Entertainment

Santa Paws’ at Fair Oaks Mall

Fair Oaks Mall will offer guests five opportunities during the holidays to have their pets’ pictures taken with Santa at the Ice Palace, locally presented by Cox Communications. The annual Fair Oaks Mall “Santa Paws” will be offered on Sunday, Nov. 25 from 8-9 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2 from 7:30-9 a.m. and 8-9 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 8-9:30 p.m. Set against the enchanted Ice Palace, the 1,200-square foot centerpiece of the Fair Oaks Mall holiday celebrations, dogs and cats with their owners and families will have the opportunity to pose for commemorative professional photos with Santa.

What the Dickens?

MetroStage continues ‘Broadway Christmas Carol’ tradition.

Oh come, all ye faithful fans of musical theater. For the third year running, MetroStage is staging the wickedly funny “A Broadway Christmas Carol,” an irreverent musical take on the classic novel by Charles Dickens.

A magical time of year

Magicians to entertain children with free show Dec. 5 while helping the Alexandria branch of the Salvation Army.

There's something special about the holiday season, between the sparkling lights, frosted windows, endless baked goodies and the wonder that anything is possible. That same feeling of awe makes it the perfect time of year for a magic show, and that's precisely the sentiment that led Ring 50, the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, to host a magic show for area children.

Alexandria Calendar: Nov. 21, 2012

Upcoming events and activities

Paying Tribute to ‘Dogs of War’

Local author’s new book examines American leaders and their dogs.

Kathleen Kinsolving knows that inspiration can come from strange places. In 2000, she was helping a friend move when she came upon a trunk full of books, including Carlo D’Este’s biography of Gen. George Patton, “Patton: A Genius for War.”

CBT Presents Holiday Classic

Ashley Tern, Lily Campbell to star in Classical Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.”

When they take the stage for the Classical Ballet Theatre’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” 13-year-olds Ashley Tern and Lily Campbell will take their first lead roles in a combined 21 years of dance.

Family Makes it on the Trail

Scott Jenkins, son Tracy hike Appalachian Trail over summer.

While it’s said that a journey begins with a single step, for the Jenkins family of McLean, their 2,000-mile plus journey began by literally climbing a mountain.

Riverbend Prepares for Budget Cuts

With five percent cuts looming, group looks to preserve 400-acre park.

As Fairfax County prepares for a possible budget shortfall of $100 million in Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015, all county agencies have been asked to submit budgets that cut five percent from FY2013 levels.

Bibliophiles Rejoice

Richard Byrd Library Book Sale a holiday bestseller.

Booklovers, bargain hunters and holiday shoppers will find the perfect gift for everyone on their holiday list at the annual Richard Byrd Library holiday book sale beginning Thursday, Nov. 29.

Brief: Greenspring Donates 800 Turkeys With Funds Raised From 10th Annual Turkey Trot

Brief: On Friday, Nov. 16, Greenspring residents and staff participated in the retirement community’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot, raising money to provide Thanksgiving turkeys to area families in need.

‘The Funniest Farce Ever Written’

Fairfax High presents the comedy, “Noises Off.”

Featuring a cast and crew of 25, Fairfax High presents the play, “Noises Off.” Show times are Friday-Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at www.fxplayers.org and $15 at the door.

Upcoming Bazaars and Craft Shows Yield Gift Ideas

Showcasing one-of-a-kind items.

A number of near-by bazaars will be taking place within the next few weeks. Each bazaar has a distinctive feel and offers a variety of items that could never be found at the mall.

Brief: Rosemary Gallick’s Artwork on Display in Three Galleries

Paintings by Rosemary Gallick are on exhibition at the Reston Association until Nov. 30.

Brief: ArtSpace Announces Winners of Portrait Competitions

Brief: ArtSpace Herndon has announced the winners and honorable mentions of the fourth annual Portrait Competition.

Walk of Lights at Meadowlark

In one of the season’s more spectacular holiday gestures, the chairman of the board of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, Brian Knapp, ceremonially threw a switch at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, illuminating hundreds of trees and scenes within Meadowlark’s 100-acre parkland.

The Connection