Weekend’s Best Bets in Falls Church

This weekend is jam-packed with fun things to do, including FIRSTfriday events around the Little City, a visit with Stifel & Capra's December visiting artist, a holiday art show, opening weekend of Creative Cauldron's The Christmas Cabin of Carnaween, a Civil War Christmas celebration and The Smashing Pumpkins at the Patriot Center. 

FIRSTfriday: Join in on the fun with dinning specials and retail discounts this Friday! December's highlights include exhibits featuring the artwork of Elizabeth Loftis and Sandra Hill, the third Annual Holiday Show including works by more than 20 artists, various tastings, a ninja warrior contest, yoga, dance moves, a performance by Irish Balladeer at Ireland's Four Provinces and even more musical performances at Dogwood Tavern and Clare and Don's Beach Shack. Check the website for more details!
Friday, Dec. 7, all day; Prices may vary
Various locations around the City of Falls Church; (703) 534-4202

Visiting Artist at Stifel & Capra: Sandra Hill: In the Alcove Gallery on Stifel & Capra’s second floor this month is Sandra Hill, an award-winning artist working primarily in watercolors and acrylics. Recently she has been creating abstract collages and has won several awards for her work in this genre. Sandra teaches watercolor through the Arlington Artists Academy. Stop by and see Sandra's artwork.
Friday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. - Sunday, Dec. 30, 5 p.m.; Free
260 West Broad St.; (703) 533-3557

Art and Frame of Falls Church's Third Annual Holiday Art Show: Catch this holiday art show featuring the works of over 20 artists and an artist talk at 7:10 p.m. This year's special guest is local poet and author Surekha Vijh, who will be reading excerpts from and signing copies of A Leap into Water.
Friday, Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m.; Free
111 Park Ave.; (703) 534-4202

The Christmas Cabin of Carnaween: Don't miss opening weekend of Creative Cauldron's signature holiday production! This delightful Irish folktale follows the journey of a tinker's child who longs for one day having a home of her own. The years go by and her dream would go unfulfilled were it not for the wee people who come to her aid on a beautiful snowy night on a hillside in Carnaween. Click here to buy tickets.
Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. - Sunday, Dec. 23, 4 p.m.; $12-$15
410 South Maple Ave.; (571) 239-5288

Civil War Christmas: Cherry Hill Farmhouse will host this festive event which allows visitors to experience Christmas circa 1863, complete with reenactors and parlor entertainment. Drop by to watch the reenactment in progress.
Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Free (donations are appreciated)
312 Park Ave.; (703) 248-5171

The Smashing Pumpkins: Grammy Award-winning alt-rockers The Smashing Pumpkins will bring their Oceania Tour to the Patriot Center to promote their brand new album Oceania. Frontman Billy Corgan's current lineup includes guitarist Jeff Schroeder, bassist Nicole Fiorentino and drummer Mike Byrne. The band has sold more than 30 million albums in their 25-year career.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.; $55
Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA; (703) 993-3000