Send announcements, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, 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 Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 17
<cal2>5K/Fun Run. 9 a.m., at the gazebo in the front field of Ida Lee Park. Freeze Your Gizzard Cross Country 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, The preregistration fee is $20 for the 5K, $10 for the 1 mile, plus two cans of food to be brought the day of the event. On-site registration the day of the event will be open from 7-8:30 a.m. and the fee will increase by $5. Preregistration can be done at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center or forms can be found online at http://www.runwashington.com. Call 703-777-1368.
Holiday Jazz. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Music from 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.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 22
<cal2>Thanksgiving Buffet. Time to be determined. Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg. Adults, $65; children 6-12 $32; children 5 and under free. Call 703-729-8400 or visit www.lansdowneresort.com.
Ashburn Farm 10K. 10K starts at 8:15 a.m.; 5K, at 8:25 a.m.; and the 2K fun run/walk, at 8:35 a.m., at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn. 14th Annual Ashburn Farm Thanksgiving 10K, 5K, 2K Fun Run/Walk to benefit The HUMBLE United Methodist School, an orphanage and school founded by Crossroads UMC in Lukojjo, Uganda. Cash prizes awarded for top finishers. Also includes drawing, post-race food and refreshments. Registration for the 10K is $30, the 5K is $25 and the 2K fun run is $15. Register online at www.active.com or download an entry form at www.ecrossroadsumc.org. Completed forms may be dropped off at the church. Call Crossroads UMC at 703-729-5100 or visit www.ecrossroadsumc.org.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 23
<cal2>Holiday Play. 7:30 p.m., River Bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. "A Christmas Carol," produced by Pickwick Players. Adults $10, children and seniors, $8. Call 540-454-6320 or www.pickwickplayers.org.
Holiday Jazz. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Music from 1-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 1-5 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 24
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Music from 1-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 1-5 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Holiday Play. Family matinee 2 p.m., evening performance 7:30 p.m., River Bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. "A Christmas Carol," produced by Pickwick Players. Adults $10, children and seniors, $8. All family tickets $30. Call 540-454-6320 or www.pickwickplayers.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 25
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Music from 1-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 1-5 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 30
<cal2>Holiday Play. 7:30 p.m., River Bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. "A Christmas Carol," produced by Pickwick Players. Adults $10, children and seniors, $8. Call 540-454-6320 or www.pickwickplayers.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 1
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Music from 1-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 1-5 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Candy Cane Hunt and Lunch with Santa. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center. Ages 2-10. Go on a candy cane hunt, have lunch and pictures with Santa, play games and win prizes. Call 703-430-6673.
Holiday Play. Family matinee 2 p.m., evening performance 7:30 p.m., River Bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. "A Christmas Carol," produced by Pickwick Players. Adults $10, children and seniors, $8. All family tickets $30. Call 540-454-6320 or www.pickwickplayers.org.
Christmas in Middleburg. An old fashioned Christmas in Middleburg complete with breakfast with Santa, arts and crafts, parades and hay rides. The Middleburg Hunt's hounds and riders in full attire parading through town at 11 a.m. and Santa in a horse-drawn carriage completing the traditional parade at 3 p.m. Middleburg's shops will be open extended hours, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Call 540-687-8888 or visit http://www.middleburg.com.
Loudoun Chorale. 7:30 p.m., St. David Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. "The Many Moods of Christmas," classical, traditional and contemporary music of the season. Admission $10, seniors $8, youth $5, under age 12 free. Visit www.loudounchorale.org.
Holiday Parade. 5-8 p.m., Leesburg. Holiday Parade and Winter Festival in Historic Downtown Leesburg, including carriage rides, refreshments, live entertainment, visits with Santa and his friends, children's activities and holiday parade at 7 p.m.
Crafts Show. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Ida Lee Park, Leesburg. Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. Features more than 90 local and regional crafters. Free admission. Call 703-777-1368 or www.idalee.org.
Annual Winter Bazaar. 8 a.m.-noon, Countryside Elementary School, 20624 Countryside Blvd., Sterling. 4th annual winter bazaar includes many vendors and crafters, silent auction theme baskets, Scholastic Book Fair, preschool chorus and have your picture taken with a "Special Visitor."
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 2
<cal2> Crafts Show. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Ida Lee Park, Leesburg. Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. Features more than 90 local and regional crafters. Free admission. Call 703-777-1368 or www.idalee.org.
Musical Performance. 4 p.m. The Navy's Sea Chanters chorus performs at Community Lutheran Church, 21014 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Free. Call 202-433-2525 or visit www.navyband.navy.mil.
Loudoun Chorale. 4 p.m., St. David Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. "The Many Moods of Christmas," classical, traditional and contemporary music of the season. Admission $10, seniors $8, youth $5, under age 12 free. Visit www.loudounchorale.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 8
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Music from 1-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 1-5 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Master Singers. 8 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Crowell St., Leesburg. The Master Singers of Virginia perform "An Olde English Christ-Mass," includes performance by candlelight, harp poetry and Christmas stories. $18 for adults, $12 for seniors/students. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Nutcracker in a Shell-All Jazzed Up. 3 p.m., at Broad Run High School. A shortened version of "The Nutcracker," includes jazz, lyrical dance, tap and ballet and will be performed by Creative Dance Center Studios. Tickets adults $10, children ages 3-10, $8, seniors 55 and older $6, with children 2 and under free. Contact Margaret Otto at 703-724-4900 or Ginny Frye at 703-378-1800 or visit www.cdcdance.com.
Christmas to Remember. Celebration begins with "Breakfast with Santa," 7 a.m., followed by the "Dog, Horse, Carriages & Kids" Parade in Historic Downtown Purcellville. The event also features holiday entertainment and children's activities. The day ends with the tree lighting, 6 p.m., at the "Teardrop." Call 540-338-7421 or visit http://www.purcellvilleva.com.
The Nutcracker. At Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn. The Loudoun Ballet Company's 18th annual holiday classic "The Nutcracker." Advanced reserved seating is $16 for adults, $12 for children, 12 and under and seniors 60 plus. All premium reserved seating is $20. All tickets at the door are $20. Call 703-771-8074 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
Holiday in the Park. 3:30-6 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Take a candlelight tour of the historic Lanesville Heritage House and view its old-fashioned holiday decor. Visit Frogshackle Nature Center, sing carols, roast marshmallows, enjoy hot cider and crafts. Donations of new mittens, hats and scarves are welcome for the Winter Warmth Tree. Free. Call 571-258-3700.
Holiday Kickoff. 12-4 p.m., Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. Kick off the holiday season at Willowcroft with champagne and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Cost is $10. Call 703-777-8161 or visit www.willowcroftwine.com.
Nutcracker Brunch. At Lowes Island Country Club. The Ravel Dance Studio presents its Nutcracker brunch, includes holiday carolers, sugar plum fairies, snowflakes, chocolates, coffees and tea. Call the Ravel Dance Studio 703-437-9664 for ticket information or e-mail RHall1006@aol.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 9
<cal2>Master Singers. 8 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Crowell St., Leesburg. The Master Singers of Virginia perform "An Olde English Christ-Mass," includes performance by candlelight, harp poetry and Christmas stories. $18 for adults, $12 for seniors/students. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Nutcracker in a Shell-All Jazzed Up. 3 p.m., at Broad Run High School. A shortened version of the Nutcracker, includes jazz, lyrical dance, tap and ballet and will be performed by Creative Dance Center Studios. Tickets adults $10, children ages 3-10, $8, seniors 55 and older $6, with children 2 and under free. Contact Margaret Otto at 703-724-4900 or Ginny Frye at 703-378-1800 or visit www.cdcdance.com.
The Nutcracker. At Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn. The Loudoun Ballet Company's 18th annual holiday classic "The Nutcracker." Advanced reserved seating is $16 for adults, $12 for children, 12 and under and seniors 60 plus. All premium reserved seating is $20. All tickets at the door are $20. Call 703-771-8074 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 13
<cal2>Chorale Performance. 7 p.m., Freedom High School, 25450 Riding Center Drive, South Riding. The Rhapsody Jazz/Madrigal group will be presenting its Yuletide Feast, an evening of Renaissance music both sung and played. Tickets: $18 for adults and $9 for children under 10. Call 703-957-4300.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 15
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Music from 1-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 1-5 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. A lecture takes place at 7 p.m., string workshop at 7:30 p.m. and performance at 8 p.m., at Heritage High School. Loudoun Symphony Orchestra performs "Holiday Pops." Advanced tickets $15 adults, $7 child/student, through college; at the door $18 adults, $8 child/student. Call 703-771-8287, fax 703-771-8211 or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.
The Nutcracker. At Stone Bridge in Ashburn. The Loudoun Ballet Company's 18th annual holiday classic "The Nutcracker" Advanced reserved seating is $16 for adults, $12 for children, 12 and under and seniors 60 plus. All premium reserved seating is $20. All tickets at the door are $20. Call 703-771-8074 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 16
<cal2>Symphony Performance. 3 p.m., at Loudoun Valley High School. Loudoun Symphony Orchestra performs "Holiday Pops." Advanced tickets $15 adults, $7 child/student, through college; at the door $18 adults, $8 child/student. Call 703-771-8287, fax 703-771-8211 or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.
The Nutcracker. At Stone Bridge in Ashburn. The Loudoun Ballet Company's 18th annual holiday classic "The Nutcracker." Advanced reserved seating is $16 for adults, $12 for children, 12 and under and seniors 60 plus. All premium reserved seating is $20. All tickets at the door are $20. Call 703-771-8074 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 20
<cal2>Light the Great Road. 6-8 p.m., Purcellville. Celebrate the Winter Solstice and see the Town of Purcellville's historic "Great Road," Main Street, Purcellville, lit with more than 3,000 luminaries. Free. Call 540-338-7421 or visit http://www.purcellvilleva.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec.22
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Music from 1-5 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.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 31
<cal2>New Year's Eve Celebration. Join Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg, for an evening of dinner and dancing. Includes accommodations, reception, dinner, dancing, midnight breakfast and breakfast or brunch the next morning. Cost is $525 per couple. Call 703-729-8400 or visit http://www.lansdowneresort.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 31
<cal2>First Night Leesburg. More than 100 performances at 20 indoor locations in downtown Leesburg, all within walking distance of one another. Enjoy jazz, classical music, puppet shows, bluegrass, folk music, magicians and much more. First Night concludes at midnight with a traditional Grand Illumination gathering on the courthouse green. Everyone will receive a candle, pass the flame to their neighbor and sing in the New Year as the old courthouse bell rings the last 12 chimes to midnight. First Night performances, 6-11:45 p.m.; Grand Illumination, 11:45 p.m.- midnight. Admission to be determined. Visit www.bluemont.org.