Making plans for the weekend?  Check out our list of local events happening this Friday through Sunday.

Christmas at Mount Vernon

• Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria
• When: From 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily through January 8, 2013
• Why Go: Enjoy holiday decorations, chocolate-making demonstrations, 18^th century dancing and more.  Bring the kids for their chance to meet “Aladdin” the camel.
• Price: Adults: $15; Seniors: $14; Ages 6 – 11: $7; Ages 5 and under: FREE

Bull Run Festival of Lights

• Where: Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville
• When: Open nightly through January 6, 2013
• Why Go: Drive through the popular light display, then relax at the Holiday Village with food, vendors and more.
• Price: Admission ranges from $15 – $30 per vehicle (see website for details)

Bingo

• Where: Mount Vernon Knights of Columbus, Alexandria
• When: Friday, Dec. 21 beginning at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: Early Bird games begin at 7 p.m. with regular games beginning at 8 p.m.
• Price: See website for details

Cool Cow Comedy

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Friday, Dec. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 22 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring stand-up comedians Erin Jackson and Jon Mumma.  Hosted by Rahmein Mostafavi.  Due to mature content, all patrons must be at least 18 years of age.
• Price: $20 per person

Indoor Ice Skating

• Where: Mount Vernon  RECenter, Alexandria
• When: Friday, Dec. 21, Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 23 (see website for complete schedule)
• Why Go: Skaters of all ages and abilities are invited to take advantage of public skating sessions.  Skate rental is an additional $3.  
• Price: Adults: $6.50 - $7.25; Seniors: $4.70 - $7.25; Ages 5 – 18: $5.40 - $7.25; Family: $15.50 - $21

Crafts for Kids

• Where: Lakeshore Learning Store, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Kids will get to create a “Wintertime Napkin Ring” perfect for holiday dinners.
• Price: FREE

Children’s Theatre: A Magical Christmas

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Saturday, Dec. 22 at 1 and 3 p.m.
• Price: Adults: $12; Children: $8

• Why Go: Kids of all ages are invited to this Children’s Theatre production about bringing the magic of Santa Claus to a town called Believe.

American Festival Pops Orchestra – Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season 

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, Dec. 22 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy an evening of holiday music, complete with an audience sing-along.  Don’t miss the pre-performance discussion at 7:15 with arranger Bryan Kidd.
• Price: Tickets range from $24 - $48

GSVFD Bingo

• Where: Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, Springfield
  • When: Sunday, Dec. 23 – Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
  • Price: See website for details

• Why Go: Early Bird games begin at 7 p.m. with regular games following after a 15 minute break. 

Library Events:

• Tech Zoo Fridays at Burke Branch Library, Alexandria.  Friday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.  FREE.
• English Conversation at Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, Dec. 22 at 10:30 a.m.  For adults.  FREE.
• Wag a Tale at Kingstowne Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, Dec. 22 beginning at 10:30 a.m.  For ages 5-12.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Pigs at the Pole at George Mason Regional Library, Annadale.  Saturday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m.  FREE – Registration Required.
• eBook Clinic at Kings Park Library, Burke.  Saturday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. and noon.  For adults.  FREE – Registration Required.
• eBook Workshop at George Mason Regional Library, Annandale.  Saturday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.  FREE.

Nature Highlights:

• Celebrate Urban Birds at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Mammals of Mason Neck at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, Dec. 22 at 4 p.m.  Weekend parking fee is $4 per vehicle.
• Birding Belmont Bay at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m.  Weekend parking fee is $4 per vehicle.
• Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh, Alexandria.  Sunday, Dec. 23 at 8 a.m.  FREE.
• Nature Craft at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, Dec. 23 at 1 p.m.  Weekend parking fee is $4 per vehicle.
• Flying Squirrels: Gliding in Tonight at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, Dec. 23 at 5 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.