December 2008
HistoricAlexandriaALIVE
Join us on the streets of Alexandria as history comes to life! Each Sunday, learn, participate, engage, and enjoy with performers and costumed interpreters from noon to 5 p.m. Find performers at Market Square, along King Street between Market Square and the waterfront, and on the waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory. Free! Check it out!-
Drawings by William Lydston, Jr.
April 1 - December 31
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Original Civil War drawings by soldier, artist and musician William Lydston, Jr. Exhibit coincides with a statewide celebration of Virginia's musical heritage. Fort Ward pairs drawings from Lydston's wartime experiences with musical instruments and related objects from the Museum's collection. Free. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
Free!
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"Dr. Seuss For President" Art Exhibition
October 4 - December 31
P & C Art Gallery Old Town
212 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.pcart.com 703/549-2525
Coinciding with the historic 2008 U.S. presidential election, this unusual show features Dr. Seuss’s rarely seen political work, including the first release of “Knotty Problem,” a cartoon on the issue of taxes and Capitol Hill created by Seuss in 1942; the first print of the “Triple Sling Jigger” from Seuss’s “Butter Battle Book”, and four environmentally friendly prints from “The Lorax”.Free!
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Portraits of Nature
November 13 - January 4
The Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035
The Washington Society of Landscape Painters and The Nature Conservancy partner to present a magnificent collection of oil, acrylic, and watercolor scenes of The Nature Conservancy’s protected properties.
Free!
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Holiday Happening
November 18 - January 4
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery, Studio 18
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/potomac_crafts.htm 703/838-4565
A celebration of the holidays and the gifts we love to give to everyone on our lists. Jewelry, sculpture, clothing, and wall pieces are some of the items that will be exhibited.
Free!
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"Isn't It Romantic"
November 20 - December 21
MetroStage
1201 N. Royal Street
Alexandria , VA 22314
www.metrostage.org 703/548-9044
MetroStage favorite Jimi Ray Malary returns with this new musical tribute featuring the songs from Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hart, and George and Ira Gershwin. Direct from the Stackner Cabaret at Milwaukee Rep, Mr. Malary will be joined by Lori Williams, another MetroStage favorite.“(Jimi Ray Malary) has a versatile baritone voice with the control to whisper through tender passages, the power to raise the roof. He connects with the audience,” says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel$ Entrance Fee
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Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 28 - December 14
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
South end of the GW Parkway
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/780-2000
"Mrs. Washington" hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours, fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. A newly-formatted tour includes the first and second floors, featuring characters from the Washingtons' world guiding visitors through the home and adding ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon."Mount Vernon by Candlelight" is the only time of year when the estate is open to the public for special evening tours. Mount Vernon's modern buildings include merry music and the opportunity for holiday shopping until 9 p.m. $18 for adults, $12 for youth. Tickets are available at Mount Vernon's Ford Orientation Center or at MountVernon.org starting November 1.$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Christmas at Mount Vernon
November 28 - January 6
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
South end of GW Parkway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/780-2000
Mount Vernon is joyfully decking the halls for "Christmas at Mount Vernon," a special daytime program offered from Thanksgiving Day weekend through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Exciting additions this year include a dozen themed Christmas trees, a gingerbread Mount Vernon by former White House pastry chef Ronald Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during Christmas 1787! The popular tradition continues on opening the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion and inviting visitors to meet the charming "Mrs. Washington." Schedules may vary for dancing and "Mrs. Washington."
$ Entrance Fee
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38th Annual Campagna Center Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
December 4-6
George Washington Masonic Memorial & throughout Old Town
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria, VA 22301
www.ScottishChristmasWalk.com 703/549-0111
Christmas Marketplace, with café, boutiques and sale of heather and greens, Thur. noon-5 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Masonic Memorial.Scottish Walk parade at 10:30 a.m. Sat. with more than 100 Scottish clans dressed in tartans and playing bagpipes, living history units, dog clubs and antique cars. Free!Holiday Designer Tour of Homes features residences decorated for the holidays. Open Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $ -
9th Annual Holiday Lights Boat Parade
December 6
Alexandria Marina
At the foot of Cameron Street,
Behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Alexandria , VA 22314
703/838-5005
Alexandria's harbor lights up when more than 50 brightly lit sailing and powered leisure boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City's historic waterfront. Festivities begin at 3 with the Alexandria Holiday Review, refreshments, and Santa arriving by boat at 3:30. Boat parade is 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Attn: Boaters: if you would like to participate, call 703/838-4200, ext. 209.Free!
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American Revolution Re-enactment: A Soldier’s Christmas
December 6
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvrpa.org/parks/carlylehouse/index.php 703/549-2997
The “Soldier's Christmas” program features re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, as well as costumed interpreters from the Carlyle House. Noon-4 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee
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Ornament Decorating Workshop for Families
December 6
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
105 North Union Street, #327
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriaarchaeology.org 703/838-4399
Be inspired to decorate take-home, artifact-shaped dough ornaments based on colors and patterns from the Alexandria Archaeaology Museum's collection of excavated artifacts. 1 to 4 p.m. Free!
Free!
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SECOND THURSDAYS - BumpKin Pie
December 11
The Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035
BumpKin Pie - Suzanne Ives and Michael Dunkley - perform their original brand of country folk music. Hear their music at bumpkinpie.com. Performance at 7 p.m. Admission $10 at at the door or www.nvfaa.org
$ Entrance Fee
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Gunston Hall Plantation Christmas and Yuletide Dinner
December 12-13
Gunston Hall
10709 Gunston Rd
Mason Neck, VA 22079
www.gunstonhall.org 703/550-9220
Experience the hospitality of an 18th-century plantation holiday. Lanterns will line the path that takes you to George Mason's fine home. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sip warm cider by the fire, and sample period foods prepared in the colonial hearth kitchen. Costumed characters will greet you in the house and throughout the grounds. While enjoying Plantation Christmas, indulge in a delicious Yuletide Dinner. Reservations are necessary for this fine offering of traditional fare, served in a candlelit setting.
$ Entrance Fee
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Civil War Christmas in Camp
December 13
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Holiday event interprets how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. Features a patriotic Santa Claus, living historiy interpreters, Victorian tree and decorations, period music, light refreshments, readings of "The Night Before Christmas". Guided tours of the fort, weather permitting. 12-4 p.m. Suggested donation $2 adults, $1 for kids.
$ Entrance Fee
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Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
December 13
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.historicalexandria.org 703/838-4242
For one night only! Take a break from the fast pace of the season and experience the unique charm and history at Old Town Alexandria’s most popular holiday event! Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House and Old Presbyterian Meeting House by candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments. Tour times are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and older), and $5 for children (ages 6-17). Pre-sale discounts are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, are available before December 1. Reservations are recommended.
$ Entrance Fee
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Kwanzaa Craft Workshop
December 13
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4356
Join the Alexandria Black History Museum staff in a fun interactive program that will guide you through a review of the principles of this unique African American holiday as well as instruct you in ways to make inexpensive Kwanzaa gifts called Zawadi. All supplies will be provided. Free! 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free!
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Holiday Favorites with the Colonial Handbell Ringers
December 21
The Lyceum
201 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriahistory.org 703/838-4994
Join the Colonial Handbell Ringers as they play more than 60 bronze bells. Musical selections include Christmas classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols. 2 and 4 p.m. Free!
Free!
