Events
2008 Calendar of Events
December 2008
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
