:30 a.m., #612912-T or 3:30-4:30 p.m., #612912-U
Friday, Nov. 30 10:30-11:30 a.m., #612912-W or 3:30-4:30 p.m., #612912-X
Nov. 28 through Dec. 3
Annual Fruit Sale. The Arlington Host Lions will host its first citrus sales from Wednesday Nov. 28 through Monday Dec. 3, 2012 from 8 a.m. until dark at the Wells Fargo Bank on the corner of N. Glebe Road and Lee Highway. The second sale will be Jan. 23-28, 2013. The following fruit will be sold at the following costs per case: Pink/white grapefruit at $30 per case and $16 per half; Navel oranges at $28 per case and $14 per half; Tangeloes at $26 per case and $14 per half; Hamlin juice oranges at $25 per case and $13 per half; and Tangerines at $18 per half case.
Nov. 30-Dec. 2
Artful Weekend at Fort C.F. Smith. The Arlington Artists Alliance will hold it’s annual Artful Weekend at the historic Henley House at Fort C.F. Smith, featuring 40 artists and a variety of styles. Come to meet the artists at a wine and light snack reception on Friday, Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. The show will open again on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday/Dec. 1
Washington-Lee High School Holiday Bazaar. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 60 local artisans will be showing handcrafted gift items. Take home baked goods and other holiday items offered by W-L clubs and teams. Live musical performances by The Madrigals and other school groups. Free. At 1301 North Stafford St. Call 703-228-6200. Free parking and easy access to Bazaar from the I-66 parking garage off Stafford Street.
Holiday Wreath Workshop. 1-4 p.m. Adults and children ages 12 and older. Create decorative crafts to spruce up home or to give as special gifts. Music, refreshments, basic instruction and enough materials are provided for each participant to make at least two seasonal decorations. Participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters and any extra materials or special decorations you may wish to add. Call 703-228-6535. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd. $30 fee payable upon registration. Program #612942-H.
Annual Holiday Boutique. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission and Parking. At Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 800 23rd St. S. Baked goods, ready-to-go meals, great holiday gift items, raffle baskets, silent auction, freshly decorated holiday wreaths and more. To benefit the Arlington Food Assistance Center and Arlington Hume School Historical Museum. Lunch will be available. Visit www.ahwc1958.org or call 703-218-7561.
Gala of Glitz, Glamour and a Gourmet Extravaganza. 6:30 p.m. The Jewish Community Center or Northern Virginia presents the Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls at the Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. RSVP by calling 703-328-0880 or visiting www.jccnv.org.
Comedy: The Sklar Brothers: Randy and Jason Sklar. 7:30 and 10 p.m. at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike. Admissions are $22. Visit www.arlingtondrafthouse.com.
Incredible Edible Book Contest. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. An edible book is any representation of a book title that is made primarily from edible materials. Entries should be dropped off at the Cherrydale Library between 10 a.m. and noon. The public is welcome to come and view the entries beginning at noon. Awards will be given out at 3 p.m., and then light refreshments will be served. The professional judges include Justin Stegall of Bakeshop and David Guas of Bayou Bakery. Categories include Best in Show, Best Entry by an Individual (Children under 12, Teens 13-18, Adults) and more. Winners will receive prizes. At Cherrydale Branch Library at 2190 North Military Road. Visit http://library.arlingtonva.us.
Mystery Extravaganza. 1 p.m. One More Page Books hosts a Mystery Extravaganza with the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime. More than 16 local mystery authors will be present to talk about and sign their books. The event will be held next door to the store in the WestLee reception area. One More Page is located at 2200 North Westmoreland St. Visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.
Love Quilt Project. 1:30-3:30 p.m. The St. Peter’s Love Quilt Project welcomes the community to view the first 50 quilts crafted by members for South African children orphaned by AIDS. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, is located at 115 East Fairfax Street, Falls Church. Each quilt, crafted in bright colored fabrics, is a work of art. Members of the community are invited to view the quilts and enjoy refreshments while listening to live djembe drumming performed by Wolf Trap Master Teaching Artist Kofi Dennis.
Fundraising Gala. 6:30-9:30 p.m., an evening gala will celebrate South Africa with South African music, a buffet of selected wines and food, a raffle of craft items, and featured speaker Johnny Moloto, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of South Africa. Tickets for the gala are $50 per person, and are available for purchase from stpeterslovequilts@gmail.com. All funds raised directly supportsthe quilt project and orphans in South Africa. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, is located at 115 East Fairfax Street, Falls Church.
Dec. 1-8
Visit with Santa . Come to Gulf Branch for a visit with Santa in the old log house. Then stop by the nature center to warm up by the fire, make a card, and watch the toy trains run or just enjoy a walk in the winter woods. After registering, each family will be assigned a specific time slot to visit with Santa. Arrive a few minutes early to check in. Call 703-228-3403 to register. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. Cost is $7 per child, due upon registration.
Saturday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-noon. Program #622853-A
Saturday, Dec. 1, 1-4 p.m. Program #622853-B
Sunday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-noon. Program #622853-C
* Sunday, Dec. 2, 1-4 p.m. Program #622853-D
* Saturday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-noon. Program #622853-E
- Saturday, Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m.. Program #622853-F
Dec. 1 through Feb. 24
Flying Squirrel Lore & More. For families and children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington, but are seldom seen. Learn about these engaging nocturnal acrobats. After an indoor presentation, tiptoe outside to see these little pixies glide in for an evening meal. These creatures are truly one of the natural wonders of Arlington. Call 703-228-6535 to register. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road.
Saturday, Dec. 1, 5-6 p.m. Program #622953-A
Friday, Dec. 7, 5-6 p.m. Program #622953-B
Saturday, Dec. 8, 5-6 p.m. Program #622953-C
Saturday, Dec. 15, 5-6 p.m. Program #622953-D
Saturday, Jan. 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Program #622953-E
Saturday, Jan. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Program #622953-F
Sunday, Jan. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Program #622953-G
Sunday, Jan. 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Program #622953-H
Saturday, Jan. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Program #622953-I
Saturday, Feb. 2, 6-7 p.m. Program #622953-J
Sunday, Feb. 3, 6-7 p.m. Program #622953-K
Saturday, Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m. Program #622953-L
Sunday, Feb. 17, 6-7 p.m. Program #622953-M
Saturday, Feb. 23, 6-7 p.m. Program #622953-N
Sunday, Feb. 24, 6-7 p.m. Program #622953-O
Sunday/Dec. 2
Owl Prowl . 6:30-7:30 p.m. For families with children age 3 and up. Learn about these creatures of forests, then search the surrounding trees for a hoot or two. Call 703-228-6535 to register. $5 fee due upon registration. Program #622953-P. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd.
Book Discussion. 4 p.m. Nathan Kotecki visits One More Page Books to talk about his new Young Adult book, The Suburban Strange. One More Page is located at 2200 North Westmoreland St. Visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.
Mondays/Dec. 3
From Page to Stage Mondays. 7 p.m. Arlington Public Library, Shirlington Branch, 4200 Campbell Ave. Watch the Oscar-winning Dreamgirls, the film based on the 1981 Broadway musical. Call 703-820-9771 or visit www.signaturetheatre.org.
Free Concert and Party. 7 p.m. Signature Theatre presents a concert featuring singer and actress Sandy Bainum and release party as she debuts her new holiday CD This Christmas. Bainum will be joined by a number of Washington performers. Free. Reservations are available through at 703-820-9771. At Signature Theatre at 4200 Campbell Ave. Visit www.theatrewashington.org.
Argentine Festival Anniversary. 7-9 p.m. The Argentine Committee invites the public to participate in a celebration of the XXV anniversary and success of the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award of the annual Argentine Festival. It's a festive evening of fun, shows under the festival's stars, great food for sale and exciting awards and raffle prizes. At El Patio Restaurant, 5240 Randolph Road, Rockville. Online advanced donation only is $5. To register, call 703-212-5850 or email info@festivalargentinausa.com.
Through Dec. 3
Annual Fruit Sale. The Arlington Host Lions will host its first citrus sales through Monday Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. until dark at the Wells Fargo Bank on the corner of N. Glebe Road and Lee Highway. The second sale will be Jan. 23-28, 2013. The following fruit will be sold at the following costs per case: Pink/white grapefruit at $30 per case and $16 per half; Navel oranges at $28 per case and $14 per half; Tangeloes at $26 per case and $14 per half; Hamlin juice oranges at $25 per case and $13 per half; and Tangerines at $18 per half case.
Tuesday/Dec. 4
Birding Trip to Westmoreland Co. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For adults. Join for an excursion to Westmoreland and George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument. Waterfowl, bald eagles and winter birds are all possible sightings. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a bag lunch and a drink and snacks for the day. Call 703-228-3403 to register. $40 fee due upon registration. Program #622843-A. Meet at the parking lot at Lubber Run Recreation Center, 300 N. Park Drive.
Fiction Club. 7 p.m. The One More Page Book Fiction Club meets to discuss The Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. One More Page Books is located at 2200 North Westmoreland St. Visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.
Wednesday/Dec. 5
Children’s Holiday Magic Show. 7-8:15 p.m. Featuring Ring 50 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Free. A donation of canned food items or new toy will be collected for local charity. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Rd. Email Danny Selnick at daniel.selnick@yahoo.com or call 703-347-5540.
Bird Walk. 9:30-11:30 a.m. For adults. Free. Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal walk through Long Branch and Glencarlyn Parks in search of resident and migratory birds. Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides. Call 703-228-6535 to register. Meet at the parking lot at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Program #622943-D.
Gemstone Club. 4-5 p.m. For children age 7-11. Register children only. Budding geologists and gem lovers are invited to join for a year's worth of fun and collecting at the Gemstone Club. Attend the Turquoise session to learn about birthstones and the alternate stones. There will be polished gems and uncut crystals to examine. Find out about the geology, mining, legends, and literature for each gem. All participants will take home a beautiful gemstone in a protective display box. Collect a year's worth of gems, as well as an attractive color photo card to go with each month's birthstone. Call 703-228-3403 to register. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. $10 fee due upon registration. Program #622823-A .
Wine and Jewelry. 6:30 p.m. One More Page Books hosts a Sparkling Wine and Jewelry Evening. Customers can taste several sparkling wines while browsing jewelry from Stella and Dot. One More Page Books is located at 2200 North Westmoreland St. Visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.
Thursday/Dec. 6
Brown Bag Thursdays. 1-2 p.m. Nova Y. Payton, an audience favorite as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, returns in the role of Effie White in the landmark musical Dreamgirls. Signature’s Mead Lobby, 4200 Campbell Ave. Call 703-820-9771 or visit www.signaturetheatre.org.
Film: Bad Santa. 7:30 p.m. The A.V. Club’s New Cult Canon brings Terry Zwigoff’s dark comedy Bad Santa toArlington Cinema & Drafthouse located at 2903 Columbia Pike. Admissions are $6.50. Visit http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com.
Jewelry Trunk Show and Art Reception. 5-8 p.m. To celebrate "Illuminations" and "Metroscapes: NOVA/DC" the Northern Virginia Art Center will hold a reception featuring the Gallery jewelers. Christine Bartoletta of Society Hill Designs and Julie Jernigan of Jules' Jewels will hold a trunk show of their latest designs and inspirational, one of a kind jewelry. Treats to eat from King Street Blues, and treats for the eye will be on hand. Live music will be provided by the duo Suburban Hearts. Free and open to the public. At 2100 Crystal Drive. Call 571-483-0652 or visit www.novaartcenter.org.
Jan Brett Storytime. 10:30-11:15 a.m. For children 2 and up. December is Jann Brett's birthday month. Come to celebrate it by reading some of her books about winter's creatures. Call 703-228-6535 to register. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road . Free. Program #622923-A.
Book Discussion. 7 p.m. Economist and author Charles Kenny visits One More Page Books to talk about his new book, Getting Better: Why Global Development is Succeeding, and How We Can Improve the World Even More. One More Page Books is located at 2200 North Westmoreland St. Visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.
Through Dec. 6
Art Exhibition. Marymount’s Barry Gallery will exhibit Paintings and Collages by Judy Bass. All are invited to attend the opening reception on Friday, Oct. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. with an Artist’s Talk at 6:30 p.m. The public is also invited to visit the exhibit at any time during the show’s run. There is no admission charge. The Barry Gallery is located in the Reinsch Library on Marymount’s Main Campus, 2807 North Glebe Rd. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dec. 6 through Jan. 6
Theater: “A Trip to the Moon.” From one of D.C.’s most inventive theater artists, Natsu Onoda Power, this whimsical, original piece — based on the 1902 silent film by Georges Méliès — will be delightful and inspiring. Hours are 8 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday. On Tuesday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m., there will be a “Pay What You Can Performance” program, tickets are distributed on first-come, first-served basis starting at 7 p.m . On Wednesday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m., pay $10 to preview the performance. Young Professionals’ Night is on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. $10 tickets are available for adults age 35 and under. At Crystal City Theater located at 1800 S. Bell St. Crystal City. Call 800-494-8497 or visit www.synetictheater.org. Regular tickets are $35-55. Parking is free after 4 p.m., on weekdays, all day on weekends. Theater is half block from Metro.
Friday/Dec. 7
Miracle on 23rd Street. Linden Resources, Inc. is hosting its annual Miracle on 23rd Celebration. Free and open to the public, attendees will enjoy a festive tree lighting, Santa Claus arriving on a fire truck, holiday music performances, children’s activities, local dignitaries in attendance, and tasty holiday goodies. During the celebration, guests are invited to continue the evening inside the Linden Resources headquarters to enjoy multicultural children’s activities. Outdoor festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. The indoor celebration will also feature beautiful holiday cards for sale, custom designed by Linden’s print and design staff, and a gift fare for children of unique merchandise specially priced at $5 per item. Sales proceeds will be donated to non-profits. Visit www.linden.org or call 703-521-4441. Linden Resources is located at 750 23rd St. South.
Free Concert. 7:30 p.m. The concert features Angela Peterson Winter, soprano and Barbara Peterson Cackler, piano. At Central United Methodist Church, 4201 N. Fairfax Drive. A reception follows. Visit www.cumcballston.org.
Friday & Saturday/Dec. 7 & 8
An Evening with Comedian Kurt Braunohler. 10 p.m. Kurt Braunohler is a comedian in New York City and the host of IFC's new comedy game show Bunk. Admissions are $20. Visit http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com. At Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse located at 2903 Columbia Pike.
Saturday/Dec. 8
Free Holiday Showcase. 6 p.m. Dance Asia is presenting the 3rd annual Colors! Holiday Showcase at Thomas Jefferson Auditorium located at 125 South Old Glebe Road at 7 p.m. There will be a mini holiday market starting at 6 p.m. prior to the performance to commemorate the holiday season. This year’s program features 13 groups and over 60 performers from Ancient Rhythms Dance Company, Compania Del Bouffon, Dance Asia Alliance, Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe, Fil-Am Heritage Dance Ensemble, Hulala, Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute, Mongolian Dance Ensemble, Pachamama, Natyabhoomi School of Dance, Rumah Gadang, Silk Road Dance Company and Ta'ata Roiroi. Showcase highlights include Ritualistic Combat, Afro Latino Asian Troubadour; Spinning Plates; Flying Ribbons, Faceless Marionettes and much more. Free. Tickets can be reserve in advance at www.danceasiacolors2012.eventbrite.com. Donations are welcome. Visit www.danceasia.me or contact info@danceasia.me.
Concert. 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of mixed chamber music presented by string musicians from Prelude: The Arlington Youth Orchestral Program. The concert features a festive mix of musical styles. The artists are middle- and high-school age players representing two Prelude programs. Tickets are $8 for general admission and are available at www.encorestage.org or call 703-548-1154. At 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive.
Bird Watching for Beginners . 9-11 a.m. For Adults and teens. Winter is a great time to learn about bird watching – fewer species to identify and fewer leaves to hide them from view. Starting indoors, learn basics of bird watching such as choosing and using binoculars and field guides, how and where to find birds and basic bird ID. Then use the new skills to bird around the nature center. $5 fee due upon registration. Call 703-228-6535 to register. Program #622943-G.
Winter Tree ID . 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For adults and teens age 14 and above. The leaves are all gone, the buds are starting to grow but we can still identify what tree it is without the easy leaf to show us clues. Learn to identify the trees of Arlington parks by their bark and shape. Wear cold weather clothes, we will be outside the whole time. Call 703-228-6535 to register. Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road. $5 fee due upon registration. Program #622943-J .
Civil War Forts Van Tour: Forts of North Arlington. 1-4 p.m. Ages 12 to adult. Register children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Union fortifications in North Arlington were built to protect Washington and the bridges across the Potomac River. Begin the program at Fort. C.F. Smith and travel by van to Forts Bennett, Ethan Allen and finally Fort Marcy in Fairfax County. Learn about the men and equipment stationed at the forts and the reasons behind each fort’s location. Dress for the weather. Walking will be on mostly flat unpaved surfaces. Call 703-243-4342 to register. Meet at Fort C. F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St. North. $15 fee due upon registration. Program #622743-A.
Civil War Discovery: Build a Fort . 10-11 a.m. For ages 7-11. Register children only. Begin the program by investigating how and why fortifications were built in Arlington in the Civil War. Then use "Lincoln Logs" and dirt designed and build replica forts. Call 703-243-4342 to register. Meet at Fort C. F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St. North. $5 due upon registration. Program #622723-A.
Dec. 8-16
Craft Show and Sale. The Hendry House at Fort C.F. Smith Park in Arlington is hosting the 7th annual Holiday House, which is a juried arts & crafts sale by local artisans. The hours are Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. There will be a children’s corner with items priced under $15. Fort C.F. Smith Park is located at 2411 24th St. North. Call Sharon Casey at 703-243-7329.
Sunday/Dec. 9
Free Concert: The 50-voice NoVA. 4 p.m. The community chorus will perform part 1 of the oratorio plus the “Amen Chorus” and “Hallelujah Chorus” with professional soloists and chamber orchestra at Arlington Presbyterian Church, 3507 Columbia Pike. Led by director Barbara Stefan, the audience will be invited to join in singing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Soloists for “Messiah” will be Denise Gulley, soprano; Terri Malone, alto; Tim Augustin, tenor, and Joseph Minor, bass. Visit www.novalightschorale.jigsy.com/
Sunday/Dec. 9, Jan. 13 & Feb. 10
Invasive Removal. 2-4 p.m. For adults, families and teens. Help improve wildlife habitat. Join for the monthly work parties to remove destructive invasive plants, and make a real difference. No registration required. Free. At Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road.
Dec. 11-23
Holiday Shows. Holiday Guys and Holiday Follies are limited-run holiday shows, part of Signature Theatre's 2012/2013 season. Holiday Guys plays in the ARK Theatre. Tickets start at $41. Visit www.signature-theatre.org Signature Theatre is located at 4200 Campbell Ave.
Wednesday/Dec. 12
Wild Ones: Winter Birds . 4-5 p.m. For children age 6-10. Register children only. Borrow binoculars or bring your own as following flocks, filling feeders and finding feathers. Learn about field marks and other tricks of the birder's trade. Call 703-228-3403 to register. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. $5 fee due upon registration. Program #622823-L.
Recipe Sharing. 7 p.m. Chef Matt Finarelli returns to One More Page Books to share more delicious recipes from Beyond the Red Sauce, his refreshing take on Italian Cuisine. One More Page Books is located at 2200 North Westmoreland St. Visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.
Thursday/Dec. 13
Powderwhore: Choose Your Adventure. 7:30 p.m. This year’s movie is a mixed bag of characters, exotic locations and action. Explore an abandoned mining town in the Arctic, drop cliffs with Hugo Harrison in British Columbia, plung into the Antarctic Ocean in speedos, blast through deep power, catch up with some crusty locals in the Wasatch and more. Admissions are $10. At Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike. Visit www.ArlingtonDrafthouse.com.
Friday/Dec. 14
Daytime Book Club. 11 a.m. The Daytime Book Club chats about The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes. One More Page Books is located at 2200 North Westmoreland St. Visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.
Saturday/Dec. 15
Free Holiday Concert. 3-4:15 p.m. Encore Chorale, the nation's largest and fastest growing choral program for older adults and Arlington County Office of Senior Adult Programs will hold a free holiday concert at Kenmore Middle School, 200 South Carlin Springs Road. Call 301-261-5747 or visit http://encorecreativity.org.
Gemstone Club. 10:30-11:30 a.m. For children age 7-11. Register children only. Budding geologists and gem lovers are invited to join for a year's worth of fun and collecting at the Gemstone Club. Attend the Turquoise session to learn about birthstones and the alternate stones. There will be polished gems and uncut crystals to examine. Find out about the geology, mining, legends, and literature for each gem. All participants will take home a beautiful gemstone in a protective display box. Collect a year's worth of gems, as well as an attractive color photo card to go with each month's birthstone. Call 703-228-3403 to register. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. $10 fee due upon registration. Program #622823-B.
Sunday/Dec. 16
Free Concert. 11 a.m. Harpist Holly Avesian will blend harmonies of the Sanctuary Choir of Cherrydale United Methodist Church at Sunday’s service. Musical selections ancient and modern are included. Cherrydale Methodist is located at 3701 Lorcom Ln.
Christmas Movie Festival. A full day of Christmas films. Admission is $8 — pay once and stay all day or leave and return later. At Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike. Visit http://ArlingtonDrafthouse.com
Movies and hours are:
- noon: How The Grinch Stole Christmas
- 12:30 p.m.: A Charlie Brown Christmas
- 1 p.m.: Elf
- 2:30 p.m.: How The Grinch Stole Christmas
- 3 p.m.: A Christmas Story
- 4:30 p.m.: A Charlie Brown Christmas
- 5:15 p.m.: Scrooged
- 7:20 p.m.: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Holiday Nature Crafts for Kids . 1-2 p.m. For families and children age 5 and up. Register children and adults. Relax and have some holiday fun. Bring the kids to this special craft workshop to make natural-themed gifts and decorations. Call 703-228-3403 to register. $5 fee due upon registration. Program #622853-G. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road.
Third Sundays/Dec. 16, Jan. 20 & Feb. 17
Invasive Removal. 2-5 p.m. For adults, families and teens. Help improve wildlife habitat. Join for the monthly work parties to remove destructive invasive plants, and make a real difference. No registration required. Free. At Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road.
Tuesday/Dec. 18
Birding Trip. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For adults. Piscataway's boardwalk through the marshes on the Maryland side of the Potomac offers waterfowl viewing opportunities. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a bag lunch and a drink and snacks for the day. Call 703-228-6535 to register. $30 fee due upon registration. Program #622943-A. Meet at Lubber Run Center parking lot, 300 N. Park Drive.
Book Club. 7 p.m. The Mystery/Suspense Book Club discusses Gaudy Night, the third book in the Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery series by Dorothy L. Sayers. One More Page Books is located at 2200 North Westmoreland St. Visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.
Wednesday/Dec. 19
Graduate Gemologists . 4-5 p.m. For children age 8-12. Register children only. Kids who have completed 12 months of the Gemstone Club at Gulf Branch Nature Center can add to their knowledge of gems and increase their collections at this monthly program. Zircon is a popular alternate birthstone for December. It has almost as much fiery brilliance as diamonds, and like the diamond is also found in a range of colors. Call 703-228-3403 to register. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. $10 fee due upon registration. Program #622823-G.
Friday-Saturday/Dec. 21-22
Brian Posehn Live. Best known for his trademark deadpan delivery and behind-the-mic evocations of the stoner mentality, comedian, character actor, and television mainstay Brian Posehn will come to Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. The hours are 10 p.m. on Friday. Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22. Tickets are $23. Visit http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com. At Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse located at 2903 Columbia Pike.
Friday & Sunday/Dec. 21 & Dec. 23
Film. 7 p.m. Join for the Drafthouse Holiday Social and a special screening of It's A Wonderful Life — A Christmas Classic. Fifty percent of gate proceeds go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Tickets are $10. Visit http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com. At Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse located at 2903 Columbia Pike.
Saturday/Dec. 22
See, Hear, Sketch: Deer in the Winter Woods . 10-11:30 a.m. For children age 5-9. Register children only. What are the wintertime habits of Arlington's white-tailed deer? Learn about coat colors, falling antlers, deer tracks and other changes and signs, and sketch deer portraits. Art supplies will be provided. Feel free to bring sketchbook and pencil. Call 703-228-3403 to register. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. $5 fee due upon registration. Program #622823-R.
Sunday/Dec. 23
Film and Comedy. 10 p.m. Raspberry Brothers take on the 1990's Christmas classic Home Alone, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest grossing live-action comedy ever. Tickets are $15. At Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse located at 2903 Columbia Pike. Visit http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com.
Thursday/Dec. 27
Feathers and Fur . 2-3 p.m. For families and children age 5 and up. Spending winter outdoors is easier with a warm coat. Discover how feathers and fur keep animals warm and dry in the coldest, snowiest weather. Examine some real fur and feathers and then search for birds and mammals around the nature center. $5 fee due upon registration. Program #622953-Q.
Dec. 27-29
Ballet. Virginia Ballet Company and School will present the 63rd season of the classic Nutcracker ballet. The performances are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day at the Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus in the Ernst Community Cultural Center Theater. Ticket prices for reserved seating are $30 for adults and $20 for children, students and seniors, plus a $3 fee per ticket. Tickets may be purchased online at www.virginiaballetcompany.org. Call 703-249-8227.
Saturday/Dec. 29
See, Hear, Sketch: Owls in the Winter Night . 10-11:30 a.m. For children age 5-9. Register children only. Arlington's three owl species are active hunters in the winter months. Learn about their cold-weather habits and make detailed drawings of some of their unique features - feathers, eyes, and feet. Art supplies will be provided. Feel free to bring your own sketchbook and pencil. Call 703-228-3403 to register. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. $5 fee due upon registration. Program #622823-S.
Monday/Dec. 31
New Year's Eve Stroll & Campfire. 6-7:30 p.m. For families and children. Children must register with an accompanying adult. Explore the park as the last night of the year settles in. Then ring out the old and bring in the new by tossing your resolutions into a "wishing campfire." Bundle up and bring a flashlight. Call 703-228-3403 to register. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road. $5 fee due upon registration. Program #622853-H.
Jan. 11 through Feb. 2, 2013
‘The Show-Off’ by George Kelly is a comedy about an ambitious and audacious young faker who transforms the lives of those around him, at the same time proving that even the most obnoxious of us have our virtues. Presented by The American Century Theater, at Theatre II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St. Visit www.AmericanCentury.org.
Mar. 22 through Apr. 13, 2013
‘Voodoo Macbeth’ adapted by Oson Welles, using the imagery and traditions of Voodoo. Presented by The American Century Theater, at Theatre II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St. Visit www.AmericanCentury.org.
Jun. 7 through 29, 2013
‘Biography’ by S.N. Behrman revolves around a single career woman’s acceptance of a hefty fee to write her tell-all memoirs and the problems her threatened candor creates. Presented by The American Century Theater, at Theatre II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St. Visit www.AmericanCentury.org.
July 19 through Aug. 17, 2013
TACT Summer 2013 Musical. A lively musical event from the same artistic team that produced such previous TACT triumphs as ‘Danny and Sylvia’ and ‘Marathon ’33.’ Presented by The American Century Theater, at Theatre II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St. Visit www.AmericanCentury.org.