The county’s annual tribute to King will be livestreamed on Sunday at 5 p.m., featuring music, dance and spoken word.
Kimberly Gordon will sing three songs, including “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Spoken word artist Kim B. Miller will share her work. Dancer Kamali Hill will perform to “Freedom” and Mahalia Jackson’s version of “Down by the River Side.” Malachi Alexander will dance to “It Ain’t Over” by Maurette Brown Clark.
The Volunteer Arlington’s MLK Day of Service will begin with a virtual ceremony Monday at 9 a.m. followed by a number of opportunities to be civically engaged both virtually and in person.
At the opening ceremony, the winner of the organization’s “Arlington Cares Challenge” will be announced and a $200 donation made toward the local nonprofit they featured in a 1-minute video posted on social media.
The #ArlingtonCares Video Challenge deadline has been extended to Wednesday, January 12 at 5:00 p.m. ET! There is still time to make a quick 1-minute video for a chance to help a local nonprofit earn a $200 donation. https://t.co/h3QZqkQdao
The Ballston Quarter location of Heart + Paw (courtesy photo)
Dog parents can get a few photos of their furry best friend with Santa while chowing down on free donuts in Ballston over the next couple of days.
This Friday afternoon (Dec. 17) from 1-3 p.m., four-legged locals can join Santa outside of Ballston Quarter’s Hearts + Paw for holiday pet photos. The combination veterinarian, dog daycare, and grooming business opened in May.
Then, on Saturday, free donuts and hot cocoa kits from District Doughnut will be available at the mall from 1-3 p.m. along with $25 gift cards to REWILD, the trendy plant shop that opened at Ballston Quarter earlier this fall. The snacks and gift cards are available while supplies last with only one giveaway given per person. Holiday tunes will also be spun by local D.J. Cyndi Tran.
Both events are taking place at and hosted by Ballston Quarter on Wilson Blvd.
Elsewhere in Ballston this weekend is a holiday wreath market at the corner of Wilson Blvd and N. Stuart Street. That event is being organized by the Ballston BID and will feature live music, a local TikTok star (the cello-playing one), a light art projection, holiday wreaths for sale, and Santa selfies.
There’s plenty of other holiday cheer in Arlington this weekend with Christmas now just over a week away. There’s the Rosslyn holiday market (with Santa and dog photos, too), holiday light displays in Crystal City, and a number of local Christmas tree sales (depending on availability among the current tree shortage).
Wreaths on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 24, 2019 (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)
(Updated at 11:25 a.m.) The annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery is set to take place this weekend.
The event is taking place on Saturday, Dec. 18. It will look a little different due to the pandemic, according to Wreaths Across America, the organization that puts it on.
Volunteers who wish to help place wreaths on the gravestones of fallen military servicemembers are required to register in advance. They will then show their email confirmation and a photo ID to participate, the event’s website says. Face coverings are required in any indoor part of the cemetery.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of all those that want to participate, and as such, will have designated entry gates and times for a limited number of registered volunteers to enter,” Wreaths Across America said.
COVID-19 almost halted the event last year, as it was initially canceled but later reinstated — as former President Donald Trump rushed to take credit for the reversal. Last year, 1.7 million wreaths from Maine were placed on gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 2,800 other locations nationwide.
“As one of the largest veteran cemeteries in the United States, the goal of placing a wreath on every marker is lofty,” the nonprofit said. “Our volunteers are committed to Remembering and Honoring our nation’s veterans through the laying of wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud.”
This past Sunday, family pass holders had the opportunity to lay wreaths at their loved ones’ graves prior to public access.
Wreaths Across America is also accepting individual wreath sponsorships. In the past, the nonprofit has been the subject of scrutiny for its close ties to a Maine wreath manufacturer, both of which are run by the same family.
Arlington County police are planning a number of road closures in the area, associated with the wreath-laying event. More from ACPD:
The annual Wreaths Across America escort of handmade, balsam wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery will begin arriving in Arlington County on Friday, December 17th. The annual convoy of wreaths, originating in Maine and ending at Arlington National Cemetery, includes over 75 tractor trailers and numerous support vehicles that will reach the Cemetery at various times throughout the day.
On Saturday, December 18th, several thousand volunteers will descend upon the Cemetery and help lay wreaths on every gravesite throughout the property beginning at 8:00 a.m. The public can anticipate large crowds and heavy pedestrian traffic related to the event. Traffic is expected to be impacted in and around the immediate area and motorists are advised to allow for extended travel times and seek alternate routes to reduce road congestion.
Ballston Holiday Wreath Market (courtesy of Ballston BID)
Holiday Cheer National Chamber Ensemble concert (courtesy photo)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 58th annual Miracle on 23rd Street (Photo courtesy of Melwood)
A miracle is shutting down a portion of 23rd Street S. near Crystal City tonight (Friday).
The 58th edition of the holiday event “Miracle on 23rd Street” is taking place on Friday night from 7-9 p.m. at 750 23rd Street S. in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood.
The event will feature a Christmas tree lighting, hot chocolate, a “holiday-themed virtual reality experience,” music from the Bluemont Brass Quintet, and, of course, an appearance from Santa Claus, who usually arrives via fire truck. It is being put on by the local non-profit Melwood, which advocates and employs people with differing abilities.
Online registrations are being requested, though walk-up attendees will be accepted.
“Miracle on 23rd Street” will also close a one block stretch of traffic in both directions for several hours.
From 6-9 p.m., 23rd Street S. in between S. Hayes Street and S. Grant Street will be closed off to vehicular traffic, Arlington County police said.
Last year’s event was mostly virtual, though Santa did drive around the neighborhood.
TRAFFIC ALERT ⚠️: S. 23rd St. between S. Hayes St. and S. Grant St. will be closed in both directions from 6 PM to 9 PM on Friday, December 3 for the annual Miracle on 23rd Street. https://t.co/VJyo5Y8HfB
The drive will be held on both Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 4 and 5), from noon to 7 p.m., outside of the Knights of Columbus Arlington Council 2473 at 5115 Little Falls Road, in the Rock Spring neighborhood.
Like last year, the event will be drive-thru only, with uniformed Marines, volunteers, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus greeting folks and helping to gather toys. There will also be thousands of Christmas lights decorating the 117-year-old building and festive inflatables to get all in the mood.
The organization is also known for annually providing Thanksgiving meals to those in the community who are in need.
2020 marked the first year for the toy drive. Organized by Knights of Columbus member Myles McMorrow and his wife Kate Gilchrist, the community’s dedication last year caught them by surprise.
“We were just shocked at the outpouring,” McMorrow tells ARLnow. “We thought we may get a couple hundred toys. But, then, the cars kept on coming, coming, and coming.”
In the end, McMorrow says they collected nearly 4,000 toys for needy children. The hope, of course, is that the number will be topped this year.
What’s needed most this holiday season are toys for infants to 2-year-olds, as well as toys for older kids ages 11 to 14, notes McMorrow.
When collected, all the toys will be shipped down to the Toys for Tots facility near Fredericksburg, from which the organization, run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, will distribute the gifts.
McMorrow believes the reason for the drive’s success so far is because many offices are either still shut down or at reduced capacity with more people working from home. Traditionally, offices are where such holiday donation drives take place. People still want to give, but the opportunities to do this are fewer given remote work, he notes.
If folks can’t make the trip this weekend, boxes will be available at the Knights of Columbus for toy drop-off through Christmas.
Even during an extremely tough 20 months for all, McMorrow remains amazed at the local desire to help others.
“People pulled up with van loads [of toys],” he says about last year’s drive. “I mean, the whole back of their Yukon was just full of toys. People are very generous.”
Chanukah on Ice (via Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington)
The Village at Shirlington is hosting its annual holiday event “Light Up the Village” (courtesy of Federal Realty Investment Trust)
30 Minute HIT open house promotional poster (courtesy photo)
The annual holiday bazaar at Washington-Liberty High School (courtesy photo)
A new accessory dwelling unit by Backyard.Homes in Arlington (courtesy photo)
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Metropolitan School of the Arts will be performing this classic holiday ballet, featuring more than 120 performers. Discounted rates are available for Girls Scouts.
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.
The event, organized by the Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, will include skating, latkes, kosher hot dogs, a raffle, and the lighting of a six-foot menorah for the fifth night of Hanukkah. It will take place from 6-8 p.m. and is family-friendly.
In case of heavy rain, the ice skating rink will close, but as of right now, weather looks clear and seasonably warm for Thursday.
This fire meets ice holiday event has been held for at least a decade. In past years, Arlington officials have provided their presence and helped light the menorah. No word yet who might be there this year, though.
“Chanukah on Ice” isn’t the only festival of lights event going on this week in Arlington.
On Tuesday night (Nov. 30), the Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington will also host a menorah lighting outside of the organization’s headquarters at 1307 N. Highland Street in Clarendon starting at 6 p.m. There will be music, latkes, dredels, chocolate, and pre-packaged jelly donuts for all.
Congregation Etz Hayim at 2920 Arlington Blvd is putting on a family Hanukkah party on Sunday (Dec. 5), the last day of the holiday. Games, magic, and latkes will be the entertainment, plus there’ll be a sock collection for local non-profit Bridges to Independence.
Hanukkah (or “Chanukah”), the festival of lights, began last night and will continue for eight nights. The holiday will conclude next Sunday night (Dec. 5).
The Village at Shirlington is hosting its annual holiday event “Light Up the Village” (Photo courtesy of Federal Realty Investment Trust)
The Village at Shirlington is hosting its annual holiday event “Light Up the Village” (courtesy of Federal Realty Investment Trust)
The lights are coming on at Shirlington next week.
On Thursday (Dec. 2), the Village at Shirlington is hosting the holiday event “Light Up the Village” from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
The event will feature a Christmas tree lighting, caroling from Bishop O’Connell students, strolling entertainment, performances from Signature Theatre, horse and carriage rides, and selfies with Santa. The evening is being emceed by NBC Channel 4’s Jummy Olabanji and will benefit event partner non-profit Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).
While horse and carriage rides are free and there’s no need to sign up in advance, donations to AFAC are welcomed.
“Donations of non-perishables and cash to benefit AFAC will be accepted from those taking a horse and carriage ride,” writes a spokesperson for Federal Realty Investment Trust, which owns the retail and restaurant center, which is set for eventual redevelopment. “AFAC volunteers will be onsite at the horse and carriage rides to collect these donations.”
Attendees will be able to “sip and stroll” with an an alcoholic drink from a local, participating restaurant.
Performers and musicians from Signature Theatre’s current production of Rent will be performing about a half dozen holiday and winter songs during the event as well.
Shirlington has seen a number of new businesses put down roots recently. In the last two months, Bearded Goat Barbershop, CHIKO, and F45 gym all have opened.
Encore Stage’s Enchanted Bookshop Christmas (Photo courtesy of Encore Stage/ Cindy Kane Photography)
As the region creeps back closer to normal, and with the holiday season now upon us, in-person performing arts are making a comeback.
Local theaters are once again welcoming back audiences for an assortment of concerts and productions.
If you’re interested in seeing a show and gaining some cultural enrichment while sitting among fellow humans, below are a few Arlington options to consider over the next few months.
The cast of Signature Theater’s Rent (Photo courtesy of Signature Theater/Christopher Mueller)
Safety Precautions: Proof of vaccinations or a negative test are required to attend a live, indoor performance at Signature Theater. Masks are also required at all times.
Details: In-person theater is back at Signature Theater with an all-new production of the iconic musical Rent.
“RENT is a musical about love, loss and community,” wrote director Matthew Gardiner in the press release. “After this past year where we’ve all felt isolated and disconnected, reopening Signature’s doors with this story about beautiful warriors and agents for change who found each other amidst unimaginable loss feels incredibly resonant.”
Where: Gunston Arts Center, Theater 1 at 2700 S. Lang Street
Safety Precautions: Masks are required for everyone in the audience, including staff and students, except for children under the age of two. Concessions will only be available by pre-order and patrons must eat and drink outdoors.
Details: A sequel (with a holiday spin) to “Enchanted Bookshop,” which was performed at Encore Stage in 2019. Encore did two drive-by productions prior to moving back inside earlier this fall.
It’s four days before Christmas and a very special present has gone missing. Help come-to-life book characters solve the mystery and save the day. Enchanted Bookshop Christmas for all ages that’s 90 minutes including intermission.
Synetic Theater’s Cinderella (Photo courtesy of Synetic Theater/Johnny Shryock Photography)
Safety Precautions: All audience members over the age of 12 are required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test along with an ID. Children under 12 are not required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative. Masks are required at all times and concessions will not be sold during the performance.
Details: This is a modern re-telling of the classic magical tale of “a striking clock, a glass slipper, and a brave young woman who dares to pursue her wildest dreams.”
Synetic Theater kept active throughout the pandemic by streaming performances and doing outdoor theater earlier this fall.
Known for wordless physical theater, this performance is family-friendly as well as appealing to non-English speakers due to the fact that there’s little dialogue.
Where: Gunston Arts Center, Theater 2 at 2700 S. Lang Street
Safety Precautions: Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test are mandatory for entry. Face coverings must be worn at all times while in the building.
Details: This autobiographical one-man show from one of America’s most acclaimed playwrights, August Wilson, stars William Newman, who some might know as the Chief Judge of Arlington’s Circuit Court. This isn’t Newman’s first starring role on the stage, either.
The performance deals with mature themes and is not suitable for all ages.
BallotNova’s The Nutcracker (Photo courtesy of BalletNova)
Where: Kenmore Middle School at 200 S. Carlin Springs Road
Safety Precautions: Attendees 12 years old and over are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within the past three days. All attendees are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated dancers over the age of 12 will not be wearing masks while performing.
Details: This BalletNova’s first live, in-person performance in nearly two years. This rendition has all-new choreography, sets, and costumes “that are sure to make this year’s production our most magical yet,” artistic director Matthew Powell writes ARLnow.
“There are also a few fun surprises in store, but we can’t give away all of our secrets,” he notes.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or on the website. The production is suitable for all ages.
National Chamber Ensemble’s Holiday Cheer (Photo via National Chamber Ensemble)
Safety Precautions: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test within the last 72 hours. Audience members must wear masks at all times as required by Arlington County.
Details: For the long-running community theater company, this William Shakespeare comedy is its first show back at Thomas Jefferson Community Theater. This past fall, the Arlington Players had an in-person, outdoor performance at Lubber Run Amphitheater.
A Midnight Summer’s Dream is family-friendly and open to all ages.
Know of any other upcoming performing arts shows in the area worth considering? Let us know in the comments.
