Weekender: Holiday Happenings in Fairfax County

Editor’s note: Information is courtesy of Fairfax County:

Friday, Dec. 18: Holiday Ho-Ho!

Exhibit – Santa Through the Ages: The story of Santa is endearing and famous worldwide. This colorful exhibit depicts Santa through a variety of objects. Discover the history behind this jolly old elf as part of a guided tour of festive Sully. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (through Jan. 29; daily — except Tuesdays) at Sully Historic Site. Tour cost is $7/person, $6/student, $5/senior or child; pay at site. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Saturday, Dec. 19: Seasonal Songs

In Concert – O, Holy Night: Carolers perform some of the world’s most beautiful music to celebrate the Christmas season. Join a musical sleigh ride on a journey of music, love, laughter and memories sure to delight all. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. in the W3 Theatre, Workhouse Arts Center. Also on Sunday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m.$15/adult, $8/youth or student. Buy tickets online. For information, call703-585-2900.

Also on Saturday:

65th Anniversary Party and Puppet Show: Celebrate the park’s 65th anniversary with a free holiday party and puppet show at the visitor center beginning at 10 a.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. See the “Crooning with the Critters” interactive musical puppet show at 10:45 a.m., pet live farm animals outside, meet officials and enjoy hot cocoa, cider and cookies inside. Event is free; however, donations will support Frying Pan Farm Park summer camp scholarships. No registration required. For information, call 703-324-8662.

Holiday Open House: Help kick off this year’s Penguin Winter Reading Club at the annual Holiday Open-House. Enjoy music, face-painting, holiday crafts and library tours. Shop the Friends book sale shelves for holiday gifts. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Martha Washington Library. Call or visit for a schedule of events. All ages. Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-768-6700.

Rainbow Rocks Winter Celebration: The Rainbow Lady and her friend Gus perform classic and original children’s songs. Kids can participate with microphones, tambourines, xylophones and more. From 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at Thomas Jefferson Library. All ages. Free; register online. For information, call 703-573-1060.

John Eaton Holiday Spectacular: Jazz pianist, musicologist and humorist John Eaton will treat you to an afternoon of American songbook standards and commentary. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. $35/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Victorian Candlelight Tour : Enjoy Victorian-era traditions as you meet Sully’s Santa, hear a reading of A Visit from St. Nicholas and see the Christmas tree decorated according to an 1885 memory. Make a tree decoration based on a Victorian original, see a puppet show, and enjoy cider and sugar cakes. Tours begin at 4:45 with a new tour starting every 15 minutes. The last tour begins at 7 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Ages 5 and up. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Campfire Saturdays – Lake Accotink :The whole family can explore the woodlands and lakefront spots where wildlife hides and resides. Program ends with a cozy campfire; s’mores provided. Topics vary. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Meet at the marina. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.

Ballroom Social Dance: Put on your dancing shoes and come out for an evening of social ballroom dance led by an instructor. Bring a friend, a date or a group and enjoy a casual, fun night out. All skill levels welcome. Mini-lesson on the fox trot, 7:30 to 8 p.m. Social dance led by a professional ballroom instructor from 8 to 10:30 p.m. McGuire-Woods Gallery (second floor of W-16), Workhouse Arts Center. $10/person (Ballroom Social) and $5/person (mini-lesson). Mini-lesson tickets sold only at the door. Ballroom Social Dance tickets may be purchased online, by phone or at the door. For information call 703-584-2900.

Melinda Doolittle – It Must be Love: Melinda Doolittle became a household name on season six of “American Idol.” Since her time on Idol, she has wowed audiences everywhere from the White House to the Musicians Hall of Fame, and from the Kennedy Center to Carnegie Hall. In an evening filled with songs ranging from your favorite American standards to top 40 hits, the soul songstress brings her indelible charm and powerhouse vocals. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The CenterStage, Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. $35/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-476-4500.

Sunday, Dec. 20: My Favorite Things

McLean Symphony Holiday Celebration: The McLean Symphony, featuring Tanya Anisimova on cello, will treat your ears to a variety of music including “Angels We Have Heard on High,” a carol sing-along, children’s songs, Hanukah medley and Richard Rodgers’ “My Favorite Things,” among other music. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. $25/adult, $20/senior or $15/student. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Note: Happy Holidays! Weekender will be back for the Jan. 8-10, 2016, weekend events.

Information was correct at time of publication. Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.

The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of county events taking place each weekend. Many more events and activities can be found at the Parks and Library pages, and elsewhere on the Fairfax County website. Additionally, the towns of Herndon and Vienna as well as the city of Falls Church offer many arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.