There are so many events happening this week to choose from you might as well start using your vacation time.
DESIGN
Creating Holiday Boxwood Trees Workshop
Dec. 12
Stunning precise boxwoods are a beautiful addition to any holiday decor. This class has you learning from expert designers and provides you with the boxwood, container and the accoutrements for decorating. // Metro Flower Market, Chantilly
THEATER
It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play
Dec. 14-16
Listen to the classic story of George Bailey in a classic way: a live, 1940s-style radio broadcast by the Prince William Little Theatre. // Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas
VOLUNTEER
Wreaths Across America
Dec. 15
During this time of giving, take some of your time to honor and remember those who have given their lives to this country by taking part the annual wreath laying ceremony. // Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington
SHOPPING
A Pop Up at Park Story
Dec. 15
A shop in Mosaic has the sole purpose of spotlighting local and independent brands. On Dec. 15, Threads by Nomad will take over the space bringing their entire clothing collection and a selection of home gifts, jewelry home and holiday decor. Stop in. Sip on some bubbly. Shop local. // Park Story, Mosaic District
THEATER
The Nutcracker
Dec. 16
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra plays as Fairfax Ballet perform this holiday classic. // George Mason Center for the Arts Concert Hall, Fairfax
SHOPPING
Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market
Weekends, through Dec. 16
Handcrafted fine arts will be on display and for sale at this annual event that will include a multitude of varying mediums from art, textiles and paintings to glass, jewelry and sculpture.
THEATER
A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 16
Scrooge and all his visiting ghosts travel through time to bring about the Christmas spirit. // The Little Theatre of Alexandria, Alexandria
THEATER
Madeline’s Christmas
Through Dec. 23
Children get a laugh with this musical adaptation of the popular stories of Madeline as she creates a magical, memorable Christmas. // Creative Cauldron, Falls Church
HOLIDAY
Christmas at Oatlands
Through Dec.
The historic home is decked out in lighted glory and open for walk through tours. // Historic Oatlands, Leesburg
HOLIDAY
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Through Dec.
Throughout the season Mount Vernon celebrates Christmas with a nod to the past by hosting tours by candlelight and hosting a Howlidays photo station. // Mount Vernon, Alexandria
THEATER
The Nutcracker
Through Dec. 28
The Washington Ballet performs the holiday classic set in 1882 to Tachaikovsky’s score. // Warner Theatre, Washington, D.C.
HOLIDAY
ZooLights at the National Zoo
Through Dec. 31
Lights take the focus at the zoo, at least during the night, during the annual ZooLights event that includes performances, live music and winter treats, plus holiday shopping. // National Zoo, Washington, D.C.
HOLIDAY
LightUP Fest
Through Jan. 2, 2019
One Loudoun celebrates the season with a night that lights up the town center with 77 displays shown during this eight-week exhibition based on four different themes: Tour of Fantasy; Freedom America; Mysterious East and Magical World. Accompanying the light displays will be acrobatics, arts and crafts and cultural fare from China. // One Loudoun, Ashburn
THEATER
Billy Elliot
Through Jan. 6, 2019
Signature Theatre’s Matthew Gardiner puts his spin on the popular musical about an 11-year-old English boy who finds his love of ballet. // Signature Theatre, Shirlington
HOLIDAY
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Through Jan. 6, 2019
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is a night filled with 2.5 miles of illumination ending with a holiday carnival complete with rides, games, snacks and refreshments. // Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville
HOLIDAY
Meadowlark Botanical Garden Winter Walk of Lights
Through Jan. 6, 2019
Meadowlark Botanical Garden hosts hundreds to walk its illuminated paths that hold more than three to four million lights. Concessions are on site. // Meadowlark Botanical Garden, Vienna
SHOPPING
Gifts from the HeART Holiday Shopping
Through Jan. 7, 2019
Artwork is on exhibit and for sale at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery with proceeds going to benefit the nonprofit Cornerstones. Find artwork in the form of watercolors, oils, acrylics, mixed media and more. Dec. 1 is the big Holiday Gift Shopping event where Lake Anne turns into a marketplace with food and more.
