<cal1>Now Through Nov. 30
<cal2>"A Chill in the Air." A fine art exhibit at the Arlington Arts Gallery. The work of 45 members of the Arlington Artists Alliance is for sale; features small works of art to fit holiday gift budgets. The gallery is across the street at Chevy Chase Bank, and at Preston's Pharmacy. Visit www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org.
<cal1>Saturday Nights
<cal2>Skate Night. Every Saturday night from Oct. 16 to March 26, 2011. Family skating from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Teen-only skating from 9 to 11 p.m. Live deejay. Admission is $2/person; skate rental is $3/person. At Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd Street South, Arlington. Call Mary McMullen at 703-228-4711 or visit www.arlingtonva.us/teens/
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 23
<cal2>Singer Danni Rosner. 8:30 p.m. $10/door. Jason Ager opens the show. Performs at IOTA Club & Café, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-522-8340.
<cal2>Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Cost is $10. With the band, Jonny and the Stingrays. At Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 25
<cal2>Thanksgiving Church Service. 10:30 a.m. Special service on Thanksgiving morning to include readings from the Bible; will provide an opportunity to join with others in expressing gratitude for blessings received throughout the year. All are welcome. Child care is available. At the Christian Science Church, 890 N. McKinley Road, Arlington. Call 703-534-0020.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 27
<cal2>Solo Piano/Vocal Concert. 4:30 p.m. Cost is $25. Donation of $25. Virtuoso Pianist and Heroic Tenor Carlos Alberto Ibay will perform a solo piano/vocal fundraising concert for the benefit of the Medical Mission of Mercy USA. At the Thomas Jefferson Theater, 125 S Old Glebe Road, Arlington. For tickets, visit www.medmissionusa.org or cal 703-801-8654.
11:01 Saturday Nights. Late-night dance party featuring Fort Knox Five with Special Guest. Tickets are $15. Saturday nights at 11:01 p.m. At the Ballroom@Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-228-1850. Free parking.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 28
<cal2>Free Advent Workshop. 10 a.m. worship and 11 a.m. Advent Workshop. Make your own Advent Wreath, Wiseman Banners, and Christmas Decorations. At Bethel United Church of Christ, 4347 Arlington Blvd. Call 703-528-0937.
"Issues in Contemporary Islam." 3 to 4:30 p.m. The speaker is Andrea Farsakh, who served 25 years in the American Foreign Service. The program is sponsored jointly by ALRI and the Arlington Public Library. At the Arlington Central Library, 1015 Quincy Street, Arlington. Call ALRI at 703-228-2144.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 30
<cal2>Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Cost is $10. With the Sock Drawer Millionaires. At the Clarendon Ballroom, 3815 Wilson Blvd., Arlington.
Arlington Community Band Concert. 7:30 p.m. Free. The program will feature favorite band selections, including pieces by Vaughan Williams and Sousa. Under the direction of James Kirchenbauer. The ACB is a wind and percussion ensemble under the auspices of the Arlington Adult Education Program. At H-B Woodlawn Secondary School, 4100 Vacation Lane, Arlington.
Smart Grid Innovation. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Free for MITEF members; $40/nonmembers. At NRECA, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Register at: www.mitefdc.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 1
<cal2>Dance Wednesdays. With Big Joe and the Dynaflows (Swing/Jump Blues). Tickets are $15/$12 at door. Dancing 8:30 to 11 p.m.; dance classes 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. At the Ballroom @ Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington. Free parking. Call 703-228-1850.
<cal1>Dec. 2-5
<cal2>The Nutcracker. BalletNova presents six performances of "The Nutcracker" at The Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington. Showtimes are Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. with an 11 a.m. Education Program; Sunday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. with an 11 a.m. Education program. As part of the BalletNova Outreach Program, over 350 tickets are being made available free to children and families from economically disadvantaged communities. Advance sale tickets range from $14 - $25 (with lower Thursday night prices from $8 - $20), with special discounts for Students under 18 and Seniors - all tickets are an additional $3 if purchased at the door; groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available online at www.BalletNova.org, or call 703-778-3008. Tickets can also be purchased at the studio (3443 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church). At Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 South Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Online at www.BalletNova.org; Email at info@BalletNova.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 2
<cal2>Light Up Rosslyn Ceremony. 5 to 6:30 p.m. A WJLA personality arrives to flip the switch to light up the buildings in Rosslyn. This year, Light Up Rosslyn adds street level lighting to enhance the holiday streetscape in Rosslyn. Enjoy hot chocolate and chili provided by Rosslyn's Santa Fe Café and cookies and cider from Monday Properties while listening to holiday classics from Beltway Brass. Call 703-522-6628.
At 1,100 Wilson Blvd., Rosslyn, under the WJLA-TV JumboTron. Arlington.
Office Space Movie Festival. 7 p.m.; movies start at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $12. Themed Music, Trivia Contest w/ Prizes, Bill Lumbergh Impersonation Contest, Best "O" face Impersonation, Best Costume, Screening of Office Space. Those in costume will get free movie passes. At Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. Visit http://ArlingtonDrafthouse.com.
Ballston Holiday Artist Boutique. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring the fine artists of the summer Ballston Arts and Crafts Market. At the National Science Foundation, First Floor Atrium, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-528-3527
http://ballstonarts-craftsmarket.blogspot.com
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 3
<cal2>"Miracle on 23rd Street." 6:30 p.m. Annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony presented by SOC Enterprises. With performances by the National Concert Brass Band; a visit from Santa courtesy of Arlington Fire Station No. 5; a Sing-a-Long with the Calvary Methodist Church Choir. At 750 South 23rd Street, Arlington. Visit www.socatwork.org.
<cal1>Dec. 3-4
<cal2>Comedian Nick Di Paolo. Admission is $18. Nick Di Paolo's brutally honest performances remind us of what great stand up should be funny, socially relevant and a little bit reckless. At the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington.
<cal1>Dec. 3-5
<cal2>"Artful Weekend." At Fort CF Smith. Free. Friday, Dec. 3, "Meet the Artists" Reception 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 4, Show Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Stardust Dance Band plays at 1 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 5: Show Open 12 noon-4 p.m. The Arlington Artists Alliance presents the 8th annual Artful Weekend at the restored 20th century mansion, Hendry House, at Ft. CF Smith. Hendry House will be decked out for the winter holidays, a showcase for the show and sale featuring the works of 40 local artists, including potters, woodturners and painters. Ft. CF Smith is at 2411 North 24th Street, Arlington.
<cal1>Dec. 4-5
<cal2>"Mouse at Amherst." Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m. A performance for children with the Jane Franklin Dance Co. Adapted from the book by Elizabeth Spires, it is the story of an unlikely friendship between Emily Dickinson and a lively mouse. Children learn that everyone can write about their feelings and even a mouse can write poetry. At Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington. Call 703-933-1111 or visit http://www.janefranklin.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 4
<cal2>Holiday Hugs & Kisses. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. LGBT community invited to a Mass "Kiss-In" video project. At the Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Rosslyn. Call 703-228-1847 or go to www.arlingtonarts.org.
Music to Cheer the Soul. 5 p.m. The Metropolitan Chorus presents a holiday choral concert in a Messiah Sing-Along. Enjoy singing the Advent/Christmas portion of Handel’s beloved masterpiece with members of the chorus, or just listen to the beauty of the music, accompanied by organ, harpsichord, and string ensemble. At First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 601 North Vermont St., Arlington. Visit www.metchorus.org for online tickets.
Holiday Bazaar. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Over 70 local artisans will be showing quality jewelry, ceramics, glassware, photography, artwork, collectibles and clothing. Take home baked goods. Enjoy multi-ethnic food while you shop. Live musical performances by The Madrigals and other school groups. At Washington-Lee High School, 1301 North Stafford Street, Arlington.
Messiah Sing-Along. 5 p.m. Free. With the Metropolitan Chorus. Start the holiday season with an Arlington tradition: The Metropolitan Chorus' own Messiah Sing-Along. Enjoy singing the Advent/Christmas portion of Handel's beloved masterpiece with the members of the chorus, or just listen to the beauty of the music. The singing will be accompanied by organ, harpsichord and string ensemble. At First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 601 N. Vermont St., Arlington.
Holiday Boutique. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artisans will be selling quality hand-made gift items, jewelry, accessories, art and more. Gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates, seasonal lawn service and much more will be raffled, and a chili lunch is available as well. Hosted by The Aurora Hills Women’s Club. To raise funds for the restoration of the former Hume School building on Ridge Road, now the Arlington Historical Museum. At Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 935 23rd St. South, Arlington, between Crystal City and Arlington Ridge Road. Contact Susan Small at 571-218-7561 or smallsue@mac.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 5
<cal2>"It's a Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play." 3 p.m. Free. An hour-long re-telling of Frank Capra's classic 1946 film as a live radio drama by Joe Landry. The play takes place in a New York City radio studio in 1946. Performers read their scripts into microphones before a live studio audience. At St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, (In the chapel – entrance off Lorcom Lane), 4000 Lorcom Lane at Military Road, Arlington. Call 703-522-1600; visit www.standrewsnet.org.
Yoga for MS. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Stretch, Breathe, Relax and Restore: Yoga for People Newly Diagnosed with MS. This workshop will offer an introduction to yoga and its benefits for overall wellness and managing MS. RSVP by calling the National Capital Chapter at 202-296-5363 or by visiting www.MSandYOU.org.
Alternative Gift Fair. Noon to 3 p.m. Fair trade and handcrafted items from around the world will be available for purchase. For a complete list of vendors, see www.mtolivet-umc.org; click on Outreach/Alternative Gifts Fair. At Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N. Glebe Road, Arlington Call 703-527-3934.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 7
<cal2>Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With Steve Smith and the Meteors. At the Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 8
<cal2>Dance Wednesdays. With Blue Sky (Swing). Tickets are $15/$12 at door. Dancing 8:30 to 11 p.m.; dance classes 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. At the Ballroom @ Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington. Free parking. Call 703-228-1850.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 9
<cal2>Music for Flute, Viola and Harp. 7:30 p.m. Free. Presented by the IBIS Chamber Music Society featuring trios by Debussy, Genzmer and Jolivet. At Resurrection Lutheran Church, 6201 Washington Blvd., Arlington. Visit
http://www.ibischambermusic.org.
<cal1>Dec. 9 to 11
<cal2>Lions, Arlington Northwest, Charity Fund-raising. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fresh Florida Citrus and pure Vermont Maple Syrup for sale at the Overlee Pool, 6030 Lee Highway, lower parking lot. Call 703-243-7938.
<cal1>Dec. 10
<cal2>Healthy Muscles & Balance. Learn about the importance of maintaining balance as we age and navigate through our environments. What can we do to maintain or improve our muscle strength so we remain safe and possibly avoid falls? The free lectures are held at 601 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington. Call 703-558-6859 to RSVP.
<cal1>Dec. 10-11
<cal2>Comedian Michael Kosta. Cost is $18. Michael Kosta recently made his late night debut on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. At the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Road, Arlington.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 11
<cal2>Dance Asia Colors! Showcase. 7 p.m. Craft Market at 5 p.m.; Seating at 6:30 p.m. Artists will present creative pieces based on the color given to reflect their tradition, heritage, culture, identity and experience through the spirit of that particular color and much less parameters. At the Thomas Jefferson Auditorium, 125 Old Glebe Rd, Arlington. Tickets: $12/advance; $15/door. Visit www.danceasia.me.
Encore Chorale Holiday Concert. 3 p.m. Encore Chorale will present over 150 singers between the ages of 55 and 96, performing a concert of holiday favorites directed by Jeanne Kelly. Free admission. At Kenmore Middle School, 200 South Carlin Springs Road, Arlington. Visit http://encorecreativity.org.
<cal1>Dec. 10-12
<cal2>"The Lamplighter." Bishop O’Connell Theatre presents a new musical ghost story adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Classic Tale: "A Christmas Carol." Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10; Saturday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $5/students, seniors; $10/general. Call 703-237-1448. At Bishop O'Connell High School, 6600 Little Falls Road, Arlington. Visit www.bishopoconnell.org/theatre.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 12
<cal2>Home for the Holidays. 4 p.m. With the National Chamber Ensemble. Celebrate the holiday season with the National Chamber Ensemble and special guests, featuring works by Corelli, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi's "Winter" and other favorites. The Cantus Youth Choir of the group Choralis will join the ensemble to perform seasonal favorites, followed by a sing-along. Admission is $25/adults; $15/students. At the Rosslyn Spectrum @ Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-875-1100. Visit http://www.nationalchamberensemble.com
2010 Christmas Movie Festival. Noon to 10:30 p.m. A full day of Christmas films and Santa for $8. At the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. Visit http://ArlingtonDrafthouse.com.
Noon — "How The Grinch Stole Christmas;"
12:30 p.m. — "A Charlie Brown Christmas;"
1 p.m. — "Elf;"
2:30 p.m. — "How The Grinch Stole Christmas;"
3 p.m. — "A Christmas Story;"
4:30 p.m. — "A Charlie Brown Christmas;"
5:15 p.m. — "Fred Claus;"
7:20 p.m. — "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation;"
9:15 p.m. — "Bad Santa."
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 16
<cal2>A-SPAN Help-the-Homeless Holiday Gala. 6 to 9 p.m. At Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 17
<cal2>With One Look. Signature Theatre will hold a silent film competition called "With One Look" for anyone who loves the Golden Age of Hollywood. Movie-lovers are encouraged to create their very own, original silent films for consideration. Films can be in color or in black-and-white and are not to exceed 5 minutes in length. The contest coincides with the premiere of Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Sunset Boulevard." Prizes will be awarded to five finalists. The submission deadline for all filmmakers is Dec. 17. Contestants upload their masterpieces on YouTube, then send their link to film@signature-theatre.org. The five finalists’ films will be screened in the Signature Theatre lobby during the run of the show. Check out www.signature-theatre.org/with-one-look.htm or contact Peter Eramo, Jr. (571-527-1833).
Choral Concert. 7:30 p.m. Cost is $20/$15. A formal program of works by Gardner, Tavener, Darke, Holst, Britten, Howells, Parry and others. Presented by the Combined Choirs of Jesus College Cambridge (England). At Saint George’s Episcopal Church, 915 N. Oakland St., Arlington. Email musicandarts@saintgeorgeschurch.org or 703-525-8286, x16.
"It’s a Wonderful Life." Cost is $10. 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Holiday Wine Tasting and Music; 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. is the screening. To benefit Children’s Hospital. At the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. Visit http://ArlingtonDrafthouse.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 18
<cal2>Music to Cheer the Soul. 8 p.m. The Metropolitan Chorus features the handbell ensemble Virginia Bronze, under the direction of Carol Feather Martin. In addition to a Christmas Carol Sing-Along, the program includes BobChilcott’s 9 Carols for Mixed Voices and Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata. At the Thomas Jefferson Theatre, 125 South Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Tickets range from $6 to $24, with discounts for students, seniors, military, and youth. Visit www.metchorus.org for online tickets.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 19
<cal2>Nutcracker Tea Fund-raiser. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Enjoy afternoon tea, pictures with the Sugar Plum Fairy, a mini-Nutcracker performance, live string quartet, and the chance to get autographs from your favorite Nutcracker character. A benefit for BalletNova. Tickets: $55 adults; $35/ages 4–12; $15 under 4. Tickets are available online at www.BalletNova.org, or can be purchased at the BalletNova Studio at 3443 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church, VA 22041. Call 703-778-3008 or email info@BalletNova.org. At the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel, 801 North Glebe Road, Arlington.
Holiday Concert and Sing-Along. 3 p.m. Free. With the Potomac Harmony Chorus and Doorways for Women and Families. This year, voluntary donations will again be accepted to benefit Doorways. At the Thomas Jefferson Theater on Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Visit www.PotomacHarmony.org. More information about Doorways' services, including volunteer opportunities, is available at www.Doorwaysva.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 19
<cal2>"Vivaldi! including "Gloria, RV589." 4 p.m. Columbia Pike Community Chorus, with Denise Gulley, soprano, Terri Malone, contralto, Barbara Stefan conducting; "Winter" from The Four Seasons, with Janet Bailey, violin, Mariko Hiller conducting; and featuring Justus Parrotta, organ, and Da'aga Hill Bowman, flute. At Trinity Episcopal Church, 2217 Columbia Pike, Arlington. Call Barbara Stefan at 703-920-7077 or musicmin@tecarl.org.