FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Waterskiing Santa
Monday, 12:45 p.m.
For 33 years, Santa has ditched the reindeer when he visits Old Town and instead shows off his waterskiing skills. The Waterskiing Santa and his merry crew will have their annual performance on the Potomac River, with the main event area at Waterfront Park. Other great spots include the Alexandria City Marina, Founders Park and Point Lumley Park. // Waterfront Park: 1A Prince St., Alexandria; Free
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Connect Games Christmas at Chatham Manor
Monday, 3-7 p.m.
This holiday-themed escape room at the historical Chatham Manor will have guests helping the ghosts that call the old house home, including the Lady of Chatham herself. // Chatham Manor: 1011 Caroline St., Fredericksburg; $22
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Monday, 5 p.m.
A family service led by the church’s youth choir, the Christmas Eve Candlelight service at Clarendon United Methodist Church will feature a musical and drama performance appropriate for all ages. // Clarendon United Methodist Church: 606 N. Irving St., Arlington; Free
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Ugly Sweater Murder Mystery
Wednesday, 7-10 p.m.
Don your ugliest Christmas sweater and help solve a mystery. “Murder by Mistletoe” will be a comical twist on seasonal traditions, as well as a fun whodunit game. There will also be an ugly sweater contest and a dinner that will include a two-hour beer and wine open bar. // Maggiano’s Little Italy: 2001 International Drive, McLean; $75
PERFORMING ARTS
Piff the Magic Dragon
Wednesday & Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
It may just look like a guy in a dragon suit, but Piff the Magic Dragon is a world renowned magic act that has performed in Las Vegas and the Radio City Music Hall. He is joined by Mr. Piffles, the World’s Only Magic Performing Chichuahua. // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $39.50
PERFORMING ARTS
Magic Show with Bobby Cadabra
Thursday, 11 a.m.
The holiday season gets even more magical with the Bobby Cadabra Magic Show at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center. The family-friendly event will include live animals and plenty of laughs. // Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center: 2739 W. Ox Road, Herndon; $5
PARKS & REC
Winter Waterfowl Hike
Friday, 9 a.m.
For ages 13 and up, the Winter Waterfowl Hike will be led by a naturalist at Riverbend Park to search for winter waterfowl along the Upper Potomac River. Bring your binoculars and spotting scopes. // Riverbend Park: 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls; $8
SPORTS
The Harlem Globetrotters Fan Powered World Tour
Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Interact with The Harlem Globetrotters stars on and off the court on their new Fan Powered World Tour. The show, known for its slam dunks and basketball tricks, will be enhanced with an interactive mobile app featuring augmented reality and custom photo filters. // EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax; $26+
MUSIC
Stealin’ the Deal
Friday, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
This Northern Virginia-based country band mixes a number of country genres as well as offers their own unique takes on Hank Williams Sr. (and Jr.), Waylon Jennings, David Allen Coe, Marty Stuart and more. // Club Eclipse: 5615 Wellington Road, Suite 101, Gainesville; $6.25-$105
PERFORMING ARTS
The Calamity Improv Group
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Who knew they had improv in the Old West? Laugh along as this group of performers turn audience suggestions into comedy gold as the sheriff of Scriptless Gulch tries to keep them in line. // Vint Hill Theatre on the Green: 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton; $10
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Second Annual Holiday Pajama Jam
Saturday, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Don’t let the holiday spirit die. Keep it going at a holiday pajama party. Break out your Christmas onesie and head to Tysons Biergarten to get cozy and throw back a few brews. // Tysons Biergarten: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons; Free
FOOD & DRINK
Holiday Tea
Through Sunday. 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Hosted at fyve Restaurant Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, Holiday Tea guests can enjoy homemade scones, tea sandwiches and pastries, along with traditional teas, classic Champagne cocktails and more. Soothing sounds of a violinist fill the room as you sip away. // The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City: 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington; $50-$150
FITNESS
Oxercise Expo
Sunday, Noon-4 p.m.
Kickstart your New Year’s resolutions at Old Ox. The brewery is inviting local gyms and studios to demo their exercise offerings and talk to guests about health goals. Stick around for a hard-earned beer after your sweat session. // Old Ox Brewery: 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn; Free
A Pre-New Year’s Eve Tribute to the Isley Brothers
Sunday, 8 p.m.
Rock away 2018 with this tribute concert of the classic R&B band the Isley Brothers. DC vocalists Jon Williams, Jamar Dukes, Ade Folarin, Craig T. Dobson and The PHAZE II Band will sing Isley Brothers hits like “That Lady, Parts 1 & 2,” “Twist and Shout” and “Summer Breeze.” // The Carlyle Club: 2050 Ballenger Ave., Alexandria; $40
FOOD & DRINK
Sparkling Sundays
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Sip on a mimosa or poinsettia while reading a complimentary copy of the Sunday paper and a bagel. // Barrel Oak Winery: 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane; Free
ART EXHIBIT
Unity & Peace
Through Dec. 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
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Through Jan. 6, 5:30-10 p.m.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens transforms into a magical Winter Walk of Lights with a half-mile, animated light show. Look at displays, roast marshmallows and sip on hot cocoa by the fire. // Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna; $8-$14
MUSEUM EXHIBIT
True Sons of Freedom
Through 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
