Entertainment

Handcrafters Guild Arts & Crafts Show Comes to Vienna

Thanksgiving weekend tradition draws shoppers from throughout region.

The Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild Arts & Crafts Show annually takes over the Vienna Community Center for three days of the Thanksgiving weekend.

Holiday Gifting from Toys to Acts of Kindness

The spirit of the season is giving of love.

There’s still plenty of time to buy gifts for family and party hosts. There is even time to buy a gift or two for someone without the means to reciprocate. Here are a few ideas from local shops, restaurants and resources. And, please, remember that gifts do not have to come in wrapping to be welcomed and appreciated.

Langley High Orchestra Presents Russian Concert

The Langley HS Orchestra will present their winter concert on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Langley HS Auditorium. The concert is a collaboration of two of Langley's largest programs—Russian and Orchestra.

Week in McLean

McLean Holiday Homes Tour Kicks Off Thursday, 9:30 a.m.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, will kick off the McLean Woman’s Club’s Holiday Homes Tour, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

McLean Stores Offer a Variety of Holiday Gift Ideas

"The staff at Child’s Play Toys have a great working knowledge of all the games, books and toys, and know what is appropriate for each age group," said customer Michele Hopkins.

Cantata for Community

Brian E. Wilhour composes the Christmas Cantata, which he will conduct on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McLean.

"In high school I was convinced I didn’t want to be a musician at all. That was the last thing I wanted." That’s Immanuel Church Music Director Brian E. Wilhour, reflecting on his 15 years at Immanuel, and having written 15 major choral and orchestral works.

White House Ornaments on Sale to Benefit Artemis House

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors club is selling White House Ornaments to benefit Artemis House, an emergency shelter in Fairfax County for victims of domestic and sexual violence, often mistreated women and children.

Best of Both Worlds, Holiday Gifts and Local Connections

Holiday on Parade at The Saddlery, Great Falls Nails & Spa, and Great Dogs of Great Falls.

The Saddlery at 731-E Walker Road in Great Falls is well-stocked with reasonably priced holiday gifts that range from Patricia Barta custom designed Greek leather and cubic zirconia magnetic clasp bracelets to equestrian themed items like Breyer horses, including the 2013 holiday horse, "Holiday on Parade."

The Holiday Blues: Cope and Prevent

Mental health experts say being realistic and seeking support can help you avoid holiday stress and depression.

While the holiday season is filled with parties, shopping, decorating and other festive activities, mental health experts say it often brings unwelcome guests as well: stress and depression. While they can be difficult to manage when one is in the midst of a bout, with a few strategies one may be able to prevent both before they ruin the holiday season.

Holiday Recipe Makeovers

Strategies for keeping traditional treats healthy

When Alice Jenkins saw her doctor two months ago, he diagnosed her with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and suggested she change her diet and lose about 30 pounds. Lawson, 45, started a diet program and has lost nine and a half pounds, but now that she’s in the midst of the holiday season, she’s concerned about losing the strides that she’s made with her dietary changes. "I have a large family and we get together a lot during the holidays," said Lawson, who lives in Alexandria. "There is always sweet potato pie, macaroni and cheese, and deep fried turkey."

Annual Holiday Design Event Supports Garden Club Programs

Arlington’s Rock Spring Garden Club held its fourth annual Holiday Design Event on Thursday, Nov. 21, attracting a sold-out crowd of more than 200 to watch experts demonstrate how to craft a variety of floral arrangements for Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

A New Year’s Eve Gala in Springfield

Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) of Alexandria and Lorton, Va. will host A New Year’s Eve State of Mind Benefit Gala on Tues., Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Waterford at Springfield at 6715 Commerce Street, Springfield.

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum to Host Holiday Model Train Show

The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum will hold its 24th annual Holiday Train Show on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon to 4 p.m.

It’s Time to Celebrate Christmas in Clifton

Parade, homes tour to be held on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Twinkling lights, the sound of caroling, a parade on horseback and beautifully decorated houses in a storybook setting – all that and more means Christmas in Clifton. And the public’s invited to join in the fun on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Jackie Hoffman’s A Chanukah Charol Comes to Fairfax Dec. 7 & 8

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia continues its 2013-2014 Performing Arts Series with a visit from Broadway, television star and kvetching comedienne Jackie Hoffman.

The Connection