Send events, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 17
<cal2>HOLIDAY CONCERT. 7 p.m., Briar Woods High School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn. The Briar Woods High School Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Band present its annual holiday concert in the auditorium. Attendees asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
CONCERT. 7 p.m., Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. The Stone Bridge High School Band presents a concert in preparation for the marching band’s appearance in the historic New Year’s Day parade in London, England.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 18
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Columbia, Md., to Toby's Dinner Theatre for the production of "A Christmas Carol." Cost: $58 for members, $60 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, champagne brunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 19
<cal2>NUTCRACKER. 7:30 p.m., Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mill Road, S.E., Leesburg. The Loudoun Ballet Company performs "The Nutcracker." Cost: advance tickets $20 for adult reserved seating, $15 for children 12 under and for seniors 60 above, premium reserved seats are $25; at the door are $25. Call the LBC box office at 703-771-8074 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS. 7 p.m., Sterling United Methodist Church, 304 E. Church Road, Sterling. Fireside Christmas is a family evening of seasonal songs, skits, inspirational readings and other live entertainment. Free. Call 703-430-6455 or visit www.sterlingumc.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 20
<cal2>NUTCRACKER. 1 p.m. and 5:30, Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mill Road, S.E., Leesburg. See Dec. 19 item for details.
GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP. 10:30-11:15a.m., Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodbridge Parkway, Lansdowne. Briar Woods High School presents a "Gingerbread Workshop." Fees apply; call 703-729-8400, Ext. 2107 to register.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 21
<cal2>"A CHRISTMAS CAROL." 6 p.m., Oatlands Carriage House Theater, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Drive, Leesburg. Oatlands Carriage House Theater presents Charles Dickens’ beloved story. Cost: $15 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Call 703-777-3174, Ext. 100 for tickets.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 22
<cal2>"A CHRISTMAS CAROL." 6 p.m., Oatlands Carriage House Theater, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Drive, Leesburg. See Dec. 21 item for details.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 23
<cal2>GRINCH WHOBILATION. 1:30-3 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 6-10. What is a Grinch? The Grinch is lurking in the park, can you find him? Cost: $4. Call 571-258-3700 to register.
"A CHRISTMAS CAROL." 6 p.m., Oatlands Carriage House Theater, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Drive, Leesburg. See Dec. 21 item for details.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 24
<Cal2>COLONIAL CHRISTMAS. Noon-2 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Holiday luncheon with ham and turkey reminiscent of Colonial Williamsburg. Bring salad, side dish or dessert to share. Cost: $2 members, $4 nonmembers. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 28
<cal2> HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodbridge Parkway, Lansdowne. River Bend Middle School presents a "Sunday Brunch." Fees apply; call 703-729-8400, Ext. 2107 to register.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 31
<cal2>NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE. 1-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Music by disc jockey Sky Dantinne, includes light snacks and refreshments and transportation afterwards. Cost: $5 for members in advance; $7 for nonmembers and day of event. Call 703-430-2397.