<lst>Send announcements to The Connection by mail at 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, by e-mail to cstaten@connectionnewspapers.com or by fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday 5 p.m. for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call Christopher Staten at 703-917-6447 with questions. Events are free unless otherwise noted. For additional calendar listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 13
<cal2>The 18th Annual Santa's Ride for Children with stops at local police stations in Fairfax County to collect toys for needy and sick children. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department's Motor Squad are collaborating with the Vienna Police Department, Fairfax County Sheriff's Department, Fairfax City Police and the Virginia State Police in the ride to collect toys for needy or sick children.
Noodles & Noggins Fun Club. Enjoy some great books, do a fun craft, sing songs and dance, every Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. Cost is $5/child supply fee. Located at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Historic Clifton Virginia.
Book Signing. 5-8 p.m. at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, Herndon. Herndon author Chuck Mauro will sign his new book "The Civil War in Fairfax County: Civilians and Soldiers." 703-435-5467.
"Boys of the Lough: A Celtic Christmas." 8 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. A Celtic Christmas is a celebration in music and song of the vital midwinter Celtic traditions of Ireland, Northern Europe and North America. Tickets: $30/$25 McLean district residents/$12 youth. Visit www.mcleancenter.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 14
<cal2>Breakfast with Santa. 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Chick-fil-A at Fair Oaks Mall. Enjoy a nice, relaxing breakfast and receive a present and photo with Santa, all for $6 per child. Register at CFAEVENTS@aol.com or in the store, located between Sears and Macy's.
Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music." 7 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Join the cast of Sesame Street in a evening of song and dance. Tickets: $15, $18, $25 (Premium seats) and $35 (Gold Circle seats). Visit www.patriotcenter.com.
Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School in Chantilly will present the winter musical, "Whirled Peas," , where pre-K and kindergarten students will perform. Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School will be collecting non-perishable items at the main entrance at each performance, which will be given to a local food bank. In addition, the school is also collecting used books and textbooks to donate to The World Bank for distribution to developing countries. The school is at 3753 Centerview Drive, Chantilly. Call 703-397-0555
Belly Dancing. 7 p.m. at La Kasbah Restaurant, Lake Anne, Reston. La Kasbah Restaurant at Lake Anne Village Center is now presenting performances of live belly dancing every Thursday and Saturday evenings. Patrons are recommended to make reservations for 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the show as they dine on Moroccan fare. For more information, visit www.lakeanneplaza.com
Civil War Lecture. 7:30 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville. Author Richard Griffin presents "Horse Artillery in the Army of the Potomac: With the Sixth New York Light Artillery as a Case Study." Free. Sign up at 703-830-2223.
McLean High School Symphonic Band. 7:30 p.m. at the McLean HS Auditorium. The symphonic band will present its final concert before a national performance in Chicago at the Midwest Clinic on Dec. 19. Musical selections include Bach, Sousa, Mozart and more. For more information visit www.mcleanband.org.
Thumpin' Thursdays with Mister Don. Sing, dance, watch trains and have loads fun each Thursday with mister don, 3:15-4 p.m. each Thursday at the Town Meeting Hall. For all
ages. Suggested contribution per child. Located at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Historic Clifton.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music." 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Join the cast of Sesame Street in a evening of song and dance. Tickets: $15, $18, $25 (Premium seats) and $35 (Gold Circle seats). Visit www.patriotcenter.com.
Pokemon League. 3 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Regional Library, 101 Maple Ave., Vienna. Learn and play the Pokemon card game. Ages five through 18. Call 703-938-0405.
"A Classic Brass Christmas." 8 p.m. at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road, Centreville. Choralis, under Artistic Director Gretchen Kuhrmann, will present its popular holiday concert, in two venues this year. The Classical Brass Quintet and guest choral ensembles from H-B Woodlawn High School and Chantilly High School will join Choralis for these concerts. The program will feature settings of carols and holiday songs. General admission tickets are $25. $5 student tickets, at the door only, for students 22 and under with valid ID. Tickets available by calling 703-237-2499 or by visiting www.choralis.org.
Holiday Reception. The Mayor and Town Council will host a holiday reception at the Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center St., Vienna. Call 703-255-6311.
Fred Hersch. 8 p.m. at the CentreStage, Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. The jazz pianist will perform jazz-standards as well as self-composed music. Tickets: $15. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 16
<cal2>Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music." 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Join the cast of Sesame Street in a evening of song and dance. Tickets: $15, $18, $25 (Premium seats) and $35 (Gold Circle seats). Visit www.patriotcenter.com.
Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
Lunch With Santa. The Vienna Parks and Recreation Department will host lunch with Santa at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna. Call 703-255-6360.
YMCA Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the YMCA Reston, 12196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston. Local artisans and vendors will display their holiday gifts. The Bazaar will take place in the YMCA gymnasium. Table fees from the local artisans and vendors will go toward the YMCA Building Bridges Campaign which provides YMCA scholarships and financial aid to individuals, children and families in Fairfax County. Event is open to the public. Visit www.ymcawashdc.org.
Santa Paws Photo Event. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Learning Tree Lobby, Reston Town Center. Hosted by GoodDogz.org, have your pets' photo taken with Santa Paws. Proceeds benefit local dog rescue organizations. Call 703-980-0955.
Santa's Workshop. 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. $7 per child, $3 per adult if eating lunch. Call 703-787-7300.
Annual Children's Holiday Party. 12:30-3 p.m. at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern, 697 Spring St., Herndon. Call 703-435-JIMS
Book Signing. 1-4 p.m. at the Herndon Dulles Visitor Center in the Herndon Train Depot. Herndon author Chuck Mauro will sign his new book "The Civil War in Fairfax County: Civilians and Soldiers." 703-437-6366.
'Nutcracker Suite.’ The Mia Saunders School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2 p.m. at Centreville High School Theatre, 6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton. $12/adults, $10/seniors, $8/students. For tickets contact Stephanie O'Neill at 703-818-9854 or soneill80537@yahoo.com.
"The Nutcracker." 1 p.m. at the Madeira School Theatre, 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean. The Reston Conservatory Ballet presents its 35th annual Nutcracker season, with an all children’s cast. For tickets, call 703-715-8366.
Chantilly Family Holiday Celebration. 2-4 p.m. at the Sully Shopping Center. Black Women United for Action (BWUFA) will be hosting its annual Chantilly Family Holiday Celebration. Enjoy toys, activities, entertainment, food and refreshments, donations (e.g., clothes), and a visit from Santa Claus. The purpose of this event is to engage the low-income residents of Chantilly Mews and other area residents, families who would not normally be able to provide toys for their children during the holiday season. Visit www.bwufa.org
Family Holiday Program. 2:30 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Jinny Marsh presents Jewish folk music and dance. All ages. Call 703-502-3883.
Belly Dancing. 7 p.m. at La Kasbah Restaurant, Lake Anne, Reston. La Kasbah Restaurant at Lake Anne Village Center is now presenting performances of live belly dancing every Thursday and Saturday evenings. Patrons are recommended to make reservations for 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the show as they dine on Moroccan fare. For more information, visit www.lakeanneplaza.com
“Christmas in D.C.: The Chorus and the Cornerstone.” 7 p.m. at Fairfax Church of Christ, 3901 Rugby Road, Fairfax. The adult chorus is featured with new music for the season, while two professional actors will present a thought-provoking mini-play entitled “The Cornerstone.” In addition, the children’s ministry will be presenting the story of Christ’s birth in a creative and innovative way. Admission is free. Reception will follow. Call 703-631-2100 or e-mail Murray@fxcc.org or Darla@fxcc.org. Visit our Web site at www.fxcc.org.
“Nutcracker in a Nutshell.” 3 & 7:30 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. The Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax will present “Nutcracker in a Nutshell,” a condensed version of the classic holiday ballet. This year marks the 14th season that the Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax has presented this shortened version of E.T.A. Huffman’s “Nutcracker Suite.” Advanced tickets for all shows are $15 and are available by calling 703-273-5344.
"A Classic Brass Christmas." 8 p.m. at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad Street (Rt. 7), in Falls Church City. Choralis, under Artistic Director Gretchen Kuhrmann, will present its popular holiday concert, in two venues this year. The Classical Brass Quintet and guest choral ensembles from H-B Woodlawn High School and Chantilly High School will join Choralis for these concerts. The program will feature settings of carols and holiday songs. General admission tickets are $35. $5 student tickets, at the door only, for students 22 and under with valid ID. Tickets available by calling 703-237-2499 or by visiting www.choralis.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 17
<cal2>Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music." 1 & 4:30 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Join the cast of Sesame Street in a evening of song and dance. Tickets: $15, $18, $25 (Premium seats) and $35 (Gold Circle seats). Visit www.patriotcenter.com.
Charity Poker Tournament. Fairfax High School DECA offers a poker tournament and silent auction 12 p.m. at the Westfield Marriott, 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly. In honor of Boone Cox IV, Chantilly High student who died Oct. 22, the tournament raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more visit www.coolspringconsulting.com/Allinforacure.htm or contact Kyle Cooper at allinforacure.info@yahoo.com.
‘Nutcracker Suite.’ The Mia Saunders School of Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" 3 p.m. at Centreville High School Theatre, 6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton. $12/adults, $10/seniors, $8/students. For tickets contact Stephanie O'Neill at 703-818-9854 or soneill80537@yahoo.com.
Messiah Sing-Along. 4 p.m. at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Saint Luke Chamber Orchestra, Cheryl Branham, conductor; with soloists Elizabeth Hungerford, soprano; Tricia Lepofsky, alto; Anthony Colosimo, tenor. Admission: free-will offering. Call 703-356-0670.
“Nutcracker in a Nutshell.” 3 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. The Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax will present “Nutcracker in a Nutshell,” a condensed version of the classic holiday ballet. This year marks the 14th season that the Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax has presented this shortened version of E.T.A. Huffman’s “Nutcracker Suite.” Advanced tickets for all shows are $15 and are available by calling 703-273-5344.
Winter Family Concert. 3 p.m. at the Alden Theater in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., Mclean. Listen to holiday music presented by the McLean Symphony. Tickets: Adults, $20; Seniors & Youth, $15; Children under 12, $5. Visit www.mclean-symphony.org.
Christmas Program and Dinner. 4 p.m. at the Christ the King Lutheran Church 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The program begins with a performance by the King's Chimers, the Tone Chimes choir, playing "O Come, All Ye Faithful." Following the King's Chimers a short play titled "Away From the Manger," a humorous look at everyone who didn't make it to the stable in Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. After the program, everyone is invited to dinner in the Fellowship Hall, hosted by Middle and High School youth. Freewill donations will be accepted.
“Christmas in D.C.: The Chorus and the Cornerstone.” 7 p.m. at Fairfax Church of Christ, 3901 Rugby Road, Fairfax. The adult chorus is featured with new music for the season, while two professional actors will present a thought-provoking mini-play entitled “The Cornerstone.” In addition, the children’s ministry will be presenting the story of Christ’s birth in a creative and innovative way. Admission is free. Reception will follow. Call 703-631-2100 or email Murray@fxcc.org or Darla@fxcc.org. Visit our Web site at www.fxcc.org.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 18
<cal2>Holiday Party for the Environment. A potluck dinner with live music, hosted by the Great Falls Group of the Virginia Sierra Club. Starts at 7 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 Washington Plaza N., Reston. Free admission. RSVP to 703-385-7564 or dbstewart@earthlink.net. Visit the Sierra Club Great Falls Group Web site, at http://virginia.sierraclub.org/greatfalls/. If you would like to post a local environmental event or news item, e-mail Douglas Stewart at dbstewart@earthlink.net.
"Good for the Jews." 7 p.m. at Jammin' Java, 227 W. Maple Ave., Vienna. Comedian Rob Tannenbaum, a frequent commentator on VH1 and co-creator of "What I Like About Jew," has crafted a new show combining music and comedy to celebrate Jewish traditions throughout the ages. Teamed up with David Fagin, leader of The Rossenbergs, "Good for the Jews," covers topics from Mel Gibson's recent rant, to bar mitzvahs. Tickets: $15. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
Mighty Mondays with Mr. Knick Knack. Sing and dance, with Mr. Knick Knack 10-11 a.m. each Monday at the Town Meeting Hall. For all ages. Suggested contribution per child. Located at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Historic Clifton.
Reston/Herndon Creative Chamber Meeting. 7-8:45 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. It’s creative, innovative people getting together to discuss their personal vision of how to best utilize their talent in the best possible way. Bring an example of your work to share. Contact: Moose’n Chick Productions at 703-598-2239.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 19
<cal2>Chanukah Senior Songfest. 1 p.m. at the Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon. Hazak, the active retiree group of Congregation Beth Emeth in Herndon, VA will hold a Chanukah Songfest, featuring the popular local Jewish Singer-Songwriter Carol Boyd Leon. Latkes and other refreshments will be served and the program is open to the public at no charge. 703-860-4515, x127.
Chanukah Celebration. The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia hosts a celebration of the Festival of Lights 6-7:30 p.m. at the center, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. $8/adults, $5/children. For more call 703-323-0880 or visit www.jccnv.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 20
<cal2> Meet Me at the Movies - Sr. Movie Day. 10 a.m. at the Multiplex Cinema in the Reston Town Center. Reston Association presents "March of the Penguins." Free to those 55 years old and older. Call 703-435-6530 for more information.
Noodles & Noggins Fun Club. Enjoy some great books, do a fun craft, sing songs and dance, every Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. Cost is $5/child supply fee. Located at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Historic Clifton Virginia.
The Art of Wine. 7:30-9 p.m. at the Greater Reston Arts Center, 12001 Market Street, Suite 103, Reston. Learn the art of tasting, pairing and selecting the perfect wine to complement that special holiday culinary event or as a distinctive gift. Sommelier for the evening will be Wayne Hill. The Wine Cabinet, located in Reston’s North Point Village Center, is providing the selection of wines to be sampled. GRACE will receive 10% of any sale from patrons who place a holiday order with The Wine Cabinet as a result of this event. Free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended. Contact the Greater Reston Arts Center at 703-471-9242.
Miss Belle's Sing-a-Long. 10:30 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave., Vienna. Enjoy old favorites and original songs. Ages one through five with an adult. Call 703-938-0405.
Silver Screen Series. 1 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. View and discuss a video classic. Adults only. Call 703-502-3883.
VOCE Caroling & Holiday Supper. 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of chorale music while dining on a Prix Fix menu. Reservations: 703-471-9114
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 21
<cal2>Thumpin' Thursdays with Mister Don. Sing, dance, watch trains and have loads fun each Thursday with mister don, 3:15-4 p.m. each Thursday at the Town Meeting Hall. For all ages. Suggested contribution per child. Located at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Historic Clifton.
International best-selling author George Wiegel will be signing his new book at 11 a.m. at the Fair Lakes Barnes & Noble Booksellers. The store is located at 12193 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive in Fairfax. Weigel is a Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a Roman Catholic theologian and one of America’s leading commentators on issues of religion and public life. Mr. Weigel is the author or editor of 18 books, including Catholicism and the Renewal of American Democracy.
Belly Dancing. 7 p.m. at La Kasbah Restaurant, Lake Anne, Reston. La Kasbah Restaurant at Lake Anne Village Center is now presenting performances of live belly dancing every Thursday and Saturday evenings. Patrons are recommended to make reservations for 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the show as they dine on Moroccan fare. For more information, visit www.lakeanneplaza.com
Casino Night for Charity. 8-11 p.m. at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern, 697 Spring St., Herndon. DJ, Dancing, Auctions. Call 703-435-JIMS.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 23
<cal2>Belly Dancing. 7 p.m. at La Kasbah Restaurant, Lake Anne, Reston. La Kasbah Restaurant at Lake Anne Village Center is now presenting performances of live belly dancing every Thursday and Saturday evenings. Patrons are recommended to make reservations for 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the show as they dine on Moroccan fare. For more information, visit www.lakeanneplaza.com
Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
Getaway Car's Christmas Show. 9:30 p.m. at Jammin' Java, 227 W. Maple Ave, Vienna. Tickets: $12. Visit www.jamminjava.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 24
<cal2>Breakfast with Santa & Friends. 9 a.m.-noon at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Reston Town Center. Enjoy breakfast, have your photo taken with Santa. By reservation only. Call 703-467-0821.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 27
<cal2>Noodles & Noggins Fun Club. Enjoy some great books, do a fun craft, sing songs and dance, every Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. Cost is $5/child supply fee. Located at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Historic Clifton Virginia.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 28
<cal2>Thumpin' Thursdays with Mister Don. Sing, dance, watch trains and have loads fun each Thursday with mister don, 3:15-4 p.m. each Thursday at the Town Meeting Hall. For all ages. Suggested contribution per child. Located at Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Historic Clifton.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 30
<cal2>Saturday Matinee. 2 p.m. at the Great Falls Regional Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Family movie with popcorn provided. All ages. Call 703-757-8560.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 31
<cal2>Psychedelic Furs. 7 p.m. at the State Theater, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church. Tickets: $45. Visit www.thestatetheater.com.
New Year's Eve Golf Tournament. 10 a.m. at Herndon Centennial Golf Course, 909 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. Visit www.herndon-va.gov/HCGolf.html or call 703-471-5769
Bull Run Runners will host the first Annual 5K run at 3 p.m. through the Festival of Lights at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. The run will benefit Matthew's Center for Visual Learning — a school for autism and brain trauma. The center helps to transform children with autism by bringing them out of their shells. Register on-line at www.bullrunrunners.com or print a registration form off the Web site and mail to Bull Run Runners, P.O. Box 222, Centreville, VA 20122. Interested volunteers can e-mail bullrunrunners@gmail.com. Donations can be made on the Web site or though the mail.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 14
<cal2>Reston Community Orchestra Concert. 6 p.m. at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, Reston. The Reston Community Orchestra will participate in Reston's Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Maestro Dingwall Fleary, along with Soprano Ellyn Crawford, Pop vocalist Beverly Cosham and guest narrator Harold Scott will perform. Free. Visit www.restonchamberorchestra.org.