1st Stage
1524 Spring Hill Road
Tysons, VA 22102
www.1ststage.org
Quilter
December 7 – December 24
General Admission Tickets $55.00
Set on the American frontier, this moving musical tells the story of a group of women who come together to create a quilt that reflects their shared history, struggles, and triumphs. The story blends a series of interrelated scenes into a rich mosaic which captures the sweep and beauty, the terror and joy, the harsh challenge and abiding rewards of frontier life. With soaring harmonies, touching monologues, and stunning choreography, Quilters is a musical experience unlike any other.
Capital One Hall
7750 Capital One Tower Road
Tysons, VA 22102
www.capitalonehall.com
Amy Grant & Michael W Smith:
Christmas Live In Concert
December 4 | Doors 6:00pm
Tickets start at $69.50
Multi-platinum selling Grammy winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith will take their popular Christmas tour on the road this holiday season, joined by very special guest Michael Tait of the Newsboys. This highly-anticipated seasonal show will feature selections spanning the artists’ expansive repertoire of critically-acclaimed holiday albums. The iconic duo loves sharing the stage during their favorite time of year and as a result, the Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith Christmas Tour has become one of the most popular annual holiday events nationwide, with sold-out performances across the country every year!
NatPhil Presents Handel’s Messiah
December 20 | Doors 6:30pm
Tickets Start At $23.00
National Philharmonic presents Handel’s Messiah in a new and novel semi-staged dramatic rendering to usher in the start of your holiday season. From the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the hauntingly beautiful “He Shall Feed His Flock,” this timeless oratorio has captivated audiences for over 250 years. This season, NatPhil reimagines Handel’s masterpiece, drawing on the storytelling of all-star soloists soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams, under the direction of Maestro Piotr Gajewski.
Center for the Arts at George Mason University
4373 Mason Pond Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
cfa.gmu.edu
A Chanticleer Christmas
November 25 | 8:00pm
Tickets: $58.00, $49.00, $34.00
Rejoice! Chanticleer, the GRAMMY Award-winning vocal ensemble, is coming to town to spread warmth and light. A Chanticleer Christmas showcases an inspired and far-ranging repertoire full of new a cappella arrangements of well-known tunes—from Renaissance music to Gospel hymns, Christmas carols from all around the world to songs from the “Great American Songbook.”
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with The Fairfax Ballet
December 16 & 17 | 4:00pm
Tickets: $49.00, $59.00, $69.00, $89.00
The Fairfax Symphony joins The Fairfax Ballet in a special collaboration to present the timeless holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. This production is unique in the Washington metropolitan region as one of few presented with live musical accompaniment. The Fairfax Ballet Company dances to Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by the Fairfax Symphony.
Creative Cauldron
410 South Maple Avenue, Retail 116
Falls Church, VA 22046
www.creativecauldron.org
Madeline’s Christmas
December 1 – 17
Tickets: Tier One $30, Tier Two $20, Students $18
“In an old house in Paris, covered in vines, lived 12 little girls in two straight lines.” And with that familiar phrase, author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans sets in motion the adventures of the brave and resourceful Madeline! In this musical adaptation, Madeline’s schoolmates and tutor are all sick in bed on Christmas Eve, unable to go home for Christmas to be with their families. So it’s Madeline to the rescue! And with the help of a magical rug merchant she takes her friends on a Christmas journey they will never forget.
Jammin’ Java
227 Maple Ave E
Vienna, VA 22180
www.jamminjava.com
Ariel Posen
November 15 | Doors 6:30pm
Tickets Start At $20.00
Ariel Posen’s music occupies the space between genres. It’s a rootsy sound that nods to his influences — heartland rock & roll, electrified Americana, blue-eyed soul, R&B, Beatles-inspired pop — while still moving forward, pushing Posen into territory that’s uniquely his own. Along the way, Posen has received standing ovations not only from his audiences, but also from outlets like Rolling Stone, who dubbed him “a modern-day guitar hero.”
Bill Kirchen’s Honky Tonk Holiday Party
December 9 | Doors 7:00pm
Tickets Start At $35.00
For a real taste of seasonal cheer, nothing says joy to the world like Bill Kirchen singing “Daddy’s Drinkin’ Up Our Christmas!” Bill Kirchen and his Silent Knights will make a stop on their annual Honky Tonk Holiday Tour at Jammin’ Java on Saturday 12/9/2023. Featured is a sleigh-full of rarely heard holiday numbers from the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and honky tonk bags: “Silent Surfin’ Night,” “Truckin’ Trees for Christmas,” “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin,” and more.
McLean Community Center
The Alden Theatre
1234 Ingleside Ave.
McLean, VA 22101
www.mcleancenter.org
“It’s a Jazzy Christmas”
December 9 | 7:00pm
$20.00 MCC district residents
$30.00/$25.00 seniors
Hosted by NBC-4 News Reporter Mark Seagraves, “It’s a Jazzy Christmas” is nonstop entertainment with a house band and a parade of jazz artists: saxophonist Lil’ Maceo, “gospel violinist” Eric Taylor, percussionist MZ Drummer, trumpeter Isaac Byrd Jr. and others.
Barter Players “Frosty”
Decmber 19 | 4:00pm
$10.00 MCC district residents
$15.00/$12.00 seniors
A young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat, and when he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to life! Can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join them on a thrilling quest through New York City as they discover that the real magic of the season is love.
Furia Flamenca
“Navidad Flamenca”
January 6 | 7:00pm
$20.00 MCC district residents
$30.00/$25.00 seniors and students
Come celebrate the holidays the Spanish way by commemorating Día de Reyes (Epiphany). This festive program will take you on a journey of some of the merriest holiday traditions as celebrated in Spain and Puerto Rico. Enjoy an evening of Spanish holiday music and song (villancicos) alongside flamenco dancing.
NextStop Theatre
269 Sunset Park Drive
Herndon, Virginia 20170
www.nextstoptheatre.org
A Steampunk
Christmas Carol
December 2 – 17
General Admission Tickets $25.00
Ebenezer Scrooge is a hard-hearted old miser, who hates Christmas! But when he is visited by the ghost of his long dead business partner and three phantasmagorical spirits, even he can not deny the power of the holiday season. NextStop Theatre celebrates a ten year tradition of “By-Kids-For-Kids” holiday productions, shows suitable for the whole family! Join us for a wildly original and imaginative retelling of the most beloved holiday story of all time!
Reston Community Center
the CenterStage
2310 Colts Neck Rd.
Reston, VA
www.restoncommunitycenter.com
Ravel Dance Studio – The Nutcracker
December 1 | 7:30pm
December 2 & 3 | 2:00pm
Tickets: Adult $45.00, 8 & under $35.00
The Ravel Dance Company will present the beloved holiday tradition “The Nutcracker.” It is Christmas Eve, and the Stahlbaum family’s daughter, Clara, has received a nutcracker from the mysterious toymaker and godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. Follow her journey through the pine forest of angels and snowflakes as the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes her to the Kingdom of Sweets. With lavish costumes and magical dancing, this production promises to be a joyous treat for ballet lovers of all ages.
Reduced Shakespeare Company in The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged)
December 16 | 3:00pm & 8:00pm
Tickets: Reston $25.00, Non-Reston $35.00
The fruitcakes of the Reduced Shakespeare Company take you on an irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays in The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged). It’s festive, funny physical family fun as these Three Wise Guys send up and celebrate your favorite winter holiday traditions. The only holiday show you’ll ever need to see!
Wolf Trap
The Barns at Wolf Trap
1635 Trap Road
Vienna, VA 22182
www.wolftrap.org
säje
November 10 | Doors 6:30pm
Tickets Start At $22.00
Despite a Grammy nomination for their debut single “Desert Song,” vocal group säje is in anything but a drought. A collaboration of singers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage, säje recently released “(You Are) The Oracle,” the second single from their upcoming debut album. The socially conscious and empowered group has garnered a substantial following through social media by showcasing lush harmonies and powerhouse vocals.
Joan Osborne
November 29 & 30 | Doors 6:30pm
Tickets Start At $47.00
Joan Osborne is a seven-time Grammy nominee that shot up the pop charts with her hit single “One of Us” and the multi-platinum album Relish (1995). Osborne exudes a “Whole Wide World” of joy in her performances that include a signature mix of rock, soul, R&B, blues, gospel, country, funk, and pop
Holiday Markets & Craft Shows
37th Annual Holiday Craft Show
November 18 | 10:00am – 5:000pm
November 19 | 10:00am – 3:000pm
Fairfax High School
3501 Lion Run
Fairfax, VA 22030
www.fairfaxva.gov
What started out in 1987 as a very small show has grown to become a premium arts and crafts festival. Artisans from all over the United States, including many local artists, are participating in this year’s show and we are delighted to be able to offer so many wonderful, holiday gift choices.
NVHG Thanksgiving Art & Craft Show
November 24 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
November 25 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
November 26 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Admission $3.00
Vienna Community Center
120 Cherry Street SE
Vienna, VA 22180
www.nvhg.org/shows
This show, which has run for over 30 years, offers original, handmade arts and crafts, including decorative painting; fused, etched, painted, and stained glass; ceramics and pottery; woodworking; handweaving; paintings and drawings; textiles; jewelry; and other crafts.
McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival
December 1 | 11:00am–6:00pm
December 2 | 10:00am–6:00pm
December 3 | 11:00am –4:00pm.
Admission: $5.00
(for all three days of the show)
Free admission for
children 12 & younger
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave.
McLean, VA 22101
www.mcleancenter.org
Experience seasonal cheer at this delightful three-day indoor juried show featuring approximately 80 talented regional artisans. Celebrating more than 40 years, this feast of one-of-a-kind gifts for every budget includes pottery, glass, jewelry, holiday decor, mixed media, fashion accessories, wood, fine art, artisanal foods, soaps and more. Stroll to music as you shop and enjoy a beverage or lunch at the onsite café.
Gifts from the HeART Shopping Event
December 2 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
RCC Lake Anne
1609-A Washington Plaza N,
Reston, VA 20190
restoncommunitycenter.com
Beautiful original artwork, remarkable ceramics, stunning jewelry and many other one-of-a-kind items will be sold by the artists. This event takes place in conjunction with the annual Gifts from the HeART Exhibit, which showcases original works of art in a variety of media and a wide range of sizes and prices. Artists are asked to donate 10% of the proceeds to benefit the ongoing community work of Cornerstones.
Holiday Gift and Craft Show
December 2 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
December 3, | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Falls Church Community Center
223 Little Falls St.
Falls Church, VA 22046
www.fallschurchva.gov
Deck the halls during the holiday season with special gifts from the annual Holiday Gift and Craft Show. Nearly 40 crafters and merchants show their wares selling unique handmade items, baked goods,
and more.
Fairfax City Holiday Market
December 1 – 3 | Decenber 8 –10
Fridays 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturdays 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Sundays 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Old Town Square
Fairfax, VA
www.fairfaxva.gov
Support your local artist and do some Holiday shopping during the first two weekends in December! Craft vendors will vary between the two weekends, bringing you a variety of vendors to check out. While you’re shopping around, enjoy the sounds of live music, dance, and more!
Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show
December 2 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
December 3, | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Ida Lee Recreation Center
Leesburg, VA
www.leesburgva.gov
No big-box shopping here! This show features local and regional artisans selling hand-made items including candles, stained glass, carved wood, jewelry, table linens, and more. Find something for everyone on your shopping list and a little something to brighten your home this season. Admission and parking for this show are free.
Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
Decmber 3 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Herndon Community Center
814 Ferndale Ave.
Herndon, VA
www.herndon-va.gov
Over 70 artisans and craftspeople will exhibit and sell their work at this annual arts and crafts show sponsored by the Town of Herndon Department of Parks and Recreation. A variety of handcrafted items and fine art will be on sale including wreaths, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, decorations, original artwork, photography, stained glass, and more. Delectable homemade goodies and treats will also be for sale including cookies, macarons, salsas, and dip and soup mixes, to extra flavor to your holiday and gift-giving!
Vienna Open Air Holiday Artisan Market
Decmber 3 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
243 Church Street NW
Vienna VA
www.viennaartssociety.org
This market is always an anticipated and fun event! It is the perfect gift buying venue for those you love, or yourself!! All handmade gifts, art and foods!
Herndon WinterMarkt
Decmber 9 | 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Corner of Lynn & Station St
Herndon, VA
www.herndonwintermarkt.com
The Herndon WinterMarkt is bringing the Old World charm of Christmas in Europe to our community. Our market is focused on showcasing the diversity of our community and the surrounding DC Metro area, in our lovely historic town. This event is a family-focused with entertainment, and activities for all members of the household while bringing the charm of this European tradition to Herndon.
Holiday Light Displays
Bull Run Festival of Lights
November 10 – January 7
Bull Run Regional Park
7700 Bull Run Drive
Centreville, VA 20121
www.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights
$30.00 per vehicle online
Every year from November until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow.
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
November 10 – January 7
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court
Vienna, VA 22182
www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights
$18.00 online
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail aglow with countless sparkling lights. Take an evening walk through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens adorned with lighted trees and displays featuring nature, winter, and holiday themes. Sip on a cozy, hot beverage (with or without spirits) as you walk and roast marshmallows for your s’mores to finish out the evening.
Winter Lantern Festival
November 24 – February 18
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II
8025 Galleria Dr
Tysons, VA 22102
www.winterlanternfestival.com
Step into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. A whimsical walk-through experience to light up and warm up the holiday season!
