Weekend: Hayrides, Campfires, Santa, Astronomy + More

Information courtesy of Fairfax County’s The Weekender:

Friday, Dec. 11: Christmas Classic

The Nutcracker: The sights and sounds of this timeless classic come to life through the stunning performance by the Conservatory Ballet and soaring music of Tchaikovsky. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the CenterStage, Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. Also on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. $25/person; $20/under age 12. Buy ticketsonline. For information, call 703-860-4560.

Also on Friday:

Rockhounders – Fall Series: The popular summer camp is now a fall series for children ages 6 to 12. This hands-on approach to geology includes rock/mineral classification, plate tectonics, fossils and collecting. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Topics vary each week. $7/child. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Saturday, Dec. 12: Skating Show

Holiday Ice Show: Watch talented figure skaters show off their moves. The show features the Mount Vernon Ice Arena’s most experienced skaters, as well as beginners of all ages. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon RECenter. Free admission. For information, call 703-768-3224.

Also on Saturday:

Rufus, the Red-Nosed Raindog: Join us for a holiday puppet show presented by Blue Sky Puppet Theatre. From 10:30 to 11:05 a.m. at Woodrow Wilson Library. Free; register online. For information, call 703-820-8774.

Crooning With the Critters Holiday Puppet Show: Kick off the winter reading program with the Goodlife Theater’s interactive musical puppet show. From 11 a.m. to noon at Kings Park Library. All ages. Free; registeronline. For information, call 703-978-5600.

Holiday Horse-Drawn Hayrides and Campfire: Enjoy holiday music and merriment on a horse-drawn wagon ride. Warm up with seasonal treats available for purchase at the snack bar and settle in to share stories around a toasty campfire, as well as visit with Santa and tell him what’s on your wish list. Dress for the weather and plan on a brisk walk from the parking lot. Horse-drawn hayride seating is limited. A tractor-pulled wagon will be available once seats on the horse-drawn wagon are sold out. Hayrides start at noon and run every 20 minutes until 2:45 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. $12/person includes a seat on the horse-drawn wagon and a visit with Santa in the pavilion. Children ages 2 and under are free with a paying adult. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.

Holidays at Walney Farm: Celebrate the winter holidays with the Machen family at Walney Farm. Learn about the gifts and foods of an 1850 Virginia farm, create your own historic holiday ornament and enjoy hot apple cider and baked treats. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Ages 2 and up. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Family Fun – Holiday Craft Party: Join us for an afternoon of holiday crafts and activities in the festive Horticulture Center. Make custom greeting cards and create nature-inspired ornaments to give or display. Listen to stories of celebrations around the world as you enjoy tea and cookies. From 1 to 3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Ages 5 and up. $12/person. All participants must register. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Santa at the Mill: Enjoy old-fashioned family holiday fun by visiting Santa in the mill and seeing the Christmas tree trimmed with Victorian decorations. Join the costumed 49th Virginia Volunteer Infantry caroling around a bonfire. Roast marshmallows and make a family craft. From 3 to 6 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill. Ages 3 and up. $5/person. Pay at site; no reservations required. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Civil War by Candlelight: Experience a Civil War Christmas as Confederate soldiers cook dinner in the field and fire the Christmas guns. Enjoy music by Evergreen Shade, make a 19th-century holiday decoration and sample hot cider and homemade cookies. Tours begin at 4:45 with a new tour starting every 15 minutes at Sully Historic Site. The last tour starts at 7 p.m. Ages 5 and up. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Flying Squirrels – Gliding in Tonight: Join the naturalist calling in these amazing gliders of the night, look for flying squirrels at roosting boxes and learn how you can encourage flying squirrels to visit your yard. From 5 to 6 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Astronomy Festival: Come to the Astronomy Festival and enjoy activities including guided stargazing and looking through a telescope. Gather round the campfire to hear ancient stories about the constellations and participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate and snacks available for purchase. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Riverbend Park. Canceled in case of rain. $6/person in advance and $7/person at the door. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

2nd Saturday Art Walk: Tour seven unique studio buildings to see the work of over 100 visual artists, while enjoying light refreshments and music. In the spirit of the WinterFest holiday celebrations, this month’s 2nd Saturday Art Walk will feature fire pits and sing-along caroling. From 6 to 9 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Sunday, Dec. 13: A Wreath to Pine For

Pine Cone Wreath Workshop: Fashion a wreath of mixed pine cones and nuts that will add rustic charm for the holidays and last for years. Designer Chuck Mason will lead you through the project and show you how to display the wreath indoors or on your front door. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Ages 18 and up. $38/person workshop and $25/person supply fee. Register online for the program and supply fee. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Also on Sunday:

Squirrel’s Nutcracker Tea Party: Enjoy the sounds of the season as your family enjoys a puppet show starring a gray squirrel who dreams of a nutcracker. Learn some fun facts about this most common and curious creature as you sip sugarplum tea and munch gingerbread treats at the sit-down tea. From 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $15/person. Registeronline. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Concerts at The Alden: Now in its 40th season, this classical music series features professional musicians who have won international recognition for their artistry. From 3 to 4 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. Free; no ticket required. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Christmas in the Time of Jane Austen: See how the traditional 12 days of Christmas were celebrated at the turn of the 19th century. Elegant dancing, rich foods and travel made the season exciting. Learn the latest dance steps, make a holiday decoration and take home a recipe for a “great cake.” See cooking in the open hearth and sample sugar cakes and cider. Tours begin at 4:45 with a new tour starting every 15 minutes at Sully Historic Site. The last tour begins at 7 p.m. Ages 5 and up. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.

• 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.