Send announcements to cstaten@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6447. Deadline is Thursday for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged.
Tuesday/Nov. 20
Book Signing and Author Reading. Lisa Suhay reads from and signs copies of her book "Pardon Me, It’s Ham, Not Turkey" with Ginny, a Spot gilt pig from Frying Pan Farm Park’s Kidwell Farm, as part of the bid for Ginny’s presidential pardon. 3 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Senior Adult Thanksgiving Luncheon. 4th Annual Thanksgiving lunch hosted by the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department. Enjoy turkey and all the trimmings, entertainment, door prizes, a goodie bag and more. Bring a canned good to donate to a local charity. Registration required in advance. Pick up from Kendrick Court and the Herndon Harbor House upon request. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. $5, call 703-787-7300.
Book Discussion Group. "Peace Like a River" by Leif Inger. Adults. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Storytime for Twos & Threes. Boost your toddlers' early literacy skills with these fun stories and activities. Age 2-3 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton, 703-242-4020.
Tuesdays for Twos. Stories, music and crafts. Age 24-35 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
The Jade and Dan Trio. Blues/jazz/pop. CD release. $10. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Wednesday/Nov. 21
Miss Belle's Sing-Along. Enjoy old favorites and original songs. Age 1-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Poor Man’s Lobster, Bobby Thompson and the Magic Voyagers, Rob Hornfeck Enterprise. Rock. $10. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Thursday/Nov. 22
Thanksgiving Day. Library branches closed.
Thanksgiving Food Drive with Reston Interfaith continues Thanksgiving Day. Patrons, organizations and businesses are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at the Reston Community Center and other designated points. Items especially needed are canned meats and fish, peanut butter, rice, beans and canned fruits and vegetables. Volunteers are needed at RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, to sort donations on Thanksgiving Day, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more, call Haywood Hopson at 703-390-6161.
Friday/Nov. 23
Library branches closed.
The Thanksgiving Story. Bring the family to an interactive retelling of the Thanksgiving story. 11 a.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101. Program is suited to ages 3 and older. Pre-paid reservations required; $4 per person.
Holidays Happen at the Reston Town Center. 7:30 a.m. Race for the Kids, 11 a.m. Reston Holiday Parade, 12:30-4:30 p.m. visits with Santa, 6 p.m. tree lighting and sing-along, 6:30 p.m. horse-drawn carriage rides. Visit www.restontowncenter.com.
Eric Hutchinson (full band), Shane Hines (acoustic). Acoustic/soul/pop. $12. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
The Grandsons. Roots rock. 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $16 general admission. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404.
Open Mic Night. 7:30 p.m. at Reston’s Used Book Shop, 1623 Washington Plaza, Lake Anne. Call 703-435-9772. Repeats the fourth Friday of the month.
Thanksgiving Crafts Show. The Northern Virginia Handcrafters’ Guild presents its 25th annual show with more than 75 juried artisans at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, show continues through Sunday. Admission is $3, visit www.nvhg.org or e-mail viennashow@nvhg.org.
Saturday/Nov. 24
John Eaton Series: An Evening of Harold Arlen, the Wizard of Song. 7:30 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $25. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404.
Saturday Matinee. Family movie with popcorn provided! All ages. 2 p.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Oakton High School Class of 2002 Reunion. $20 in advance, $25 at the door, price includes drink ticket. Music from classmates of 3/4 drunk. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Jimmy Gaudreau and Orrin Star, part of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church bluegrass series. Shows are 7:30 p.m. at the church, 1090 Sterling Road, Herndon; doors open at 6:30 p.m. $15 admission at the door. Call 703-435-8377 for information and reservations. Visit www.holycrosslutheranchurch.net and select "Weekend Bluegrass Concert Series" for full schedule.
The Nutcracker. The Haddad Youth Ballet will perform The Nutcracker with international guest artists at the Madeira School, 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean, 2 and 7 p.m. Additional performance Sunday. Tickets are $22 adults, $20 seniors and students, $15 children under 12. Call 703-759-3366.
Thanksgiving Crafts Show. The Northern Virginia Handcrafters’ Guild presents its 25th annual show with more than 75 juried artisans at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, show begins Friday, continues Sunday. Admission is $3, visit www.nvhg.org or e-mail viennashow@nvhg.org.
Sunday/Nov. 25
The Cherry People Acoustic. Acoustic rock. $15. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
The Nutcracker. The Haddad Youth Ballet will perform The Nutcracker with international guest artists at the Madeira School, 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean, 4 p.m. Additional performances Saturday. Tickets are $22 adults, $20 seniors and students, $15 children under 12. Call 703-759-3366.
Thanksgiving Crafts Show. The Northern Virginia Handcrafters’ Guild presents its 25th annual show with more than 75 juried artisans at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, show begins Friday. Admission is $3, visit www.nvhg.org or e-mail viennashow@nvhg.org.
Monday/Nov. 26
Holiday Stroll. Annual Holiday Stroll on Vienna’s historic Church Street, between Lawyers Road and Mill Sreet. Visitors are invited to stroll amid the sights and sounds of the holiday season and visit merchants along the way. Church Street closes to traffic at 6 p.m., events are scheduled 6:15-9 p.m., when the street re-opens to traffic. Call 703-255-6360 or visit www.viennava.gov.
Open Mic hosted by David Cotton. Free. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
All Join In! Share stories, songs and fun. Age 1-5 with adult. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Mother Goose Time. Interactive storytime session for parent and child. Birth-23 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Herndon Fortnightly Library, 768 Center St., Herndon, 703-437-8855.
Oakton Kids Read. Book discussion group. Call for title. Age 6-12. 3 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton, 703-242-4020.
Tuesday/Nov. 27
Tami D’Mar "Expectations" CD release, LeJeune. Rock. $10. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
PJs & Popcorn. Come in your PJs and watch a movie. All ages. 7 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Book Talk for Book Lovers. "After This" by Alice McDermott. Adults. No registration is required. 7:30 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Holiday Open House at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm museum gatehouse shop, 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy a "Bowl of Smoking Bishop," butter cake and ginger cookies, an open fire and Christmas music while shopping for holiday gifts. Visit www.1771.org or call 703-442-7557.
The Bargain Loft Holiday Shop opens for business at 336 Victory Drive, Herndon. Volunteers welcome. Call Linda at 703-437-0600.
Wednesday/Nov. 28
Animal Feeding Time: Raptors. Meet a raptor, join in raptor games, watch a raptor eat. Program suited for children ages 3-5. Pre-paid reservations required; $6 per person. 2-2:45 p.m. at Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
The Kurgan Junior Chamber Choir, visiting from Kurgan, Russia, performs at the Fellowship Hall in Herndon United Methodist Church, 701 Bennett St. There will be a free dinner, donations accepted, followed by the live performance, 6-7 p.m. Call 703-471-0627.
Meet Me at the Movies. Senior movie day. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. at the Multiplex Cinema at Reston Town Center. Movie begins at 10 a.m. Movie is "The Holiday." Free to those 55 and older. Call 703-435-6530.
RGB (Rich Price, Greg Naughton, Brian Chartrand), The Ian Murray Band. Acoustic/rock. $12. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Schooner Fare. Maritime folk. 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $25. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404. Second performance Thursday.
Preschool Sing-Along! Sing songs with Miss Belle! Age 1-5 with adult. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Lunch Bunnies. Bring a snack and enjoy stories, songs and a video. Age 3-5 with adult. 11 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Steps to Reading. Stories and activities. Age 4-5 with adult. 1:30 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Patrick's Poetry Cafe. Live readings and discussion. Bring a poem - your own or a favorite. Adults. 7 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Thursday/Nov. 29
Tiny Tots Concert. 28th annual presentation of season music by the James Madison High School Wind Symphony and Color Guard. 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, continues Friday at the school, 2500 James Madison Drive, Vienna. $5. Ticket order forms at available at www.jmhsband.org or call 703-319-2110. E-mail tinytots@jmhsband.org for information.
Rock ‘n Roll Songwriters Circle with Luke Brindley, Anthony Fiacco, Shane Hines, Todd Wright. $10. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Schooner Fare. Maritime folk. 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $25. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404. First performance Wednesday.
Book Discussion Group. "Flint" by Paul Eddy. Adults. No registration is required. 1 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Spanish Chats. Informal refresher for people who want to practice Spanish. Adults. No registration is required. 7 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Opening Reception at McLean Project for the Arts new exhibition, 7-9 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, upper level. The Emerson Gallery hosts Transform, Transport, Transpose: Works by LeighTaylor Mickelson, Judit Varga and Lars Westby; the Atrium Gallery has Passing Fancies (Everyone’s a Stranger Here): Paintings by Lynn Putney; in the Ramp Gallery is the McLean Art Society Juried Exhibition. The shows run through Jan. 12. Visit www.mpaarts.org or call 703-790-1953.
Bridge Jamboree with the Great Falls Women’s Club, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. All levels of players are welcome to participate. Registration will be 9:30 a.m. with a Continental Breakfast; snacks, beverages, and a salad luncheon will be served. To make a reservation, send a check for $40 per person, made out to GFWCSF to Karen Magley, 11608 Holly Briar Lane, Great Falls, VA 22066. Space is limited, and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Call Karen at 703-430-8488.
McLean Holiday Tree Lighting. Join the McLean Chamber of Commerce for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the island at 1357 Chain Bridge Road, McLean and Old Chain Bridge Road. Visit www.mcleanchamber.org or call 703-356-5424.
It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas: The Herndon Towne Square Singers present "A Colonial Christmas" in celebration of 400 years of Virginia history. Traditional carols and period music with historic instruments. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Tickets are $10, available at the Herndon Community Center or call 703-787-7300.
Friday/Nov. 30
Tiny Tots Concert. 28th annual presentation of season music by the James Madison High School Wind Symphony and Color Guard. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, begins Thursday at the school, 2500 James Madison Drive, Vienna. $5. Ticket order forms at available at www.jmhsband.org or call 703-319-2110. E-mail tinytots@jmhsband.org for information.
Digital Photography Workshop: Taking Panoramas. Intermediate level workshop and for ways to take outdoor panoramic pictures, and stitch them together with photo editing software. Learn about exposure, distortion, overlap and alignment. Students should bring their digital camera, camera manual, and batteries. $25 for Reston residents/$35 others, registration required. 7-9 p.m. at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Ages 18 and older. Contact Robert Arguinzoni at 703-476-4500 or robert.arguinzoni@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Candy and Cake Tasting at Edibles Incredible, 11919-A Freedom Drive, Reston Town Center. Free. 5-8 p.m. Call 703-709-8200 or visit www.ediblesincredible.com.
Pokemon League. Learn and play! Age 5-18. 3 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
My Favorite Highway, The Drugstore Cowboys, Steve Moakler. Rock. $15. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Alejandro Escovedo, with String Quintet. 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $25. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404.
It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas: The Herndon Towne Square Singers present "A Colonial Christmas" in celebration of 400 years of Virginia history. Traditional carols and period music with historic instruments. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Tickets are $10, available at the Herndon Community Center or call 703-787-7300.
McLean Holiday Crafts Show. Hand-made crafts from local and regional artisans during the 25th annual show. Highlights include music performed by young artists throughout the event. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, continues through Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children under 14. Visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Saturday/Dec. 1
Lake Anne Heralds the Holidays. Activities, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., include petting zoo, performances, ornament-making, and Santa arrives by barge at 12:30 p.m. Free. At Lake Anne plaza, Reston. Visit www.laneanneplaza.com.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Sing-A-Long. Join the Town of Herndon and the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce to mark the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree. The Herndon High School band will lead caroling by candlelight and Santa will make an appearance. 5-6 p.m. at Herndon Town Square, in front of Herndon Depot, 730 Elden St. Contact the Chamber at 571-323-5304.
It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas: The Herndon Towne Square Singers present "A Colonial Christmas" in celebration of 400 years of Virginia history. Traditional carols and period music with historic instruments. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Tickets are $10, available at the Herndon Community Center or call 703-787-7300.
Alternative Gift Market. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Reston sponsors the seventh annual Alternative Gift Market and Craft Fair, a fund-raiser where participants can buy an alternative gift to help others in need from over 20 charitable organizations. Vendors include Reston Interfaith, Heifer International, Children with Cancer/Tanzania & East Africa, Medical Care for Children Partnership, Aid to Darfur/Sudan, and others. Free admission and on-site parking. Call 703-742-7992 or visit www.uureston.org.
McLean Holiday Crafts Show. Hand-made crafts from local and regional artisans during the 25th annual show. Highlights include music performed by young artists throughout the event. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, continues Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children under 14. Visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Rein Dog Parade. 11th annual Rein Dog parade at the Langley Shopping Center, 8-9:30 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m., the fee is 2 cans of dog food for donation. Dogs parade in holiday attire for contest prizes, and there is an opportunity for a photo with Santa. Langley Shopping Center includes 1362-1398 Chain Bridge Road. Visit www.mcleanchamber.org or call 703-356-5424.
Holiday Homes Tour sponsored by the Women’s Club of McLean, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The 41st tour will feature four McLean homes. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour, and are available at Mesmeralda’s Gifts in McLean, Karin’s Florist in Vienna and A Special Touch in Great Falls. Call 703-356-0089.
"A Seasonal Celebration." The Reston Chorale's 2007 holiday concert will include spirituals, traditional carols and folk music for Hanukkah. Two performances, 6 and 8 p.m. at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and youth. Buy tickets online at www.restonchorale.org or at the RCC box office, call 703-476-1111. For information, call 703-834-0079 or e-mail info@restonchorale.org.
"A Winter Wonderland" holiday party at Dance With Me! Ballroom dance studio. Optional classes in beginning or advanced salsa, 8:30-9:30 p.m. and general dancing until midnight. Food and beverages, student and teacher showcases. Cocktail or formal attire recommended. Classes only, $10 per person; dance only, $20 per person; classes and dance, $25 per person. RSVP required. Call 703-444-3061 or visit www.dancewithme.net. Studio is at 251 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon.
Children's Holiday Shopping at the Frying Pan Park Schoolhouse, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. 12:30-3:30 p.m. Repeats Monday. Call 703-435-3710.
Children’s Holiday Shopping: the Colvin Run General store, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, will be stocked with numerous items, many under $10. Volunteers help children find the perfect gift for everyone on their lists; free wrapping assures surprises for family and friends. Adults are requested to wait on site. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, continues through Monday. Call ahead for groups of six or more; call 703-759-2771.
Dead Men’s Hollow, part of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church bluegrass series. Shows are 7:30 p.m. at the church, 1090 Sterling Road, Herndon; doors open at 6:30 p.m. $12 admission at the door. Call 703-435-8377 for information and reservations. Visit www.holycrosslutheranchurch.net and select "Weekend Bluegrass Concert Series" for full schedule.
Used Book Sale at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Friends’ Holiday Book Sale at Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700. Continues through Wednesday.
The Hurry Monster Visits Santa's Workshop. Puppet show presented by Kaydee Puppets. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Dolley Madison Library. All ages. 11 a.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Holiday Open House. Enjoy live music, holiday treats, and crafts provided by the Council for the Arts of Herndon. All ages. No registration is required. 11 a.m. at the Herndon Fortnightly Community Library, 768 Center St., Herndon, 703-437-8855.
Manga Club. Manga, anime and Japanese refreshments. Age 12-18. 11 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Sunday/Dec. 2
Just Jumper Horse Show Series. Watch local residents compete for a blue ribbon in a variety of jumping classes. Held indoors, rain or shine. Spectators attend free. Event repeats Dec. 16. At Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Holiday Sing-A-Long. The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts with the United States Marine Band and vocal groups from the area present Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs. Free event, limited parking available. All are encouraged to bring a candle to light during the final song, "Silent Night," bells to play during "Jingle Bells" and an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots program. 4-5 p.m. at the Wolf Trap Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Visit www.wolftrap.org.
It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas: The Herndon Towne Square Singers present "A Colonial Christmas" in celebration of 400 years of Virginia history. Traditional carols and period music with historic instruments. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Tickets are $10, available at the Herndon Community Center or call 703-787-7300.
McLean Holiday Crafts Show. Hand-made crafts from local and regional artisans during the 25th annual show. Highlights include music performed by young artists throughout the event. Hours are noon-4 p.m. Sunday, show begins Friday. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children under 14. Visit www.mcleancenter.org.
Children’s Holiday Shopping: the Colvin Run General store, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, will be stocked with numerous items, many under $10. Volunteers help children find the perfect gift for everyone on their lists; free wrapping assures surprises for family and friends. Adults are requested to wait on site. Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, begins Friday, continues Monday. Call ahead for groups of six or more; call 703-759-2771.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show. The Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, hosts over 100 arts and crafts vendors for the 29th annual show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Refreshments are available. Admission and parking are free. Parents are encouraged not to bring baby strollers. Call 703-787-7300.
Friends’ Holiday Book Sale at Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700. Begins Saturday, continues through Wednesday.
Annual Open House. Refreshments, music, seasonal crafts for children, and a holiday book sale. All ages. 1 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Shab-e Yalda. Celebrate the Iranian Winter Solstice with music, dance and sweets. All ages. No registration is required. 1-3 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Monday/Dec. 3
Children's Holiday Shopping at the Frying Pan Park Schoolhouse, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. 2-5 p.m. Call 703-435-3710.
Children’s Holiday Shopping: the Colvin Run General store, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, will be stocked with numerous items, many under $10. Volunteers help children find the perfect gift for everyone on their lists; free wrapping assures surprises for family and friends. Adults are requested to wait on site. Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, begins Friday, continues Monday. Call ahead for groups of six or more; call 703-759-2771.
Friends’ Holiday Book Sale at Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700. Begins Saturday, continues through Wednesday.
Wee Reads. Interactive story-time for parent and child. Age 11-16 months with adult. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
All Join In! Share stories, songs and fun. Age 1-5 with adult. No registration is required. 10:30 at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Wonderful Ones. Stories, rhymes and songs. Age 15-23 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Patrick Henry Book Worms. Youth Book Club. Age 9-12. 3 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
BookEaters & PizzaWorms. Book club with pizza. Hold the anchovies! Call for book title. Age 14-18. 7:30 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Tuesday/Dec. 4
Book Babies. Interactive story time for parent and child. Age 17-23 months with adult. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Toddler Storytime. Stories, activities, and a craft. Age 2-3 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Community Library, 768 Center St., Herndon, 703-437-8855.
Friends’ Holiday Book Sale at Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700. Begins Saturday, continues through Wednesday.
Pajama Party Book Reading. Journalist Cokie Roberts daughter Rebecca will read from "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" at a pajama party complete with milk and cookies. The event also features children’s crafts, prize give-aways and the chance for a photo with the Mouse from the book. Promotional event for First Book, a children’s literacy organization, and KN Karen Neuburger lifestyle brand. 4-5:30 p.m. at Nordstrom at Tysons Corner Center, 8075 Tysons Corner Center, McLean.
Christmas Greens Workshop, the Five Hills Garden Club December meeting. Each year, the group creates wreaths and sprays for the doors of Vienna churches and public buildings. A festive lunch will be served. 10 a.m. at the Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St., SE, Vienna. Contact therices3@cox.net.
Wednesday/Dec. 5
Toddler Storytime. Age 2 with adult. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Catch Me If You Can! Listen to gingerbread stories and decorate cookies. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Holiday Storytime. Stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Preschool Storytime. Stories and activities. Age 3-5 with adult. 1:30 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Make a Gingerbread House. Age 6-12. 4 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Cinema Chez Patrick. Enjoy a French film with snacks and drinks. Adults. 7 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Friends’ Holiday Book Sale at Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700. Begins Saturday.
Thursday/Dec. 6
Preschool Storytime. Age 3-6. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Animals that Hibernate! Stories about hibernating animals, songs and a craft. Age 3-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Spanish Chats. Informal refresher for people who want to practice Spanish. Adults. No registration is required. 7 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Girls Read! All-female book discussion. Call for title. Age 8 & up. 7:15 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Photo Lab: Holiday Workshop. Make original holiday greetings. Bring negatives and photos to print or tone. All chemicals and some photo paper provided. $14 for Reston residents/$20 others, registration required. 3-6 p.m. at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Ages 7 and older. Contact Robert Arguinzoni at 703-476-4500 or robert.arguinzoni@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Friday/Dec. 7
Great Falls Tree Lighting. The large pine in the Great Falls Village Centre serves as the center of the event. The old-fashioned tree lighting ceremony includes a live Nativity pageant, hot cider and petting zoo animals. Mr. and Mrs. Claus make their grand entrance on a fire truck. Free. 6 p.m. For more information contact Christine Dziak at gfvcca@aol.com.
English Conversation. Group for non-native English speakers of all levels. Call for details. Adults. 10 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Adventure Club House! This month's presentation is about CPR for young children. Birth-5 with caregivers. 10:30 a.m. at the Herndon Fortnightly Community Library, 768 Center St., Herndon, 703-437-8855.
Pokemon League. Learn and play! Age 5-18. No registration is required. 3 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Saturday/Dec. 8
Schooling Hunter Horse Show Series. Beginner horse show for walk, trot and canter. Classes includes hunters, ponies, equitation and more. Held indoors, rain or shine. Spectators attend free. At Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Country Christmas: an old-fashioned evening of family holiday fun at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, 3-6 p.m. Visit Santa in the mill and see the country Victorian Christmas tree. Join the costumed members of the 49th Virginia Infantry as they sing carols around the campfire. Enjoy crafts and roasted marshmallows. $6 for ages 3 to 93. Call 703-759-2771.
Winter Light: A Celtic Solstice Celebration with the OCEAN Quintet. In a program featuring 12th century Irish Christmas carols, Scottish pipe tunes, 19th century broadside songs, Irish jigs and reels, French and English carols, and original seasonal compositions, the OCEAN Quintet will transport you to the warmth of Yuletide celebrations of yore with soaring Celtic vocals and high energy instrumentals. 8-9 p.m. at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Tickets are $10. Call 703-787-7300.
"Winter’s Wonder," the McLean Orchestra holiday concert, 8 p.m. at Oakcrest School, 850 Balls Hill Road, McLean. Second performance Sunday. Tickets for the Saturday performance are $25 adults, $20 seniors, $10 children under 18; tickets prices for the Sunday matinee performance are $5 off the Saturday price. Both concerts include a mix of traditional holiday favorites and feature principal oboe Wesley Nichols. The Sunday performance features more family-friendly arrangements. Call 703-893-8646 or visit www.mclean-orchestra.org.