(Updated 2:45 p.m.) With Thanksgiving over, Arlington is gearing up for Chanukah and Christmas.
This week, folks can enjoy cozy foods and drinks and festive lights while getting in a spot of holiday shopping. To see some Christmas magic, head to Alexandria for a performance of The Nutcracker.
Some of the local event highlights for Nov. 29 through Dec. 5 are below. Submit your event to our event calendar by filling out this event submission form at least two weeks in advance.
Tuesday, Nov. 30
Light Up Arlington — Clarendon Menorah Lighting*
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington (1307 N. Highland Street)
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Enjoy latkes, hot cocoa and donuts while watching the lighting of a 9-foot Menorah at this community celebration of the festival of lights. Admission is free for this event, but registration is required as capacity is limited.
Thursday, Dec. 2
Chanukah on Ice 2021*
Pentagon Row Ice Rink (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Can’t attend the Light Up Arlington celebration? Chabad Lubavitch has another event on the calendar this week. On Thursday, there will be skating at the Pentagon Row outdoor rink, with latkes, kosher hot dogs and donuts to eat and the lighting of a 6-foot Menorah. This event is $13, including skate rental, and food is sold separately.
Light up the Village at Shirlington
Village at Shirlington (4280 Campbell Ave)
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Sip, stroll and shop around The Village while enjoying performances from Signature Theatre and caroling from Obbligato Music and Bishop O’Connell High School, as well as horse and carriage rides and an appearance from Santa.
Friday, Dec. 3
19th Annual Artful Weekend at Fort C. F. Smith Park*
Fort C. F. Smith Park (2411 24th Street N.)
Time: 3-8 p.m.
Get your holiday shopping in at the historic Hendry House, where Gallery Underground will be featuring more than 30 Arlington-based artists. Their works — from paintings, ceramics and sculpture to jewelry, glasswork and artist’s cards — will be available for purchase. There will be an opening reception Friday night at 6 p.m., and the show will run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday, Dec. 4
30 Minute Hit Arlington Open House*
30 Minute Hit Arlington (4001 9th Street N., #105)
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A new, women-only, high-intensity gym in Ballston is hosting an open house for the whole family. Moms can learn about the circuit workouts while kids can get their face painted and do crafts. There will also be food and music.
Washington-Liberty H.S. Annual Holiday Bazaar*
Washington-Liberty High School (1301 N. Stafford Street)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The covered parking decks next to Washington-Liberty High School will be transformed into a holiday market with many vendors selling jewelry, crafts, clothing and more, as well as the school’s student clubs and activities fundraising booths. Admission and parking are free, and there will be food and drink to purchase.
The Nutcracker — Metropolitan School of the Arts*
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center (4915 E. Campus Drive, Alexandria)
Time: 12-1:30 p.m.
Metropolitan School of the Arts will be performing this classic holiday ballet, featuring more than 120 performers. Discounted rates are available for Girls Scouts.
Accessory Dwelling Open House and Tour*
(Address available after registration)
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Curious to know more about what Accessory Dwelling Units can look like? Backyard.Homes will be opening up one of its newest ADUs in Arlington for tours of the unit, which is not for sale or rent, on Saturday and Sunday from 1-3 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 5
Alternative Christmas Market*
First Presbyterian Church (601 N. Vermont Street)
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Find fabulous goods from local charities and international co-ops to give to friends and family on Sunday at First Presbyterian Church.
* denotes sponsored listing