Enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker by the second largest professional ballet company in Virginia.They have 12 professional dancers in their company, and the Manassas News and Messenger says they are “Expresseve, passionate.” Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to pay the cheapest price! Visit http://www.manassasballet.org. for more information.
Cost: $15 Advance, $18-20 Seniors and children
Dates: Dec. 19 at 3 p.m., 7 p.m., Dec. 20 at 3 p.m.
8820 Rixlew Lane, Manassas, VA
Take an artistic approach to the holidays and see the premiere dance academy in the Washington D.C. area perform in Vienna, Va. This elegant ballet will surely open your eyes to a new type of relaxation. Visit http://conservatoryballet.com.
Cost: $20-24, $15-17 age 1-12
Dates: Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Experience Christmas through the eyes of George Washington. This event features a dozen Christmas trees, historical chocolatemaking demonstrations and 18th-century dancing. You may even have the opportunity to to meet “Mrs. Washington.” Visit http://visitalexandriava.com/calendar-of-events for more information.
Dates: Nov. 27- Jan. 6 from 9 a.m., 4 p.m.
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Celebrate Christmas with the Rockette numbers and festive musical compositions. Watch the dazzling Rockette’s perform a wonderful show followed by a live nativity scene. Visit http://radiocitychristmas.com/
Patriot Center Dates: Dec. 15-16 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA
Verizon Center Dates:
Dec. 18-20 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.
601 F St. NW, DC
Cost: $52.50-$80.50
Winter Wonderland Tea
Remember those tea parties you had as a little girl? Well this is a chance to relive those memories. In the extravegantly decorated Belair Mansion, you can enjoy a three-course tea. Be sure to call (301) 809-3089 and make a reservation for this special occasion.
Cost: $24
Dates: Dec. 27 at 4 p.m.
12207 Tulip Grove Dr., Bowie, MD
The Christmas Cabin of Carnaween
Stray from the typical Christmas stories this holiday season with a live performance of an Irish folk tale about a tinker’s child who dreams of one day having a cabin of her own. Visit www.creativecauldron.org for more information.
Cost: $10
Dates: Dec. 5, 12, 19 at 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6, 13, 20 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 11, 18 at 7:30 p.m.
410 S. Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA
Artspace Herndon’s New Year’s Eve Open House
Start the new year off right! Ditch the high school parties and watch movies, have a dance party, and gather around the bonfire on New Year’s Eve at Artspace Herndon.Plus, refreshments are free! Visit www.artspaceherndon.com for more information.
Cost: $0
Time: 5 p.m.- 1 a.m.
750 Center St., Herndon, VA
First Night Alexandria
End 2009 with a bang! Enjoy fireworks at midnight to celebrate the start of the new year. See drama performances at 40 different indoor stages and get your face painted. There are tons of clowns, and other forms of fun. Visit www.firstnightalexandria.org for more information.
Cost: $15 or $0 age 1-12
Time: 5 p.m.- 1 a.m.
Alexandria, VA
Garden In Lights
Grab some friends and take a walk through holiday light exhibits that span over a quarter-mile. Head to the Arts Building to enjoy some hot drinks and cheap entertainment. On December 13 you can bring your pet along on a leash. Visit http://www.annmariegarden.org/Events/GIL/index.htm. for more information.
Cost: $3 Admission, $1 per pet, $2 age 5-12, seniors
Dates: Dec. 4-6, 9-13, 15, 17-23, 26-31, Jan. 1-2 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
13480 Dowell Rd., Solomons, MD
Bull Run Festival of Lights/Winter Wonderland Holiday Village
Drive a two and a half mile stretch of more than 75,000 light displays at The Festival of Lights. In addition to Christmas figures, the lights also form classic winter figures such as snowmen. The nearby Holiday Village offers several carnival rides and ice skating rink where you can demonstrate your skills. Entertainment is also provided. Visit www.nvrpa.org/parks/brfestoflights for more information.
Festival of Lights Dates: Dec. 18-31, Jan. 1-10 from 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Holiday Village Dates: Dec. 18-21 from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Cost Mon-Thurs: $15 Cars, $25 Vans
Cost Fri-Sun: $20 Cars, $30 Vans
7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville
