Entertainment

Making Spirits Bright

FACETS helps children give presents to their siblings.

No matter people’s income levels, their children still want presents at Christmastime.

Talent Show at William Halley

After School Program presents end-of-semester show.

Students of the Hornet’s Nest After School Program at William Halley Elementary School put on an informal performance show to wrap up the program for the fall semester on Thursday, Dec. 6.

Brief: Santa Gives Gift of Respite

Special needs, children of veterans and wounded warriors share Christmas cheer.

Brief: Santa delivered gifts to each of the 23 children in attendance at the annual holiday party for children with disabilities and their families as well as families of veterans, active military and wounded warriors on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Centreville Moose Lodge in Fairfax.

Brief: Mayor Silverthorne Speaks at Fairfax Rotary Club Meeting

Brief: The Rotary Club of Fairfax welcomed City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne as its keynote speaker at the Dec. 3 membership meeting at the American Legion Hall.

Holiday Favorites at GMU

American Festival Pops Orchestra to present “Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season.”

Under the direction of founder and artistic director Anthony Maiello, Northern Virginia’s very own 60-member American Festival Pops Orchestra (AFPO) will soon be performing a sparkling musical celebration befitting the Holiday Season at the Mason Center for the Arts.

Brief: Cats and Dogs Find Homes at Fairfax Farrish Subaru

Brief: The Humane Society of Fairfax County (HSFC) kicked off its “Home for the Holidays” campaign on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Farrish Subaru Dealership in Fairfax County.

Taste of Braddock Kicks off Holiday Season

Eighteenth annual event draws more than 300 for food, fun, holiday cheer.

Braddock Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) hosted the 18th Annual Taste of Braddock event in Braddock Hall, welcoming more than 300 members of the community, including Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34).

Brief: Animal Shelter to Host an Open House

Brief: Are you interested in snuggling a downy, soft kitten? Exercising an energetic hound? Or answering questions about reptiles, rabbits or many other animals in the Fairfax County Animal Shelter?

Ballet Arts Ensemble Presents ‘Nutcracker’

Kailey Leinz of Burke to star in the "Nutcracker in a Nutshell."

The Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax will perform “Nutcracker in a Nutshell,” a condensed version of the classic holiday ballet, on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall at the Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus, at 3001 North Beauregard St.

Santa Takes a Fire Truck Ride Through Burke

Sleigh bells are ringing in Burke. Starting this week, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department will be riding through the Burke community with Santa.

Northern Virginia Players Present Disney’s Little Mermaid

Portion of proceeds benefit Hurricane Sandy victims.

In a magical kingdom under the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.

Fairfax County's Holiday Season

A collection of events to fill your days with cheer.

Make every last day of the year a festive one, be warmed by the holiday spirit of the season and spend time with friends and family--Fairfax County has something for everyone to take joy in before the year is up.

Potomac Entertainment Calendar, Dec. 12, 2012

Email community entertainment events to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon. Photos and artwork encouraged.

Offering Gifts from the HeART

Local artists and Reston Community Center come together for a good cause.

The Reston Community Center at Lake Anne hosted Gifts from the HeART on Saturday, Dec. 8. Gifts from the HeART featured works from 20 local artists as well as more than 85 pieces of artwork on the walls of the Jo Ann Rose Gallery and pieces in the 3-D case displays.

Brief: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at ArtSpace Herndon

Brief: ArtSpace Herndon will host Historic Herndon’s traditional, family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The Connection