MUSIC
Melissa Etheridge
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Rock idol Melissa Etheridge will take the stage for a holiday concert, while mixing in some of her classic songs, including “Come to My Window,” “I Want to Come Over” and “Bring Me Some Water.” // The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $115
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Light Up the Village
Thursday, 6-8:30 p.m.
NBC4’s David Culver will emcee the ceremony that will feature performances of Signature Theatre’s Billy Elliot, horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa and more, then capped off by the lighting of the Village’s Christmas tree. // Village at Shirlington: S. Arlington Mill Drive & S. Campbell Ave., Arlington; Free
PERFORMING ARTS
Once Upon a Christmas Carol
Thursday-Dec. 9, Times vary
An original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tome features all your favorite characters, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim. // Franklin Park Performing & Visual Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville; $15-$25
MUSIC
The White House Band
Friday, 8 p.m.
Dave Detwiler leads the White House Band, which features Darden Purcell and Glenn Scimonelli, in performances of songs that range from jazz to pop. // Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10900 University Blvd, Manassas; $25
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Fairfax Holiday Market
Friday-Dec. 16, Times vary
Returning for its second year, the Fairfax Holiday Market brings arts and crafts vendors to the heart of historic Fairfax along with holiday music, drinks and gourmet foods. // Old Town Square: 10414 North St., Fairfax; Free
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show
Friday-Sunday, Times vary
Nearly 300 vendors will showcase their handmade arts & crafts this holiday season. // Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center: 2371 Carl D Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg; $8
FITNESS
Jingle Bell Run
Saturday, 6:45-9:45 a.m.
The ringing of jingle bells will be from runners rather than reindeer during this annual 5K race. Many of the runners will be dressed in holiday-themed costumes. // Pentagon Row: 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington; $40
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Christmas in Middleburg
Saturday, 8 a.m.
The streets of Middleburg are the setting for a spectacular Christmas parade, tree lighting, shopping and caroling in this picturesque small town. // Downtown Middleburg; Free
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Saturday, 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
FOOD & DRINK
Gray Ghost Christmas Cork and Cheese Celebration
Saturday & Sunday, 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
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Winter Festival of Lights
Saturday, 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
PETS
APBA Merry Pitmas Pawty
Saturday, 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
PERFORMING ARTS
Black Nativity
Saturday-Dec. 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
MUSIC
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
Saturday, 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
PERFORMING ARTS
Nutcracker
Saturday-Dec. 9, 4 p.m.
The Centre Performing Arts Company will be joined by American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Cory Stearns in its 2018 production of the classic Christmas tale. // Fauquier High School: 705 Waterloo Road, Warrenton; $25-$30
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Saturday, 5:30 p.m.
Alexandria’s Christmas celebration sets sail as boats, adorned with festive lights, head out onto the Potomac River for what has become an annual tradition in Alexandria. // Alexandria City Marina: 0 Cameron St., Alexandria; Free
FOOD & DRINK
Winemaker for a Day
Saturday & Sunday, Times vary
Sunset Hills and 50 West winemaker Corry Craighill will give aspiring winemakers their first lessons in what it takes to craft an elegant wine of their own. Special tastings of premium wines will also be available.// Sunset Hills Vineyard: 38295 Freemont Overlook Lane, Purcellville, & 50 West Vineyards: 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg; $40
MUSIC
Soweto Gospel Choir
Sunday, 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
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
32nd Annual Gingerbread Contest and Exhibit
Sunday-Dec. 30, Times vary
She what spectacular—and delicious—creations people can create just out of gingerbread houses all December long. The theme for this year is “cartoon adventures.” // George Washington’s Ferry Farm: 268 Kings Highway, Fredericksburg; $4.50-$9