Weekend: Christmas Crafts, Puppet Show, Holiday Concert

Here’s what’s going on this weekend at Fairfax County Parks. Information courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender:

Friday, Dec. 4: Get in the Spirit

McLean Holiday Craft Show: Now in its 33rd year, this show attracts nearly 70 fine artisans from across the country. This highly regarded and much-anticipated juried show features fiber arts, wood, ceramics, pottery, jewelry, glass, holiday decor, items for children, gourmet foods, paper art, photography, sculpture, paintings and more. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the McLean Community Center. $5/person; children 12 or younger are free; admission is good for all three days. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Saturday, Dec. 5: Get Arts and Crafts

38th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show: Shop at one of Northern Virginia’s largest holiday shows and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Top-quality handmade arts and crafts will be offered by nearly 120 of the area’s finest artisans. Shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Audrey Moore RECenter. Admission is $2/person; children ages 12 and under free. Door prizes will be awarded. For information, call 703-321-7081.

Also on Saturday:

Children’s Holiday Shopping: Children get to do their own gift shopping. Volunteers help them shop for everybody on their holiday list. The Country Store stocks many unique items in all price ranges with many items under $10. Free wrapping ensures surprises for family and friends. No reservations required. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Meet at the Old Floris School House. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Winter Wreath Workshop: Create a beautiful, winter wreath after Green Spring staff demonstrate the dazzling possibilities. Greens, forms, ribbon and cones are included in the supply fee. From 10 a.m. to noon at Green Springs Garden. Ages 14 and up. $38/person workshop and $25/person supply fee. Please register for both the program and supply fee. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Holidays Around the World: The whole family can sing holiday songs from around the world with Cody and BJ. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library. All ages. Register online. For information, call 703-971-0010.

Mystery Author Extravaganza: Twenty authors from the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime will talk about the new books and short stories they published in 2015. Booksellers from Mystery Loves Company will sell books and the authors will be ready to sign them. From 1 to 3:15 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. Seating is limited, come early! Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-689-2700.

Blue Sky Puppets Present Pigs at the Pole: Santa’s in trouble...the elves have the flu...presents need to be made...he calls for help! Join us for a hilarious action packed show. From 2 to 3 p.m. at Kingstowne Library. Ages 6-12. Free; register online. For information, call 703-339-4610.

Tips and Tricks for Holiday Entertaining: Get ready for the holidays! Whether it’s a simple dinner for four or a holiday event for fifty, professional chef Cal Kraft returns to share his techniques and trade secrets to pulling off the best holiday parties. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Kings Park Library. All ages. Free; register online. For information, call 703-978-5600.

The Wonder of the Season – Around the World: It’s not the holiday season in Reston without listening to and enjoying the annual musical celebration performed by the Reston Chorale. The Chorale’s 2015 Holiday Concert will feature holiday music from around the world. Join your friends and neighbors, bring the family and savor the musical feast. From 4:30 to 6 p.m. or 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Community Room, Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. $25/adult, $20/senior (62 and older); and free for youth (17 and younger) with a ticketed adult or senior. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-476-4500.

Sunday, Dec. 6: Get Gardening Gifts

Gardeners’ Holiday – Puppet Show and Open House: A festive day for gardeners of all ages, individuals and families. See holiday decorations and seasonal displays, enjoy holiday music, stroll the gift shop and more. From noon to 4 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Register in advance for the puppet shows at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. ($3/person) and the trackless train rides every half-hour ($3/person). Free admission to displays. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Also on Sunday:

Deck the Halls: Tour the historic house with a focus on holiday decorations — the history, style and materials. Create your own wreath to take home using cuttings from the historic property. Before you leave, enjoy hot cider and cookies. Two times – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Ages 12 and up. $20/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Stream Side Salamanders: Even in winter we can find salamanders. Northern dusky and two-lined salamanders are active all year, so take a hike to a nearby stream to search. From 1 to 2 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Ages 8 and up. $5/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

• 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.