Following are seasonal highlights. For a complete list of events in Alexandria, visit www.FunSide.com, or call the Alexandria Visitors Center at 1-888-738-2764. Accommodations may be booked through 1-800-296-1000.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4
Excellent Evergreens. Preschoolers ages 3-5 learn about evergreen trees and make a tiny evergreen swag at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria. 9:30 - 11:15 a.m. $5 per child per session. Non-refundable. Limit 15 children per class. Call 703-642-5173.
Holiday Entertaining with Wines. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. 7 p.m. $50 per person. Fundraising event for the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless. Lecture on wines and their role in holiday entertaining, followed by wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres and music. Call 703-525-7177.
THURSDAY, DEC. 5
Holiday Bazaar. Local arts and crafts vendors with holiday ornaments, jewelry, collectibles, decorative accessories and more. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Time Life Inc., 2000 Duke St., Alexandria. Book sale from Time-Life. Call Carol Plemons at 703-838-7000.
Christmas Marketplace Heather and Greens Sale. Noon-5 p.m. Part of the 32nd Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend in Alexandria. Free. Call 703-549-0111.
Excellent Evergreens. Preschoolers ages 3-5 learn about evergreen trees and make a tiny evergreen swag at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria. 9:30 - 11:15 a.m. $5 per child per session. Non-refundable. Limit 15 children per class. Call 703-642-5173.
Holiday open house. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Live music, wine, hors d'oeuvres, and art. Call 703-838-4565 or visit www.torpedofactory.com.
FRIDAY, DEC. 6
Plantation Christmas and Holiday Buffet. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck. 7-10 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage ride, food prepared over the open hearth, costumed characters, and dancing. $9 adults, $4 students in grades one-12. Free for children under 6.
Christmas Marketplace Heather and Greens Sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Part of the 32nd Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend in Alexandria. Free. Call 703-549-0111.
Excellent Evergreens. Preschoolers ages 3-5 learn about evergreen trees and make a tiny evergreen swag. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria. 9:30 - 11:15 a.m. $5 per child per session. Non-refundable. Limit 15 children per class. Call 703-642-5173.
Holiday concert. Alexandria Campus Concert Band, NOVA Community Chorus and the Kathy Harty Gray Dance Theater. 8 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College. 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Free. Call Bob Petrella at 703-845-6252.
Miracle on 23rd S. Tree Lighting Ceremony. SOC Enterprises, 750 South 23rd St. in Arlington. Caroling begins at 5:30 p.m., Tree Lighting at 6 p.m., Reception 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. Call 703-521-4441.
SATURDAY, DEC. 7
Holiday workshops. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria. Holiday wreaths, 9-11 a.m., $35. Boxwood tree topiary, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $30. Centerpieces for the holidays, 12:30-2 p.m., $30. Call 703-642-5173.
Watch an expert create holiday flower arrangements. ReCreations Decorative Consignments, 8804 Pear Tree Village Ct., Alexandria. 9-11 a.m. Tea and scones. $20. Door prizes. Call 703-360-5100.
Plantation Christmas and Holiday Buffet. Gunston Hall Plantation. 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck. 7-10 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage ride, food prepared over the open hearth, costumed characters, and dancing. $9 adults, $4 students in grades one-12. Free for children under 6.
"The Messiah." Performed by the New Dominion Chorale. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. 8 p.m. $22, $18 seniors, $12 students. Call 703-442-9404, or visit www.newdominion.org.
Christmas Marketplace Heather and Greens Sale. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Part of the 32nd Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend in Alexandria. Free. Call 703-549-0111.
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. 10:30 a.m. in Alexandria. Parade honors Alexandria's Scottish heritage with more than 100 Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans and playing bagpipes, history re-enactment units, Scottish dog groups and antique cars. Free. Call 703-549-0111.
Holiday Designer Tour of Homes. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Alexandria. Features selected historic homes decorated for the holidays by some of the area's top interior designers and florists. Call 703-549-0111.
Holiday parade of boats. Alexandria Marina from 5-6 p.m. and the Washington Channel from 7-8 p.m. The Potomac River lights up when more than 50 brightly lit sailing and powered leisure boats cruise along the river from Alexandria's historic waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center to Washington Channel. Free. Call 703-838-5005.
"A Dickens of a Christmas Party." The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum. 201 South Washington St., Alexandria. 2-4 p.m. The Little Maids of History present a reading of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," music, games, ornament making, tree trimming and light refreshments. $3 per person. Space is limited; advance reservations highly recommended. Call Bob Schurk at 703-838-4994.
Holiday Ornament Decorating Workshop. Alexandria Archaeology Museum. 3rd Floor of the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. 1 - 4 p.m. Decorate take-home ornaments using shapes, colors and patterns based on the Museum's collection of excavated artifacts. Free. No reservations required. Call 703-838-4399.
Kwanzaa Craft and Game Workshop. The Alexandria Black History Resource Center, 638 North Alfred St., Alexandria. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Learn easy crafts and games to make for this seven-day cultural celebration. Free. Call 703-838-4356.
Annual Holiday Pottery Show and Sale. Wachovia Forum, Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College. 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Call 703-845-6075.
Mistletoe Mall holiday party. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington. 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Food, music, greeting cards, gift certificates, and handcrafted novelties for sale. Call 703-892-2565.
Annual Messiah sing-along with the Metropolitan Chorus. First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 601 N. Vermont St., Arlington. Free. Non-perishable food and donations will be accepted for a community meals program. Call 703-933-2500 or visit www.metchorus.org.
Community Christmas Gift Show. Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Community Center, 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission & parking. Features gift items from a wide variety of vendors. Call 703-971-8172.
The U.S. Navy Sea Chanters. 2002 Christmas Program. St. Rita's Catholic Church, 3815 Russell Road, Alexandria. 8 p.m. Free. Reception to follow in school hall.
The Del Ray Farmers' Market annual Holiday Market The corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Oxford, Alexandria. 8 a.m.-noon. Farmers will be selling Christmas trees as well as greens and lots of crafters from Art on the Avenue will be there selling their crafts. Call 703-683-2570 and leave a message.
Community Christmas Gift Show. Gift Items from a wide variety of vendors. Thomas Jefferson Middle School & Community Center, 125 South Old Glebe Road, Arlington. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission and parking. Face painting, clown, therapeutic massage therapists, manicurists, food for sale, door prizes. Call James Walls at 703-971-8172 or Tasha Mount at 703-979-3738.
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
Christmas Tea and Holiday Tour. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck. 1-5 p.m. Elegant tea and special holiday tour of Gunston Hall. Reservations required. $22 adults, $11 children 6-10, children under 6 free. Call 703-339-0460.
Fourth Annual Messiah Sing-Along. Westover Baptist Church, 1125 North Patrick Henry Dr., Arlington. 3 p.m. The Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah will be performed jointly by audience members and the Levine School of Music/Arlington Country Senior Singers' Chorale, the Levine School of Music Treble Choirs, and the Mount Vernon High School Choirs, accompanied by Organist Marvin Mills. Free. Call 703-237-5655.
Mistletoe Mall holiday party. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington. 1 to 4 p.m. Free. Food, music, greeting cards, gift certificates, and handcrafted novelties for sale. Call 703-892-2565.
Washington Women's Chorus. Carols from around the world. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. 4 p.m. Tickets $18, $15 seniors and students. Ample free onsite parking. Call 202-244-7367 or e-mail www.Cinformation@aol.com.
National Capital Area Salvation Army Band Annual Christmas Concert. Westover Baptist Church, 1125 North Patrick Henry Dr., Arlington, in the main sanctuary. 7 p.m. Free. Call 703-237-8292.
Christmas musical performance. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2810 King St., Alexandria. 7 p.m. Free. Call Martha Stinson at 703-548-8920.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Carols. King Street Gardens Park, 1700 Block of King Street, Alexandria. 6 p.m. Featuring: Jefferson-Houston School for Arts and Academics Choir, Santa Claus, and refreshments provided by the Old Town Hilton.
TUESDAY/DEC. 10
"Little Christmas Traveler." Agape Christian Academy, 5632 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria. A holiday musical performed by the school's first, second and third graders. 7:30 p.m. Call 703-360-1996.
WEDNESDAY/DEC. 11
Macedonia Baptist Church Annual Christmas Concert. Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Glebe Road, Arlington. 7 p.m. Call 703-521-7663.
THURSDAY/DEC. 12
Project Christmas Angel 2002 wrapping party. Help wrap holiday gifts for children of incarcerated parents. 6 - 9 p.m. St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Alexandria. Call Katy Steinbruck at 703-228-7051.
Christmas Fantasy Luncheon. Ft. Belvoir Officers' Club, Alexandria. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Festive holiday music with the King Street Singers, Last Minute Gift Ideas Display. $12. Includes luncheon and child care. Reservations should be made by Dec. 9. For reservations call Virginia at 703-455-6881 or Ginny at 703-569-4670.
FRIDAY, DEC. 13
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours. Self-guided tour features four decorated historic sites in Alexandria. Light refreshments served and transportation available between sites. 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors 65 and older, and $5 children 6-17 before Dec. 7. Tickets $20 adults and $15 seniors after Dec. 7. Call 703-549-2997.
Annual Christmas Concert. The Senior Singers Chorale. Westover Baptist Church, 1125 N. Patrick Henry Dr., Arlington. 7 p.m. Free. Call 703-237-8292.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours. Self-guided tour features four decorated historic sites in Alexandria. Light refreshments served and transportation available between sites. 6-9 p.m. Tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors 65 and older, and $5 children 6-17 before Dec. 7. Tickets $20 adults and $15 seniors after Dec. 7. Call 703-549-2997.
Fort Ward's Civil War Christmas in Camp. Fort Ward museum, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria. Learn how the holiday was observed during the Civil War, with living-history interpreters, period music and more. 1-4 p.m. Call 703-838-4848.
Third Annual Holiday Parade of Boats. More than 50 decorated boats light up Alexandria's historic waterfront. 5-6 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-5005.
Holiday Open House At Fort C.F. Smith Park & Historic Site. Noon-3 p.m. Tour the facilities and join us for some light refreshments and holiday cheer. A guided tour of the Civil War fortifications will take place at 2 p.m. Meet at Fort C.F. Smith Park & Historic Site, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington. Free. No reservations required. For more information or directions call 703-228-7742.
Christmas Concert. The Levine School of Music Treble Choir. Westover Baptist Church, 1125 N. Patrick Henry Dr., Arlington. 4 p.m. Free. Call 703-237-8292.
Winter Festivities at the Caboose. Goodies for kids and storytelling. Park Ranger Unit, 601 N. Manchester St., Arlington. Park at Bluemont Park parking lot, at the intersection of Wilson Blvd. and Manchester St., and walk east down the bike trail 100 yards to the big red caboose. All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $2. Call 703-525-0168.
Breakfast & Canoeing with Santa. Join us for a full course breakfast and canoe ride in the pool with Santa. Have your picture taken with Santa. 10 a.m. $3 per child / $4 per adult (includes picture with Santa.) YMCA Alexandria, 420 E Monroe Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-838-8085.
20th Christmas Art Show and Sale. Von Brahler Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., Alexandria. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-798-8686.
Christmas Concert. The Bishop Ireton Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Garwood Whaley Auditorium, Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. $3 adults, $2 12 and under. Call 703-212-5162.
SUNDAY, DEC. 15
Kissing Ball Tea. Learn the secrets to making this Victorian substitute for mistletoe at Green Spring Gardens. 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. $22. Call 703-642-5173.
Colonial Ringers Handbell Concert. Sing-a-long of Christmas carols. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. 3 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4994.
Holiday Pops Concert. NOVA Community Chorus and the Arlington Symphony. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. 5 p.m. $10 - $38. Call 703-845-6097.
"An Early American Christmas." Adult Choir and instrumentalists in music will perform music of 18th and 19th century America at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 South Fairfax St., Alexandria. Call 703-549-6670.
Tis the Season: ACS Annual Family Holiday Concert. Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, 2006 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria. 5 p.m. Tickets $15-35. Call 703-548-4734.
Holiday Open House at Fort C.F. Smith Park & Historic Site. 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington. 12-3 p.m. Tour the facilities and join us for some light refreshments. Guided tour of the Civil War fortifications at 2 p.m. Free. No reservations required. Call 703-228-7742.
Living Nativity Scene. A narration of the Christmas story with actors, live animals, lights and music. The front lawn of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, at the corner of Fort Hunt and Collingwood Roads, Alexandria. Performances at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-765-6555 or visit www.aldersgate.net.
Annual Musical Holiday Service. Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Featuring Handel's Messiah (part 1), with orchestra. A voluntary donation will be accepted. Call 703-836-4324 or visit www.wsumc.com.
20th Christmas Art Show and Sale. Von Brahler Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., Alexandria. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-798-8686.
Yule be Swingin. Hear your holiday favorites sung with a twist by the Alexandria Singers. Special Appearance by Santa Claus. Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road. Reserved seats $20; adults $15; seniors, students and active military $10; children 6 and under $5. Call 703-941-7464 for tickets.
MONDAY, DEC. 16
Living Nativity Scene. A narration of the Christmas story with actors, live animals, lights and music. The front lawn of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, at the corner of Fort Hunt and Collingwood Roads, Alexandria. Performances at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-765-6555 or visit www.aldersgate.net.
TUESDAY, DEC. 17
Living Nativity Scene. A narration of the Christmas story with actors, live animals, lights and music. The front lawn of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, at the corner of Fort Hunt and Collingwood Roads, Alexandria. Performances at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-765-6555 or visit www.aldersgate.net.
SATURDAY/DEC. 21
Reindeer Boogie: Celebrate with Bells On. Concert of Medieval and American folk music performed by Hesperus. The Rosslyn Spectrum, 1601 Kent St., Arlington. Free garage parking. $15, $10 students. 7 p.m. Call 703-525-7550 or visit www.hesperus.org.
Second Annual Huntington Christmas Carolling. Residents and friends of Huntington are invited and encouraged to participate. Carolers will meet in the cul-de-sac in the 2100 Block of Farrington Avenue at 7:30 p.m. Coffee, Coco, Donuts, and song sheets will be provided. Dress warmly, wear bright colors, and bring your flashlight.
SUNDAY, DEC. 22
"Wisdom of the Elders." Free annual winter solstice event celebrating the wisdom of the ages from a variety of cultures in the area. Potomac Overlook Park., 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington. Ages 8 and up and adults. Reservations required. Call 703-528-5406.
Community Carol sing. The Mount Vernon Orchestra Association (MOVA). St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road, Alexandria. 5 - 7 p.m. Free. Donations to orchestra accepted. Call the MOVA office at 703-799-8229 or St. Aidan's at 703-360-4220.
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
Christmas Eve Service. Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 South Fairfax St., Alexandria. Music by Children's Choirs and Adult Choir, Strings, Harp and Organ. Call 703-549-6670.
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
First Night Alexandria. Family fun and entertainment showcasing the area's best performers, and fireworks at midnight. Celebration takes place at different locations along King Street. 6 p.m.-midnight. Free Dash About shuttle provided.
ONGOING
Pet photos with Santa. Dec. 6, 7, and 8. Olde Towne School for Dogs, Alexandria. Proceeds benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Reservations required. Call 703-836-7643.
"Tis the Season." The Arlington Planetarium, 1426 Quincy St., Arlington. Through Dec. 22. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and children 12 and younger. Learn about the winter solstice, winter constellations, meteors, a lunar eclipse and more. Call 703-228-6070 or 703-228-6019.
“The Nutcracker: Act II, Kingdom of the Sweets.” Arlington Center for Dance. Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Dec. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. $15 adults, $10 students. Call 703-522-2414 or visit www.arldance.com.
Christmas in Copage Musical. Old Town Theater, 815 1/2 King St., Alexandria. Performed by the Jubilee Majestic Concert Choir and Dance Company. Dec. 9 - 11. Doors open 7 p.m. Performance starts 8 p.m. $12.50 adult, $8.50 children under 10. Visit www.oldtowntheater.com. or call 703-535-8024.
Christmas Stories for Children. Comedy Spotz Theatre, on the fourth floor next to the movie theaters at the Ballston Commons Mall, between Wilson Blvd. and Glebe Road, Arlington. Dec. 7, 14, and 21. Friday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. $8 per person. Reservations required. Call 703-486-4242.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (Dec. 6, 7, 8; 13, 14 and 15) at Mount Vernon Estate. Visitors will be treated to a rare tour of the mansion's third floor, normally open to the public only during the holiday season. Food Court Pavilion and shops open until 9 p.m. Call 703-799-8607.
Holidays at Mount Vernon. See the mansion adorned with fresh greenery and hear stories about how George and Martha Washington celebrated the holidays at Mount Vernon. Visitors are also invited to tour the third floor of the mansion, rarely open to the public. Complimentary hot cider, cookies and holiday caroling around a bonfire. Call 703-780-2000.
"The Christmas Carol Rag." Signature Theatre, 3806 Four Mile Run, Arlington. Through Dec. 22. Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. $20 to $38. Call 703-218-6500.
The Crummles' Christmas Carol. Metro Stage, 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria. Dec. 10-Jan. 5. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m. $30. Call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.
"Gifts for the Holidays." Grey House Potters' annual show. through Dec. 24. 5509 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Advent rings, menorahs, ornaments, pottery, candle holders and more. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Holiday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Dec. 24. Call 703-522-7738.
“The Nutcracker.” The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Alexandria, Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Nonmembers: adults $12, children $9. Members: adults $10, children $7. Reservations required. Call 703-548-0456.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria. Dec. 6 and 13 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 2 and 4 p.m. Call 703-683-0496.
"Gather the Family: An Early American Holiday at Woodlawn." Woodlawn Plantation, Alexandria. Sunday evenings, Dec. 15, 22, and 29. Reservations required. First tour at 5:30 p.m., last tour at 8 p.m. Availability is limited. $15 adults, $5 children K-12. Proceeds assist the nonprofit house museum. Call 703-780-4000, Ext. 27.