Hey there, it’s Matt! This is the final shopping weekend before Christmas. How many of you will I see at the mall over the next few days? It turns out 157.2 million Americans wait until this Saturday — what’s known as “Super Saturday” — to finish their Christmas and holiday shopping, according to the National Retail Federation.

If you aren’t Out & About in the stores, check out the list of fun and festivities around Fairfax County this weekend. Plenty of performances, games, and breweries with events on tap in the days ahead. Plus, we link back to previous editions of the newsletter where you can find photo ops with Santa and holiday light displays all month long throughout the county!

P.S.: Thank you to our new subscribers this week! If you received this edition from a friend, you can sign up for Out & About Fairfax for FREE here.

In this week’s newsletter:

• Farmers markets, fireworks, and figure-eights

• The Nutcracker takes the stage in Tysons, Fairfax

• Ugly sweater contests & Christmas movie trivia

• Longest-running train and toy show pulls into the Dulles Expo Center

• Commanders host Eagles to headline a busy sports weekend

Let’s dive in!

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

Things To Do

It might be December, but don’t forget about farmers markets. Also, warm up to the chilly temperatures and consider ice skating. And, fireworks a Founding Father would admire. Let’s light it up!🎆

• Burke Farmers Market Wraps Up Saturday

  • The final weekend (or harvest, if you will) for the seasonal Farmers Market in Burke is Saturday, Dec. 21 from 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m. It’s one last chance to check out some of the local and regional vendors who will be on-hand selling everything from fresh produce, eggs, milk, and more. Can’t make the Burke market this weekend? Maybe you’re looking for something in your area? Check out farmers markets this weekend in Falls Church, Fairfax, Oakton, and Great Falls.

    • 5671 Roberts Pkwy., Burke

• “Lace ‘em up” for Reston Town Center’s Ice Skating

  • With temperatures in the 20s and 30s expected this weekend, it’s a great opportunity to head over to Reston Town Center’s public ice skating rink! Prices range from $9-$11 plus the cost of skate rental. Skate aids are available if you need a little help, as well. This would be a great spot for a date night or a family outing. The rink is open 11:30a.m.-11:00p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30a.m.-9:00p.m. Thursday and Sunday, weather permitting.

    • 1818 Discovery St., Reston

• The International Gem & Jewelry Show

  • Hundreds of exhibitors from around the world will fill the Dulles Expo Center’s South Hall in Chantilly this weekend for the International Gem & Jewelry Show. Diamonds, gold, fine jewelry, and costume jewelry will be on hand. Tickets for the three-day event (Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22) are $6 online and $8 cash at the door.

    • 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

• Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

  • An evening of fireworks set to music over the Potomac River and holiday festivities with an historic twist are scheduled at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. History buffs can chat with soldiers at an 18th century encampment and meet the estate’s holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel. The event runs Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22 and starts at 5:30p.m. each day. (Fireworks start at 8:00p.m.) General public/non-member tickets range from $33-$36 for children ages 6-11 and $55-$60 for adults (12+).

    • 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon

• Looking to see Christmas and holiday light displays around Fairfax County? Check out a recent edition of the newsletter for some of the events happening throughout the holiday season. 🎄

Live Music & Arts

A pair of primetime performances of The Nutcracker take the stage this weekend. Plus, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in Reston. “Lights, please…” — check out the list! ⬇️

• Fairfax Symphony Orchestra & Fairfax Ballet present The Nutcracker

  • The Fairfax Symphony joins The Fairfax Ballet for a seasonal collaboration to present the timeless holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. This unique collaboration is presented with a combination of a live musical accompaniment by a full orchestra while The Fairfax Ballet Company dances to sounds of The Fairfax Symphony. This performance will feature guest soloists from the New York City Ballet. Two performances are scheduled this weekend, Saturday, Dec. 21 at 4:00p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 4:00p.m. Tickets range from $44-$95.

    • 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax

• Virginia National Ballet presents The Nutcracker

  • Tchaikovsky’s performance takes centerstage at Capital One Hall in Tysons this weekend for two performances of The Nutcracker by the Virginia National Ballet. This is VNB’s 12th annual performance of the 19th century holiday favorite. Two performances on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. (doors open an hour before showtime). Tickets start at $39.

    • 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons

• A Charlie Brown Christmas in Reston

  • The talented students of South Lakes High School’s International Thespian Society in Reston take the stage to bring A Charlie Brown Christmas to life. Two performances are scheduled, one on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7:00p.m. and another on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:00p.m. Tickets range from $5-$10.

    • 11400 South Lake Dr., Reston

• Fairfax’s City Band presents “Christmas in Fairfax”

  • The Fairfax City Band presents a festive arrangement at Fairfax High School this Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7:00p.m. Hear favorites including “The Night Before Christmas” and “Hanukkah Festival Overture” led by Conductor Dereck Scott. Arrive early to hear the sounds of the Fairfax Saxophone Quartet. Tickets are required, more ticketing info can be found in the above link.

    • 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax

• Workhouse Arts presents “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”

  • Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” continues at Workhouse Arts in Lorton this weekend. Performances run Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8:00p.m. each night, and a matinee on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2:00p.m. Tickets range from $25-$40.

    • 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton

  
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Food & Drink

The Fairfax County brew scene is hopped up on festive fun and ugly sweaters this weekend. From Chantilly to Burke, trivia to winter fests, there is a little something for everyone. 🍻

• Bunnyman Brewing’s Ugly Sweater Contest

  • The folks at Bunnyman Brewing want you to dust off that ugly sweater and break it out this weekend for their inaugural Ugly Sweater Party. There are two parties — the first Friday, Dec. 20 at 6:00p.m. in Lorton and the second on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6:00p.m. in Burke.

    • Bunnyman Brewing Lorton — 9514 Workhouse Way, Lorton

    • Bunnyman Brewing Burke — 5583 Guinea Rd., Fairfax

• Ornery Beer Company’s Holiday Comedy & Ugly Sweater Night

  • A two-for-one at Fairfax’s Ornery Beer Company on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8:00p.m. with a combination comedy show and ugly sweater contest. Jon Yeager headlines the set with a lineup of opening acts and surprise guests. The show is free and is first come, first serve, no RSVPs required. (Tips are encouraged.) Prizes will be given to the lucky winners of the ugly sweater contest.

    • 3950 University Dr., Fairfax

• Audacious Aleworks Christmas Movie Trivia Night

  • Put on your thinking cap (and Santa hat) and head over to Audacious Aleworks for their special Christmas Movie Trivia Night! Teams can be up to seven people, and there will be prizes for the top three teams as well as prizes for the best costumes. This will be held at both Audacious Aleworks locations in Falls Church and Fairfax, Thursday, Dec. 19 with a 6:30p.m. start time at both pubs.

    • Audacious Aleworks Falls Church — 110 East Fairfax Street, Falls Church

    • Audacious Aleworks Fairfax — 10940 Fairfax Boulevard Suite E, Fairfax

• Mustang Sally’s Winter Fest

  • $5 lagers, good food, and local vendors highlight a two-day Winter Fest at Mustang Sally Brewing in Chantilly. (The vendors are scheduled for Saturday only.) Eugene’s Sausage & Fries will be on hand to warm you up and help you cheers some beers for the final weekend before Christmas. The event runs Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11:00a.m.-10:00p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 from 11:00a.m.-7:30p.m.

    • 14140 Parke Long Ct., Ste. A, B, & C, Chantilly

Families & Kids

From trains to toys, Santa to Spiderman to princesses, there’s something for families and kids across Fairfax County this weekend. Fire up the locomotive, let’s take a look! 🚂

• Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show

  • The largest and longest-running train and toy show in the Northeast United States starts this weekend at the Dulles Expo Center. Visitors will find toys and trains for sale, collectibles, merchants, workshops, and a chance to test your train on the free test tracks, as well. Kids under age 11 can enter for free. Tickets range $10-$12. The two-day event runs Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22 from 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. each day.

    • 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

• Holiday Bricktacular at LEGO Discovery Center

  • Billed as one of the top family-friendly activities in the DMV, the LEGO Discovery Center in the Springfield Town Center continues its holiday “Bricktacular.” Parents and children can decorate a LEGO ornament and participate in the “Build To Give” experience, which helps gives back to the community with creative LEGO heart creations. The Holiday Bricktacular runs through December 30. The best time this weekend is Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.

    • 6563 Springfield Mall, Ste. 12004, Springfield

• Cookies & Characters at Vienna Volunteer Fire Department

  • Winter’s favorite sisters, Anna and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen,” Spiderman, and other characters along with Santa himself are scheduled to stop by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday, Dec. 22. This fun, festive event brings movies and the holidays to life for the little ones. Pre-registration is recommended. The event runs from 10:30a.m.-2:00p.m.

    • 400 Center St. S, Vienna

• Looking to take the kiddos to meet Santa? Check out our list from last week’s newsletter for a full list of spots around Fairfax County.

Sports & Recreation

Each weekend, we run down the schedule as our local pro and college sports teams take the field (or court, ice, etc.) if you’re interested in hitting the big game.

• 🏀 NBA: Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards

  • Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

• 🏀 NCAAW: UMBC at George Mason

  • Friday, Dec. 20 at 2:00p.m., EagleBank Arena, Fairfax

• 🏒 NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals 7:00p.m.

  • Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

• 🏈 NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders

  • Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1:00p.m., Northwest Stadium, Landover, Md.

• 🏀 NCAAM: Penn at George Mason

  • Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2:00p.m., EagleBank Arena, Fairfax

• 🏒 NHL: Los Angeles Kings at Washington Capitals

  • Sunday, Dec. 22 at 5:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know: At 470 feet, the Capital One Tower in Tysons is the tallest occupied building in the Washington, D.C. metro area and the second-tallest building in Virginia.

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