Holiday events are in full swing this week, with ample opportunities to support local vendors, sip seasonal hot drinks and give back to the community.
Some of the local event highlights for Dec. 6-12 are below. Submit your event to our event calendar by filling out this event submission form at least two weeks in advance.
Wednesday, Dec. 8
Comedian Josh Johnson at Arlington Drafthouse
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7 p.m.
Comedian Josh Johnson, who has appeared on The Daily Show, will crack jokes at Arlington Drafthouse with special guest and fellow comedian Logan Nielsen, who co-hosts the Josh Johnson Show podcast with Johnson.
Thursday, Dec. 9
Arlington Reads: Imbolo Mbue in Conversation with Diane Kresh
Online
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Join Arlington Public Library online for a conversation between novelist Imbolo Mbue and Library Director Diane Kresh about Mbue’s book “How Beautiful We Were.”
Rosslyn Tree Lighting
Central Place Plaza (1800 N. Lynn Street)
Time: 5 p.m.
Stop by Central Plaza to watch the lighting of a Christmas tree in Rosslyn. There will be beer, wine and spiked hot cider from Open Road, a photo-op in Santa’s chair, performances by the H-B Woodlawn Secondary School choir, a live mariachi band and raffle prizes. WJLA will lead a countdown to the neighborhood tree lighting, which will be live-streamed to Facebook. As a bonus, The View of DC will remain open until 9 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 10
Rosslyn Holiday Market
Central Place Plaza (1800 N. Lynn Street)
Time: 5-8 p.m.
For two days, folks can browse wares from local vendors selling crafts, handmade clothing, natural beauty products and treats, grab photo ops with Santa and sip festive drinks. Friday’s market will be dog-friendly and Saturday’s market, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be family-friendly, capped by a special holiday performance of “The Miraculous Magical Balloon” by Synetic Theater at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 11
BSA Troop 647 Food Drive
Church of the Covenant (2666 Military Road)
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Folks can donate unopened canned or packaged dry food to Arlington Food Assistance Center through this annual Boy Scouts food drive. The troop asks that donations are boxed up or bagged, and that donors avoid glass packaging and perishable items. Those who cannot get to the church can email [email protected] to see if scouts can pick up their donations.
Scouts will be accepting old worn-out American flags, as well as state, county and other national flags, to be properly “retired.” Flags should be brought in plastic bags.
Stuff the Sleigh
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spread holiday cheer to animals and help AWLA “stuff the sleigh” (a transport van) by donating the most-needed supplies from its holiday wishlist. Donations will benefit animals at the shelter and pet families in the community who need a little extra support this holiday season.
Sunday, Dec. 12
Winter Bazaar at the Arlington Drafthouse
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shop and support local and regional vendors at a holiday market hosted by Arlington Drafthouse. The bar will be open for those looking to sip while they shop.
Peppermint Mocha Competition
National Landing (2121 Crystal Drive)
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The National Landing Business Improvement District is putting on its inaugural Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition, featuring local coffee shops that specialize in festive lattes. Guests will be able to sample signature holiday drinks from Commonwealth Joe, The Freshman and Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen and vote for their favorite. There will also be a live DJ and branded coffee swag.