Events
2008 Calendar of Events
December 2008
Dec ?
Sky Watching and Meteor Shower. (All ages) 7 pm – 8 pm. Sully Woodlands. Call 703 – 817 – 9407 (Cub Run RECenter) for information. Scheduled to coincide with the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, this program will teach you some basic information about the night sky, the moon, its planets and constellations. Canceled if rain. Reservations required. $4child/$2/adult www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wcrec.htm.
Nov 4 - Dec 16 (no class on November 11, 25)
Chess I and Chess II Combo - 8-12 years old Tuesdays, 4:30 pm - 6 pm. (6 sessions) Chess is an exciting and ancient game that can benefit children in many ways. It enhances social interactions, and helps to develop higher-thinking skills and intellect. For the first time, Chess I and Chess II will be combined. Participants will learn the rules of chess and how chessmen move and capture. For those who are ready for advancement, the instructor will teach the roles of chessmen and tactics of chess. $40 residents/$60 non-residents. Registration #: 901035-9A Location: Reston Community Center Hunters Woods – 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. For questions, please contact Debbie Heron, Director of Youth Programs, at: (703) 390-6163 or email: Deborah.Heron@fairfaxcounty.gov
Nov 15 – Dec 31
Holiday Ornaments: Make Your Own (November 15 – December 31) (All Ages) 9 am – 4 pm. Mondays and Wednesdays – Fridays, noon – 4pm weekends and holidays, closed Thanksgiving Day, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703 – 759 – 9018. Teasels, pine cones and walnuts all add up to make some cool holiday ornaments. Follow some of our examples or create your own stylish or wacky ornaments. Reservations recommended for groups. $5 for two ornaments www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.
Oct 11, Nov 1, and Dec 6
Schooling Hunter Horse Show Series. 8 am. Frying Pan Farm Park. Walk, trot or canter to this beginner horse show. Classes include hunters, ponies, equitation and more. Held indoors rain or shine. Spectators FREE 8am, 703 – 437 – 9101. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
Dec 1 – January 6
The Holidays at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon sparkles with festive cheer during the holidays. Learn about 18th-century Christmas traditions and see the Mansion authentically decorated with natural greenery and set for an elegant family gathering. The third floor with Martha Washington's bedchamber is open exclusively during the holidays. 703.780.2000. www.mountvernon.org.
Dec 1 – 31
World War II Christmas décor at Pope-Leighey House. 703.780.4000. www.popeleighey1940.org.
Dec 1-31
Ice Skating Pavilion at Reston Town Center. 1818 Discovery Street, Reston.
November until March, open daily. Outdoor skating in a twinkling atmosphere under the glass Pavilion, open every day during the season. Skate rentals, lessons, and private parties are available. Call Reston Town Center Skate Shop, 703-709-6300, and visit www.restontowncenter.com.
Oct 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, and Dec 1
Yoga for gardeners at Green spring Gardens. 9:30 am - 10:30 am. A series of Yoga classes featuring the Vinyasa method to increase your strength, flexibility, and endurance necessary for gardening. Class held inside admiring the gardens. $66/six – class session. 9:30 – 10:30am Call 703 – 642 – 5173 to register. www.greenspring.org.
Dec 1
Animal Ornaments. (6 – 10 yrs.) 2 pm – 3 pm or 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703 – 759 – 9018. Create animals, snowflakes or your own unique invention using natural items to make ornaments. Reservations and advance payment required. $7 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.
Dec 5, 6
Virginia Opera. The Elixir of Love. The Center of the Arts. George Mason University. Donizetti's intoxicating romantic comedy follows the efforts of the hapless farmer boy Nemorino to win the object of his desires, Adina, the prettiest belle in town. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. $86, $72, $44 on Friday, and $98, $80, $48 on Sunday. Friday, Dec 5 at 8 pm, and Sunday Dec 6 at 2 pm. 703.933.8888. www.gmu.edu.
Dec 6 – 31
Historic Woodlawn's 1830's Gathering of Family and Friends incorporated into daily tours of home. 703.780.4000 www.woodlawn1805.org
Dec 6
Farmers Market at Lake Anne Village Center. 8 am - 12 pm. 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Open weekly: May 10 through October 25, every Saturday. Lake Anne Village Center in Reston hosts a bustling marketplace for farmers and residents abundant with the sights, sounds, smells, and colors of an open-air produce market, also featuring fresh meats and dairy products. Have fun while supporting a 'green' economy--shop the Farmers Market! Visit www.restonfarmersmarket.com or www.lakeanneplaza.com.
Dec 6
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Reston Town Center. 12 pm - 4 pm. 11900 Market Street, Reston. Saturday, December 6, 13, 20, 27. Presented by Reston Town Center; proceeds benefit local non-profit groups. Enjoy a carriage ride around Reston Town Center. $5 per person benefits local charities. Children under 12 ride free, with an adult. Rain or shine.
Dec 6
Lake Anne Heralds the Holidays – Santa Arrives by Barge! 10 am - 1 pm. 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Saturday, December 6, presented by Lake Anne Merchants and Professionals Committee. Lake Anne merchants present family fun on the plaza with a petting zoo, live entertainment, and market vendors. Santa arrives by barge at 12:30 to meet children on the plaza. At 6:00 p.m., enjoy the spectacle of Light Up Lake Anne as the plaza and tree are lit, followed by caroling. Visit www.lakeanneplaza.com.
Dec 6
The Reston Market at Lake Anne Village Center. 9 am – 2 pm. 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Open weekly: Saturday, May 3 until Saturday December 6. Art, antiques, collectibles, artisan crafts, and entertainment by the lake. Free admission and free parking. Visit www.lakeanneplaza.com or www.therestonmarket.com.
Dec 6
Farmers Market at Lake Anne Village Center. 8 am - 12 pm. 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Open weekly: May10 through October 25, every Saturday. Lake Anne Village Center in Reston hosts a bustling marketplace for farmers and residents abundant with the sights, sounds, smells, and colors of an open-air produce market, also featuring fresh meats and dairy products. Have fun while supporting a 'green' economy--shop the Farmers Market! Visit www.restonfarmersmarket.com or www.lakeanneplaza.com.
Dec 6
Festival of Lights and Carols. 11:30am - 7 pm. Old Town Fairfax. 703.385-7858 www.fairfaxva.gov.
Dec 6
Children's Holiday Shopping at Colvin Run. 10 am – 2 pm. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/crm.
Dec 6
Calling All Flying Squirrels. (Families with children 4 yrs. and up). 6 pm – 7 pm. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 703 – 941 – 1065. Flying squirrels rival the population of gray squirrels, but since they are nocturnal, we rarely see them. Enjoy a presentation about these amazing night gliders and join a naturalist to look for them at roosting boxes near the nature center. Learn how you can encourage flying squirrels to visit your yard. Reservations and advanced payment required. $6/person www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hiddenoaks.
Dec 6
Children's Holiday Shopping. 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Frying Pan Farm Park Country Store, 703 – 437 – 9101. Meet at the Old Floris Schoolhouse. Volunteers help children shop for everybody on their holiday list. The Country Store stocks many unique items in all price ranges. Free wrapping assures surprises for family and friends. Adults are invited to wait at the schoolhouse. Inclement weather dates 12/13 and 12/15. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp.
Dec 6
Floral Design Workshop Series at Green Spring Gardens. 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Winter Wreaths. Create beautiful floral designs to take home with you after Northern Virginia Community College instructor, Bruce Nash, demonstrates the dazzling possibilities. Floral material, greens and containers provided. $125/three – part series or $48/session 10:30am – 12:30pm. 703 – 642 – 5173 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp.
Dec 6
Children’s Holiday Shopping. 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Frying Pan Farm Park Country Store, 703-437-9101. Meet at the Old Floris Schoolhouse. Volunteers help children shop for everybody on their holiday list. The Country Store stocks many unique items in all price ranges. Free wrapping assures surprises for family and friends. Adults are invited to wait at the schoolhouse. Inclement weather dates 12/13 and 12/15. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp/.
Dec 7
Pope-Leighey Tech Tour. 703.780.4000. www.popeleighey1940.org.
Dec 7
Holiday Tea & Tour at Woodlawn Plantation. 12 noon and 3 pm seating 703.780.4000. www.woodlawn1805.org.
Dec 7
Festival of Lights and Carols. 12 pm – 5 pm. Old Town Fairfax. 703.385-7858 www.fairfaxva.gov.
Dec 7
Children's Holiday Shopping at Colvin Run. 12 pm – 4 pm. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/crm.
Dec 8
Children's Holiday Shopping at Colvin Run. 1 pm – 4pm. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/crm.
Dec 8
Children's Holiday Shopping. 2 pm – 5 pm. Frying Pan Farm Park Country Store, 703 – 437 – 9101. Meet at the Old Floris Schoolhouse. Volunteers help children shop for everybody on their holiday list. The Country Store stocks many unique items in all price ranges. Free wrapping assures surprises for family and friends. Adults are invited to wait at the schoolhouse. Inclement weather dates 12/13 and 12/15. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp.
Dec 8
Children’s Holiday Shopping. 2 pm - 5 pm. Frying Pan Farm Park Country Store, 703-437-9101. Meet at the Old Floris Schoolhouse. Volunteers help children shop for everybody on their holiday list. The Country Store stocks many unique items in all price ranges. Free wrapping assures surprises for family and friends. Adults are invited to wait at the schoolhouse. Inclement weather dates 12/13 and 12/15. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp/.
Dec 10
Animal Ornaments. (3 – 5 yrs.) 10:15 am – 11:15 am or 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Riverbend Visitor Center, 703 – 759 – 9018. (SEE 12/1.) Reservations and advance payment required. $7www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.
Dec 12
New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Home for the Holidays. 8 pm. Center for the Arts. George Mason University. The program includes blues, swing, spirituals, and a crowd-pleasing Ellington arrangement of the Nutcracker Suite. $44, $36, $22. Family Friendly; children 12 and under half price. 703.933.8888. www.gmu.edu.
Dec 13
Leahy, A Celtic Christmas. 8 pm. Get into the Christmas spirit with this spellbinding Canadian octet of brothers and sisters. $46, $38, $23. Family Friendly; Children 12 and under half price. 703.933.8888. www.gmu.edu.
Dec 13
Apprentice Naturalist – Introduction to Animal Tracking. (10 yrs. and up) 1 pm – 3 pm. Cub Run RECenter, 703 – 817 – 9407. This hands – on mini – course introduces you to the signs, tracks and traces left by local forest animals. Discover how these signs can lead you to a better understanding of animals and increase your probability of seeing, and even photographing, them. Reservations required $5 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wcrec.htm.
Dec 14
Holiday Tea & Tour at Woodlawn Plantation. 12 noon and 3pm seating 703.780.4000. www.woodlawn1805.org.
Dec 14
Claude Moore Colonial Farm. The Farm Goes Into Hibernation. 4:30 pm. The 18th century visitor site at The Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run closes for the winter months and will open to the public for the 2008 season on Wednesday, April 2at 10 am. The GateHouse Holiday Shop will remain open through Sunday, December 23, 2007. 703.903.9330 www.1771.org.
Dec 14
Wassail at Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run. 1 pm - 4 pm. Stand fast, root! Bear well, top! God send us a howling crop! In the dead of winter the apple trees need encouragement to bear well during the coming year. Gather in the Farm's orchard to wassail the trees with singing, dancing and chants to ensure a "howling crop." Enjoy hot spiced cider, sugar cakes, a bonfire and 18th century games. Weather permitting - call ahead. 703.903.9330 www.1771.org.
Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 14
Just Jumper Horse Show Series. 9 am. Frying Pan Farm Park. Watch local residents compete for a blue ribbon in a variety of jumping classes. Held indoors rain or shine. Spectators FREE 9am. 703 – 437 – 9101. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
Dec 19
Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in Vienna. 8 pm. Center for the Arts. George Mason University. $46, $38, $23 Family Friendly; children 12 and under half price. 703.933.8888. www.gmu.edu.
Dec 20
Christopher Parkening and Jubilant Sykes. 8 pm. Center for the Arts. George Mason University. Together, Sykes and Parkening present a brilliant interpretation of hiliday classics, as well as stirring spirituals. $44, $36, $22. 703.933.8888. www.gmu.edu.
Dec 20
Space by Day. (All ages) 10 am – 11 am. Cub Run RECenter, 703 – 817 – 9407. Experience the universe up close and personal. It doesn't have to be night time to explore the universe. With experiments and fun activities, delve into the mysteries of the solar system and the science of space. $4child/$2/adult www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wcrec.htm.
Dec 23
Bloodmobile at Reston Town Center, presented by INOVA. 12 pm - 7:30 pm. 11900 Market Street, Reston. Presented fourth Tuesday of every month. Do a good deed and donate blood at Reston Town Center! Schedule an appointment at 1-866-256-6372 or www.inova.org/donateblood, then register onsite. Bloodmobile located beside the Pavilion.
Dec 27 & 28
Candlelight Tours of Historic Woodlawn. 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm 703.780.4000. www.woodlawn1805.org.
