Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Saturday, December 4 – Ornament Decorating Workshop for Families

Get inspired by the colors and patterns of pottery excavated in Alexandria and make a memorable holiday keepsake at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union St. #327, from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants can decorate and take home dough ornaments shaped like artifacts from the museum's own collection. This free event is great for families! For more information, call 703.746.4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org.
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Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 5 - Pet Photos with Santa

Santa Claus is coming to town, and that means it's time to have your pets' photos made with the jolly man in the red and white suit! The AWLA will hold its annual "Pet Photos with Santa" event December 3-5. Drop-ins are welcome, but residents are encouraged to call 703.746.4774 to make your appointment to ensure a spot for your pet.
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Monday, November 29, 2010

Bicycle Donation Program - Wheels to Africa

You Can Help

Do something big this holiday season! Donate a new or used bike to Wheels to Africa, a nonprofit organization whose principal purpose is to work with local youth, ages 10-18, to organize local bike collections and send the donated bikes to communities in Africa. The bikes are used to provide basic transportation for people to reach school, food, water, and medical care. A donated bike can change a life.
A $10 donation is requested with each donated bike to help cover the costs for collecting, storing, and shipping the bikes. A 10 percent discount coupon will be provided from local bicycle stores good toward the purchase of a new bike. Wheels to Africa is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A receipt will be provided for your tax-deductible contributions.
Additional drop-off locations to be determined. For more information, please contact Wheels to Africa at 703.534.3723, info@wheels-to-africa.org, or www.wheels-to-africa.org/home.html.

December 11, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Launch Zone, 112 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745

Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4 – Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade

With the fresh scent of heather and the festive melody of bagpipes, get right into the holiday spirit at the 40th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade, sponsored by the Scottish Government. The centerpiece of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend is the parade through historic Old Town, which celebrates the City's Scottish heritage and features more than 100 Scottish clans, bagpipe and drum bands, history reenactment groups, dog clubs, and a visit from Santa Claus. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 4. Other events, including markets, Scotch tastings, and family activities, will take place throughout the weekend at the George Washington Masonic Memorial at 101 Callahan St. For more information, visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.
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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Park Free, Shop Local On Black Friday

On one of the biggest shopping days of the year, the City of Alexandria is offering free parking in all City-owned garages on Friday, November 26. Commonly known as "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday shopping season. The City is offering free parking as a special incentive for shoppers to visit Old Town Alexandria to make their holiday purchases.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Bull Run Festival of Lights and Winter Wonderland Holiday Village

Wonderful Christmas event beginning a new season

Nov 24 - Jan 9, Bull Run Regional Park

The festival will be returning November 24, 2010 through January 9, 2011. The Bull Run Festival of Lights and Winter Wonderland Holiday Village will be lighting up the night with its holiday extravaganza including a 2.5-mile drive-through light show culminating at the holiday village that includes food, carnival rides, vendors, free hayride, animated Christmas tree, pictures with Santa and a brand NEW section with music animated to dancing trees! 

Recurring daily
Address: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA

Friday, December 3 – Holiday on the Avenue in Del Ray

Join friends and neighbors for the Annual Del Ray holiday tree lighting, visit with Santa and enjoy lighting of the luminaries from 6 pm. to 9 p.m. Carols begin at 5:45 pm and hot chocolate, hot cider and cookies will be provided. At 6 p.m., sing "Here Comes Santa Claus" when Santa arrives! Santa will lead you down Mt Vernon Ave. to enjoy the luminaries lining the street and then will sit and hear what children want for Christmas. There will be candy canes for the children and photos can be taken on Santa's lap. For more information, call 703.746.3301 or visit www.visitalexandriava.com.
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Wednesday, December 1 – Annual Christmas Tree Sale Begins

The Annual Christmas Tree Sale to benefit the Alexandria Police Youth Camp will begin on December 1. The sale will be ongoing, week nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and every weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until they are sold out! The sale is held by the Amtrak Station at 110 Callahan Dr
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Saturday, November 27, and Sunday, November 28 – Holiday Concerts in Old Town

Enjoy the music of the season in Alexandria! Holiday concerts are held outdoors at Market Square, 301 King Street, and are canceled in the event of inclement weather. For more information, call the Events Hotline at 703.746.5592 or the Special Events office at 703.746.5418
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Thursday, November 18, 2010

"School of Rock" open house scheduled for November 21, 2010

Rocking out in Del Ray


This Sunday, November 21, Del Ray Performing Arts Center will host a free "School of Rock" open house!  



The School of Rock is a unique, on-going musical program that challenges kids aged 8 to 15 to organize their own rock band. Student rockers choose material, name their band, design flyers, record music, and perform for family and friends.


The School of Rock open house event is scheduled for three time slots: 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm. Take your budding rock stars to the Del Ray Performing Arts Center and have some fun! Ages 8-17 are welcome. 



RSVP to Steve at sattix@acousticaxis.com to select a time and reserve a spot.  


Contact information:Del Ray Performing Arts Center
2405 Mt Vernon Ave 
Alexandria, VA 22301
703 548 2321

http://www.delrayschoolofmusic.com/schoolofrock.htm

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre Presents : Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Enjoy theater with children and by children

Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This adaptation features the songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Adapted for Stage by Leslie Bricusse and Tim McDonald
Based on the Book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl
Directed by Elena Velasco
Musical Direction by Cathy Manley




November 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 PM
November 14 and 21 at 3:00 PM

Tickets available at the door or via the web: http://www.mvcct.org/tickets_purchase.php

Saturday, November 6, 2010

CHILDREN’S AUTHOR JACQUELINE WOODSON SPEAKING ON NOVEMBER 9, 2010

Enjoy an evening of children's literature

Award-winning children’s and young adult author Jacqueline Woodson will discuss her journey to writing at a special program Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax. For details, call 703-324-8428 or visit the library’s website.
A prolific writer, Woodson’s books include Miracle’s Boys, which won a Coretta Scott King Award, Feathers and Show Way, which were Newbery Medal Honor recipients and Locomotion, which was a National Book Award finalist and won numerous other honors. Woodson also won the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement sponsored by School Library Journal.Miracle’s Boys was made into a six-part series shown on “The N” television network, now known as “TeenNick,” owned by MTV. 

Friday, November 5, 2010

Children's Book Festival

National Capital Children's Museum to Host White House on the Waterfront Book Festival


NCM's Launch Zone will host A Celebration of Children's Literature: The White House on the Waterfront  to promote literacy and education among children and families in the Washington, DC region. During this weekend-long event, children’s book authors will present readings from the anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out and initiate discussion about government and the White House, past and present. Participating authors include Steven Kellogg, Regina Medal recipient and illustrator and author of over 100 children's books, Katherine Paterson, Newbery Medal winner for Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved, and Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medal award winner for Sarah, Plain and Tall. All authors are board members of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance (NCBLA). PLEASE NOTE: In order to attend multiple author sessions, families must register online for each desired session.


REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Register your family to attend a story time and interactive discussion, participate in a Q & A session with the author, and get a book signed at the National Children's Museum Launch Zone in National Harbor, Md.


Steven Kellogg: Session I
Saturday, November 13
11 am - 12:15 pm: Story time and Q & A
12:15 - 1 pm: Book signing


Katherine Paterson: Session II
Saturday, November 13
2:30 - 3:45 pm: Story time and Q & A
3:45 - 4:30 pm: Book signing


Patricia MacLachlan: Session III
Sunday, November 14
1 - 2:15 pm: Story time and Q & A
2:15 - 3 pm: Book signing


Paperback copies of Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out will be available for sale both days of the event. Hooray for Books (Alexandria, Va.) will facilitate book sales. NCM will also offer its Family Literacy Projects on a Budget® Trainers’ Toolkit for sale. This NCM publication provides educators and family childcare providers with affordable and creative techniques to engage parents and children in conversation and learning using children’s literature.


Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. on Friday, November 12. For questions, info@ncm.museum


Sign in or Register at this URL: http://tinyurl.com/NCM-Register

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Children's Flea Market

Budding entrepreneurs take note
Nov 6, McLean Community Center

Kids, sign up now to sell your old toys, games and other items! Buy cool books, games, toys and clothes at great prices. $20 per booth/$10 district residents. Advanced registration is required. Registration fee includes the use of an 8 ft. x 3 ft. table and a 7 ft. x 8 ft. booth space. The sale will be advertised in The Washington Post classifieds. Patron admission is free. For ages 3–15. 

Address: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA
Times: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Contact: McLean Community Center
Phone: (703) 790-0123
Admission: Patron admission is free.

Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Event

Meet the puppies & kitties: learn about responsible adoption

Nov 6, Reston Town Center Reston, VA

GoodDogz.org is sponsoring our seventh annual Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption event on Saturday, November 6th at the Reston Town Center from 11AM - 4PM. We expect 40+ all breed and purebred dog rescue organizations will be on-hand with adoptable dogs awaiting their holiday gift - a family to spend the holidays with. Bring the whole family out to the Reston Town Center to enjoy the fun and potentially meet a new four-legged friend! Visit our pet retailers and pick up a few holiday goodies for your favorite pooch. And stop by and say hi to our very own Santa Paws! 

Times: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Contact: Mark Bates
Phone: (571) 233-4557
Admission: FREE

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Colonial Day

Experience northern Virginia's colonial heritage 

Nov 6, Sully Historic Site
Learn about a Revolutionary War soldier's life as they practice 18th century military tactics. See how horses were used on the battlefield. Listen as the Regimental Drums and Fifes of Northern Virginia play well known tunes of the period. Activities include a juggler, cooking, textile production, woodworking, games and take-home craft. Learn about the cultivation and use of tobacco. The doctor will be on hand to cure your ills. At this time of year, a bleeding or purging is just the thing to get your ready for winter. Discover the difference between a surgeon and a physician and see the tools of his trade. Active duty military and veterans admitted FREE!

Address: 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, VA
Times: 11am - 4pm
Contact: Barbara Ziman
Phone: (703) 437-1794
Admission: $8/adult, $6/child

Monday, November 1, 2010

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

Mount Vernon's annual holiday event - purchase tickets now 
Nov 26 - 12, Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens

Historic Mount Vernon Sparkles with Holiday Cheer during Candlelight Tours! "Mrs. Washington" hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours, fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. The Mount Vernon by Candlelight tour includes the first and second floors, featuring characters from the Washingtons' world guiding visitors through the home and adding ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon. "Mount Vernon by Candlelight" is the only time of year when the estate is open to the public for special evening tours. Mount Vernon's modern buildings include merry music and the opportunity for holiday shopping until 9 p.m. Tickets are available at Mount Vernon's Ford Orientation Center or at MountVernon.org starting November 1. 

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
Times: 5:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday & Sunday only
Phone: (703) 780-2000
Admission: Adults: $18, Children 11 and under: $12