Can't-Miss Holiday Events In Arlington

ARLINGTON,VA — With the holidays now in full swing, there's no shortage of events and activities to keep people busy and entertained until the new year begins. Here is a list of events that promise to be as popular as a mall Santa.

Visit with Santa

Head over to Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park for a visit with Santa in the old log house Dec. 16. Families can also stop by the nature center to make a holiday craft, watch the toy trains run or just enjoy a walk in the winter woods. After registering, each family will be assigned a specific time slot to visit with Santa. Register online or call 703-228-4747.

Clarendon Chanukah Menorah Lighting

See the lighting of a 6-foot Menorah, enjoy delicious hot potato latkes, listen to Chanukah music and more at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. The community celebration will be held at Clarendon Central Park at 3140 Wilson Blvd. and is sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria Arlington.

Rosslyn Carols! Holiday Concert

Enjoy live music while sipping on a glass of mulled wine or a hot Peppermint Patty, and participating in fun outdoor holiday games around the tree on Central Place Plaza. The event is free. Drinks and food will be available for purchase including Killer Tomato Pizza, Fava Pot and Eastern Market Crepes. More information here.

Chanukah on Ice

Skate with family and friends, munch on hot latkes and kosher hot dogs and enter a free raffle at Chanukah On Ice from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 14. Event is at Pentagon Row Ice Rink at 1201 South Joyce St.

Holiday Market at Del Ray Artisans

Annual Holiday Market offers unique handcrafted fine arts and crafts from local artists. As always, the artists are presenting a variety of media, including botanical drawings, fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, painting, paper crafting, photography, pottery/ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, wood turning, and more! Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Market is held first three weekends in December, Fridays 6-9 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 6p.m.

National Chamber Ensemble's Holiday Cheer! Concert

NCE's holiday concert will bring classical masterpieces and holiday favorites together for the whole family. NCE's Outstanding Young Artist Achievement Award - piano competition winner performs. Concert concludes with a Carols Sing-Along to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Event is from 7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Arlington at 4444 Arlington Blvd.

U.S. Army Festive Flutes and Fifes

Don't miss this free Holiday Concert in the Sanctuary at Clarendon United Methodist Church from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 16. Performance will showcase the Soldier-Musicians of the Corps and give a representation of what fifers/flutists played classically, traditionally and militarily during the 18th century. There will also be seasonal holiday music. Reception to follow.

Nutcracker Tea

At the elegant Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City ballroom, guests enjoy a delicious high tea followed by a mini-performance of The Nutcracker by BalletNova.
There is also a special craft for the kids, a raffle drawing to win a Nutcracker (and many more prizes), an opportunity to meet the dancers and characters from The Nutcracker, and the chance to do some holiday shopping at the famous Nutcracker Treasures table. Event is from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 17.

Arlington Children's Chorus Winter Concert

This free winter concert is at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, located at 4701 Arlington Blvd. There will also be a bake sale to benefit ACC and a non-perishable food drive to benefit AFAC.

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