Sarah McLachlan @ DAR Constitution Hall

Sarah McLachlan has created a true holiday classic with Wintersong. The Arista recording artist imbues this splendid twelve-song collection—the first holiday album of her multi-platinum career—with peerless interpretive skill and exquisite musicianship. Set for nationwide release on October 17, 2006, Wintersong is Sarah’s first new studio album since Afterglow, released November 2003. Afterglow is certified double platinum for US sales of over two million and has sold more than four million copies worldwide, bringing Sarah’s worldwide career sales to more than 26 million albums.

Celebrating three years of renewed growth and self-realization for its creator, the music of Sarah McLachlan takes a joyous and festive turn on Wintersong. It’s a timely gift to her universe of fans, both new and old.

Jan 10, 2011
7:00 pm

DAR Constitution Hall
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
http://www.dar.org/conthall/

Purchase tickets through http://eventful.com/

Open Businesses on Christmas Day in Woodbridge

If you need any last minute items or just need someplace to go, here are some of the businesses available on Christmas Eve/Day...

10.) CVS – CVS is a good place to find last-minute gifts for family and friends. Their selection includes gift cards to various stores, picture frames, toys and more. The CVS located at the corner of Jefferson Davis Highway and Occoquan Road will be open 24 hours, while the Tackett's Mill store will be open to serve your needs on Christmas Day until midnight. 12890 Touchstone Cir, Woodbridge, VA

9.) Mr. Hunan – A great way to spend your Christmas is to enjoy some Chinese cuisine at Mr. Hunan. Be sure to try out their General Tso' Chicken or Peking duck. Call Mr. Hunan at 703-490-3456 for their holiday hours. 13725 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA

8.) IHOP – The Potomac Mills International House of Pancakes is open 24 hours a day, and will be serving their famous pancakes, waffles and other breakfast foods all day on Christmas. 13718 Smoketown Rd, Woodbridge, VA

7.) Hard Times Cafe – Come out to the Hard Times Cafe to shoot some pool and enjoy their famous chili. They will be open from 5 p.m. Christmas Day until 2 a.m. Dec. 26. 14389 Potomac Mills Rd, Woodbridge, VA

6.) Giant – Stock up on supplies for your Christmas dinner, or find a card for that one person you forgot, at the Lake Ridge Commons Giant supermarket. They will be open until 6 p.m. Christmas Day. Other Giant locations, including the Dale City Centre Plaza store, will be closed.

5.) Denny's – The tasty, affordable diner restaurant that never closes will remain open all day on Christmas, including both the Woodbridge and Dale City locations. 13775 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA

4.) T.G.I. Friday's – Why not treat your family to some Buffalo wings or Cajun chicken & shrimp pasta at T.G.I. Friday's on Christmas Day? They open at 5 p.m., just in time to bring in the whole family for a delectable Christmas dinner. 13237 Worth Ave, Woodbridge, VA

3.) Blockbuster – Enjoy movies in front of your Christmas tree after a trip to Blockbuster. You can rent the newest releases, and even buy some new DVDs in case you need an extra gift. They are open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 13450 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA

2.) Starbucks – Be sure to pick up a special holiday gingerbread latte, or peppermint mocha at the Potomac Mills Starbucks, which will be open on Christmas from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Other Starbucks locations, including the Cheshire Station Starbucks in Dale City, will be closed. 2447 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge, VA

1.) AMC Theaters – Potomac Mills is closed, but the adjacent AMC Theaters is definitely open for all movie-goers on Christmas Day. You can take your family out to enjoy a movie. Call the AMC Theaters at 703-490-5151 for hours and show times.


http://woodbridge-va.patch.com/articles/10-places-you-didnt-know-were-open-on-christmas-4

Santa Claus @ Potomac Mills

Want a holiday photo of your child with Santa while having a learning experience at the same time? Well, Santa Claus will be living at Potomac Mills Mall November 6th through December 24th and he loves visitors! This is a great opportunity to bring the family out to visit Santa. If your kids have a wishlist, have them write it out and let them read it to Santa. Check out some of these letters http://calhountimes.com/view/full_story/5300218/article-Letters-to-Santa








Potomac Mills Mall
2700 Potomac Mills Cir
Woodbridge, VA 22192
703-496-9330
http://www.simon.com/mall/?id=1260

International Human Solidarity Day

Today, we recognize International Human Solidarity Day. December 20 was designated as the International Human Solidarity Day by the UN. The day is meant to remind the member states to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity and to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.

"Based on equality, inclusion and social justice, solidarity implies a mutual obligation among all members of society and across the global community. And that, in turn, should point the way towards partnerships and cooperation among all development actors - governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, civil society and the private sector...On this International Day, let us renew our commitment to human solidarity and collective action in building a better, safer world for all."(UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon)

The theme for the 2010 International Human Solidarity Day is: "Reach out to our neighbors." To live in solidarity with all those around us- to include the poor, the sick and elderly, those enduring abuse, discrimination or violations of their rights- and through which create a safe world based on unity and harmony.

For more information, visit http://www.un.org/en/events/humansolidarityday/

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/international-human-solidarity-day

Fredericksburg First Night

Make plans today for Fredericksburg First Night 2011 - Friday, December 31, 2010!

Since 1994, Fredericksburg First Night® has become a holiday tradition and city treasure. Downtown Fredericksburg is the stage through out the evening with revelers enjoying - and even joining in - the multiple, simultaneous, and continuous performances and activities by our region's diverse artists. The New Year is welcomed in with the dropping of the pineapple and fireworks.

Held in historic churches, Old Town streets, and businesses, all First Night sites are alcohol free, allowing our city's celebration on New Year's Eve to be an event that everyone can enjoy. Our mission and goal is to provide a safe, entertaining, and family friendly alternative to traditional New Year's Eve celebrations.

Friday, December 31, 2010 - Saturday, January 01, 2011
7.00pm- 12.30am

Admission Fee: $7.50

Downtown Fredericksburg
700 to 1000 block of Caroline and Sophia Streets
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
http://www.fredericksburgfirstnight.com/

Office............... 540.972.2749
Parks and Rec Office: 540.372.1086

Holiday Tea @ Oatland

The teas include an assortment of delicate tea sandwiches, delicious tea cookies and sweets, scones with preserves and cream complemented by Oatlands special “Afternoon Tea Blend”. Teas book early, so please call today to make your reservation.

Oatlands is a 360-acre, self-supporting National Trust Historic Site. In addition to an 1804 mansion, restored 4-1/2 acre garden, the site holds an 1810 restored greenhouse and 19th century brick dependencies.

Holiday teas are available on Thursdays, thru Sundays from Dec. 3 through Dec. 27 (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after Christmas). Holiday teas are $24.95 per person, not including tax. Seatings are at 1 p.m.

Oatlands Plantation
20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane
Leesburg, VA 20176

703.777.3174
http://www.oatlands.org/

Holiday Concert at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

There will be a special event at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Sunday, December 12. The Woodbridge Community Choir will be performing a holiday concert. The concert begins at 2 pm.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is located in Triangle, Virginia, just 3 miles south of the Hampton Inn, Dumfries, Virginia. (To get to the museum from the hotel, take I-95 South to Exit 150A, Triangle/Quantico, then turn right onto Jefferson-Davis Highway, US-1 South. At the flashing traffic light, turn right into the museum's entrance.)

Happy Holidays!

Military Holiday Concerts @ DAR Constitution Hall

A Holdiday Festival

The US Army Band
http://www.usarmyband.com/events/holiday_festival.html

The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” celebrates the holiday season with its annual “A Holiday Festival” concert at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. This concert features The U.S. Army Orchestra, The U.S. Army Chorus, and vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange. Special guest artist is country music’s Mark Wills.

Friday, Dec 10 .. 8.00pm
Saturday, Dec 11 . 8.00pm
Saturday, Dec 11 . 3.00pm
Sunday, Dec 12 ... 3.00pm

The US Navy Band
http://www.navyband.navy.mil/Holiday_Concert.shtml

The United States Navy Band presents its annual Holiday Concert on December 18 at 7:30 p.m. and December 19 at 3:00 p.m. The concert is entitled “Season of Magic” and will feature the Concert Band, Sea Chanters chorus, Country Current and select members of the Commodores and Cruisers.


Both performances are FREE, but tickets are required. Based on a historic, high no-show rate for this free event, more tickets are distributed than there are seats. Seats will be given to patrons with tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.


DAR Constiution Hall
1776 D Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
http://www.dar.org/conthall/schedule.cfm

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

More than 250 jury-selected artists will present thousands of unique, one-of-a-kind crafts and keepsakes, including functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, furniture, home accessories, and photography.

Gourmet foods and seasonal favorites including old fashioned candies and chocolates, hearty soups, artisan breads, cider and cocoa drink mixes, and syrups from more than a dozen specialty foods purveyors will be available to sample and purchase.

The Festival also features live music, cool demonstrations, and children's entertainment.

Admission Fee
$7 online, 9 at door

Show Hours
Friday, December 10... 10.00am to 6.00pm
Saturday, December 11. 10.00am to 6.00pm
Sunday, December 12... 10.00am to 5.00pm

Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Shopping Center
Chantilly, VA 20151
http://sugarloafcrafts.com/festivals/chantilly/december/