More holiday events are on tap this week, including a few kid-friendly workshops and markets with local vendors.
Folks can finish off the week with showings of classic Christmas movies and holiday concerts.
The local event highlights for Dec. 13-19 are below. Submit your event to our event calendar by filling out this event submission form at least two weeks in advance.
Monday, Dec. 13
Aircraft Noise Mitigation Study Community Meeting
Virtual (Facebook)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Living with aircraft noise from Reagan National Airport? Attend the third community meeting about a noise mitigation study for communities north of DCA, jointly led by Arlington County and Montgomery County. During the Facebook live meeting, officials will provide an update on overall study, present draft recommendations for departure procedures and take questions and comments.
Wednesday, Dec. 15
Kids Baking Class: Annual Holiday Cookie Baking Party
Virtual (Zoom)
Time: 5-7 p.m.
The ChiquiChef will be leading a cookie baking class where kids will be making two different batches of cookies over Zoom. Recipes, an equipment list and a Zoom link will be sent after registration.
Thursday, Dec. 16
Workshop: Hand Sewn Ornaments (9-12 yrs)
Art House 7 (5537 Lee Highway)
Time: 4:15-5:45 p.m.
In this festive 1.5-hour workshop, kids age 9-12 will hand-sew cute felt ornaments and embellish them with beads, sequins and pom-poms. They will bring home keepsakes for the holidays or presents for grandparents. All materials are included in this $50 course.
Free Until Help Arrives Training
Arlington County Fire Training Academy (2800 S. Taylor Street)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Until Help Arrives provides fundamental knowledge and skills civilians can use to help save lives until first responders arrive. The training by Arlington Community Emergency Response Team members will review essential concepts such as: maintaining situational awareness, identifying key life threats, stopping bleeding, moving and positioning the injured and providing psychological support and comfort to the wounded. Prior to the practice, facilitators recommend watching video recordings.
Friday, Dec. 17
Ballston’s Holiday Wreath Market
Ballston Exchange (4201 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Ballston’s first annual Holiday Wreath Market will have music, holiday lights, fresh wreaths for purchase and a pop-up outdoor bar. Proceeds from wreaths will benefit local schools, nonprofits, and other charitable organizations. The event takes place Friday, Dec. 17 from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 18 from 12-7 p.m.
National Landing Holiday Market
2121 Crystal Drive
Time: 5-10 p.m.
In partnership with DCBB Productions, Bun’d Up and Made in Arlington, National Landing’s Holiday Market will be a two-day event local vendors.
Saturday, Dec. 18
Holiday Cheer – National Chamber Ensemble
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
National Chamber Ensemble will perform a holiday concert with classical and contemporary masterpieces and holiday favorites. The event will be in-person, with a streaming option, after a season of virtual performances.
The NCE will limit in-person attendance to less than 50% of the theater capacity to allow patrons to spread out and feel comfortable. Patrons must be fully vaccinated and wear face masks at all times.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 12 p.m.
The Drafthouse will be showing this Frank Capra classic holiday film. In it, an angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman (James Stewart) by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Showings are Saturday, Dec. 18 at 12 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 19 and 3 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m.
A Christmas Story
Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 3:30 p.m.
The Drafthouse will be showing another Christmas classic, “A Christmas Story.” In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift. Showings will take place Saturday, Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 23 at 4 p.m.
* denotes sponsored listing