5 Things for Families

I’m making up for a shorter Christmas season by giving cookie-eating and light-seeing 110 percent this year. Last weekend’s 400 things to do makes this weekend and its only 200 things feel like a quiet evening in with a book.

December 11, 2013; 6:15 AM • by Kelly Gerow

While big, bright events are still occurring daily, check in on something smaller but still equally cool and festive (and maybe take it easy on those cookies, somebody)(OK, me).

1. Hello Dolly!

Weinstein JCC’s Jewish Family Theatre performance of Hello Dolly!–a musical romantic comedy about a matchmaker who sets her sights on a half-millionaire for herself–opens this Thursday and continues with shows throughout the weekend and following week, ending with a matinee on December 22nd.

Opens Thursday, December 12th • 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM shows available; see website for details
Weinstein Jewish Community Center, 5403 Monument Avenue
$15 ($10 for members)

2. Christmas on MacArthur

Christmas on MacArthur kicks off with a parade featuring a marching band, drumline, local elementary school students, US Marines, and a whole list of people including Santa (you know, that guy). Come for the parade, stay to see how those few blocks can contain the number of people scheduled to appear. And then also stay for the local shops, street vendors, a visit with Santa, and concert featuring Susan Greenbaum, the Taters, and the Janet Martin Band, with performances from the Holton Choir and Band and the Albert Hill Middle School band. .

Saturday, December 14th • 11:00 AM — 4:00 PM
4000 Block of MacArthur Avenue
Free

3. Holiday Card Printing Party

This month’s Second Saturday Workshop at Studio Two Three is all about holiday cardmaking. Learn different printing techniques, and make cards with many decorating materials. This informal session is a good family or group activity with no set start time (just get your cards and get out by closing).

Saturday, December 14th • 1:00 — 4:00 PM
Studio Two Three, 1617 W. Main Street
$10

4. White Christmas at The Byrd

A showing of the holiday classic White Christmas is preceded by a handbell choir and vocal ensemble and benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma society. As if you need a do-good reason to see Danny Kaye on the big screen. Or a reason to sing “White Christmas” and “Snow” out loud in an old theater.

Sunday, December 15th • 1:30 PM
Byrd Theatre, 2908 W.Cary Street
$10

5. Stony Point Fashion Park Skating Rink

Stony Point Fashion Park (or, as I call it, “Expensive Dog Mall”) goes all out for the holidays. In addition to an outdoor ice skating rink, there’s a nightly animated light show at its Community Tree, and music on the weekends. Can dogs ice skate on the rink? Probably not, but it’s fun to think about. I’m thinking about it right now.