Entertainment

‘Skate with Santa’ at Fairfax Ice Arena

Beginners, experienced skaters enjoy the adventure of ice skating.

For some ice-skating is a challenge, especially for those of us who didn’t grow up in colder climates. Trying to stand on ice skates, stopping, and turning takes some practice. For others ice-skating is part of being in a hockey league or improving one’s skills in competitive skating. And for some it’s a special time to return to the ice and introduce their children to the fun of skating. And so it was for one family this past Sunday at Fairfax Ice Arena.

Fairfax Station Girl Plays Clara in Kennedy Center Nutcracker

How many people can say they’ve truly lived out their fantasy? And of those, how many by age 11?

Clifton Home for the Holidays

Christmas Candlelight Homes Tour returns Dec. 6.

Driving through neighborhoods lit by Christmas lights is a time-honored tradition but in historic Clifton, residents take it a bit further. Each year as part of a candlelight homes tour, the public can enter five preserved and restored homes and two churches, done up for the holidays.

Exploring the Magical World

Providence Players present “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Time for a family theater event full of wonder. The Providence Players of Fairfax are presenting a show that "families can all enjoy together about a magical world; the world of Narnia," said Brian O'Connor, director of the upcoming "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe."

Alexandria: Thousands Turn Out for 2014 Turkey Trot

Two days out from Thanksgiving, more than 5,000 people had registered for the annual Turkey Trot in Alexandria.

Alexandria: Raising the Bar on Giving

For the 4th year, Keller Williams Realty has reached out and given back to the community at Thanksgiving.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon opens Christmas program with camels, chocolate.

They came for the camel. Alberto, Daniela and their daughter Josephine Rendon of Alexandria have yearly passes to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, so, “We come here almost every weekend,” said Alberto. “We love to walk around and see the animals.” On this visit in particular, the animal of note was Aladdin the camel.

Small Business Springfield

Local stores offer expertise, exclusivity and community.

When Jahangir Raja moved to Springfield over a decade ago, it wasn’t a favorable time for a heavily bearded Muslim native of Pakistan to find a job in America. He came shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Burke United Methodist Church begins Christmas season celebration.

A tuba-playing shepherd broke from playing Christmas carols to snap cell phone pictures of a tall sheep and two young girl-sized shepherds. The “Selfie” station with biblical-themed costumes was the first stop for Edie, Olive and Tommy Webster of Fairfax at the Burke United Methodist Family Advent Celebration.

Burke Racquet & Swim Club Craft Fair Helps Food for Others, Women at Risk

Beaded jewelry, brass rubbings, crocheted and knitwear, birdhouses and quilts are just a few of the craft gift items on offer at the Burke Racquet & Swim Club this weekend.

McLean to Host Holiday Crafts Show

The McLean Community Center’s 32nd Annual McLean Holiday Crafts Show features an exciting mix of handmade items that express a fresh, new take on the traditional. Expect to see bonsai and bamboo trees, sculpted exotic eggshells, hand-dyed batik and all-natural salad dressings, along with the wreaths, ornaments and stained glass windows.

Holiday Shopping Event Supporting The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna

Volunteers from the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) took a break from the fundraising event to gather in front of the Talbot’s store at the Tyson’s Center Mall.

Great Falls Celebration of Lights on Saturday

The 24th Annual Celebration of Lights will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Great Falls Village Centre Hill (behind the Post Office). The schedule of events includes:

‘Great Falls in the Evening’ at Katie’s Coffee

Great Falls photographer, Walt Lawrence, opens a new exhibit at Katie’s Coffee. The exhibit entitled “Great Falls in the Evening” opened on Dec. 1 and runs through the month of December.

Potomac: Clara Barton Center To Host Craft Show

From artists to authors to crafters.

The Clara Barton Craft Show is a “must-do” for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts as well as the perfect present for that “hard-to-buy-for person” – or the “I can’t think of anything for him or her – and they won’t give me any suggestions” person.

The Connection