The holiday season kicks off with a variety of local events this Thursday through Sunday.

24^th Annual Virginia Run Turkey Trot 5K Run/2K Walk

• Where: Virginia Run Community Center, Centreville
• When: Thursday, Nov. 22 at 8 a.m.
• Why Go: All proceeds will benefit the Life With Cancer organization.  Note: 5K will be limited to the first 4,000 registrants.
• Price: See website for registration details.

Alexandria Turkey Trot 2012

• Where: Begins at George Washington Middle School, Alexandria
• When: Thursday, Nov. 22 at 9 a.m.
• Why Go: Start your Thanksgiving Day with this annual race event.  There will also be special “Doggie Race” and “Stroller Race” categories.
• Price: Adults: $20; Ages 13-20: $15; Under 13: $5

Thanksgiving Day Shotgun Golf

• Where: Pohick Bay Golf Course, Lorton
• When: Thursday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy a round of golf Thanksgiving morning.  Players do not need a foursome to sign up.  See website for pre-registration details. 
• Price: $55 includes greens fees, cart and box lunch

City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Where: Market Square, Old Town Alexandria
• When: Friday, Nov. 23 from 7 – 9 p.m.
• Why Go: The Metropolitan Fine Arts Center will perform “Santa’s Frosty’s Follies”, and everyone is encouraged to stay for the sing-a-long following the lighting ceremony.
• Price: FREE

Cool Cow Comedy

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Friday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring stand-up comedians Rob Maher and Sara Armour.  Hosted by Rahmein Mostafavi.  Due to the nature of the material, this event is for adults only.
• Price: $15 per person – Reservations Recommended

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

• Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria
• When: Friday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 25 from 5 – 8 p.m.
• Why Go: The tour will include music, dancing, festive decorations, costumed tour guides and more.
• Price: Adults: $22; Children: $15 (Not included in general admission)

Family Moving Sculpture Workshop

• Where: Art at the Center, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, Nov. 24 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
• Why Go: Adults and children can work together to create simple robots and moving sculptures.  Tuition includes one vibrating motor per participant and materials for building.  Registration is required.
• Price: $15 per person; $50 for a group of four; $65 for a group of five

Children’s Theatre: A Magical Christmas

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Beginning Saturday, Nov. 24 at 1 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.

Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas 

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, Nov. 24 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: This a cappella group performs Christmas music ranging from ancient hymns to traditional favorites.  Don’t miss the pre-performance discussion at 7:15 p.m.
• Price: Tickets range from $24 - $48

The Nutcracker

• Where: Ernst Community Cultural Center, Annandale
• When: Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: This holiday favorite is performed by the Classical Ballet Theatre of Northern Virginia. 
• Price: Adults: $25; Students, Seniors and Kids: $20; Military and Girl Scouts: $18

Library Events:

• Computer Tutoring at Burke Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, Nov. 24 all day.  FREE – Registration Required.
• English Conversation at Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, Nov. 24 from 10:30 a.m. - Noon.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Wag a Tale at Kingstowne Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, Nov. 24 beginning at 10:30 a.m.  For ages 5-12.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Basic Computer Skills Training at Kings Park Library, Burke.  Saturday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m.  For adults.  FREE – Registration Required.
• eBook Clinic at Kings Park Library, Burke.  Saturday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m.  For adults.  FREE – Registration Required.
• eBook Workshop at George Mason Regional Library, Annandale.  Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.  FREE.

Nature Highlights:

• American Indian Stories Campfire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Friday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.   For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Wetland Watch at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, Nov. 24 at 10:30 a.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Nature Craft at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Flying Squirrels: Gliding in Tonight at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh, Alexandria.  Sunday, Nov. 25 at 8 a.m.  FREE.
• Birding Belmont Bay at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Fall Guided Hike at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• American Indian Stories and Games at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m.  For ages 3 - 6.  $7 - $9 per person – Registration Required.
• Fliers of the Night Campfire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.