Community Corner
🌱 How shrinking federal jobs are quietly reshaping Fairfax County’s economy
Make time for Christmas at Holy Comforter on the Fairfax Patch calendar
Hello again Fairfax! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️
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Find out what's happening in Fairfaxfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In today's newsletter:
- How shrinking federal jobs are quietly reshaping Fairfax County’s economy
- Could your last Fairfax gas stop have had a hidden card skimmer?
- How to claim your free SoberRide Lyft trip in Fairfax
Also on today's calendar: Christmas at Holy Comforter and 1 more event.
Find out what's happening in Fairfaxfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Tuesday: Not as cool; a morning shower, with a high of 56 and low of 39 degrees.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and breezy, temps: high: 51, low: 35.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy and misty, with a high of 56 and low of 34 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Delayed data shows jump in Fairfax joblessness, as region's federal workforce shrinks (ffxnow.com) — Fairfax County’s unemployment rate has climbed, with nearly 21,000 residents reported jobless and a 24% jump in people seeking work compared to last year. Local analysts warn that deep federal workforce cuts, including thousands of Fairfax-related jobs, could further strain the county’s economy if a broader recession hits. 
• Fairfax County Police still looking for people who planted skimming devices (wjla.com) — Fairfax County Police are warning residents after finding 20 credit card skimmers at gas stations and convenience stores across the county during a targeted sweep. Detectives, working with the U.S. Secret Service, urge shoppers to watch for bulky or discolored terminals and to use tap-to-pay when possible. The investigation even includes leads tied to a similar scam in Nebraska.
• SoberRide in operation for the holiday season (insidenova.com) — Fairfax residents can get free late-night Lyft rides home through the SoberRide program every night from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. now through Jan. 1. The service, covering Fairfax County and other D.C.-area jurisdictions, offers up to $15 off a ride home for adults 21 and over who’ve been drinking, aiming to cut holiday drunk-driving crashes.
📸 Around Fairfax
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fairfax
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Christmas at Holy Comforter
Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Rd., NE, Vienna, VA 22180,
11:01 am - Christmas Eve Family Service
Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Woodburn
5:00 pm - Brunch with Santa: A Christmas Celebration
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Dr, McLean, VA, 22102,
10:30 am
Wednesday December 24
Thursday December 25
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Winter Show Opening Reception and Card-Making Class at the Craft Gallery of Artisans United
Craft Gallery of Artisans United , 4022 Hummer Rd , Annandale
1:00 pm
Saturday January 3
📣 Fairfax Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
- English Conversation (Online)
Westover Library , 1644 North McKinley Street; Suite 3 , Arlington
2:00 pm - Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12)
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
4:30 pm - Mindful Art
Courthouse Library , Azalea Conference Room , Lake Barcroft
6:00 pm - Spanish Conversation at Courthouse
Courthouse Library , Dogwood Conference Room , Lake Barcroft
6:00 pm - Tysons Winter Lantern Festival
Lerner Town Square , 8025 Galleria Dr , Tysons
6:59 pm - Rick Landers & Heartland at the Legendary JVs in Falls Church, VA
JV's Restaurant , 6666 Arlington Blvd , Falls Church
8:00 pm - Pars Place Closed
Iranian-American Community Center , 2236C Gallows Rd , Vienna - CANCELLED: Mayor's Agenda Meeting with Staff
Falls Church, VA Calendar , 300 Park Ave. East Wing, Second Floor , Falls Church
8:30 am - RESCHEDULED TO 12/15/25: City Council Government Operations Committee Meeting
Oak Room, City Hall , 300 Park Ave. East Wing, Second Floor , Falls Church
9:00 am - Japanese Conversation
Central Library , Quincy Room , Lake Barcroft
12:00 pm - Preschool STEAM Play at Courthouse
Courthouse Library Children's Area ,
10:00 am
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 24
Friday December 26
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hi there — I have a large pile of blown leaves that I’m looking for someone to tarp and drag to the street for collection.
Flexible on timing. If interested, please reach out — I’d love to chat about a quote and your availability. Thanks! (Nextdoor Old Town Fairfax) - Crash cleared on northbound VA-243 at 0.2 miles north of US-29 in Fairfax County.
1:50PM on Dec 21: Crash on VA-243 in Fairfax County closes two southbound travel lanes. (Nextdoor )
- P.F. Chang's posted a job opening for Expeditor in Fairfax. Apply here.
- Marriott International posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Fairfax. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fairfax here.
🗞 Nearby News
George Mason
- Special election gives Republican new shot at David Bulova's delegate seat (ffxnow.com)
- Men's hoops concludes non-conference slate with 11- 2 record (hokiesports.com)
Oakton
- Holiday Happenings in the DMV: Dec. 26-28 (washingtonfamily.com)
Vienna
Ok Fairfax! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
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