 Friday,
Dec. 7: Nightlights
Whether your prefer to take in the holiday lights on foot or
from behind the wheel, Northern Virginia Regional Park
Authority has you covered. At the
Bull Run Festival of Lights drive through an
enchanted world of giant toy soldiers, snowmen, Santa and his
reindeer and so much more. Over 130,000 people visit the
festival every year. End your trip with a visit to the
Holiday Village, featuring games, rides, food and gift
vendors. 5:30 to 10 p.m. (Also Saturday and Sunday. 5:30 to
9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Through Jan. 6.) Bull
Run Regional Park. $20/car, $30/van (15-34
people). Discounted weekday rates. For more information
call 703-359-4633.
Prefer your holiday lights al fresco? Head over to
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens for its Winter
Walk of Lights. Imagine the beauty of Meadowlark's
renowned gardens transformed into a winter wonderland,
including a flowing stream of softly glowing lights. On
the .6-mile walking path marvel at the two-story
animated fountain, stroll past the Gingerbread Village and
explore the beauty of nature like you've never seen it. 5:30,
6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:15 p.m. (through Jan. 6).
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. $13/adults, $8/children
ages 8 to 12. Discounted weekday rates. Tickets available online. For more
information call 703-255-3631.
 Saturday, Dec. 8:
The Play's the Thing!
Don't miss
Skippyjon Jones, an enchanting musical
about a little kitten with big ears and even bigger dreams.
He longs to be someone different, so he transforms himself
into Skippito Friskito, the greatest canine sword fighter in
old Mexico. But when Skippyjon is challenged by a bullying
bee, will he be a 'fraidy-cat or the top dog? Find out in
this delightful musical that encourages kids to follow their
dreams. 2 to 3 p.m. McLean
Community Center's Alden Theatre. $15/person ($10/McLean
Community Center district residents). For more information
call 703-790-0123.
Also on Saturday:
Jane Austen’s
Regency Christmas: “At Christmas everybody invites
their friends about them...” wrote Jane Austen in
"Emma." Imagine yourself at home at Christmas with
the Elliots, Bingleys or Bennets and learn how Austen’s
characters, and the novelist herself, would have celebrated
the festive season in the early 1800s. Participants age 13
and above are welcome. 1 to 3 p.m. (Also on Sunday.) Historic Green
Spring. $27/person (includes a full English tea). To make
a reservation call 703-941-7987.
Santa is Coming
to Clemyjontri Park: Have your photo taken
with Santa at the picnic shelter. Take a ride on the
festively decorated carousel and receive a goodie bag and one
digital photo that will be emailed to you. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Also Dec. 9) Clemyjontri
Park. $10/per child. (Add siblings to a photo for
$5/child.) This event is rain or shine. For information call
at 703-388-2807, ext. 0.
Minerals Rock!: Discover the exciting world
of geology. View beautiful minerals, rock fossils and amazing
rock specimens. Use a classification key and perform
scientific tests to uncover mystery rocks. Take a guided walk
to a historical wall made out of rose quartz. Participants
age 5 and above are welcome. 2 to 3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens Park. $6/person.
Register
online. For information, call 703-642-5173.
2nd Saturday Art Walk: Showcasing the
diverse work of more than 100 visual artists in a unique
historic venue, creating an atmosphere that encourages
visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of this
creative community. Tour seven studio buildings, mix and
mingle with artists and buy original works of art, all
while enjoying light refreshment and music. The perfect
destination for a date night or girl's night out, as well
as for art collectors and art appreciation groups. 6 to
9 p.m. Workhouse Arts
Center. Free. For information call 703-584-2900.
Birding
for Beginners: Naturalist Casey Pittrizzi will
lead this walk, emphasizing beginning bird identification.
Extra pairs of binoculars will be available for use and
coffee will be waiting for participants when they arrive. 8
to 10 a.m. Potomac
Overlook Regional Park. Free. For reservations (required)
and more information call 703-528-5406.
 Sunday, Dec. 9:
Crafting Craze
At the Holiday
Crafts Workshop try your hand at creating decorative
pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Make your own
wreath or centerpiece from local greens, pine cones and other
natural materials. 1 to 4 p.m. Potomac
Overlook Regional Park. $18/person. For reservations
(required) and more information call 703-528-5406.
Also on Sunday:
Music
Friends' Concerts at the Alden: This classical
music series, now in its 38th season, began in 1974 when the
Music Friends of the Fairfax County Public Library bought a
Steinway concert grand and began to hold recitals in local
library branches. This concert is a Young Soloists
Recital, featuring piano and violin, showcasing the talents
of local school-age artists and gives them experience in
auditioning and performing. 3 p.m. McLean
Community Center's Alden Theatre. Free. For information
call 703-790-0123.
Wild Things Puppet Show: Children ages 4 to
10 can enjoy three puppet shows plus the Native American
legend of how butterflies came to be, and meet live animals
highlighted in the stories. 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Hidden Oaks Nature Center.
$5/person. Register
online. For information call 703-941-1065.
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Information was correct at time of publication.
Please contact individual event sites to confirm
programs are being held as scheduled.
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The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of
county events taking place each weekend. Many more events
and activities can be found at the Parks and Library pages, and elsewhere on the
Fairfax County website. Additionally, the
towns of Herndon
and Vienna as well
as the city of Falls Church offer
many arts, entertainment and recreational
opportunities.
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A complete list of county calendars is also available online.
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To request this information in an alternate format, call
703-324-3187.
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TTY is 711 unless otherwise indicated.
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