E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.

Now through Oct. 31
16th Annual Pumpkin Sale. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. At Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary Road, Alexandria (Corner of Seminary Road and Quaker Lane). All proceeds go directly to charity (ALIVE, Carpenter's Shelter, Network Preschool, New Mexico Navajo Indians and many more). Contact Susan D. Dawson at 703-931-4349 or SDDawson@comcast.net.

Thursday, Oct. 29
Jim Stephanson and John Previti. 7-9 p.m. Free. Guitarist Jim Stephanson and bassist John Previti will treat visitors to an evening of blues, swing and jazz inspired tunes. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.

Friday/Oct. 30
Sculptor Exhibition. 7-9 p.m. Sculptor Damian Yanessa will be showing his newest work, which features large mixed-media sculpture and light installation based on technology as the subject matter. At 2413 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, between the Red Caboose Café and Cheesetique.
Tom Goss Performs with Michael Yugo. 9 p.m. At Firelies Del Ray, 1501 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-548-7200. Go to www.tomgossmusic.com.
Candlelight Ghost Tours. 8-10 p.m. Visitors will view the museum by candlelight while hearing the ghost stories and creepy history of the Lee-Fendall House. Admission: $7/adults, $5/children ages 5-12. At the Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronco St., Alexandria.
Music for String Quartet. 8 p.m. Free. Presented by the U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Players Series. At the George Washingnton Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil.

Oct. 30-31
Mount Vernon Kiwanis Peanut Day Fund-Raiser. 3-9 p.m. on Friday and 9-5 p.m. on Saturday. MVKC members will be distributing roasted peanuts to all donors with Roy Rogers meal certificates. At the Wal-Mart entrance, Richmond Highway. Visit www.mtvernonvakiwanis.org.
Woodlawn's Haunted History Tours. 6-8:40 p.m. $15/person. At 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. Intersection of Richmond Highway and Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Call 703-780-4000 ext. 26327 to reserve your space and for more information.
Edgar Allen Poe. 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. Actor David Keltz returns to The Lyceum's lecture hall to recreate Edgar Allan Poe's visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before he died. He performs "The Black Cat," "The Cask of Amontillado," or "The Tell-Tale Heart," along with well-known poems "The Raven" and "El Dorado." At The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Old Town Alexandria.

Saturday/Oct. 31
Anthology, The Band. 8 p.m. Performs at The Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-8899.
Halloween Monster Organ Concert. 4 p.m. Features organists Victoria Shields, Douglas Back, Carol Schaub, Irvin Peterson and Julie Vidrick-Evans. Wear your costume, bring the kids and come hear scary organ music to get in the ghouling mood! At Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St. Old Town Alexandria. Go to www.wsumc.com.
Howl-O-Ween Fund-Raiser. 1-4 p.m. $5 donation. Costume contest, hospital tours, door prizes, pet-friendly vendors, pet adoption, pet activities, and childrens' activities. Barkley Square Bakery and Canine Caterers will provide free treats and food for the animals. At Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital, 133 South Peyton St., Alexandria. Contact Andrea Rodgers at 202-422-2692, missa@askmissa.com, or visit http://www.pawspurrsandexotics.com.

Sunday/Nov. 1
German Music Concert. 2 p.m. Heustreu Musikverein, special guests from Heustreu, Germany, perform in concert. Dr. Garwood Whaley, Wind Ensemble Conductor Emeritus, will be conducting a piece on the program. Admission is $5/adults, $3/students, seniors. At Garwood Whaley Auditorium, Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria.
Jazz Jam. 7 p.m. The Rick Whitehead Trio will lead a Jazz Jam. $10 donation. At the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria. Call 703-768-5821.
"Classic Broadway." 4 p.m. Tickets are $25/adults, $20 seniors, $5/students and children. Presented by the New Dominion Chorale. In addition to lush arrangements from "Kiss Me Kate," "Desert Song," and "Showboat," the program includes medleys from "Phantom of the Opera" and the music of Gershwin performed by piano artist Tom Pandolfi. With Sara Dell'Omo, mezzo-soprano and Bob McDonald, baritone. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall on the Alexandria campus of NVCC, 3001 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria. Go to www.newdominion.org. Call 703-442-9404.

Monday/Nov. 2
Inaugural Organ Concert. 8 p.m. Free. The concert features Thom Robertson, Organist. At Grace Episcopal Church, 3601 Russell Road (corner of W. Glebe), Alexandria. Call 703-549-1980.

Tuesday/Nov. 3
Concert. 8 p.m. Susanna Phillips, soprano, with Craig Terry, piano. The recital at Bishop Ireton is sponsored by Christ Church Alexandria to benefit the music program at local area schools. At Bishop Ireton Auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by contacting Christ Church at 703-549-1450 or jabel@HistoricChristChurch.org.

Thursday/Nov. 5
Author Marybeth Hicks. 6:30-8:30 p.m. On Redefining What's Cool for Our Kids. At Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria.
KUKU. 7-9 p.m. Free. KUKU performs uniquely soulful and captivating music inspired by his African heritage. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
Market Day. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. handcrafted gifts including specialized ornaments, designer handbags, jewelry, embroidered and monogrammed gifts, kitchenware, dolls, quality cosmetics and more. At Plymouth Haven Christian Preschool, 8600 Plymouth Road in Alexandria, corner of Plymouth Road and Fort Hunt Road.

Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19
18th-Century Dance Classes. At Gadsby's Tavern Museum. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Singles or couples are welcome. Cost is $30 for the series of $12/per class. Dance master Corky Palmer will lead this series of 18th-century English country dance classes in preparation for the Late Harvest Ball on Saturday, Nov. 21. Held at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4242 or go to www.gadsbystavern.org.

Friday/Nov. 6
Pipe Organ Concert. 8 p.m. Free. Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem and Suite pour Orgue in celebration of a new Di Gennaro-Hart pipe organ. Featuring Nathan Laube, Organist; Debby Wenner, Mezzo-Soprano; Jonathan Hoffman, Baritone; Thom Robertson, Music Director; and the Grace Church Choral Society. At Grace Episcopal Church, 3601 Russell Road (corner of W. Glebe), Alexandria. Call 703-549-1980.

Saturday/Nov. 7
Alexandria Choral Society. 8 p.m. Past to Present: ACS Celebrates its 40th Season. Cost is $20 for adults/$10 for seniors and military/children under 12 years of age are free. At Fairlington United Methodist Church, Alexandria. To purchase tickets, go to www.alexchoralsociety.org or call 703-548-4734 or email: alexandriachoralsociety@gmail.com.
Tap Dance Show. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13. The Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble presents "MYTE Plays Well with Others." At the Ernst Cultural Center of the Annandale campus of NVCC, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/85694. Visit MYTE at www.metroyouthtap.org or call 703-339-0444.
Swordsmen's Rendezvous. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Re-enactment of 18th century swordplay and display and discussion of weapons. At Gadsby's Tavern Museum. $6 admission. At 134 North Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Dance Slam. 7 p.m. Choreographers Collaboration Project's Fall Modern Dance concert. This informal performance features works in progress and improvisation that explore chance, risk, play and fun. CCP is a modern dance company based in Alexandria. Admission is $10/adults, $5/children 12-17, under 12 free. At The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-683-2070 or go to www.nvfaa.org.
Rummage Sale. 8 a.m. to noon. Features high-quality used infant, children and maternity gear — including clothes, toys, games, books, furniture and much more. There will also be great household bargains on linens, kitchenware and decorative/seasonal items. At Fort Hunt Preschool, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria.
Soldier-Led Walking Tours. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free. The hour-long tours will introduce visitors to the history of the Defenses of Washington, the building and role of Fort Ward, 19th-century fortification engineering, and the troops who were stationed in this area during the Civil War. At Fort Ward, 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria. Call Fort Ward at 703-838-4848 or visit www.fortward.org.
International Fall Festival. 2 to 6 p.m. Bring your family and enjoy food, authentic novelties, entertainment, games, and history from around the globe. At the Samuel Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Drive in the West End. Contact TuckerTigersRoar@gmail.com.
Scouting At Mount Vernon. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historic Mount Vernon offers special activities for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Club members. Scouts will have an opportunity to learn more about Colonial life through hands-on projects and stations on surveying, woodworking, textile-making, farming and cooking.

Sunday/Nov. 8
Two Man Gentlemen Band. 7 p.m. At Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. $18/general, $15/advance. Contact Kay at kay@focusmusic.org, 703-501-6061, or log onto FocusMusic.org.
Veteran's Day Event. 5 p.m. Honoring the Tuskeegee Airmen. Presentation by Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, veteran Tuskeege Airman and POW. Also featuring the premiere showing of a private WWII photo collection of the Tuskeege Airmen. At the Charles Houston Center, 901 Wythe Street. Go to www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 10

Tuesday/Nov. 10
MVQU's Fund-Raising Event. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Features a live auction, bake sale, handmade quilts, wall hangings and table runners, scarves for children, gift baskets, fabrics and books. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Room 112, Alexandria.

Wednesday/Nov. 11
Barbershop Concert and Wreathlaying. At 11 a.m. the barbershop chorus, The Harmony Heritage Singers performs (free); and 2 p.m. is the wreathlaying at the tomb of George Washington. The U.S. Air Force String Orchestra performs the "Music of George Washington’s World" at 3 p.m. in the Robert H. & Clarice Smith Auditorium (free to the public). Admission: $15/adults, $7/children ages 6-11. At Mount Vernon.

Nov. 12-13
Holiday Marketplace. Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. More than 30 vendors, shopping, pastries, coffee and holiday raffle. At St. Aidan's Day School, 8531 Riverside Road, Alexandria. Call 703-360-4013.

Nov. 12-15
"White Christmas." Nov. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10/general, $5/students, seniors. Directed by E.M. Milam, musical direction by Michael Weinberg. At Bishop O'Connell High School, 6600 Little Falls Road, Arlington. Call the box office at 703-237-1448.

Friday/Nov. 13
Photography Discussion. 7:30 p.m. Kathleen Ewing presents "The fine art of Collecting Photography: How things have changed and what is in the future." At the Kathleen Ewing Gallery, first floor, Torpedo Factory. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except second Thursdays, 2-9 p.m.
Benefit Concert. 8 p.m. Triptych presents the music of Turina, Beethoven and Dvorak, with John McCrary on piano, Sonya Hayes on violin and Charlie Powers on cello. Reception to follow. At Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Call 703-549-5500, ext. 103 or music@trinityalexandria.org.
Ballroom Dancing for Couples. 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. second Friday of each month. Enjoy waltz, fox trot, cha cha, swing and more to live music on large wooden dance floor in Mount Vernon area; $15/person. Private club; reservations required www.fridaynightersdancingclub.com.

Nov. 13-22
"The Music Man." Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10/adults, $8/seniors and children. Presented by Mount Vernon Community Children's Theater. At Carl Sandburg Middle School, 8428 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Go to www.mvcct.org or call 703 360-0686.

Saturday/Nov. 14
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. Season 2009-10 heats up with "Winter." With Maestro Kim Allen Kluge. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, NVCC Alexandria Campus, 3001 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria. Cost is $40-$70, with discounts for students and seniors, and $5 youth tickets. Call 703-548-0885 or visit www.alexsym.org.
Book Signing and Author's Reception. 3-5 p.m. For the book, "Mr. Lincoln’s Forts: A Guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington" (Scarecrow Press, 2009) by B. Franklin Cooling III and Walton H. Owen II. At Fort Ward, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4848.
Used Book Sale. At Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Christmas Bazaar and Silent Auction. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Baked goods, jewelry, hand-made crafts, white elephants, home-made foodstuffs, vendors featuring silk scarves, specialty jewelry, pressed-flower pictures, professional photographs, etc. Presented by the Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Café lunch from noon to 2 p.m.
Annual Bazaar. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Antiques, white elephants, books, records, children's clothes, toys, holiday items, baked goods and more. At Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 South Washington Street, Old Town Alexandria. Call 703-836-4324.
Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Craft vendors, handmade ornaments and knitted gifts, baked goods, silent auction, Secret Santa Shop, children's crafts. At Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1608 Russell Road, Alexandria. Call 703-683-0798.

Sunday/Nov. 15
Electric Guitars. 4 p.m. $25. Classical guitarist Larry Snitzler and jazz guitarist Rick Whitehead. At The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. To reserve tickets, email Larry Snitzler at snitzler@gmu.edu or call 703-919-9773.
Tea With Martha Washington. 3-4:30 p.m. $25/person. The tea includes the museum’s special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire is requested. At Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. For reservations, call 703-838-4242. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

Tuesday/Nov. 17
Mount Vernon Genealogical Society Meeting. 1 p.m. Free and open to public. Features a presentation entitled "Newspaper Research at the Library of Congress," by Claire Bettag, CG, CGL, a genealogist based in Washington, D.C. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112, in Alexandria. Call Harold McClendon at 703-360-0920 or haroldm@erols.com.

Thursday/Nov. 19
The Reverie Jazz Trio. 7-9 p.m. Free. The Reverie Jazz Trio will perform early jazz standards and forgotten favorites. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.

Saturday/Nov. 21
"Stir Up the Gifts." 7 p.m. A night of fashion and inspirational entertainment. Fashions by Ellen's Boutique, Dress Barn and K&G Fashions. Inspirational entertainment by, inspirational rap artist, "Rimidy", Singer Kimberly Gordon and Shiloh's David's Dancers. Tickets are $7 (Ages 6-17), $15 (Ages 18 & up) and ages 5 and under free. At the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. Call 703-927-2927.
Scottish Singer Jim Malcolm. 8 p.m. Jim Malcolm, formerly the lead singer with the Scottish band Old Blind Dogs, gives a special solo performance celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Tickets are $20 in advance, $24 at the door. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Go to www.sunspotpro.com or call 800 404-9049.
Valentina Lisitsa, Piano Virtuoso. 7 p.m. Free. Classical piano concert featuring works of Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria.
Holiday Shop. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some 50 artisans in fiber arts, wood, paper, metal, glass, clay, photography and orchids. Quilt raffle, Country Kitchen with handmade baked goods, chutneys and more, an attic/resale boutique, gently used jewelry shop, gingerbread house raffle and lunch. At Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-765-5950.
Annual Gift Fair. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. TJ Crew is hosting the fair at the Thomas Jefferson High School. If you have a craft/art/music or any personal invention or service that you would like to sell at the Gift Fair, go to the web site: www.tjgiftshow.com or contact Rajni Goel at tjgiftshow@gmail.com (703-288-5111).
Late Harvest Ball. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Includes 18th century English country dancing, live music, cash bar and dessert. Costumes of the 1770s are welcome, and "after-five" attire is encouraged. Tickets are $45/advance and $50/door. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4242 to register. Go to www.gadsbystavern.org.

Sunday/Nov. 22
Violin Recital. 4 p.m. The Alexandria Performing Arts Association presents Nathan Wisniewski of the Air Force Chamber Players in a violin recital. Free Admission (donations accepted). At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Alexandria. Call 703-0700.

Thursday/Nov. 26
Alexandria Turkey Trot. 10 a.m. At the Cora Kelly Recreation Center, intersection of West Reed and Commonwealth Avenues, in Alexandria's Del Ray community. The race is cosponsored by the Del Ray Business Association (DRBA) and the DC Road Runners Club. The onsite entry fee — with two cans of food — is $25 for adults 22 and over and $20 for individuals aged 13-21 years. Children 12 and under can participate for $10 at the door and two cans of food. Visit http://www.dcroadrunners.org/sign-up/turkey.

Nov. 27-Jan. 6
Christmas at Mount Vernon. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The halls are decked for Christmas at Mount Vernon. Exciting additions include a dozen themed Christmas trees, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century dancing! $15/adults, $7/children ages 6-11, free for children under 6. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.

Nov. 27-29
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. Mrs. Washington hosts 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and early American décor. Cost is $18/adults, $12/children under 11. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.

Tuesday/Dec. 1
An Evening of Baroque Music. Works by Telemann, Handel and Bach with the National Chamber Players. At Episcopal High School, in Pendleton Hall in the Ainslie Arts Center, 1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-933-4135.

Thursday/Dec. 3
Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Open House. 6-9 p.m. Free. Galleries are open for holiday shopping plus music, refreshments and drawings for prizes. At 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565.

Dec. 4-5
Campagna Center Scottish Christmas Walk, Parade and Weekend. Free. Parade is Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. Even dogs wear kilts during the annual Scottish Christmas Walk. Christmas Marketplace is Friday, Dec. 4 all day, George Washington Masonic Memorial. Taste of Scotland, Friday, Dec. 4, evening. Call 703-549-0111, or go to www.ScottishChristmasWalk.com

Dec. 4, 5, 6,
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. Mrs. Washington hosts 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and early American décor. Cost is $18/adults, $12/children under 11. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.

Saturday/Dec. 5
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Free at dusk. At Alexandria Marina at the foot of Cameron Street, behind the Torpedo Factory. Alexandria's harbor sparkles when brightly lit boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City's historic waterfront.
Holiday on the Avenue. Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood gets into the festive spirit with Holiday on the Avenue. Local businesses around the one-mile stretch of Mount Vernon Avenue feature all-day events and stay open until 9 p.m. The Del Ray tree lighting is at 6 p.m. at Colosanto Park at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue. Then follow Santa down the luminary-lit Mount Vernon Avenue. Kids can sit on Santa’s lap for a photo at the end of the walk. Join in the caroling and stop in the shops for a hot drink. Free. www.VisitDelRay.com.
Ornament Decorating Workshop for Families. 1-4 p.m. Be inspired by the colors and patterns of pottery excavated in Alexandria and make a memorable holiday keepsake. Participants can decorate and take home dough ornaments which are shaped like artifacts from the museum’s own collection. Great for families. 1-4 p.m. Free. At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum (inside the Torpedo Factory)
105 N. Union Street, #327, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4399, www.AlexandriaArchaeology.org.
A Soldier's Christmas. Noon-4 p.m. The "Soldier's Christmas" program will feature re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, as well as interpreters from the Carlyle House and will highlight life in Alexandria during the holidays at the time of the American Revolution. Activities include demonstrations of military drill, fife and drum music, gaming and cooking. The Regimental surgeon will discuss Continental Army medicine and demonstrate 18th-century surgical instruments in the basement, while officers and ladies entertain guests in the dining room. Activities and games for children. $5 suggested donation. At 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Call 703-549-2997 or go to www.nvrpa.org/parks/CarlyleHouse/index.php.

Dec. 11-12
Gunston Hall Plantation Christmas and Yuletide Dinner. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sip warm cider by the fire and sample period foods prepared in the colonial hearth kitchen. Costumed characters will greet you in the house and throughout the grounds. Friday, Dec. 11, 6:30 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12, 4:30, 6 and 8 p.m. Admission: Adults $15; Children 6-18 years, $8; Children 2-5 years, $2. Yuletide dinner: adults, 11 and older $49.95; Children 6-10 years, $24.95; 2-5 years $9.95. Reservations required. At 10709 Gunston Rd, Mason Neck. Call 703-550-9220, www.GunstonHall.org.

Dec. 11, 12, 13
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. Mrs. Washington hosts 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and early American décor. Cost is $18/adults, $12/children under 11. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.

Saturday/Dec. 12
Civil War Christmas in Camp. Learn how soldiers and families celebrated Christmas during the Civil War. Suggested donation $2 adults, $1 for kids. At Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4848, www.FortWard.org.
Kwanzaa Craft Workshop. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join the Alexandria Black History Museum staff in a fun interactive program that will guide you through the principles of this African American holiday as well as instruct you in ways to make Kwanzaa gifts called Zawadi. All supplies will be provided. At 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4356, www.AlexBlackHistory.org.
The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration Film Screening. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. The Black Candle is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa are so important to African-Americans today. The movie traces the holiday’s growth out of the Black Power movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, pan-African holiday embraced by over 40 million celebrants. At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4356, www.AlexBlackHistory.org.

Dec. 12-13
Christmas Tree Sale. North Ridge Community, 3512 Old Dominion Blvd., Beverley Hills United Methodist Church. Fresh Christmas trees (cut since Thanksgiving) - Douglas & Frazer Fir, Blue Spruce, a few Norway Spruce $20-$80 (over 10 foot). White pine garland $16 per 25-ft coil or $2/yard. wreaths $15. Superior Tree stands $20.

Thursday, Dec. 17
Port Tobacco Pickers. 7-9 p.m. Free. This seven-piece bluegrass band from southern Maryland will perform a musical medley of traditional bluegrass, Southern rock, train songs, and even an Irish whiskey tune. Part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565, www.torpedofactory.org.

Sunday/Dec. 20
Holiday Favorites With the Colonial Handbell Ringers. 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Join the Colonial Handbell Ringers as they play more than 60 bronze bells. Musical selections include Christmas classics like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Feliz Navidad," and "Frosty the Snowman." Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols. At the Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4994, www.AlexandriaHistory.org.

Thursday/Dec. 31
First Night Alexandria. New Year's Eve celebration with music, dance, performing arts for all ages with more than 100 performances in 25 indoor venues throughout Old Town. All ages are welcome and all venues are alcohol free. 6 p.m. to midnight. Fireworks at midnight. Entrance fee. Call 703-746-3301, www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com or www.FirstNightAlexandria.org.

Tuesday/Jan. 19, 2010
Winter Concert. Works by Philip Glass with Dana Tae Soon Burgess Dance Co. Schönberg "Verklärte Nacht". At Episcopal High School, in Pendleton Hall in the Ainslie Arts Center, 1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-933-4135.

Tuesday/May 4, 2010
Benefit Concert for Autism Speaks. Schubert Cello Quintet in C. At Episcopal High School, in Pendleton Hall in the Ainslie Arts Center, 1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-933-4135.