Tree Lighting, Model Trains, and More This Weekend

The month of December begins with a weekend full of events. Here are our top picks for the local area.

High School Varsity Basketball Home Games

Boys: Lake Braddock, South County

Girls: Lake Braddock, Robinson, West Springfield

• Where: , ,
• When: Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3. Please click on the provided links for more information about start times and locations.
• Why Go: Support your local varsity girls and boys basketball teams as they host games on their home courts this weekend.
• Price: Admission varies. Please contact your local school for details.

Clifton Holiday Events

• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony; Ayre Square (corner of Chapel and Main), Clifton; Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, and Christmas carols as you celebrate the lighting of the town Christmas Tree. This event is FREE.
• Santa Pics with Pets and Peeps; Holistic Veterinary Clinic, 12700 Chapel Rd, Clifton; Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. “Petographer” Amanda Sterba will take photos of pets and their owners with Santa Claus to raise money for “Operation Paws for Homes”, a non-profit animal rescue group. The cost is $10 for a 4x6 print.
• Holiday Horse Parade and Santa Photos; Main Street, Clifton; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2:00 p.m. Watch horses and riders dressed in their festive best as they march in this annual parade sponsored by the Clifton Horse Society. Photos with Santa Claus will be taken by photographer Robyn Witschey in Ayre Square. This event is FREE. While you’re waiting for the next event to begin, take a walk and visit the local shops and restaurants. Be sure to watch for the Dickens Carolers as they stroll through town.
• Candlelight Homes Tour; 12644 Chapel Rd, Clifton; Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The tour includes five homes, two churches with live music, the Clifton Caboose, and the Masonic Acacia Lodge. Tickets are for sale at multiple locations in Clifton and Centreville. Please click on the provided link for more information.

High School Theatre and Concert Performances

• presents Little Shop of Horrors Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance; $8 at the door.
• Falls Church High School presents The Man Who Came to Dinner Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $6 in advance; $8 at the door.
• Annandale High School presents Arsenic and Old Lace Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the door.
• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology presents The Pirates of Penzance Concert Event featuring the TJ Choir, Faculty and Parent Choir, Teachers Choir, and Opera Orchestra. Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is FREE.

Annandale Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Where: Toll House Park, corner of Little River Tpke and Annandale Rd, Annandale; Burke and Herbert Bank, 4235 Annandale Rd, Annandale
• When: Friday, Dec. 2 at 5:00 p.m.
• Why Go: This annual event will feature carols, candlelight, and of course, Santa Claus himself. Enjoy warm beverages and sweet treats at Burke and Herbert Bank following the ceremony.
• Price: FREE

22nd Annual Holiday Model Train Showcase

• Where: Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Rd, Fairfax Station
• When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 4 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Why Go: The display will include a variety of moving gauges, including a garden gauge around the building. Having a problem with your model train? The “Train Doctor” will be on site to answer your questions. Model A automobiles will also be on display, weather permitting. Don’t forget to visit the caboose and browse the souvenir selection at the gift shop.
• Price: Adults $5; Children $1

Holiday Arts and Craft Fairs

• Audrey Moore RECenter in Wakefield Park, 8100 Braddock Rd, Annandale; Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Peruse the large selection of one of a kind and handmade items. Door prizes will be awarded as well. Adult admission is $2; children 12 and under are free.
• , 8501 Silverbrook Rd, Lorton; Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Shop for unique gifts from a variety of vendors and crafters. Enjoy musical performances by SCSS students. There will also be concession sales, raffle prizes, and a silent auction. General admission is $2; students and senior citizens $1; children 12 and under are free.