Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. For additional listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 9
<cal2>Holiday Music Together. By Maddy O'Neill, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. features holiday/winter songs, rhythmic chants, movement and instrument play for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. For ages newborn-5 years. Tickets required and can be picked up one half hour before the program begins. Space limited. Call 703-444-3228.
Santa's Holiday Workshop. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Children in grades kindergarten-fifth can spend the evening in this gift and ornament workshop while parents catch up on shopping and decorating. The fee is $25 plus $15 for supplies and includes snacks and supper for Santa's little elves. Call 703-771-5281. 6-9 p.m.
A Christmas Carol. British actor, Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great grandson of novelist Charles Dickens, will perform a one-man show of ÒA Christmas Carol,Ó featuring 26 different characters, at Oatlands. Performances are at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The cost is $30 per person for the afternoon seating and $60 per person for the evening performance, which includes a wine reception. Tickets must be booked in advance by calling Oatlands at 703-777-3174. Oatlands is located at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. Visit the Web at www.oatlands.org.
Play. The Sterling Playmakers present "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree," a tale of a young girl whose family is appointed to provide the tree for the village nativity pageant. For all ages. 7:30 p.m., at River Bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets $5. Visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com.
<cal1>Saturday/ Dec. 10
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 12-4 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 12-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Yuletide. The Loudoun Museum invites children and families to experience historic Yuletide customs, Loudoun Museum Garden and Grounds, 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. Holiday celebration with a Civil War Santa, make folk arts and crafts and try historic holiday games. Call 703-777-7427 or e-mail administrator@loudounmuseum.org.
Holiday Concert. The Loudoun Chorale, under the direction of R. William Propst, will hold its fall concert featuring Gloria by Vivaldi and a selection of holiday carols. 7:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Leesburg. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth and free for under 12, and are available at the door. Visit www.loudounchorale.org or call 703-729-8972 or 540-554-8594.
Christmas Concert. The Master Singers of Virginia present A Re-Imagined Lessons and Carols, 8 p.m., at St. James Episcopal Church, Leesburg, with a preconcert lecture beginning at 7:15 p.m. Features a candlelight processional, Urmas Sissak's "Magnificant," carols, and readings from the Bible. Tickets $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company performs the annual holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods high School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, 2 and 7 p.m. Advanced tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $20 at the door. Call 703-771-8074 or www.loudounballet.org.
Nutcracker at the Library. Students from the Ashburn Academy of Ballet present a synopsis of "The Nutcracker," 3:30 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. For all ages. 703-444-3228.
Holiday Hangout. Loudoun Valley Community Center, 320 W. School St. in Purcellville. Parents can take time for holiday shopping and errands while children ages 3-8 watch "Finding Nemo," make crafts, play games and eat pizza. The cost is $40 per child. Call 540-338-4122 to register. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Yuletide Family Fun Day. Join the Loudoun Museum for a traditional Yuletide Celebration with free holiday crafts and games, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Activities include secret Santa shopping for children, make a Victorian ornament, decorate the Outdoor Nature Tree, create an edible ornament for the birds, string pop corn, stamp and stencil gift wrap and bags and meet St. Nicholas. Children invited to shop at the Log Cabin Museum Store where special elves will help with gift selection and wrapping. Many stocking stuffers are priced $5 or less. Call 703-777-7427 or e-mail education@loudounmuseum.org. The Loudoun Museum is located at 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg.
Nutcracker in a Shell. The Institute of Performing Arts for Youth, a nonprofit performance group in residence at Creative Dance Center will perform "Nutcracker in a Shell Ñ All Jazzed Up," a shortened version of the classic ballet performed for children by children. Includes selections of ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical, tap and hip hop. At Broad Run High School, 21670 Ashburn Road, Ashburn, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 3-10, $6 for ages 55 and older, and children younger than 2 are free. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Chantilly studio 703-378-1800 or Ashburn studio 703-724-4900.
Play. The Sterling Playmakers present "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree," a tale of a young girl whose family is appointed to provide the tree for the village nativity pageant. For all ages. Shows are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at River Bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets $5. Visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 11
<cal2>Holiday Concert. The Loudoun Chorale, under the direction of R. William Propst, will hold its fall concert featuring Gloria by Vivaldi and a selection of holiday carols. 4 p.m., Bethany United Methodist Church in Purcellville. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth and free for under 12, and are available at the door. Visit www.loudounchorale.org or call 703-729-8972 or 540-554-8594.
Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company performs the annual holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods high School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, 4 p.m. Advanced tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $20 at the door. Call 703-771-8074 or www.loudounballet.org.
Breakfast with Santa. Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department's annual pancake breakfast with Santa, from 8 a.m.-noon. Enjoy pancakes, eggs, eggs with cheese, potatoes, biscuits, sausage gravy, sausage, bacon, juices and coffee. Prices are ages 3-8, $3.50; ages 9-59, $7; ages 60+, $5. Bring your Christmas list for Santa.
Nutcracker in a Shell. The Institute of Performing Arts for Youth, a nonprofit performance group in residence at Creative Dance Center will perform "Nutcracker in a Shell Ñ All Jazzed Up," a shortened version of the classic ballet performed for children by children. Includes selections of ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical, tap and hip hop. At Broad Run High School, 21670 Ashburn Road, Ashburn, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 3-10, $6 for ages 55 and older, and children younger than 2 are free. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Chantilly studio 703-378-1800 or Ashburn studio 703-724-4900.
Play. The Sterling Playmakers present "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree," a tale of a young girl whose family is appointed to provide the tree for the village nativity pageant. For all ages. 2 p.m., at River Bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets $5. Visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 13
<cal2>Origami Ornaments. With instructor Selah Jun, 4 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Listen to stories and fold origami ornaments, including wreaths, candle flames and gift boxes. materials provided. For ages 7 and up. Advanced registration required by Dec. 9, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 14
<cal2>Holiday Workshop. Make and decorate a mini stocking and fill it with a small gift. For children ages 6 and up. From 4:30-5:30 p.m., at the Sterling Annex, 2084 Shaw Road. Cost $7 per child, plus a $7 supply fee. Preregistration required, call 703-430-6673.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Evening with Santa. Van Management McDonald's presents an evening with Santa, 5-7 p.m., McDonald's South Riding, 43250 Defender Drive. Receive a candy cane and McDonald's coupon. Cameras welcome. Call 703-327-8449.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 16
<cal2>Christmas Concert. The Master Singers of Virginia present A Re-Imagined Lessons and Carols, 8 p.m., at Our Savior's way Lutheran Church, Ashburn, with a preconcert lecture beginning at 7:15 p.m. Features a candlelight processional, Urmas Sissak's "Magnificant," carols, and readings from the Bible. Tickets $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Holiday Tea. Afternoon tea at Leesburg's popular and historic Stone House. Menu includes sparkling cider, three assorted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scone with Devonshire clotted cream and preserves, two desserts, Taylors of Harrogate tea, and an English Christmas Cracker. Guaranteed reservations required. Cancellations must be made 48 hours before event to avoid credit card being charged. 12:30-2 p.m., Norris House Inn, 108 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. $19.50 per person plus tax and gratuity. 703-779-2933, e-mail tearoom@norrishouse.com or visit www.norrishouse.com.
Santa's Workshop. Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market St. in Leesburg. Children of all ages will enjoy this evening of merry making, fellowship and fun. Materials and patterns will be available for making gifts and ornaments. Admission is $10 per child. Pizza dinner will be available for $5. Call 703-771-5913 to register. 6-8 p.m.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 17
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 12-4 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 12-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Symphony Performance. The Loudoun Symphony presents Gifts of Gold, 8 p.m., at Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. Features selections by Haydn, Chadwick, Debussy, Rimsky-Korsakov, Menotti, Anderson and Finnegan. Tickets at the door are $18 for adults and $8 children/students and $15 for adults and $7 for children/students if purchased in advance. Advance tickets may be purchased at Melodee Music in Sterling, the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association office in downtown Leesburg or by calling the Loudoun Symphony office at 703-771-8287. Subscription tickets and performance information available online at www.loudounsymphony.org.
Christmas Concert. The Master Singers of Virginia present A Re-Imagined Lessons and Carols, 8 p.m., at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Purcellville, with a preconcert lecture beginning at 7:15 p.m. Features a candlelight processional, Urmas Sissak's "Magnificant," carols, and readings from the Bible. Tickets $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company performs the annual holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods high School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, 2 and 7 p.m. Advanced tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $20 at the door. Call 703-771-8074 or www.loudounballet.org.
Holiday Tea. Afternoon tea at Leesburg's popular and historic Stone House. Menu includes sparkling cider, three assorted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scone with Devonshire clotted cream and preserves, two desserts, Taylors of Harrogate tea, and an English Christmas Cracker. Guaranteed reservations required. Cancellations must be made 48 hours before event to avoid credit card being charged. 12:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m., Norris House Inn, 108 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. $19.50 per person plus tax and gratuity. 703-779-2933, e-mail tearoom@norrishouse.com or visit www.norrishouse.com.
Shop 'til You Drop Kid Care. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Parents can relax and spend a day shopping or decorating while their children enjoy games, snacks and entertainment. Registration is required by Dec. 14. The cost is $5 per child per hour with a three-hour minimum. For ages 3-11. Call 703-771-5281. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Lunch with Santa. Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St. Childen of all ages can have lunch with Santa, give him their wish list, get their picture taken with him and spend time making holiday crafts. Registration is required. The fee is $5 per child. Call 703-430-9480. 12-1:30 p.m.
Morning with Santa. Arcola Community Center, 24244 Gum Spring Road. Children of all ages will be treated to a morning of crafts, snacks, stories, prizes and a special visit from Santa. Registration is required. The fee is $15 per child. Call 703-327-3111. 9-11 a.m.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 18
<cal2>Symphony Performance. The Loudoun Symphony presents Gifts of Gold, 3 p.m., at Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mill Road, S.E., Leesburg. Features selections by Haydn, Chadwick, Debussy, Rimsky-Korsakov, Menotti, Anderson and Finnegan. Tickets at the door are $18 for adults and $8 children/students and $15 for adults and $7 for children/students if purchased in advance. Advance tickets may be purchased at Melodee Music in Sterling, the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association office in downtown Leesburg or by calling the Loudoun Symphony office at 703-771-8287. Subscription tickets and performance information available online at www.loudounsymphony.org.
Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company performs the annual holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods high School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, 4 p.m. Advanced tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $20 at the door. Call 703-771-8074 or www.loudounballet.org.
Holiday Tea. Afternoon tea at Leesburg's popular and historic Stone House. Menu includes sparkling cider, three assorted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scone with Devonshire clotted cream and preserves, two desserts, Taylors of Harrogate tea, and an English Christmas Cracker. Guaranteed reservations required. Cancellations must be made 48 hours before event to avoid credit card being charged. 12:30-2 p.m., Norris House Inn, 108 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. $19.50 per person plus tax and gratuity. 703-779-2933, e-mail tearoom@norrishouse.com or visit www.norrishouse.com.
Breakfast with Santa. From 9-11 a.m., at Dulles Town Center, located at the intersections of routes 7 and 28. Tickets required and are available at the concierge desk in Center Court. Visit www.ShopDullesTownCenter.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 22
<cal2>Great Grinch Whobilation. Ages 6-8. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road in Sterling. The Grinch is lurking in Claude Moore Park will you be able to find him? Call 703-444-1275 for details. Fee $3.50 1:30-2:30 p.m.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 24
<cal2>Christmas Eve Luncheon. Annual Christmas Eve luncheon at the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, from 1-3 p.m. Ham and turkey provided; bring side dish to share. Cost $2 for members, $4 for nonmembers; seating limited to 60. tickets available Dec. 9-20 at the reception desk. No transportation provided. 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 27
<cal2>Movie at the Library. See "The Polar Express," rated PG, and check out some tales from the Arabian Nights. Eastern Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 2 p.m. For all ages. 703-444-3228.
<hdr15>Ongoing Events
<lst>Santa will be at Dulles Town Center, located at the intersections of routes 7 and 28, from Nov. 18-Dec. 24. Visit www.ShopDullesTownCenter.com.
The Golden Pond School holiday craft and gift fair sponsored by the GPS Parent Connection will take place at 43940 Farmwell Hunt Plaza in Ashburn, Dec. 1-2, from 5-7:30 p.m. Includes jewelry, specialty foods, handmade crafts and more. Admission is free.
Oatlands will host candlelight tours Saturdays, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. On arrival, visitors will be met in the Carriage House with complimentary cups of hot apple cider and cookies. After a brief stroll to the mansion, guests will be greeted at the house by costumed interpreters with accounts of the Eustis family and its lasting legacy to America, including Oatlands. Tickets $10. Group rates are available to groups of 15 or more and must be booked in advance. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
Glenfiddich Farm Pottery is holding its 5th annual holiday show and sale, Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 12-4 p.m., 17642 Canby Road, Leesburg. Includes a variety of functional stoneware. Refreshments will be served. Free. Call 703-771-3329, e-mail glenfarmpottery@aol.com or visit the Web www.glenfarmpottery.com.
Great Country Farms will host an expanded What Women Want Holiday Shopping Bazaar Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4, as part of its 3rd annual Choose and Cut Christmas Tree event, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.
This year's shopping bazaar has more than doubled the number of vendors and has partnered with Waterford Vineyard to provide wine tasting, for a fee, during the event. A wooden train set and gingerbread cookie decorating, also for a fee, will be available to entertain children while parents shop. Great Country Farms is a family owned and operated farm located in the town of Bluemont in western Loudoun County. Visit www.greatcountryfarms.com or contact the farm at 540-554-2073. No charge. Wine tasting and cookie decorating for an additional fee.
Potomac Falls High School will be holding its biannual performance of "A Christmas Carol," Dec. 8-10, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11, 2 p.m., at the school, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets $5. For advanced tickets or more information, call 703-444-7542.
Loudoun Ballet Company presents "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods High School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn. performances are Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11, 4 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 p.m.
Advanced reserved tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and above. Premium reserved tickets and all tickets at the door are $20. Visit the Web site www.loudounballet.org or call LBC ticket box office at 703-771-8074.
Santa makes house calls sponsored by Arcola Community Center, located at 24244 Gum Spring Road in Arcola. Schedule a 15-minute visit for $30 or an hour visit for $60. Visits are scheduled between 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesdays-Thursdays, from Dec. 13-22. Call 703-327-3111.
Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, is holding its annual Holiday Winter Camp for children 5-10 years old. Camp is Tuesday-Friday, Dec. 27-30, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost is $120 per child. Includes indoor and outdoor activities, weather permitting. Bring a packed lunch with drink; afternoon snack will be provided. Preregistration required, call 703-430-6673.
Oatlands' Christmas 2005 celebration will highlight the 60th anniversary of the Allies' victory in WWII and commemorate the philanthropic lives of Mr. and Mrs. William Corcoran Eustis, who owned Oatlands throughout most of the 20th century. Oatlands will also pay tribute to their heroic son, 1st Lt. Morton C. Eustis of General Patton's armored tank division who was mortally wounded while in combat in France in 1944. Features music from the big-band era and interpretative guides in period costumes, including some U.S. military uniforms from WWII. Daytime tours run through Dec. 30, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays; from 1-4 p.m., Sundays. Tickets $10. Call 703-777-3174 or visit the Web at www.oatlands.org.