Temperatures have dropped and daylight savings time has stolen our last remaining daylight hours to create longer evenings.
To fill the days before the bustling holiday season and keep your mind occupied, you’ll want to fill your calendar with these 10 local events.
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Bingo at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds
Nov. 18, 4:30-9 p.m. (This event is recurring every Monday)
Classic Bingo is taken up a notch with four progressive games and a speed round. All proceeds will be donated to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank prior to Thanksgiving. Concessions will be available. // Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds: 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg; $15 per person
Downsizing and Decluttering
Nov. 19, 1:30-3 p.m.
It happens to everyone: a realization that there is too much stuff, too much space, or both in your home. Whether you’re looking to empty your storage spaces or relocate to a much-smaller home, learn how to start on the journey of decluttering and downsizing at this AARP workshop. // Lincolnia Center: 4710 N. Chambliss St., Alexandria; free
Annual Artful Weekend at Fort C. F. Smith Park
Nov. 22-24, various times
The 17th annual Artful Weekend Show and Sale will be held in the historic Hendry House, and will feature hundreds of art pieces created by Arlington-based artists. Except to see paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, cards and unframed works. A great opportunity to buy local, handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts. // Fort C.F. Smith Park: 2411 24th St. N, Arlington; free
The Story of Pie
Nov. 24, 1 p.m.
It’s time to learn about everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving dessert: pie. Pies, in their various savory and sweet forms, have been around for thousands of years and adapted to a wide array of cultures. Enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea and learn everything you need to know before baking your family’s very own pies this holiday season. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria; $36
Northern Virginia Bird Club Walk
Dec. 4, 8:30-11 a.m.
Maybe you learned about the local bird-watching scene in Northern Virginia from our previous article, “Here’s everything you need to know about birding in NoVA,” but you have yet to go out on a bird walk to see it for yourself. Before it gets truly too cold, take your chance to catch a vast array of Northern Virginia bird species with the help of local aficionados. Don’t forget your binoculars! // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington; free
The Holidays Will Be Different This Year
Dec. 5, noon to 1 p.m.
Change is inevitable, but it’s even harder when it means the evolution of holiday traditions year after year. Attend this local workshop with Jeanne Meyer, a social worker from Virginia Hospital Center, to address this year’s changes and host a discussion about the “new normal,” you might be facing. // Walter Reed Community Center and Park: 2909 16th St. S, Arlington; free
Grandparents Holiday Dance
Dec. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Girls and boys from 4-12 years old are invited to bring their grandmas and grandpas for a special holiday date night for the first-ever grandparents holiday dance at the Dorothy Hart Community Center. There will be a professional photographer taking photos and attired is everything from casual to dressy. Get ready to dance the night away! // Dorothy Hart Community Center: 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg; $6-$8 per person
Snowman’s Bliss Painting Class
Dec. 7, 4-6 p.m.
Get even more into the holiday spirit with this snowman-themed paint and sip class. The workshop will take you through each necessary step to create your own masterpiece, featuring a snowman enjoying a snowfall on a winter’s night, with a gingerbread star to light the sky. No experience required, and painters can enjoy wine, beer and cider tastings. // Pinot’s Palette: 12976 Highland Crossing Drive, Herndon; $45 per person
Gingerbread Decorating with the Family
Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m.
It’s a classic seasonal favorite: decorating an edible gingerbread house with royal icing, candy and more. Grab your children and grandchildren to enjoy this family-focused workshop where you can learn to decorate this year’s gingerbread house like a professional. Plus, no mess to clean up after and you get to take it home to enjoy. // Cookology Ballston Quarter: 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 3110, Arlington; $55 per family
Health & LGBTQA Aging
Dec. 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
A workshop hosted by David Hooper of the Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance (AGLA), where attendees can learn about the challenges of an aging LGBTQA population, including modern advancements on HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, and more. This workshop is solely for attendees 55 years and older. // Arlington Mill Community Center: 909 S Dinwiddle St., Arlington; free
