Weekend: Festival of Lights, 'A Christmas Carol,' More

Looking to get out and have some fun this weekend? Peruse Fairfax County’s Weekender:

Friday, Nov. 28: Black Friday Fun

Holiday Celebration at the Workhouse: Explore the artwork of nearly 100 artists, join in interactive demonstrations and find that perfect gift for everyone on your list – while supporting local artists in your community. Festivities also include Doughnuts with Santa, fine-art projects for children while you shop, an outdoor fire pit for roasting marshmallows, holiday music and theatrical performances throughout the day. Don’t miss the culminating singalong and tree lighting! From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. Parking and admission to general events are free; no registration required. $20/person for Doughnuts with Santa; make reservations online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Also on Friday:

The Thanksgiving Story: Bring the family and holiday guests to this lively and interactive retelling of the Thanksgiving story. From 11 to 11:40 a.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. $5/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Reston Holiday Parade: The 24th annual parade celebrates Reston’s 50th anniversary. Come for a full day of community and cheer including the Gingerbread Man Mile & Tot Trot, visits and photos with Santa, tree lighting, singalong and horse-drawn carriage rides. Parade starts at 11 a.m.; events throughout the day at Reston Town Center. Free. For information, call 703-476-4500.

Flying Squirrels — Gliding in Tonight: Look for flying squirrels at roosting boxes and learn how you can encourage flying squirrels to visit your yard. From 6 to 7 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Bull Run Festival of Lights: Come see the wondrous display of lights daily through Jan. 4. From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday and holidays at Bull Run Regional Park. Admission and carnival ride fees. For information, call 703-631-0550.

Saturday, Nov. 29: Seasonal Stories

American Indian Stories Campfire: Enjoy a campfire and toast marshmallows as you hear traditional American Indian stories about the changes of autumn. From 7 to 8 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.



Also on Saturday:

Children’s Theatre — “A Christmas Carol”: Live onstage! When Scrooge, the owner of a hotel, decides that his employees can’t have the day off to enjoy Christmas with their families, Santa (in disguise), decides it is time for a change. Santa sends the Spirit of Christmas to visit Scrooge and show him his past, present and future. Will Scrooge’s heart change? Come see from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the W3 Theatre, Workhouse Arts Center. $13/adult and $9/under 12. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Sunday, Nov. 30: Reptile Review

Snake and Turtle Feeding: Enjoy a demonstration by animal caretaker staff. Hear what makes a reptile different from an amphibian. Learn to identify the county’s only venomous snake, the northern copperhead. At least one snake, two turtles and a toad will be fed. From 2 to 3 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $5/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

• 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.
  
  
• A complete list of county calendars is also available online.
• To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187.
  
• TTY is 711 unless otherwise indicated.