Christmastide at Gunston Hall
Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
See how Christmas was celebrated differently by the Mason family in the 1780s and the Hertles in the 1920s. // Gunston Hall: 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck; $15 (adults), $10 (children)
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Dec. 1, 11 a.m.
An Alexandria tradition for the past 48 years, the Scottish Christmas Walk features marching bands with Scottish bagpipes and drums, Scottish dancers, Scottie dogs and more. // Old Town Alexandria: St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets, Alexandria; Free
Holidays Through the Ages
Dec. 1-22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Get a taste of what the holidays were like at Rippon Lodge from the Colonial era to the 1940s as the house is decked out inside and out. // Rippon Lodge: 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge; $5
Winter Festival of Lights
Dec. 1, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
A wonderland of 10,000 lights will be set up along the Lee Highway Corridor, as venues will host music, food, crafts and more while also highlighting local stores. // Lee Arts Center: 5722 Lee Highway, Arlington; Free
Winter Holiday Open House
Dec. 1, 12:30-4 p.m.
Explore all that the Herndon Fortnightly Library has to offer—from the latest books to local archives—while also enjoying live music, crafts and a visitor from the North Pole. // Herndon Fortnightly Library: 768 Center S., Herndon; Free
APBA Merry Pitmas Pawty
Dec. 1, 1-5 p.m.
Get your pup ready for the holidays with this special event that offers holiday photos, crafts, vendors and more. // Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner; Free
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
Dec. 1, 4 p.m.
The United States Marine Band and local choirs will lead the audience in a sing-a-long of classic Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs. // Filene Center at Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; Free
Gray Ghost Christmas Cork and Cheese Celebration
Dec. 1-2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
While you’re sampling Gray Ghost’s wine and regional artisan cheese, take in the world’s largest cork Christmas display and take a tour of the winery. // Gray Ghost Vineyards and Winery: 14706 Lee Highway, Amissville; $25
Fredericksburg Christmas Parade
Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.
The unofficial start of the Christmas season in Fredericksburg will take place along Caroline and Princess Anne Streets. // Downtown Fredericksburg; Free
The Enchanted Forest
Dec. 1-2
Kids can take part in events that include holiday kitchen activities, crafts, additional live
entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. // Sheraton Tysons Hotel: 8661 Leesburg Pike, Tysons; $15 (children), $10 (adults)
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Dec. 1, 7, 8, 16, 5 p.m.
Experience a lantern-lit tour of the grounds decorated for the holidays. At the end of the tour, enjoy dancing, caroling, cookies and warm cider. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; $25
Black Nativity
Dec. 1-9, 3 p.m.
Witness the story of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of African-American culture in this musical by Langston Hughes. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas; $20
Santa’s Secret Farm & Petting Zoo
Dec. 1-29, noon-4 p.m.
Saturdays in December, meet and greet the animals that Santa has at the North Pole, including white hares, alpacas, doves and goats. // Lansdowne Resort and Spa: 44050 Woodbridge Parkway, Leesburg; Free
Holiday Sparkle
Dec. 1-Jan. 31
Artists from the Reston Art Gallery & Studios will showcase their work, which are available for purchase as that special holiday gift. // The Reston Art Gallery & Studios: 11400 Washington Plaza W, Reston; Free
Soweto Gospel Choir
Dec. 2, 2 p.m.
The Grammy Award-winning group features 20 South African artists to share the inspirational power of African Gospel music. // George Mason Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $30-$50
Holiday Open House at the Mary Washington House
Dec. 2, 4:30-7 p.m.
Enjoy a candlelight tour of Mary Washington’s home, as well as samplings of hot cider and Mary Washington’s famous gingerbread. // Mary Washington House: 1200 Charles St., Fredericksburg; Free
for KING & COUNTRY featuring Zach Williams
Dec. 2, 6 p.m.
Christian duo Joel and Luke Smallbone stop by EagleBank Arena as part of their Little Drummer Boy Christmas tour with Zach Williams. // EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax; tickets starting at $23
Unity & Peace
Dec. 3- 31
Clay artists present work that reflects togetherness and a blurring of boundaries in this
month-long exhibit. // Scope Gallery: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; Free
Motown: The Reprise
Dec. 4-22, Times vary
The Motown: Hitsville U.S.A. cabaret features songs from Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and more. // Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; $38
Coco Montoya
Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Renowned guitarist and vocalist Coco Montoya mixes his forceful, melodic guitar and passionate vocals to create memorable blues songs delivering the hardest truths. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; $22
True Sons of Freedom
Dec. 5-Feb. 24
Photographs depict African-American soldiers from Virginia who served in World War I, as well as a special focus on local individuals. // Manassas Museum System: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas; Free
Eddie from Ohio
Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
Not actually from Ohio, this Virginia-based contemporary folk band continues to entertain with their trademark sound that has been compared to Jewel fronting the Bare Naked Ladies. // Tally Ho: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg; $25-$35
Madeline’s Christmas
Dec. 6-23, Times vary
This musical adaptation of the precocious little Parisian girl sees Madeline create a memorable Christmas for her friends. // Creative Cauldron: 410 S. Maple Ave., Suite 116, Falls Church; $30
Holly Ball
Dec. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Parents and kids put on their dancing shoes for this formal dance celebration for those 4 years and older. // Dorothy Hart Community Center: 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg; $15 per adult/child couple
American Festival Pops Orchestra
Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
Enjoy holiday classics like “Sleigh Ride” and “A Christmas Festival” from American Festival Pops Orchestra in their annual holiday concert. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas; $33-$55
Darrell Hammond
Dec. 7-8, Times vary
Best known for impersonations on Saturday Night Live—including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Sean Connery—Hammond will take the stage for a two-night stand-up set. // Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $32
Winter Wonder Arts Camp
Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-noon
Little artists of all skill levels (ages 6-10) will design one-of-a-kind ornaments, craft special holiday cards and create personalized gifts for their loved ones. // Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton; $80
Mr. Jon & Friends
Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Jon & Friends, a Parents’ Choice Award-winning musician, knows how to get the kids
laughing and dancing during his performances. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; $8
Mistletoe Magic
Dec. 8, 2-5 p.m.
Enjoy winter-themed games, crafts, holiday music, animated characters, a hot chocolate bar and a chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus. // Parkridge Center: 11096 Bulloch Drive, Manassas; Free
Loco Cocoa
Dec. 8, 3-6 p.m.
Chocolate lovers can trek to Loudoun to take part in a variety of activities that include chocolate making demonstrations, wine and chocolate pairings and a bonbon making station. // Chefscape Leesburg: 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg; $15
Historic Yule Tide Dinner
Dec. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
Partake in the dishes and beverages of the 18th and 19th century, as well as past traditions, at this special dinner catered just for adults. // Old Manassas Courthouse: 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas; $75
Kids Night at the Museum
Dec. 8, 6-9 p.m.
Kids, ages 3-10, can roam around the hands-on exhibits of the museum, with dinner, dessert and crafts provided. // Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum: 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling; $16
A Kosher Christmas Cabaret
Dec. 8, 8 p.m.
Celebrate Hanukkah and other Jewish culture in this special performance of funny and heartfelt songs.// NextStop Theatre: 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon; $25
Christmas Bird Count
Dec. 9, 8-11 a.m.
Bring the binoculars to take in the avian residents that call Northern Virginia home. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington; Free
Vienna Boys Choir
Dec. 9, 2 p.m.
The choir, which is made up of boys from 9-14 and representing 31 countries, will enchant audiences with songs that capture the joy of the holiday season. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas; $33-$55
Memories & Miracles: An Afternoon with Gourmet Symphony & Susan Barocas
Dec. 9, 3 p.m.
Enjoy classic music and good food focused around Hanukkah. Gourmet Symphony, along with the Last Stand Quartet, will perform work by Jewish composer Dimitri Shostakovich and food from chef and food writer Susan Barocas. // Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia: 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax; $55
Chanukah on Ice
Dec. 9, 4:30-6 p.m.
A special Chanukah Lighting will take place at the Reston Town Center Pavilion with special guests. Families can skate on Reston’s outdoor rink, enjoy latkes and donuts and spin dreidels. // Reston Town Center Pavilion: 11900 Market St., Reston; Free admission, $12 to skate
Mason Symphony Orchestra & Jazz Holiday Concert
Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Under the direction of Dr. Dennis Layendecker, the Mason Symphony Orchestra celebrates the holidays with their winter concert. // George Mason Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $20 (adults), $15 (students)
Magnified
Through Dec. 9
Submitted works come from all mediums and either feature a magnified view of an item or have some detail that can be appreciated by a magnifying glass. // Franklin Park Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville; Free
Winter Wonderland Model Train Show
Dec. 12-16, Times vary
The National Capital Trackers will set up their model O gauge trains in a winter
fantasy land display in this free exhibit. // Center for the Arts at the Historic Candy Factory: 9419 Battle St., Manassas; Free
12 Beers of Christmas Dinner
Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
Magnolias has made its list and checked it twice, now enjoy 12 hand-picked beers to go along with a six-course dinner. // Magnolias at the Mill: 198 N. 21st, Purcellville; $100
The Amish Outlaws
Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Falling in love with music too much to head back home after the Amish rite of Rumspringa, this group of “outlaws” play selections from Johnny Cash to Snoop Dogg. // Tally Ho: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg; $15-$20
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Dec. 14-15, 5:30-8:45 p.m.
No matter the time of year, Mount Vernon knows how to put on a fireworks display
and will do so to celebrate the Christmas season. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon:
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; $20-$25 (children), $30-$35 (adults)
It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play
Dec. 14-16, Times vary
The story of George Bailey is performed as a live, 1940s-style radio broadcast by the Prince William Little Theatre. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas; $20 (adult), $13 (child)
We are the Music Markers
Dec. 14-Feb. 8
A photography exhibit that is designed to educate and engage viewers in the cultural
history of Southern traditional music. // Franklin Park Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge
View Lane, Purcellville; Free
Wreaths Across America
Dec. 15, 8:30 a.m.
To honor, remember and teach people about the sacrifice made by those laid
to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, take part in this annual wreath laying ceremony. // Arlington national Cemetery: 214 McNair Road, Arlington; Free
Jingle Bell Rock & Run
Dec. 15, 9 a.m.
The jingle bells you here this day will be from runners of the 5K, 10K and 1K Jammie
Jingle fun run for the kids. // The Plaza at One Loudoun: 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn; $15-$40
Cookie Decorating: Christmas Sugar Cookies
Dec. 15, 10 a.m.
It just isn’t Christmas without some Christmas cookies. Learn how to decorate your own works of delicious art from celebrateMe!’s Mayra Garcia. // Fran’s Cake & Candy Supplies: 10927 Main St., Fairfax; $85
12th Annual Rocknoceros Holiday Singalong Show
Dec. 15, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
The Jammin Java staple rings in the holidays with this special sing-a-long of holiday tunes. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; $10
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Often playing alongside Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes will fly solo for this performance. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $45
Rockapella
Dec. 15, 9 p.m.
Helping to lead the a capella movement, Rockapella will perform original pop songs and their own revisions of Motown, pop and soul classics. // The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; $30
Stretch
Dec. 15-Feb. 9
Five selected local artists will create new work based on the prompt, “If you could do anything, what would that be?” // Greater Reston Arts Center: 12001 Market St., Suite 103, Reston; Free
The Colonial Ringers
Dec. 16, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Clad in Colonial attire, the world-famous performance group will perform children’s classics and holiday favorites, as well as some original pieces. // Lyceum: 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria; Free
The Nutcracker
Dec. 16, 4 p.m.
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Ballet perform the holiday classic of dancing snowflakes, sugar plum fairies and the magical nutcracker. // George Mason Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $49-$89
She Loves Me
Through Dec. 16
This case of mistaken identities sees two feuding perfume clerks who have no idea that they are falling in love in this Tony Award-nominated story. // Fauquier Community Theatre: 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton; $20
Chris Pureka
Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.
The Portland-based singer-songwriter shares the latest from her new album, Back in the Ring. Pureka will be preceded by Crys Matthews. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; $18
A John Waters Christmas
Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.
The man behind the cult films Hairspray (not the musical) and Pink Flamingos gives his take on Christmas. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $55
Last Ham Standing
Dec. 22, 8 p.m.
Watch comedians make up hilarious scenes right on the spot in NextStop Theatre’s improv comedy performance. // NextStop Theatre: 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon; $20
16th Annual Santa Clauster-f@%! Christmas Spectacular
Dec. 22-23, 8 p.m.
Some 60 musicians will play classic holiday songs together without any previous rehearsal. Experience this annual music experiment that mixes polka, folk, rock and heavy metal. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna; $15
The Washington Chorus Family Christmas
Dec. 23, 2 p.m.
Just before Christmas Eve, celebrate with your family during this concert from The Washington Chorus, which will include a visit from Santa. // George Mason Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax; $33-$66
Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush
Through Dec. 23, Times vary
Experience a British Christmas as the Old Bull and Bush Public House is the setting for carols, corny jokes and funny sketches. // MetroStage: 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria; $55
A Civil War Christmas
Through Dec. 23
Telling tales from the battlefields of Northern Virginia to the White House, Paula Vogel’s play intertwines many lives on Christmas Eve 1864. // 1st Stage: 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons; $39
Jane Franklin Winter Break Mini-Camp
Dec. 27-28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
With school out and Christmas over, fill the kids’ days with a Jane Franklin dance program for 7-11 year olds. // Arlington Cultural Affairs Building: 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington; $120
New Year’s Eve Scramble
Dec. 31, 10 a.m.
Get one more round of golf in for 2018 in this four-person, captain’s pick scramble at Herndon Centennial Golf Course. Registration must be completed by Dec. 21. //
Herndon Centennial Golf Course: 909 Ferndale Ave., Herndon; $60
Family Fun Night New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dec. 31, 6-9 p.m.
Let the kids celebrate the new year with live music, entertainment and a 9 p.m. countdown and Ping Pong ball drop. // Fredericksubrg Fair Grounds: 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg; $5
New Year’s Eve with The Seldom Scene, The High & Wides, Ms. Adventure
Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Celebrate the new year with some of the Metro-D.C. area’s favorite local bands: The Seldom Scene, The High & Wides and Ms. Adventure. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $39.50
Constantly Becoming
Through Dec. 31
This gallery highlights the work of local artist Sophia Pineda, a 14-year-old with Down syndrome, and looks to educate about special-need resources available in the area. // Fredericksburg Area Museum: 907 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg; Free
Clouds in a Bag
Through Dec. 31
Discover artwork, manuscripts and books documenting the wonder and excitement of
the first balloons that took man into the air in the 18th century. // Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly; $15 (parking)
Winter WonderLansdowne
Through Dec. 31, Times vary
Experience all kinds of winter fun at Lansdowne resort through events that will include the World’s Largest Office Party, the Lansdowne Workshop, brunch with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides and a Christmas Day brunch. // Lansdowne Resort and Spa: 44050 Woodbridge Parkway, Leesburg; prices vary
Billy Elliot
Through Jan. 6
In a tough British coal mining town, 11-year-old Billy decides to trade in his boxing gloves and takes up dance. // Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; $40-$103
Sparkle and Glow
Through Jan. 6
Resident artists for the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery display jewelry, wall and wearable art with a holiday theme. // Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; Free
First Light
Through Jan. 6
Helping to celebrate 10 years for the Workhouse Arts Center, First Light presents the works of contemporary light artists. // Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton; Free
Elizabeth Casquiero: Re:Vision
Through Jan. 6
Artist Elizabeth Casquiero uses retro comic books and lifestyle ads to reflect on the emotional content of immigration. // Athenaeum: 201 Prince St., Alexandria; Free
